Engel Generator Review (2000W & 3500W) – Our Opinion

One of the most beautiful things about owning a caravan or an RV is being able to live closer to nature. But with that comes the sacrifice of not being able to use all of the appliances that make life easier.

That is why generators are such popular purchases for caravan owners.

Generators from premium brands like Yamaha and Honda are notoriously expensive. Many look for alternative options that offer the same performance but at a lower price point. If this is you, don’t look past a company that has been supplying high-quality products for a long time - Engel.

In this Engel generator review, we’re going to run you through the main features of these generators, plus discuss their pros and cons. We will also give you our honest opinion on whether or not this is the right option for you.

Pros & Cons

Design

The Engel generators are neither the smallest nor lightest generators we’ve seen.

The 2000W Engel generator is 498 mm long, 312 mm wide, and 467 mm high at 22.0 kg. 2 kg heavier than the more powerful Cromtech 2400W. 

 In front, it has one 15 amp outlet, indicators, and controls. The easy pull start is located at the side of the generator.

For portability, the Engel 2000W generator has a central handle designed for briefcase-like carry, making it a convenient way to transport the machine.

The larger 3500W Engel generator is 590 mm long, 478 mm wide, 511 mm wide, and weighs 44.6 kg. Not as impressive size and weight-wise if compared to the Cromtech 4500W which is lighter and more compact.

It has 2 sets of handles designed for a 2-person carry and a set of wheels at the rear of the generator for manoeuvrability. However, a pull handle would’ve been greatly appreciated for a generator this heavy.

At the front end, it has a 15 amp twin outlet, the rotary switch, and indicators. Like its smaller twin, the easy pull start is located on the side.

Both models are housed in a tough casing, giving the impression of a high-quality build.

Overall, these no-nonsense generators that are built to get the job done.

Power Specs

Unlike cheaper generators like the Cromtech 2400W, the Engel R2000IS 2000W generator isn’t forcing a small engine to produce a higher power output.

With a 79cc, 4-stroke engine producing only 2000W of power, this generator has a lot of power and does not need to strain in order to reach the maximum power output. This is what we’re looking for from a heavy duty generator. .

At a maximum output of only 2000W, the Engel R2000IS generator’s main use would be to run a small fridge, charge gadgets, and keep the lights on as needed. It isn’t recommended for running caravan air conditioners or running multiple high-load appliances simultaneously.

The Engel 3500W, however, is powerful enough to run caravan air conditioners and other appliances simultaneously.

One user was able to run an air conditioner, charge a caravan battery, and use a microwave at the same time. It was only when he added a kettle heater that the generator tripped.

Although it isn’t recommended that you use your generator near its maximum power output, it just shows you what you can do with a 3500W generator.

Both units are fueled by petrol. The smaller Engel generator has a fuel capacity of 4.8L and can run for 4.5 hours at full load, while the 3500W has an 8.3 L fuel capacity and can run up to 5 hours at full load.

The Engel generators are relatively quiet, but not the quietest we’ve seen. At 67-68 dB at 7 metres, it’s about as loud as the sound of a normal conversation.

Known Issues & Warranty

Known Issues

In general, the Engel generators are considered reliable and high-quality products and there are no known major complaints about their performance.

However, we would’ve liked it more if it were less bulky so it could be more easily stored in our van.

One user also commented that despite it being relatively quiet, it’s still noisier than other brands of its class. 68 dB is an acceptable noise, however, we’ve seen some generators that have a noise rating of only 60 dB.

Remember that the decibel scale is logarithmic, so even though it doesn’t sound like there is much difference between 60 dB and 68 dB, 68dB is surprisingly quite a bit louder. Every 3 dB increase results in a doubling of sound power output!

Warranty

Engel offers a 4-year warranty for their generators. This is one of the longest warranty periods that we’ve seen for budget generators.

It has the same warranty period offered by some premium brands like Yamaha and even has a longer warranty period than Honda.

This tells you quite a bit about the quality of the product. If they're willing to put their money on the line, you can tell that they are confident that this product will deliver.

In terms of honouring claims, Engel has a good reputation and is in good standing with its customers.

To claim, all you have to do is find a service agent using their map and submit your claim. Some users who’ve had experience reaching out to the company noted that they are very easy to communicate with.

Price

The Engel Generator offers reliable performance, a high-quality build, and an outstanding warranty period that is similar to premium brands but without the premium cost.

Those features combined with affordability make these generators by Engel great value for money.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a high-quality inverter generator that you can use not just for recreational activities but also day to day (e.g. running an outdoor business), the Engel 2000W and 3500W generators are a good option.

Engel Generator (2000W & 3500W) FAQ

Are Engel generators any good?

Yes, Engel generators are considered reliable and high-performing machines. With the 4-year warranty period, they back themselves to produce quality units.

Where are Engel generators made?

The Engel generators are manufactured in China.

Final Thoughts - Engel Generator Review

Engel generators are simple yet high-quality and heavy-duty machines that you can rely on.

They have powerful engines that aren’t strained to produce a higher power output, are housed in a tough casing, and have lengthy warranties that eclipse the budget range generators. These units are made for the long haul.

We recommend this generator to those looking for an affordable generator that they can use on a regular basis. If you’re a caravan owner who’s living a big chunk of your week off-grid or a business owner who requires a reliable generator to run a food truck business, the Engel generators are for you.

What do you think? Have you tried one of these generators before? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!