RYOBI RYi2200 Inverter Generator: Tool Review

Whether you’re on the job site, tailgating like a pro, camping, or experiencing an electrical outage… you need power! That’s where the new RYBOI RYi2200 Inverter Generator steps in to save the day with its clean and quiet power. Designed with an extra quiet engine, the RYOBI RYi2200 is said to be no louder than a typical conversation between two people, all the while offering 2200 starting Watts/1800 running Watts and is completely safe for even the most sensitive electronics. Not only is it quiet and compact – it’s also

impressively portable with its easy to lift two handle design and an additional expanding handle + roller wheels for quick transport without any strain. Plus, the RYi2200 is parallel-kit ready, for when larger power demands are required. The parallel kit links two RYOBI Inverters together for twice the power.

Nearly a month ago we were given some time to fully test and review a RYi2200 Inverter ourselves, on our terms. The kind folks at RYOBI set us up with a fresh unit straight out of the box so we could get the full experience as if we were buying it new from the store or online. This generator may look small, but we’ve got big things to talk about. Now, before we get too far a head of ourselves – check out its key features and specs…

Key Features:

• Monitoring System – Power, Over Load, Low Oil Alerts
• Wheels and Extendable Handle for Easy Transport
• Parallel Kit Capable – Combine Two Units for Twice the Power (sold separately)
• Super Quiet: Quieter than a conversation
• Clean Power: Safe for sensitive electronics
• Auto-Idle: Runs longer and saves fuel
• 3 Step Easy Starting: Choke, pull start cord and run

Specs:

• 2200 Starting / 1800 Running Watts
• 5 hrs run time @ 400 watts or 2.5 hours at 900 watts
• 1.75 hp (106cc) OHC, 4 Cycle Engine
• Outlets: 120-volt AC (2), 12-volt DC (1) Parallel kit
• Weight: 51 lbs.

Setup: 

After un-boxing the generator (which is very well packaged might I add) all that is required for setup is adding oil (provided) and gasoline (not provided, obviously). Since it’s a 4 cycle engine there’s no need to worry about fuel/oil mixtures thankfully. Of the entire setup process adding the oil is probably the biggest pain. First off you’ll need to unscrew the engine compartment panel with a Phillips head screwdriver, this part is easy – but for some odd reason they only supply you with a dinky paper funnel which is hard to fit into the cramped engine compartment. If you have your own (plastic or metal) funnel we’d suggest using it. The paper funnel is flimsy and doesn’t deliver the oil to the reservoir as well as we would have liked, but it’ll still work in a pinch if needed.

After gassing up, oiling up, securing the oil cap and putting the compartment panel back on the RYi220 is ready to rip. No other steps or priming are necessary. From opening the box to making our first pull on the starter cord it took 7 minutes in all (yes, we timed it!) Setup couldn’t be easier… well, unless you’ve got your own funnel of course.

Design: 

The RYi2200 was engineered with great attention to detail and it shows. We specifically liked its compact design (22″ x 22″) which makes it ultra portable and easy to carry (only 51 lbs) no matter where you might need to take it. Adding to its portable design is a feature you don’t see everyday – an extendable transport arm and roller wheels. Making this generator look more like a piece of luggage rather than a generator while on-the-move. This easy rolling design is ideal for anyone with back pain or lifting restrictions.

Additionally, we really loved the fact that RYOBI went the extra mile to include an on-board monitoring system which automatically sends you low oil alerts as well as power over loads signals. So that basically you don’t need to be a small engine expert or generator geek to be able operate it.

Starting: 

After initial setup starting the RYi2200 is a breeze. Unlike most generators I’ve used, staring this one is actually quite simple. There’s no priming, choke levers or anything. Just a simple switch near the starter cord with three settings: Off, Start and Run.

To start the generator flip the switch to start mode then give it a few pulls. NOTE: upon initial setup and first start it did take us 8 pulls before we got a steady idle from the 1.75 hp engine. Once the engine begins to idle you’ll want to leave it in the “Start” position for a minute to let it warm up. After the engine has had time to warm up move the switch into the “Run” position and the RPMs should rev-up and you’re ready to start powering your devices, tools, etc…

PRO TIP: Use the Auto-Idle option whenever possible. It’ll save a ton of gas and keep the generator running quieter more often.

Power: 

Rated for 1800 running watts, the RYi2200 isn’t a power-house by any means, but it’ll run a surprising amount of tools, appliances and devices. Throughout testing we were able to power compressors, tv’s, a refrigerator and even a microwave. It’s not going to keep your house lit during an outage, but that’s not what it’s designed for. The RYi2200 is for traveling and powering up the necessities while you’re out on the job site, camping or tailgating.

Value: 

At nearly $600 this is actually one of the better deals you’ll find anywhere for a generator of this wattage. The when you factor in its compact size and feature-full design the value-to-cost equation becomes rather simple if you ask us.

Buy Now: $599.99