• Home
  • |
  • Blog
  • |
  • Ryobi 2200 RYI2200 Portable Digital Inverter Generator Review

Ryobi 2200 RYI2200 Portable Digital Inverter Generator Review

​As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn More.

There comes a time in everyone’s life where a generator would come in quite handy, the only question is do you invest in a unit or simply suffer in silence?

Many people have avoided generators as a whole because they are big, bulky and noisy, but today there is a quieter option.

Now the question is which unit should you purchase? Here today we will discuss the attributes of the Ryobi 2200 RYI2200 Digital Inverter generator.

Ready to start the review? Read on! 

Product Showcase

Size – Dimensions

If you are going to be toting around your inverter generator, its size and weight are definitely important.

The Ryobi 2200 weighs in at a slim, trim 51 pounds and measures 22” x 18” x 18”, not much bigger than the average camping cooler.

Whether you are packing this baby in the trunk of the car or back of the boat you will still have plenty of room for other fun stuff!

Power Source

The Ryobi 2200 RYI2200 portable digital inverter generator is powered, like most other generators, by gasoline. Energy created within the unit, AC power, is converted to DC power and then inverted back to AC.

Why all the run around you might ask? These added steps are necessary to provide you with clean electricity, that is current that is free from spikes, drops and voltage ripples common in other generators. All this better ensures your small electronics will be powered safely.

Power Output

Now that you know a little more about the type of power the Ryobi produces, we can discuss the amount of power you can expect. First understand that small portable inverter generators like this one offer 2200 starting watts and 1800 running watts.

Now what exactly does that mean?

It means you will also have to know a little bit about the devices you will be powering in order to be sure this unit is the right size for your needs.

Pay attention to the following numbers:

Starting Watts– amount of wattage it will take to start a specific tool or device, often 3 times running wattage.

Running Watts– average wattage you can expect the unit to use on a consistent basis.

Loaded Watts– amount of wattage a device will use when under a load, for example a when cutting a board with a saw.

Once you understand the above figures it is a simple enough process to determine how much of a generator you will need, simply add up the required wattage for all the devices you will need to use at one time and compare that to the running wattage of your chosen generator.

Run Time

How long will your Ryobi 2200 digital power your devices on one tank of fuel?

While this depends a great deal on the load you put on your generator, you can typically expect it will run up to 8.67 hours on one tank. These types of generators are uniquely designed to operate longer than their standard counterparts.

Noise Level

This is probably the second most asked question when it comes to generators. Old school varieties would keep the entire neighborhood awake all night, which as you can imagine does not do much for relations.

These small portable units are so quiet you can have a conversation standing right next to one with no problem. The Ryobi 2200 is quieter than your typical conversational voice.

Keep in mind the area you operate the generator in will have a big impact on sound, for example if you place it in a corner of the garage closed in on two sides by the walls, it is going to sound louder than it would if it were sitting on your tailgate outside.

Maintenance

What do you need to do to maintain the Ryobi 2200 digital inverter generator?

You will be happy to know the required maintenance is quite easy and will keep your generator in top shape for years to come. The most important part of maintaining the unit is:

• Keeping unit clean and dry

• Make sure air vents are not clogged (air pressure and clean brush)

• Check air filter regularly

• Run only approved oil in unit

• Monitoring the spark plug- use only recommended size and gap spark plug

• Change engine lubricant every 100 hours or six months which ever comes first.

Applications

Where can you use this generator? Basically, anywhere you require electric outlets.

Are you headed out for a weekend camping trip? Do you need to work on your secret get away, you know the one that is totally off grid? Perhaps you simply want access to lights and a way to keep your food cold in an emergency, whatever your need this Ryobi 2200 watt generator can provide the power you need.

Remember, some states have special rules governing the use of generators in general and especially on construction sites where multiple paid employees are present.

Generators can pose a health and safety risk, so officials have introduced and passed legislation governing their use. (always check your local and state rules, ordinances and laws as they pertain to generators.

Motor

Whats under the hood? This is a 106cc 4 cycle engine with OHC.

This size is perfect for more portable generating needs, such as your refrigerator, fans and a few lights. As stated above it offer 2200 watts starting power and 1800 watts running.

Fuel Efficiency

Much like running time, fuel efficiency is partially dependent upon your usage.

After all if you run the machine at or near 100% capacity, efficiency will decrease. Most needs will not require this type of heavy load however and you can expect approximately 5- 6 hours on one tank of fuel. Estimates are higher, close to 9 hours for lighter usage.

Ease Of Use

All other information about the Ryobi 2200 RYI2200 is pretty much useless if the unit is difficult to operate. So let’s talk about ease of operation, the first thing you should know is this is a pull start only model, but do not let that scare you away.

It may not have a fancy electric start, but it is still quite easy to start and operate, simply pull firmly but gently a few time to get it going.

It has a nice LED indicator to let you know the unit is on and operational.

NOTE: If the LED is out, the unit is either not running or overloaded.

One thing many people enjoy about this particular model is the fact that it is parallel ready, which means you can quickly join two units together at those times where you need more power.

Power Outlets

The Ryobi 2200 Digital inverter generator offers you two 120 volt outlets and one 12 volt. For most portable situations, work or play, this is more than adequate power outlets, but if you should need more you can always utilize a surge protector for extra outlets.

Environmental Friendliness

Environmental friendliness is a concern for many people and although this unit is not advertised as an environmental option, but it can serve in this capacity. Auto idle control and automatic voltage regulation allow this unit to run very efficiently, burning less fuel and reducing the impact on the environment.

Warranty

At most retail outlets the Ryobi 2200 comes with a three year warranty against defective parts and workmanship when used in a family or personal capacity, 90 days for all commercial usage.

The warranty is only good to the original purchaser and does not include tune ups and items that experience normal wear knobs, starter pulley and vacuum tubes.

Other Things To Know

When you first get your generator, take a little time to peruse the user manual for helpful tips about safely operating your device.

You will learn about proper starting, what fuel and oil you should use and all about proper maintenance. It is also important to note that these devices will operate differently at higher altitudes.

If you reside or will use this generator at 5,000 or more feet above sea level it will require specific modifications which should only be done by a qualified technician.

You will also want to learn how to change the oil, maintain the air filter and replace the spark plug. These are all a part of proper maintenance, which will keep your unit in good working order for years to come.

Warning: Never use this generator inside your home or other non-ventilated area. These devices burn gasoline during operation which means they must exhaust carbon monoxide.

Make sure you place the Ryobi 2200 digital inverter generator far from external windows or vents to prevent exhaust entering your home and causing health problems for you or your family.

Origin

According to Wikipedia, Ryobi Limited is “a Japanese manufacturer of components for the automobile, electronics, and telecommunications industries” and its headquarters are in Japan.

Furthermore, the Ryobi Tools brand (under which this generator is promoted) in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand is owned by Techtronic Industries of Hong Kong.

Based on available information, this particular generator is made in China and the engine is made by Topsun.

Based on historical data, approximately 10 years ago the first inverter generator hit the market, offering a new way to get electricity to hard to reach places.

This new technology improved upon the old version by giving better fuel economy, quieter operation, portability and a lighter option all the way around.

What Do Consumers Say?

So, what does the general consumer have to say about the Ryobi 2200 digital inverter generator?

Overall the response has been good, with people citing ease of use, long run times and the ability to handle a rather heavy load as all reasons they love this unit. One person even claims to have run a 12,000 BTU air conditioner and several other items on this Ryobi with only a small needle movement.

Other comments range from perfect for my commercial usage to just what I needed for our last tailgate party! Approximately ¾ of the reviews on Amazon give this inverter generator 4-5 stars.

On the negative side, a number of consumers are complaining that the generator is sometimes hard to start. It uses a pull cord for starting and it might take several attempts to get it started.

People also complain about the fact that its running is not so smooth, when you operate it at high altitudes. One said that above 8,000 it wouldn’t run his microwave or AC.

Specifications

• 2200 watt starting

• 1800 watt running

• 106cc OHC engine

• 5.6 hours run time- 900 watts

• 8.67 hours run time- 450 watts

• Parallel kit

• Auto Idle fuel saving technology

• Extendable handle for easy moving

• 2 – 120 volt outlets; 1 -12 volt outlet

• 18×24×18 inch dimensions

• 51 lbs

Price

What can you expect to pay for the Ryobi 2200 watt digital inverter generator? This will depend greatly on where you purchase your unit.

Currently this generator runs under $600 on Amazon, with shipping depending on your location and whether or not you have a Prime account.

Follow this link to check the latest price and discounts.

Our Ryobi 2200 Inverter Generator Review: The Final Verdict

Do you need a new generator? Before you run out and replace your old stand alone unit, take another look at the inverter generators.

In some cases they simply make more sense than the gas guzzling varieties you may be used to. Rather than keep your neighbors awake through the next power outtage, consider the quiet operation of the Ryobi 2200.

Not only will everyone sleep better, you can rest assured that you are using the most fuel efficient model on the market.

Ryobi 2200 RYI2200 Power Generator Summary Review

IMPORTANT FEATURES
PROS & CONS
-Dimensions 22” x 18” x 18”
-Weight 51 pounds
-Gas powered 106cc 4 cycle engine with OHC
-Power output 2200 starting watts and 1800 running watts
-Run Time 8.67 hours on one tank
-Easy Maintenance
-Parallel ready, can hook up two generators in parallel to boost power
- Two 120 volt outlets and one 12 volt
-Environmentally friendly
- Auto Idle fuel saving technology


PROS
-When you need power in an out of the way setting or during a power outtage, but do not want a stand alone or noisy generator, the Ryobi 2200 is a solid choice.

-It will give you hours of quiet operation and is safe to use with all electronics thanks to green electric technology.

CONS
-If you have a rather large home that you need to power for an extended amount of time, this is not the type of generator you need.

-A portable inverter generator is made for short periods and a limited number of items, not to power an entire home at full capacity. For that you will need the larger, albeit noisier version.

Check out More Great Features Of This Digital Inverter Generator on Amazon

Related Posts