🛒 EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000 (Dual Fuel) • Shop Solar: shopsolarkits.com/products/ecoflow-smart-generator-4000-dual-fuel?ref=TheSolarLab • Use Code: THESOLARLAB50 for $50 Off Your Order • EcoFlow: shrsl.com/4qszb • Use Code: THESOLARLAB05 for 5% Off Your Order 🛒 We Also Recommend Shopping at: • Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com/?ref=thesolarlab • Use Code: THESOLARLAB50 for $50 Off Your Order 🔔 Subscribe to our UA-cam Channel: @TheSolarLab 0:00 - Intro 2:24 - Spec Teardown 3:50 - Testing 11:09 - What We Like 12:29 - What We Don't Like 14:38 - Summary In this video, we dive into the EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000 Dual Fuel, putting it to the test to see if it lives up to its reputation as a powerful backup for your solar setup. We’ll explore its key features, including dual-fuel capabilities, smart integration with EcoFlow systems, and real-world performance in backup scenarios. If you’re looking for reliable power when the grid goes down or need a backup solution for your solar array, this generator might be what you’re looking for! ⚡ FOLLOW US: instagram.com/thesolarlab/ www.tiktok.com/@thesolarlab 👨🏼💻 The Solar Lab: www.thesolarlab.com We maintain an affiliate relationship with some of the products reviewed, which means we get a small percentage of a sale if you click our links, at no cost to our viewers.
"The ELEPHANT in the ROOM" 1. Personally, never heard of a "generator" w/o an AC Out. Would defeat the need or want if it didn't. 2. That brings me to this, Point #2: If there is an 110/120 A/C OUT, You now have source energy to provide POWER to the "IN" on any & ALL EF ECOFLOW systems. TADA! Otherwise, great work in kicking all the tires & some others may have forgotten or not noticed. 👏 @thesolarlab
First this unit does have a choke it it the yellow lever. 2nd this unit is design to run at max rpm and the top wattage to charge a Ecoflow product up and then shut down via dc to dc. If you want a generator for use with non Ecoflow item this is not the generator you want. Right tool for the right job. But knowing how to use the tool goes a long way.
Ecoflow warranty concerns. Purchased a Delta 2 1.042 kw three months ago. It went bad and has a five year warranty. Contacted Ecoflow and as usual you have to send a video of the problem. They agreed the unit was defective. Their offer was since I had the unit more than 30 days they will only send me a refurbished unit. And that unit is only under warranty for 30 days. The five year warranty is not what you think. Great video.
You put only the Smart generator in the freezer and you said it ran great on propane. If you want your test to be completely accurate you need to put your propane tank in the freezer as well. You might find that the propane tank won't be able to deliver enough fuel to have the generator run properly.
@@FewerOptions-mx7qt You know when propane gets cold enough it quits diffusing enough? And it chills itself by diffusing. In 80 degree heat a guy running a 6500W generator could only run on propane for a couple hours before it froze up. This unit is smaller but if you are starting from a lower base temperature, I would be concerned.
Alternatively, they could freeze it and then add room temperature gasoline after removing from the freezer. That would be a more apples to apples test.
I have a 950 watt two stroke generator which is over 10 years old, still runs great and charges my RV batteries when there is not much sun. I bought it for $25 because it would not run correctly, fixed a broken head stud and it has run great since. I do run it on synthetic fuel and not very much. I’m not paying thousands for a box of electronics.
I have one and that rpm ramping up and down seems to be an air flow issue. If you open up one of the panels, even the spark plug one, it stops and runs smoothly.
Yeah, I've never had that with mine but only had to use it a couple of times. I run on propane only. Easier, cleaner, maybe cheaper, the slightly lower output is fine with me if I need it, it's only for extended outages for me.
I bought one in October. It had idle issues, but not as bad. However after 1 hour of runtime. It no longer starts. Back and forth with ecoflow for a couple weeks. Finally gave me a Fedex label. Fedex cannot take it due to it having gasoline inside. I told them I drained the tank and carb. They said they cant take it.... Its been about 1.2 months since I got it. Time for charge back I guess.
Regarding the length of the DC cable: You won't have to move your refrigerator to within 16 feet of your Smart Generator because your refrigerator doesn't run off of the Ecoflow DC cable. The DC cable will run to the Delta, where you would then hook up an AC extension cable which would be as long as you want it to be. Are you immune to embarrassment, or was that just one of those moments where you failed to consider the obvious? Regarding not starting after sitting in a deep freezer overnight: It is pretty uncommon for small inverter generators to start reliably from 0f or below. I have to battle with my Honda EU2200i and Honda EU3000iS to get them to start when it is super cold. I'm aware that some more expensive Honda's are designed to start more easily from lower temperatures, but these are around the same price, or higher, as the Ecoflow Smart Generator. I'm not sure why you expect the cheaper generator to start better than a more expensive generator? Regarding starting easier on propane: Yeah, no sht. Propane doesn't thicken or freeze in cold temps like gasoline. Regarding not having a choke: It does have an automatic choke. Are you deliberately spreading misinformation, or are you just ignorant? Regarding X-Boost being fake news: Some people run things that don't require perfect 120v, like camping equipment such as electric heaters, coffee makers, electric cook-tops, toasters, power tools like saws, drills, heat guns, and farm or industrial equipment with large startup draws like pumps (water, sump, transfer, etc...). Not everything people want to power is only sensitive electronics like their router, bluetooth multimode dildo, or phone. Though I don't suspect a person like you would know much about camping, power tools, farming, or the basics of electricity. You can take inexpensive automotive and small engine classes online, and there are even free courses available online at some places that you could take to learn how some of this introductory level stuff works. There's no shame in not knowing a thing, and learning about it. There is shame in acting like you know what you're talking about and spreading misinformation.
Got your panties in a bunch? This thing is expensive trash. My predator starts in -15 with no issue on premium gas. Gas don’t thicken like diesel. Automatic chokes are trash. This thing is trash. What’s the point of having dc to dc charging if the batteries that you keep inside can’t not be safely charged from outside?
So when you’re pulling the pull rope on little engines like that, pull it out slowly and slowly turn the engine over till you feel the compression stroke and then put the pull cord all the way back in and pull it out slightly till you feel resistance and then pull like a motherfucker. You’ll never hurt your arm etc if you do it this way. What’s happening to you when you mess your arm up pulling it is the piston is not in the right configuration so you’re getting an intake exhaust and then compression stroke or an exhaust and then compression stroke as you’re pulling the cord 30% of the way out.
This is so true. I learned this watching generator technicians on YT. They take out the slack in the engine, and then the slack from the rope. It works like a charm.
Understood. Not saying it’s convenient, but it is there. And it if was zero degrees out and I need it to start, I’ll take the 30 second easy removal of two screws to make it happen.
I'm guessing the choke is a setting for ambient temperatures as opposed to 'choking it' to start. Back in the day my car had two setting for the carburettor and the choke - summer and winter. It sounds like this is something similar. It appears to have one speed, so 'choking' it for the climate is a different task to choking it for a start.
The title Better THAN!!!...Not THEN! That drives crazy!🙄 Sorry, I usually don't comment on grammar mistakes, but I see that so often. I'll delete this when it's fixed. I'll still keep watching YOU'RE videos THO. 🤭
I heard this from several different people, hard starting etc, high rpm’s… I almost purchased one on Amazon Prime, we went with the Honda eu2200i and that thing is great, first pull startup, gas efficient and very quite.
The 240v (farthest right on front panel) is listed in the manual as an "OUT" only, if I read the manual correctly. Therefore placing an input line there is just all kinds of "What jot to do". May also possibly void any warranties?
This genny has a lot of warts for $1,700. I will live with my 2500-watt Westinghouse Inverter for less than half the price. I can start it with the included remote sitting on my couch...
Super great and in depth review! The note you made on hurricane or other similar preparedness. Sure cable length for this specific one might be better to be longer, or minimum a better solution or option out there for shipment. Maybe default or an extra 10 ft, etc... But you mentioned right after about moving a fridge... I have lived in FL basically my whole life... And well, if you don't already have a few extension cords for a fridge and more! you should. That is a minimum! Well you cant fix everyone over night, but even no back up, here in FL, if its not terrible, or you have nice neighbors and you aren't prepared for a season, usually if you have a couple extension cords, you will be fine. There are really cheap solutions here that are almost a requirement. But some ignore... Sorry for the rant. Great review and I never knew about these before I saw your channel. I am glad I have my little honda that I thought I was going to use this year and didn't lol... That is all I need to survive as a back up to my solar on piss poor solar days! I will stick to this one, but glad they are trying to compete! Thanks for testing!
It's an epic fail that it doesn't support natural gas. There's millions of homes that have natural gas into their home. There are 3-fuel compatible generators, so it's not like it's not possible.
My system is an Anker f2600 or f3800 in heated area linked to a 52v 100ah server battery. I charge these units simultaneously with my Champion 4250 inverter generator. The generator powers a 52v 30 amp smart charger. I’m using this way up north in Wisconsin and it’s been flawless. I run off the batteries for a few days and then run the gennie for 3 hours to get 100% charge on all batteries. The 4 gallon tank gives me 7. Three hour sessions.
@ even though I got oodles of juice I’m still stingy on my use. I have zero solar and shut down at night heating with a diesel cab heater run by its own battery so it hard to tell, but I can go usually 3 days before I run the gennie for a couple hours to get everything back to 100%
Just like the original EcoFlow (EF) 1800 watt gasoline Smart Generator (SG) and EF Dual Fuel (DFSG), it is a JUNK!!! It will NEVER compete with my Yamahas or any Honda inverter generators. I have the original EcoFlow (EF) 1800 watt gasoline Smart Generator (SG) and EF Dual Fuel (DFSG). The gasoline SG has been replaced once and the DFSG has been replaced twice. If they fail again now (after the 1 year warranty) I am F^&&*! because EF does NOT supply ANY parts for these. These SGs use Rato engines so there are some parts for engine that can be found, albeit, not easily. But NO ONE is going to be able to service the crappy electronics that WILL fail on it eventually. The 1800 version has a very fragile starter that fails very quickly and the Lithium starter battery does NOT like the cold.
I don't undertand why Ecoflow doesn't just commission a company that knows what they're doing to build them a generator.. slap some nice looking panels and a display on it, and call it a day.
Has anyone figured out how to cover it so it can be used close enough to the house in wind/rain/snow storms, or do I have to pay someone to build an appropriate box for it?
Hey guys I’ve watched many of your product reviews and they are good so props… but… I think you messed this one up and should consider revising it. The propane tank has to be chilled as well to simulate real conditions. And… hanging a positive conclusion on a product that fails your own review in so many ways hurts your credibility.
thanks for the video very informative , I as well was hoping for an adapter for the ultra on there last live stream they had I ask if they had one and he said they should be able to make one and agree it was needed
Hard to start, on gasoline, when freezing cold? Get a small propane bottle, use it to start and run it for a minute then switch to gas. Better idea then something like starting fluid. edit It does have a choke: Yellow lever behind the service door.
I have this product and hav only ran it once for about 30 minutes. I agree that it runs at a hard rpm for my liking and never goes to a low rpm and therefore is louder than I anticipated. I figured that it would be an easy game changer for charging my Ecoflow products, though I have yet to charge anything. It’s a beautiful and quite heavy piece of machinery that seems to be promising. We will see.
Can you set the charge rate on your Delta Pro? Mine has a variable charge rate on the app. If you lower it from 1600 to say 500wts it may seek a lower rpm.
So when it turns off when you do the auto turn off. Once the battery gets to a certain charge, it won't turn back itself on again? Is that what you said without having to pull on the cable
How does it know how much propane is in the tank? Is it based on runtime versus tank size? If the PSI drops, your tank is essentially empty. The surging right out of the box is kinda garbage. Could you test fuel usage to charge a power station vs. the champion generator? ya know, to see if the 40% more efficient claim is true with the DC charging.
Do you plan or have you reviewed the Dual Fuel Smart generator 3000 priced at $999 or $799 Black Friday? It seems like the older one’s are no longer in production. I’m considering buying this because the Propane feature is great while off grid camping because of no fumes. BTW my Delta Pro can handle a my campers 5,000 BTU when my camper is plugged into the 30 amp plug. I bought my Delta Pro back in 2021 so I appreciate you video on Is it still worth it in 2024. I probably will watch for price drops and grab a 2nd Delta Pro. I own 6 acres of off grid land in Maine and ecoflow has handled my needs flawlessly.
This review is controversial and you are losing credibility in my eyes. Sounds like you don't have the balls to stand up to your creed "we can not be bought". You whined about what it does not do and end your review with " I still think it is a pretty cool unit flaws aside." You have sold out.
Honestly if I was in the market for something like this, this review would have turned me off buying it. I bet some other reviewers are running it for about 20 seconds each on each fuel, checking it auto-starts once, and declaring it amazing.
Right quick, before I hunt for the answer, does anyone know who makes the engine inside that "generator"?...or any specs on the engine? Sorry for appearing lazy...😉. Thanks guys. 🙏🏻
Pretty much a turd. My DuroMax XP4500iH is dual~fuel,quiet,stable,can switch between gasoline and propane on-the-fly without loss of power. True 30amp, rolls well with hidden handle, incredible fuel efficiency. No app but full featured color display readable in direct sun showing amp draw, fuel, run~time. While there is no “automation” I can start it with a key fob without even going outside to it. Additionally, I can leave the “Low Idle” turned on. No chugging or constant revving. Just a short cough rev as it balances the load. Full power immediately, cord length of my choice, compatible with anything, external battery maintainer port so it doesn’t die in storage (I have mine on a Solar trickle). Oh, and HALF the price. And it’s Blue. Great review of what not to buy for my Ultra.
But does it know when your batter is charged? The whole point of the ecoflow system is how the components work together. As Solar Lab points out, if they don't get the automation right they have a real product problem.
I was considering getting one of these...... but....... for now, I'll stick with my Predator 2000W. I have a detached garage, and have it wired into a transfer switch to power my critical circuts. Just run out and start it, come in and flip transfer switch. Seems like if I bought this, I'd STILL have to do the same thing.
I have a Bluetti Ac200L with some batteries and I have had a Maxspeedingrods Dual Fuel generator for years - and I use it to recharge the batteries in an outage. Add that with a cheap EV adapter and you can even use 7KW points in the winter. You don't need to spend thousands for a name in some cases. Also good point on LPG because you will be long dead before LPG freezes.. like -288 dead.
Your generator will be long dead when the propane diffusion slows down because it's slightly chilly and that means you may be dead too. Use a BIG tank.
4 minutes in and I am already dubious as the decision to have a crank start. With a push button start or automated start, who would choose to throw out their shoulder cranking this thing? Gasoline and the lines it passes through FREEZE. Did you put any sort of antifreeze into the fuel prior to testing?
"The ELEPHANT in the ROOM" 1. Personally, never heard of a "generator" w/o an AC Out. Would defeat the need or want if it didn't. 2. That brings me to this, Point #2: If there is an 110/120 A/C OUT, You now have source energy to provide POWER to the "IN" on any & ALL EF ECOFLOW systems. TADA! Otherwise, great work in kicking all the tires & some others may have forgotten or not noticed. 👏 @thesolarlab
I don't know why manufactures make these run soooo lean from the factory, pretty much all inverter generators. I just picked up a new Honda EU1000I and it will just start surging and the voltage will drop and everything, but when I go out and add a little bit of choke it runs really well, all the problems go away. It sounds like thats whats going on with this unit too, too lean and it starts to surge
Freezing it to 0⁰F or less isn't fair. Canadia and Alaska see those temps, but most of the lower 48 doesn't often see those temps. Put the regular gas generator in the freezer and do the same test.
When it is -20F in Wisconsin for those few days a year. I definitely want the generator to start easy. Good chance there's also a winter storm and could lose power. Our honda eu2000i starts easy.
Thanks for reviewing. So if I’m not married to an EcoFlow for dual fuel inverter generator, no real advantage over a Honda or other dual fuel inverter generator? I don’t care about the smart features. Thanks!
Want to see how it handles being a Joshs place. Him using it in real conditions would be great. I want to see this compared to a Honda generator. Probably a similar price?
In fairness, I'm pretty sure this isn't designed to sit outside and be frozen. It's a portable generator, meant to be in a garage, and wheeled outside when needed. But I know they have been mediocre at best, regardless.
very, very strange, because gasoline definitely should work better as gas. You can hear it have aoutchoke, and it switch it off too early, it should work with it half minute, not just 3 or 5 seconds. but, good product, good video!
Hey guys is there a way you can do a comparison video of the Jackery explorer 5000 plus vs the Delta Pro Ultra. There hardly any comparing the two. I am debating on getting the Jackery 5000 just because of the portability aspect of it, but also to run my home in a grid down scenario. Thanks
Total effing junk. Have some self respect people and don’t buy this garbage generator. When a reviewer gives a positive conclusion for a product that fails the review it usually means one thing.
it is recommended if you have ecoflow products. a champion generator can't communicate with the ecoflow batteries. If it didn't communicate and have some automation features then I'm sure it wouldn't be recommended at all.
Most generators have very dirty power, and the converters for most RVs cannot clean it up enough to use. So you have to use it to charge the batteries, and invert to power electronics like computers and cpap machines.
@@clifblanchard4531 Does your Cpap have a charging brick where 120V is converted to some other voltage DC? If so, it's already rectified and inverted, like in a laptop or phone charging brick. I do use Inverter generators because my 20cuft refrigerator and two air conditioners are inverter and have delicate boards but no charging brick. Also, the Induction cooktop wouldn't like unclean power. You would be surprised what voltage televisions have running them, they plug into 120V but they aren't using that power directly.
@@robertkubrick3738 unfortunately no, and not having insurance that covers a new cpap I am stuck with this one. I’m wanting to buy a travel one, maybe after the first of the year. I was really just hoping they could tell me if it is a clean wave. I also have a small desktop computer, that hates dirty power. I am trying to convert everything I own to 12 volt, but it takes time. My tv is a usb c powered monitor, with a usb Roku stick so it is not an issue.
@@clifblanchard4531 I prefer a desktop myself. I don't know what your power needs are but there are cheaper generators that put out pure sine wave that have a key fob to turn them on and you could literally buy two of them for the price of this. Yes, they wouldn't do everything for you, but this doesn't either. You could put an alarm on your battery for low voltage to tell you when to push The button on the key fob. If you watched the video, this unit doesn't even want to charge batteries and let you use the outlets at the same time and yet it's limited by how much of total power (1/2) is sent to the batteries. That means it's not more efficient, it's less efficient in relation to power produced for fuel expended which happens around 80% capacity...which is the beauty of having batteries in the system so the generator doesn't have to run constantly. I don't have batteries but I use my generators about 15 times a year and I'm good with storing fuel as it gets rotated and I have a number of cans that only get filled up when I suspect the mother of all storms is going to hit.
No thank you on the “smart” generator. The Honda EU2200i works just fine for my application. I’ll leave ecoflow to what they believe they do well -- batteries. BTW, have you actually tried to use EcoFlow’s support? If you haven’t , try it for yourself and maybe you might start considering not pushing / peddling their products so much.
You talk about how it is hard starting on gas and then at the very end of the video reveal the engine is hunting up and down with the rpm. Obviously the carburetor is clogged which effects how it starts.
It’s literally brand new.. & the original one did it as well. It’s not clogged, or even dirty yet.. it just doesn’t know what it’s doing as well as it should🤷🏼♀️
@@TheSolarLab its possible both have defective carbs from the factory. My generator has such a small pilot jet that gets clogged so easily I bored it out after the 5th time. it runs a tad rich at idle but doesn't hunt up and down anymore.
Just waiting for the truth to come out about you guys getting this stuff for free from these companies...Should we be reporting them for not including the 'promotional' tag on the video?
We have a garage full of solar gear, giving us a power station (or in this case a generator) is not going to incentivize us to give it a positive review.. we don’t have any need or use for this thing outside of these videos & trying to see how we feel about it. Which we do, to then share with y’all. You could just appreciate the work we do😂
🛒 EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000 (Dual Fuel)
• Shop Solar: shopsolarkits.com/products/ecoflow-smart-generator-4000-dual-fuel?ref=TheSolarLab
• Use Code: THESOLARLAB50 for $50 Off Your Order
• EcoFlow: shrsl.com/4qszb
• Use Code: THESOLARLAB05 for 5% Off Your Order
🛒 We Also Recommend Shopping at:
• Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com/?ref=thesolarlab
• Use Code: THESOLARLAB50 for $50 Off Your Order
🔔 Subscribe to our UA-cam Channel: @TheSolarLab
0:00 - Intro
2:24 - Spec Teardown
3:50 - Testing
11:09 - What We Like
12:29 - What We Don't Like
14:38 - Summary
In this video, we dive into the EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000 Dual Fuel, putting it to the test to see if it lives up to its reputation as a powerful backup for your solar setup. We’ll explore its key features, including dual-fuel capabilities, smart integration with EcoFlow systems, and real-world performance in backup scenarios. If you’re looking for reliable power when the grid goes down or need a backup solution for your solar array, this generator might be what you’re looking for!
⚡ FOLLOW US:
instagram.com/thesolarlab/
www.tiktok.com/@thesolarlab
👨🏼💻 The Solar Lab:
www.thesolarlab.com
We maintain an affiliate relationship with some of the products reviewed, which means we get a small percentage of a sale if you click our links, at no cost to our viewers.
"THAN", not "Then". Geez, this is 5th grade stuff.
"The ELEPHANT in the ROOM"
1. Personally, never heard of a "generator" w/o an AC Out. Would defeat the need or want if it didn't.
2. That brings me to this, Point #2:
If there is an 110/120 A/C OUT, You now have source energy to provide POWER to the "IN" on any & ALL EF ECOFLOW systems. TADA!
Otherwise, great work in kicking all the tires & some others may have forgotten or not noticed. 👏 @thesolarlab
NOTE: Will loose the intelligent side of the connection. Will still enable changing via most any generator.
First this unit does have a choke it it the yellow lever. 2nd this unit is design to run at max rpm and the top wattage to charge a Ecoflow product up and then shut down via dc to dc. If you want a generator for use with non Ecoflow item this is not the generator you want. Right tool for the right job. But knowing how to use the tool goes a long way.
Ecoflow warranty concerns. Purchased a Delta 2 1.042 kw three months ago. It went bad and has a five year warranty. Contacted Ecoflow and as usual you have to send a video of the problem. They agreed the unit was defective. Their offer was since I had the unit more than 30 days they will only send me a refurbished unit. And that unit is only under warranty for 30 days. The five year warranty is not what you think. Great video.
Wow! Definitely a risk to purchase this, I will for sure stick to Bluetti instead or even Cummins
You put only the Smart generator in the freezer and you said it ran great on propane. If you want your test to be completely accurate you need to put your propane tank in the freezer as well. You might find that the propane tank won't be able to deliver enough fuel to have the generator run properly.
Exactly. This thing is awful. Get a real generator.
That’s funny. I’ve been seeing more and more stuff like this on this channel. Losing credit with me fast.
You know propane can be used as a refrigerate. Unless temperature is below -44F shouldn't be a problem
@@FewerOptions-mx7qt You know when propane gets cold enough it quits diffusing enough? And it chills itself by diffusing. In 80 degree heat a guy running a 6500W generator could only run on propane for a couple hours before it froze up. This unit is smaller but if you are starting from a lower base temperature, I would be concerned.
Alternatively, they could freeze it and then add room temperature gasoline after removing from the freezer. That would be a more apples to apples test.
I have a 950 watt two stroke generator which is over 10 years old, still runs great and charges my RV batteries when there is not much sun. I bought it for $25 because it would not run correctly, fixed a broken head stud and it has run great since.
I do run it on synthetic fuel and not very much. I’m not paying thousands for a box of electronics.
Decent video until the stupid “diabetic retirees” comment, which earned you a thumbs down. Someday, you’ll hopefully be a retiree.
Oh come on, lighten up!! He actually made a point about the device's use by less able people which may be important to some folks like yourself.
Yeah, that was just weird. Wtf was the point of that insult?
I have one and that rpm ramping up and down seems to be an air flow issue. If you open up one of the panels, even the spark plug one, it stops and runs smoothly.
That's interesting.
Yeah, I've never had that with mine but only had to use it a couple of times. I run on propane only. Easier, cleaner, maybe cheaper, the slightly lower output is fine with me if I need it, it's only for extended outages for me.
I bought one in October. It had idle issues, but not as bad. However after 1 hour of runtime. It no longer starts. Back and forth with ecoflow for a couple weeks. Finally gave me a Fedex label. Fedex cannot take it due to it having gasoline inside. I told them I drained the tank and carb. They said they cant take it.... Its been about 1.2 months since I got it. Time for charge back I guess.
Regarding the length of the DC cable:
You won't have to move your refrigerator to within 16 feet of your Smart Generator because your refrigerator doesn't run off of the Ecoflow DC cable. The DC cable will run to the Delta, where you would then hook up an AC extension cable which would be as long as you want it to be. Are you immune to embarrassment, or was that just one of those moments where you failed to consider the obvious?
Regarding not starting after sitting in a deep freezer overnight:
It is pretty uncommon for small inverter generators to start reliably from 0f or below. I have to battle with my Honda EU2200i and Honda EU3000iS to get them to start when it is super cold. I'm aware that some more expensive Honda's are designed to start more easily from lower temperatures, but these are around the same price, or higher, as the Ecoflow Smart Generator. I'm not sure why you expect the cheaper generator to start better than a more expensive generator?
Regarding starting easier on propane:
Yeah, no sht. Propane doesn't thicken or freeze in cold temps like gasoline.
Regarding not having a choke:
It does have an automatic choke. Are you deliberately spreading misinformation, or are you just ignorant?
Regarding X-Boost being fake news:
Some people run things that don't require perfect 120v, like camping equipment such as electric heaters, coffee makers, electric cook-tops, toasters, power tools like saws, drills, heat guns, and farm or industrial equipment with large startup draws like pumps (water, sump, transfer, etc...). Not everything people want to power is only sensitive electronics like their router, bluetooth multimode dildo, or phone.
Though I don't suspect a person like you would know much about camping, power tools, farming, or the basics of electricity.
You can take inexpensive automotive and small engine classes online, and there are even free courses available online at some places that you could take to learn how some of this introductory level stuff works. There's no shame in not knowing a thing, and learning about it. There is shame in acting like you know what you're talking about and spreading misinformation.
Got your panties in a bunch? This thing is expensive trash. My predator starts in -15 with no issue on premium gas. Gas don’t thicken like diesel. Automatic chokes are trash. This thing is trash. What’s the point of having dc to dc charging if the batteries that you keep inside can’t not be safely charged from outside?
So when you’re pulling the pull rope on little engines like that, pull it out slowly and slowly turn the engine over till you feel the compression stroke and then put the pull cord all the way back in and pull it out slightly till you feel resistance and then pull like a motherfucker. You’ll never hurt your arm etc if you do it this way.
What’s happening to you when you mess your arm up pulling it is the piston is not in the right configuration so you’re getting an intake exhaust and then compression stroke or an exhaust and then compression stroke as you’re pulling the cord 30% of the way out.
This is so true. I learned this watching generator technicians on YT. They take out the slack in the engine, and then the slack from the rope. It works like a charm.
The Generator HAS a choke. Take off the side panel, look for the yellow lever on top of the carb. Push right. Varooommm
Disassemble just to use the choke? You are kidding me right? You are saying the auto start feature is worthless.
Understood. Not saying it’s convenient, but it is there. And it if was zero degrees out and I need it to start, I’ll take the 30 second easy removal of two screws to make it happen.
@@mykejd Not even tool less? I was being too kind.
I'm guessing the choke is a setting for ambient temperatures as opposed to 'choking it' to start. Back in the day my car had two setting for the carburettor and the choke - summer and winter. It sounds like this is something similar. It appears to have one speed, so 'choking' it for the climate is a different task to choking it for a start.
You missed the choke lever and didn't freeze the propane on the cold test ):
Everyone knows propane performs worse in cold temperatures
If you have the Delta 3 and the smart battery, the dc port is taken up by the smart battery. So how can you use this with the smart features?
The title
Better THAN!!!...Not THEN!
That drives crazy!🙄
Sorry, I usually don't comment on grammar mistakes, but I see that so often.
I'll delete this when it's fixed.
I'll still keep watching YOU'RE videos THO. 🤭
I heard this from several different people, hard starting etc, high rpm’s… I almost purchased one on Amazon Prime, we went with the Honda eu2200i and that thing is great, first pull startup, gas efficient and very quite.
The 240v (farthest right on front panel) is listed in the manual as an "OUT" only, if I read the manual correctly. Therefore placing an input line there is just all kinds of "What jot to do". May also possibly void any warranties?
This genny has a lot of warts for $1,700. I will live with my 2500-watt Westinghouse Inverter for less than half the price. I can start it with the included remote sitting on my couch...
Could this run on natural gas? Enjoy your videos, I learn alot
Super great and in depth review! The note you made on hurricane or other similar preparedness. Sure cable length for this specific one might be better to be longer, or minimum a better solution or option out there for shipment. Maybe default or an extra 10 ft, etc... But you mentioned right after about moving a fridge... I have lived in FL basically my whole life... And well, if you don't already have a few extension cords for a fridge and more! you should. That is a minimum! Well you cant fix everyone over night, but even no back up, here in FL, if its not terrible, or you have nice neighbors and you aren't prepared for a season, usually if you have a couple extension cords, you will be fine. There are really cheap solutions here that are almost a requirement. But some ignore...
Sorry for the rant. Great review and I never knew about these before I saw your channel. I am glad I have my little honda that I thought I was going to use this year and didn't lol... That is all I need to survive as a back up to my solar on piss poor solar days! I will stick to this one, but glad they are trying to compete! Thanks for testing!
I won’t even consider buying one until they offer a tri-fuel option.
It needs to be able to run on natural gas as well
Great EcoFlow delta pro 3 system and EcoFlow smart generator 4000W 😀👍👍👍👍👍👍
It's an epic fail that it doesn't support natural gas. There's millions of homes that have natural gas into their home. There are 3-fuel compatible generators, so it's not like it's not possible.
I bet that adapter works with the 50a cable that goes to the smart home panel 2, not the short ones it comes with
My system is an Anker f2600 or f3800 in heated area linked to a 52v 100ah server battery. I charge these units simultaneously with my Champion 4250 inverter generator. The generator powers a 52v 30 amp smart charger. I’m using this way up north in Wisconsin and it’s been flawless. I run off the batteries for a few days and then run the gennie for 3 hours to get 100% charge on all batteries. The 4 gallon tank gives me 7. Three hour sessions.
Whats your max lifespan with this setup with say 7 gallons of gas or propane equivalent? Also are you using solar as well?
@ even though I got oodles of juice I’m still stingy on my use. I have zero solar and shut down at night heating with a diesel cab heater run by its own battery so it hard to tell, but I can go usually 3 days before I run the gennie for a couple hours to get everything back to 100%
Just stopping in to give a downvote for the clickbait headline. Do better.
Just like the original EcoFlow (EF) 1800 watt gasoline Smart Generator (SG) and EF Dual Fuel (DFSG), it is a JUNK!!! It will NEVER compete with my Yamahas or any Honda inverter generators.
I have the original EcoFlow (EF) 1800 watt gasoline Smart Generator (SG) and EF Dual Fuel (DFSG).
The gasoline SG has been replaced once and the DFSG has been replaced twice.
If they fail again now (after the 1 year warranty) I am F^&&*! because EF does NOT supply ANY parts for these.
These SGs use Rato engines so there are some parts for engine that can be found, albeit, not easily.
But NO ONE is going to be able to service the crappy electronics that WILL fail on it eventually. The 1800 version has a very fragile starter that fails very quickly and the Lithium starter battery does NOT like the cold.
Whats the big deal to place it wither in insulated a well ventilated area, or in the basement?
I don't undertand why Ecoflow doesn't just commission a company that knows what they're doing to build them a generator.. slap some nice looking panels and a display on it, and call it a day.
Is this a joke?
They use the same small engine/generator company for their motors as Honda.
@@LilRedDog Yeah, but the Honda actually works.
@@LilRedDog Interesting.. didn't know that. Perhaps they should get their money back, then. :p
@@LilRedDog Its not a genuine Honda, its a Honda Clone that most of the Chinese Generators use.
@@LilRedDog lol. Absolutely not true. Please provide proof of this claim.
Has anyone figured out how to cover it so it can be used close enough to the house in wind/rain/snow storms, or do I have to pay someone to build an appropriate box for it?
How disappointing I was going to buy this generator and I’m so glad I watched this review. Thanks guys!
Hey guys I’ve watched many of your product reviews and they are good so props… but… I think you messed this one up and should consider revising it. The propane tank has to be chilled as well to simulate real conditions. And… hanging a positive conclusion on a product that fails your own review in so many ways hurts your credibility.
Shhh that Ecoflow partner money is too sweet.
I disagree. He specifically stated it's best for warmer climates, and not good for cold climates. Nearly all the issues are with cold conditions.
thanks for the video very informative , I as well was hoping for an adapter for the ultra on there last live stream they had I ask if they had one and he said they should be able to make one and agree it was needed
Hard to start, on gasoline, when freezing cold?
Get a small propane bottle, use it to start and run it for a minute then switch to gas.
Better idea then something like starting fluid.
edit
It does have a choke:
Yellow lever behind the service door.
Its a shame that Getting those products down to Colombia is truly expensive 😢. Hey Great videos bro. Keep it up.
I have this product and hav only ran it once for about 30 minutes. I agree that it runs at a hard rpm for my liking and never goes to a low rpm and therefore is louder than I anticipated. I figured that it would be an easy game changer for charging my Ecoflow products, though I have yet to charge anything. It’s a beautiful and quite heavy piece of machinery that seems to be promising. We will see.
Can you set the charge rate on your Delta Pro? Mine has a variable charge rate on the app. If you lower it from 1600 to say 500wts it may seek a lower rpm.
So when it turns off when you do the auto turn off. Once the battery gets to a certain charge, it won't turn back itself on again? Is that what you said without having to pull on the cable
How does it know how much propane is in the tank? Is it based on runtime versus tank size? If the PSI drops, your tank is essentially empty. The surging right out of the box is kinda garbage. Could you test fuel usage to charge a power station vs. the champion generator? ya know, to see if the 40% more efficient claim is true with the DC charging.
At 1:50 the on screen text is confusing - does it work with all Ecoflow products?
Do you plan or have you reviewed the Dual Fuel Smart generator 3000 priced at $999 or $799 Black Friday? It seems like the older one’s are no longer in production. I’m considering buying this because the Propane feature is great while off grid camping because of no fumes. BTW my Delta Pro can handle a my campers 5,000 BTU when my camper is plugged into the 30 amp plug. I bought my Delta Pro back in 2021 so I appreciate you video on Is it still worth it in 2024. I probably will watch for price drops and grab a 2nd Delta Pro. I own 6 acres of off grid land in Maine and ecoflow has handled my needs flawlessly.
The short cord length was an issue with the first generator as well. it's like it was made for a campsite and not home backup.
Don't be knocking champion generators! They are bullet proof. Loud but they work.
The enclosed champion generators are only second to the predator generator in the noise level. Super quiet
This review is controversial and you are losing credibility in my eyes. Sounds like you don't have the balls to stand up to your creed "we can not be bought". You whined about what it does not do and end your review with " I still think it is a pretty cool unit flaws aside." You have sold out.
They've been a 'sell out' channel from the beginning...
I disagree as I think they provided a solid list of “pros AND cons.” Plus they put it in a friggin freezer, who does that?
Honestly if I was in the market for something like this, this review would have turned me off buying it. I bet some other reviewers are running it for about 20 seconds each on each fuel, checking it auto-starts once, and declaring it amazing.
I was buying one of these today! This review turned me off. Too loud and it’s not gonna work with my DPU
Discount code doesn’t work at ecoflow link.
Right quick, before I hunt for the answer, does anyone know who makes the engine inside that "generator"?...or any specs on the engine?
Sorry for appearing lazy...😉. Thanks guys. 🙏🏻
Thanks. You saved me frustration and money……too bad it is plagued with problems.
Very helpful video👍
Have done detailed like/dislike testing on the soon to be out SG3000? Very interested in this model.
Pretty much a turd. My DuroMax XP4500iH is dual~fuel,quiet,stable,can switch between gasoline and propane on-the-fly without loss of power. True 30amp, rolls well with hidden handle, incredible fuel efficiency. No app but full featured color display readable in direct sun showing amp draw, fuel, run~time. While there is no “automation” I can start it with a key fob without even going outside to it. Additionally, I can leave the “Low Idle” turned on. No chugging or constant revving. Just a short cough rev as it balances the load. Full power immediately, cord length of my choice, compatible with anything, external battery maintainer port so it doesn’t die in storage (I have mine on a Solar trickle). Oh, and HALF the price. And it’s Blue. Great review of what not to buy for my Ultra.
But does it know when your batter is charged? The whole point of the ecoflow system is how the components work together. As Solar Lab points out, if they don't get the automation right they have a real product problem.
I was considering getting one of these...... but....... for now, I'll stick with my Predator 2000W. I have a detached garage, and have it wired into a transfer switch to power my critical circuts. Just run out and start it, come in and flip transfer switch. Seems like if I bought this, I'd STILL have to do the same thing.
I have a Bluetti Ac200L with some batteries and I have had a Maxspeedingrods Dual Fuel generator for years - and I use it to recharge the batteries in an outage. Add that with a cheap EV adapter and you can even use 7KW points in the winter.
You don't need to spend thousands for a name in some cases. Also good point on LPG because you will be long dead before LPG freezes.. like -288 dead.
Your generator will be long dead when the propane diffusion slows down because it's slightly chilly and that means you may be dead too. Use a BIG tank.
Get a 5000 watt predator generator and stop and start it manually with the remote start
4 minutes in and I am already dubious as the decision to have a crank start. With a push button start or automated start, who would choose to throw out their shoulder cranking this thing? Gasoline and the lines it passes through FREEZE. Did you put any sort of antifreeze into the fuel prior to testing?
They need to make a inverter with at least 6000-12000 and needs to power the delta pro ultra
"The ELEPHANT in the ROOM"
1. Personally, never heard of a "generator" w/o an AC Out. Would defeat the need or want if it didn't.
2. That brings me to this, Point #2:
If there is an 110/120 A/C OUT, You now have source energy to provide POWER to the "IN" on any & ALL EF ECOFLOW systems. TADA!
Otherwise, great work in kicking all the tires & some others may have forgotten or not noticed. 👏 @thesolarlab
NOTE: Will loose the intelligent side of the connection. Will still enable changing via most any generator.
Excellent review
I don't know why manufactures make these run soooo lean from the factory, pretty much all inverter generators. I just picked up a new Honda EU1000I and it will just start surging and the voltage will drop and everything, but when I go out and add a little bit of choke it runs really well, all the problems go away. It sounds like thats whats going on with this unit too, too lean and it starts to surge
It will NEVER work with the Delta Pro Ultra as the DPU has different battery voltages than the DP3 or DP
Freezing it to 0⁰F or less isn't fair. Canadia and Alaska see those temps, but most of the lower 48 doesn't often see those temps. Put the regular gas generator in the freezer and do the same test.
When it is -20F in Wisconsin for those few days a year. I definitely want the generator to start easy. Good chance there's also a winter storm and could lose power. Our honda eu2000i starts easy.
I learned from another video that there is a choke inside the cover on the carburetor.
@@jacobb6313 Disassemble to start? Why did you buy a unit that is supposed to start itself but doesn't? That's a lot of wasted money.
Thanks for reviewing. So if I’m not married to an EcoFlow for dual fuel inverter generator, no real advantage over a Honda or other dual fuel inverter generator? I don’t care about the smart features. Thanks!
Want to see how it handles being a Joshs place.
Him using it in real conditions would be great.
I want to see this compared to a Honda generator. Probably a similar price?
Try freezing the propane too
In fairness, I'm pretty sure this isn't designed to sit outside and be frozen. It's a portable generator, meant to be in a garage, and wheeled outside when needed. But I know they have been mediocre at best, regardless.
i miss you man, please come back
I might get that New Harbor Freight Predator over this. It would be cool if Other brands had a DC power option like this
You seriously don’t know the difference between “then” and “than”???
Thank you for this intel.
very, very strange, because gasoline definitely should work better as gas. You can hear it have aoutchoke, and it switch it off too early, it should work with it half minute, not just 3 or 5 seconds. but, good product, good video!
Hey guys is there a way you can do a comparison video of the Jackery explorer 5000 plus vs the Delta Pro Ultra. There hardly any comparing the two. I am debating on getting the Jackery 5000 just because of the portability aspect of it, but also to run my home in a grid down scenario. Thanks
Total effing junk. Have some self respect people and don’t buy this garbage generator.
When a reviewer gives a positive conclusion for a product that fails the review it usually means one thing.
And when NO disclaimer is given, it immediately lets me know he’s been paid, like most of the YT “reviewers”.
it is recommended if you have ecoflow products. a champion generator can't communicate with the ecoflow batteries. If it didn't communicate and have some automation features then I'm sure it wouldn't be recommended at all.
@@Florida_Marine Agreed
@@blackridgeproductions2738agreed
How is the sine wave of the power coming off this generator?
It's inverter, if they screwed that up too, it's worse than the worst chinese garbage.
Most generators have very dirty power, and the converters for most RVs cannot clean it up enough to use. So you have to use it to charge the batteries, and invert to power electronics like computers and cpap machines.
@@clifblanchard4531 Does your Cpap have a charging brick where 120V is converted to some other voltage DC? If so, it's already rectified and inverted, like in a laptop or phone charging brick. I do use Inverter generators because my 20cuft refrigerator and two air conditioners are inverter and have delicate boards but no charging brick. Also, the Induction cooktop wouldn't like unclean power. You would be surprised what voltage televisions have running them, they plug into 120V but they aren't using that power directly.
@@robertkubrick3738 unfortunately no, and not having insurance that covers a new cpap I am stuck with this one. I’m wanting to buy a travel one, maybe after the first of the year. I was really just hoping they could tell me if it is a clean wave. I also have a small desktop computer, that hates dirty power. I am trying to convert everything I own to 12 volt, but it takes time. My tv is a usb c powered monitor, with a usb Roku stick so it is not an issue.
@@clifblanchard4531 I prefer a desktop myself. I don't know what your power needs are but there are cheaper generators that put out pure sine wave that have a key fob to turn them on and you could literally buy two of them for the price of this. Yes, they wouldn't do everything for you, but this doesn't either. You could put an alarm on your battery for low voltage to tell you when to push The button on the key fob. If you watched the video, this unit doesn't even want to charge batteries and let you use the outlets at the same time and yet it's limited by how much of total power (1/2) is sent to the batteries. That means it's not more efficient, it's less efficient in relation to power produced for fuel expended which happens around 80% capacity...which is the beauty of having batteries in the system so the generator doesn't have to run constantly. I don't have batteries but I use my generators about 15 times a year and I'm good with storing fuel as it gets rotated and I have a number of cans that only get filled up when I suspect the mother of all storms is going to hit.
Then and Than. Learn the difference.
This is how my old smart generator has become. I’ve cleaned the carb and everything. It’s odd.
I was going to ask about the ultra 😉😂🤣
Typo in your thumbnail. It should be "than"
It's better "than" gas. NOT "then"
It's better, then gas.
So it doesnt work with the new system they just released, ecoflow delta pro ultra? WTH. guess I'll be avoiding this.
EcoFlow seems to have too many different products, they are drifting away from doing one thing well, trying to please everyone.
There is a choke inside de yellow thing. You have to open the side cover 🤦🏻♂️
ecoflow refusing to help their consumers is so on brand
Garbage. If it won't autostart then there is no reason to buy it. Might as well get a regular generator for less and recharge from AC.
They will sell plenty to the Iphone/Cybertruck crowd.
Good video.
“diabetic retirees is EXTREMELY insulting! 🤬
No thank you on the “smart” generator. The Honda EU2200i works just fine for my application. I’ll leave ecoflow to what they believe they do well -- batteries. BTW, have you actually tried to use EcoFlow’s support? If you haven’t , try it for yourself and maybe you might start considering not pushing / peddling their products so much.
Rain? What if it starts raining, will it be affected by the rain?
Then.
Than*
You talk about how it is hard starting on gas and then at the very end of the video reveal the engine is hunting up and down with the rpm. Obviously the carburetor is clogged which effects how it starts.
It’s literally brand new.. & the original one did it as well. It’s not clogged, or even dirty yet.. it just doesn’t know what it’s doing as well as it should🤷🏼♀️
@@TheSolarLab its possible both have defective carbs from the factory. My generator has such a small pilot jet that gets clogged so easily I bored it out after the 5th time. it runs a tad rich at idle but doesn't hunt up and down anymore.
Just based off of the cons here, its not worth it.
If you don’t know the difference between “then” and “than,” you might consider asking someone else to write your title thumbnail.
You bite your tongue! Champion generators are reliable and affordable.
it looks like propane tank itself was not cold?
We all know it won't work with a cold propane tank.
I got one and it wouldn't charge DC - the whole reason I got it. Sent it back.
It's BETTER THAN GAS...
Thumbnail: learn than vs then
Just waiting for the truth to come out about you guys getting this stuff for free from these companies...Should we be reporting them for not including the 'promotional' tag on the video?
We have a garage full of solar gear, giving us a power station (or in this case a generator) is not going to incentivize us to give it a positive review.. we don’t have any need or use for this thing outside of these videos & trying to see how we feel about it. Which we do, to then share with y’all. You could just appreciate the work we do😂
Loads of channels get free stuff. You don't think they're all buying these products, do you?
Yours, a happy CIGS user!
Than millennial Than!!
$1800 for this junk is crazy.
I under stand that you need to open the propane tank very slow.
will it charge a Pair of F3800 Anker ? DC to DC ?
NO. Only EF products with XT150 connector
Than !
Jackery 5000m?