Duromax generators have been beloved for years, thanks to their durability and longevity. They are also available at a wide range of prices, making them easily accessible for everyone looking for a portable generator.
However, Duromax has a wide range of products available, so it can seem daunting to sort through all their generators to find the right one for you. You want to ensure you’re getting the right generator for your needs, as a generator can be an investment.
Below, you’ll find reviews of five of the best Duromax Generators out there and what we liked and disliked about them. We’ll also go into more detail about what makes our picks unique from each other. But first, a quick overview of the Duromax generators we’ll be reviewing today.
The Duromax XP4850EH operates within a 3,000-5,000 running wattage range and is ideal if you’re looking to power a low to medium power load. Meanwhile, the XP12000EH EPA and CARB compliant generator is one of Duromax’s most powerful portable generators but works just as well at home as it does on a construction site. However, it is rather loud.
The Duromax XP4400E is an affordable generator that is quieter than most and good for low powering needs. It has the same running wattage range as the XP4850EH.
The XP10000E has a watt peak of 10,000, enough to power your house while remaining quiet. Meanwhile, the XP4000S is very cost-efficient and has a handy self-cooling engine. All Duromax generators have a flexible two-year warranty that can be extended.
However, Duromax generators have a good reputation for durability and longevity, mostly only failing because of lack of proper maintenance or owners not following the instruction manual.
The Duromax XP4850EH is so named because it runs on gas and propane, so if you would like more flexibility with your fuel changes, this may be the generator for you.
Propane has the advantage over gas because it burns cleanly and doesn’t harm the engine terminals. Propane can also be stored indefinitely and is often less expensive than gas. Plus, using propane makes the generator run for longer.
Pros
Fuel-efficient – When using gas, this generator can run for 8 hours at 80% capacity, but it can run for 9 hours at 50% load when using propane.
Easy to maintain – Maintenance is key for all generators, but if you’re looking for a low-maintenance generator, this could be the one for you as it is known for being durable and powerful.
Versatile – This generator can be used in your home, your RV, and for construction utilities. There are 3 outlets available on this generator. These are two 120V household GFCI and 1 120V/240V 30 amp twist lock outlets.
Cons
Heavy – Compared to other generators of the same strength, this is pretty heavy. But the wheels make it easier to transport.
Loud – The built-in noise silencer dampens the sound, meaning it is quieter than generators of a similar size, but on a heavier load, the volume increases.
Awkwardly positioned oil tank – Due to the awkward position of the oil tank, it’s difficult to switch between gasoline and propane.
We found that this generator could power heavy loads like refrigerators and lights, home ACs and high-amperage power tools. With a 50% load, you can use this generator for over 16 hours.
Pros
Powerful – This EPA and CARB compliant generator is one of Duromax’s most powerful generators and ideal for powering large household appliances. When using gasoline, it produces 12,000 peak watts, and when using propane, it produces 11,400 peak watts.
Long run time – The dual-fuel feature of this generator gives it over 16 hours of run time at 50% load. Its run time when using gasoline is 9 hours and 7 hours on propane, both at 50% capacity. This makes it ideal for use in a power outage.
Cons
Loud – At 74dB this generator is very loud, which is disappointing.
Heavy – Due to its large size, this generator is a heavy 221 lbs. However, its wheels and foldable handles make it easier to transport.
Costly – While this is one of the most powerful generators out there, this does come at a cost. But we believe this is a worthy investment considering how much use you can get out of it, and the power it is capable of.
The Duromax XP4400E is one of the most budget-friendly generators offered by Duromax, and is still pretty powerful. When you look at its functioning properties and its wattage range of 3000 – 5000, it’s practically a steal!
As well as being affordable and having a low noise level compared to other models, reaching around 68dB. The XP4400E also has a 4-gallon tank. There is also an automatic shut-off feature with this generator, meaning that if it doesn’t detect enough oil in the generator, it will shut off to avoid damage.
However, the XP400E isn’t without its problems. For example, we found the maintenance challenges, and we believe those buying a generator for the first time will feel the same way. The confusing manual doesn’t help this.
If you have issues with this generator, we recommend seeking professional help. Also, while this generator is powerful and affordable, it isn’t as powerful as other Duromax generators. At 3,500 watts, it can power small appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators in your RV.
While in transit, you may encounter an oil drip issue, but this usually isn’t a big deal. Still, it is something to be aware of.
We believe the Duromax XP10000E is a heavy-duty generator that lets you power appliances and electronics simultaneously. This generator can run 8,000 watts with a peak wattage of 10,000. We found that fuel efficiency is the definite highlight of this generator.
This generator also has an impressive run time and can run for 10 hours without interruption on a single gas fuel tank at 50% load. If you’re in a power outage, you want this generator around!
This generator is also durable, thanks to its solid steel frame. This keeps it safe while you carry the generator around.
However, at 218 lbs, this generator is pretty heavy compared to other generators. It is also very large, but the wheels make it easier to transport.
We also found that this generator can be very loud. But we expected this due to the generator’s large size, and it is a fair trade-off when you consider how much this generator can power. When compared to generators with a similar-sized engine, it’s considerably quieter.
Unlike some of the other generators we’ve reviewed, this generator only runs on gasoline. We found this lack of versatility to be an issue when we were low on gasoline.
Undoubtedly our favorite thing about this generator is its air-cooled OHV engine. This helps the generator to cool off to avoid overheating. This keeps the generator in good condition but also makes the generator safer to use and easier to carry.
We also appreciate the fuel efficiency of this generator. This generator is also quieter than most. It’s not completely silent, but if noise concerns you, we recommend this generator.
This generator is also cheaper than most and is constructed with a steel frame for extra cost efficiency that will make this generator last for years. The control panel also has a circuit breaker and an oil warning light.
Unlike the other Duromax generators we’ve reviewed, this generator doesn’t come with a wheel kit for easier carrying. Instead, you need to purchase the wheel sets separately.
Luckily, they are not too expensive. The lack of built-in wheels does make it harder to carry, and it isn’t light enough to carry without the wheels.
Overall, while this generator has a lot to be impressed with, it is rather glitchy.
The 10000E has an impressive power output with 800 running watts and 10,000 peak wattage. This heavy-duty generator is ideal for construction sites or other settings where you need high power.
For a little less power, you can turn to the Duromax XP4850EH, which has half the power of the 10000E. It racks up 4600 watts with propane and 4850 watts when you use gas. This is enough to run your home, but it’s excellent for electronics.
We also appreciate the fuel efficiency of this generator. But if you’re after lots of power, we recommend the 12000EH. It has 12,000 watts max and 9,500 watts running, so you’re sure to never run out of power.
With the 12000EH, you can also have a manual recoil or electric start. But for a less intense generator, we recommend the Duromax XP4400E, which works just as well in an RV as at home.
But overall, the Duromax XP12000EH dual-fuel generator should give you more than enough power. But the 4850EH dual fuel tank generator makes more sense for home use.
Run Time
Of course, the reason you get a portable generator is so that you can power a wide variety of electronics and appliances anywhere. A long run time is key with a portable generator, and the 4580EH has an impressive 8 hours of run time even when you switch between propane and gas. It also has a 9-hour run time on a half-load of propane.
The Duromax XP4400E also has an 8-hour runtime even on high loads, but for an extended run time, you should go for the 12000EH.
This generator will run for 9 hours using gas and 7 hours using propane. This super-strong generator allows you to run numerous devices for a long period.
However, the 10000E has the longest run time, running for up to 10 hours on a full gas fuel tank, enough to power your whole house. The 4000S has a shorter run time but can still keep up with the others.
Overall, the Duromax XP10000E is the longest-running Duromax generator we’ve reviewed, meaning that you don’t have to check on it too much. But the runtimes don’t differ much between models, ranging between 7-10 hours.
Safety
Safety is key when it comes to portable generators, and you should always be careful of overloading it. The 10000E has a low oil shut-off option which means your portable generator stays in better condition over time. This is useful if you’re using a generator to power a construction site.
The 4400E is another excellent portable generator but isn’t as safe as the more costly options. No meters and gauges indicate when your oil level is low, although it has a low-oil shutoff and a manual recoil in case the electric start fails.
Meanwhile, the 4850EH does have a low-oil shutoff sensor that keeps your unit in good condition over time. This is also the case with the 12000EH, which has an electric start.
The 400S also has a low-oil shut-off that prevents you from wearing the motor when it’s kept running, and the air-cooling system prevents it from overheating.
Overall the Duromax XP4000S has the edge, thanks to its air-cooling mechanism that makes it safer. Still, the other generators have an automatic oil-shutoff option that keeps your generator safe.
Ease Of Use
The 4850EH is a popular generator – it’s easy to use! You can use gas or propane, which gives you greater flexibility in how you use the generator and has three total outlets.
Meanwhile, the 12000EH is also easy to use, as you don’t have to worry about a gas start. Instead, you can get the generator going with an electric start. T
The 4400E also has an electric start and four outlets available. The 1200EH electric start, meanwhile, has 5 outlets. However, the electric start on the 4400E generator is a bit more difficult to maintain.
The manual isn’t all that clear, and while you can push to turn it on, you still may find it hard to maintain. If you have an average-sized home, the 10000E should work. It can run continuously, so you don’t have to think much about it once it’s turned on unless you are running higher loads.
This generator also has an OHV air-cooled engine. This is also the case with the 4000S, which has multiple outlets and different voltage levels depending on what you need to power.
It also has a control panel that can warn you about oil levels, a circuit breaker, and a voltmeter. However, you do need to purchase its wheels separately.
The Duromax XP4000S is the easiest generator to use, thanks to its panel that will let you know any issues with the generator and your oil levels.
Final Thoughts
Now that we have tested and reviewed the best Duromax generators, we can confidently say there is sure to be a Duromax generator out there to suit your specific needs.
The XP12000EH model is ideal for heavy-duty power. It has a dual fuel switch and powerful tank capacity. This makes it ideal as a backup power source for your home to power your appliances.
If you require a portable generator for outdoor use, look at the XP2200EH. Or, if you need a budget-friendly generator for emergency use, then we recommend the XP4850EH.
However, we believe the XP4000S ticks the most boxes. It’s easy to use, budget-friendly, and offers excellent value.
