Are you looking for a reliable generator with an excellent rating and an economical price? If yes, then DuroMax is the right choice for you. DuroMax offers one of the most reliable and dependable product lines of portable generators. DuroMax generators are manufactured in California, and the company makes its engines for generators. In-house manufacturing of all the parts ensures that everything is quality checked, the price is kept fair, and you get the best performance and value of money. The best thing about DuroMax generators is that they come in different shapes and sizes, offer dual fuel conventional and inverter generators that are lightweight, easy to operate, and are loaded with advanced technology. All units are CARB (California Air Resources Board) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) compliant.
To help you purchase the best DuroMax generator, we have reviewed the best 5 DuroMax models. We have also included a buying guide and a FAQ section to address all your concerns regarding DuroMax generators.
Let’s check out the top 5 DuroMax generators!
Table of Contents
DuroMax Generator Reviews
Image | Product | Features | Ratings | Check Price |
DuroMax XP15000E Portable Generator |
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DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Generator |
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DuroMax XP8500E Gas Generator |
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DuroMax XP5500EH Dual Fuel Hybrid Generator |
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DuroMax XP2000EH Dual Fuel Inverter Generator |
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1. DuroMax XP15000E Portable Generator – Most Powerful Portable Generator
Generator Type: DuroMax XP15000E is a gasoline-powered portable conventional generator. It is ideal to use at homes or construction sites.
Construction: Its all-metal construction makes it tough and durable. It can withstand harsh working environments and conditions.
Engine: A powerful DuroMax 23HP, 713cc V-Twin engine provides plenty of power.
The V-Twin engine is a two-cylinder piston engine where the cylinders are arranged in a V configuration and have a common crankshaft.
It runs at 3600 RPM (Revolutions per Minute) and features an oil-cooled cooling system. This oil-cooled system uses an oil cooler to limit the engine’s rising temperature.
Starting Mechanism: It offers convenience by adding an electric start system along with a recoil backup.
Starting and Running Watts: Users can power a variety of appliances and tools through this generator. DuroMax XP15000E can produce 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts. With this output power, you can run an air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, power tools, fans, lights, etc.
Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: It comes with a 10.8-gallon fuel tank that can offer 9 hours of runtime at 50% load. Within this runtime, you can easily take a good night’s sleep, power your home appliances during a power outage, or complete your work shift at a construction site.
Its idle control system lowers the engine’s speed when no load is applied. It boosts the fuel economy.
Power Panel: The power panel has a variety of power outlets to power various appliances and tools. It has four 120 Volt 20 Ampere GFCI-protected outlets, one 120 Volt 30 Ampere twist-lock outlet, and one 120/240 Volt 30 Ampere twist-lock outlet. Also, there is a 120/240 Volt 50 Ampere heavy-duty outlet.
GFCI is a fast-response circuit breaker that stops the passage of a current when it senses any unusual activity.
Moreover, we have a multi-meter that displays voltage, frequency, total runtime, and maintenance hours.
Noise Level: DuroMax XP15000E creates 74dB noise.
Safety options: If we focus on its safety features, we have a low-oil warning light with a shutoff feature. It turns off the engine when it feels the generator is running out of oil. Also, it has a surge-arrest technology that protects the generator from power surges.
Weight and Portability: Its weight is 349 pounds, but you can quickly move it around. It has durable wheels and two fold-down handles.
Certifications: It is not only EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) certified but also a CARB (California Air Resources Board) approved product. The generator meets the EPA’s emission requirements, and you can also use it in California.
My Opinion:
Pros: DuroMax XP15000E has a powerful engine, which gives higher output power. Its all-metal construction makes it highly durable. It has a higher capacity fuel tank and a variety of power outlets. Also, XP15000E is CARB-approved.
Cons: It is heavier as well as a louder unit.
2. DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Generator – Dual Fuel
Generator Type: DuroMax XP12000EH is a dual fuel portable conventional generator. You can either use gasoline or propane to run this generator. This makes it easy for users to use any fuel according to its availability.
Construction: It is a heavy-duty and durable machine, thanks to its all-metal construction.
Engine: The XP12000EH is featured with a DuroMax 18HP, 457cc 4-cycle OHV engine, which runs at 3600 RPM. RPM is the number of turns a motor takes in one minute.
Its engine also has an air-cooled system that uses air to protect it from overheating.
Starting Mechanism: Electric start system with a recoil backup
Starting and Running Watts: When running on gasoline, DuroMax XP12000EH produces 12,000 peak watts and 9,500 running watts. But with propane, its peak power declines to 11,400 peak watts and 9,025 rated watts.
With this output power, users can run both small and large appliances simultaneously.
Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: It gives up to 9 hours of runtime at half load on gasoline. But you will get 7.2 hours of runtime at half load on a 40-gallon propane tank.
Its idle control features ensure a better fuel economy.
Noise Level: Its operational sound is also 74dB.
Power Panel: There are two 120 Volt GFCI-protected household outlets, one 120 Volt 30 Ampere outlet, a 120/240 Volt 30 Ampere outlet, and one 120/240 Volt 50 Ampere outlet. Also, 12 Volt DC charging ports are there to charge external batteries.
Along with power outlets, there is a voltmeter that shows the generator voltage. Moreover, the best part of its control panel is the voltage selector switch featured with MX2 technology. This unique switch allows operating the generator at full 120 Volts or 120 Volts and 240 Volts simultaneously. This makes it a perfect generator for RV owners.
Safety options: DuroMax XP12000EH includes low-oil shutdown and surge-arrest safety features.
Weight and Portability: It is lighter in weight (260 pounds) than the DuroMax XP15000E generator. Also, it has wheels and fold-down handles for easy transportation.
Certifications: It is also an environmental-friendly generator as it meets the EPA and CARB set standards.
My Opinion:
Pros: DuroMax XP12000EH offers fuel flexibility. It is a powerful machine, which gives higher power output and longer runtime. Also, it features a variety of power outlets and an electric start system.
Cons: Its wheels are not durable.
3. DuroMax XP8500E Gas Generator – Under $1000
Generator Type: This DuroMax XP8500E is a conventional portable generator that runs on gasoline.
Construction: The same all-metal construction makes it sturdy and reliable.
Noise Level: Its operational sound (72dB) is somewhat lower than both the generators mentioned above.
Engine: DuroMax XP8500E is powered by a DuroMax 16HP, 420cc 4-cycle engine with an air-cooled system.
Starting and Running Watts: You will get 8500 starting watts and 7000 running watts. This output power allows home users to run a refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster oven, TV, security system, and a window AC of 10,000 BTU.
Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: Its 7.9-gallon gasoline tank offers up to 11.5 hours of runtime at half load. The idle control or eco-throttle system helps to maximize fuel efficiency.
Starting Mechanism: DuroMax XP8500E also features both electric and recoil start mechanisms. It means any person in your family can easily turn on the generator.
Power Panel: The power outlets we have include four 120 Volt 20 Ampere GFCI outlets and one 120/240 Volt 30 Ampere outlet. Moreover, there is a voltmeter, voltage selector switch, and 12 Volt DC ports for battery charging.
Safety options: The same surge arrest technology followed by a low-oil shutoff sensor
Weight and Portability: With 210 pounds weight, wheels, and comfortable pulling handles, you can easily move the unit.
Certifications: It also follows the CARB and EPA rules and regulations.
My Opinion:
Pros: DuroMax XP8500E produces decent power output. It is both CARB and EPA certified. Its decibel rating is not on the higher side. Also, it is a highly portable machine.
Cons: Its oil changing is a bit difficult.
4. DuroMax XP5500EH Dual Fuel Hybrid Generator – Dual Fuel Hybrid Generator
Generator Type: DuroMax XP5500EH is a dual fuel portable conventional generator. You can either use gasoline or propane to power your household appliances and tools.
Construction: It is constructed with high-quality metal.
Certifications: The unit strictly follows the guidelines set by CARB and EPA.
Engine: A 7.5HP, 225cc 4-cycle air-cooled engine provides enough power to handle multiple jobs simultaneously.
Starting Mechanism: Like all the generators mentioned above, it also features both recoil and electric start options.
Starting and Running Watts: It gives 5,225 peak watts and 4,275 rated watts on propane. And with gasoline, it generates 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 running watts.
This output power is enough to run two big and one small appliance at the same time.
Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: DuroMax XP5500EH can run up to 7.6 hours at a 50% load on a 20-gallon propane tank. And its 3.96-gallon gasoline tank offers a runtime of up to 8.9 hours at 50% load.
Noise Level: Its decibel rating is lower than all three DuroMax units. It operates with a noise level of 69dB.
Safety options: Low-oil shutoff and surge arrest technology
Power Panel: It includes two GFCI 120 Volt 20 Ampere outlets and one 120/240 Volt 30 Ampere twist-lock outlet along with 12 Volt DC charging ports. Its power panel also has a voltmeter and a voltage selector switch.
Weight and Portability: DuroMax XP5500EH weighs only 127 pounds. Also, never-flat wheels and fold-down handles make transportation easier and safer.
My Opinion:
Pros: DuroMax XP5500EH gives excellent runtime on gasoline. Its wheels can run on any surface. The generator provides sufficient power to run appliances and tools. Also, it comes with a 3-year residential warranty.
Cons: It only offers a 1-year commercial warranty.
5. DuroMax XP2000EH Dual Fuel Inverter Generator – Inverter Generator
Generator Type: The last generator on our list is the DuroMax XP2000EH. It is a dual fuel portable inverter generator that can run on both gasoline and propane.
Starting Mechanism: It only supports a manual start system.
Engine: A 3HP, 80cc 4-cycle air-cooled engine gives decent output power. It runs at 4500 RPM.
Starting and Running Watts: Its inverter technology provides clean and stable power. DuroMax XP2000EH generates 2,000 peak watts on gasoline and 1,900 peak watts on propane. But it delivers 1,600 running watts on gasoline and 1,520 rated watts on propane.
With this output power, you can run a refrigerator, small-sized microwave oven, and a smartphone simultaneously.
Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: At 50% load, it can run up to 6.78 hours on a 1.2-gallon tank. But with a 20-gallon propane tank, you will get up to 21.4 hours of runtime at 50% load.
This excellent runtime is because of the eco-mode (idle control) that changes the engine speed when there is no load.
Parallel Operation: DuroMax XP2000EH is also a parallel capable unit that allows users to connect another inverter machine to increase the output power. This helps users to run additional appliances at the time of need. But you have to buy a parallel kit separately to link two generators with each other.
Power Panel: Its control panel has two 120 Volt GFCI outlets, a fuel selector knob, and three-light indicators for low-oil, overload, and output.
Noise Level: It operates with a decibel rating of 61dB that makes it the quietest among all.
Safety options: The XP2000EH is also featured with surge arrest technology and a low-oil shutoff sensor.
Weight and Portability: The weight of this inverter is only 53 pounds. Also, a built-in carrying handle makes it easy to move at campsites and tailgates.
Certifications: It is also both EPA and CARB compliant.
My Opinion:
Pros: DuroMax XP2000EH offers fuel flexibility and excellent runtime on propane. It produces very little sound during operation. Also, it is easy to use and transport.
Cons: Its fuel tank capacity is quite low.
Buyer’s Guide
In this buyer’s guide section, we will guide how you can pick the right DuroMax generator for personal use.
Output and Power Needs
The most important thing to consider before buying a generator is your power needs. You can do this by identifying and making a list of all the appliances you want to run on your generator. Mention the starting and running wattages as well. Once you have calculated the total, you will know what size generator is perfect for you. Consider the table below as an example of the calculation process.
Appliances | Starting Wattage | Running Wattage |
Refrigerator | 1200 | 600 |
AC | 1800 | 1200 |
TV | 400 | 400 |
Lights | 400 | 400 |
1/2 HP Well Pump | 2000 | 900 |
1/2 HP Sump Pump | 2000 | 900 |
Security System | 800 | 800 |
Total | 8600 | 5200 |
You will need 8600 watts to start all the appliances together and 5200 to keep them running at one time. The difference in the starting and running watts is due to the motorized appliances. They need more power to start, and once the motor turns off, their power needs reduce. You need to do load management to adjust this difference. If you start the heavier appliances one by one and keep the unwanted machines off, you can get the work done with a smaller generator. A small generator is cheap to buy and has a low operational cost.
For medium or large homes and construction sites, DuroMax XP12000EH or XP15000E is best. For small homes and RVs, and power tools, XP8500E is great. DuroMax inverters are excellent for camping, small appliances, and sensitive machines such as laptops, phones, and medical equipment.
Single Fuel vs. Dual Fuel
Once you have calculated your power needs, decide the type of fuel. A dual fuel generator has some perks over a single fuel generator. You can run your generator on propane when gasoline is not available. Gas availability comes into question during natural disasters and infrastructural problems. During such times, stored propane can be used to run your generator. When we compare both fuels, we find that propane burns cleaner than gas but has a lower energy rating. It is also cheap and can be stored for a very long time compared to gas (shelf life of 8-10 months). Handling and storing propane is also easier compared to gasoline. You can store it in a cylinder without any worries. It is not prone to spillage. The benefit of using gas is that it provides more power and a higher runtime.
Inverters vs. Conventional Generators
The next thing to consider is the type of generator that is best for you. DuroMax offers the best inverters and conventional generators in the market. If your power needs are low and you need clean and stable electricity to run sensitive appliances, an inverter is best. Inverters are lightweight, easy to move around, and are less noisy. They are easier to operate as they have an advanced control panel, and you can also connect the appliances directly to them. However, their power output is low, and they have small gas tanks.
Conventional generators provide way more power than inverters and are bigger units. They are heavy, have bigger gas tanks, and can be used to power more stuff. Conventional generators are difficult to move around, and for this, you need wheels and handles. All DuroMax generators come with high-quality durable wheels.
Gas Tank Size and Runtime
DuroMax generators come in different gas tank sizes. If you run your generator for longer spells, then buy a generator with a large gas tank. Generators having spacious tanks offer more run time in one refill. However, if your use is limited and you occasionally use your generator, then a smaller gas tank is also good. Runtime is directly dependent on tank size and the load applied to the generator. Most generators give maximum runtime when the load is kept below or at 50% of the generator’s total running output.
Control Panel
DuroMax offers an advanced control panel. They are easy to operate and use. You get all the compulsory features like an odometer, on/off buttons, choke, gauges, and power outlets. Control panel options may vary from one model to another.
Power Outlets
Ensure that the generator you are buying has all the power outlets you need in the long run. If you are buying a DuroMax inverter, make sure it has USB outlets, car adapter outlets, and AC/DC outlets. The conventional generators must come with outlets to support your heavy machines.
Starting Mechanism
If you don’t want to pull the starting ropes while starting your generator, go for an electric start model. Electric starting models have higher prices than recoil models. It is best to look for a model that has both starting mechanisms.
Paralleling Capabilities
If you are buying an inverter, make sure it is parallel capable. Paralleling allows you to connect two of the same model inverters and double the power output and outlets. It helps you run heavy machines which can’t be run on one single inverter.
Portability
Don’t worry about portability when you are buying a DuroMax generator. All models come with heavy-duty wheels and handles. Inverters come with carrying handles, are lightweight, and easy to move around.
Sound Rating
The sound rating varies from one model to another and according to the size of the unit. Make sure you select the generator, which is the quietest of all. Inverters produce less sound compared to conventional units.
Safety Features
DuroMax generators come loaded with all the essential safety features. You get surge voltage protection, low oil, and overload shutdown features. Some models also offer indication lights for low oil and overloading.
Warranty and Certifications
DuroMax offers a 3-year warranty for residential use and a 1-year warranty for commercial use. It is a bit of a setback for the commercial users, but its generators are of high-quality, and you won’t face many issues with them. All the units manufactured by DuroMax are CARB and EPA compliant.
Price
DuroMax generators are fairly priced. The company makes sure that its customers get an excellent value of money and are not overcharged.
FAQ
Can I use DuroMax as a whole house generator?
Yes, DuroMax XP15000E and DuroMax XP12000EH can be used as a whole house generator for small homes. The only pre-requisite for this is that your maximum power requirement must be less than the maximum rated watts of the generator.
What is MX2 technology?
MX2 is DuroMax’s patented technology that allows you to operate your generator at full 120 Volts or both 120 Volts and 240 Volts simultaneously. This voltage selection is ideal for RV use.
How to maintain and safely use DuroMax generators?
Maintenance Needs
- Replace engine oil on time and inspect spark plugs and batteries periodically.
- Always use fresh gas and never store your generator with gas in the engine.
- Keep your stored generator in a safe and dry place and cover it with a generator cover.
Safety Protocols
- Never run your generator in rain or snow without a canopy or generator tent.
- Never overload your generator to ensure your appliances don’t malfunction.
- Always maintain a distance of 15 feet from your home/RV/worksite.
- Never refuel or move a hot unit.
- Always use high-quality extension cables and never connect your generator to your home without a transfer switch.
Is it better to buy two inverters or one large generator?
If your power needs are limited to one place, and you frequently run heavy machines on the generator, then go for one heavy unit. However, if you rarely run large machines and want to have two independent sources of power for separate uses; buy two smaller same model inverters. You can parallel them together to get double power.
Is it possible to run DuroMax generators on natural gas?
No, it is not possible. DuroMax dual-fuel generators only support propane and gasoline. If you use natural gas to run your unit, it will damage the engine.
What are the limitations of a DuroMax generator?
DuroMax doesn’t offer an extensive warranty on commercial models. Secondly, inverter models are limited, and you don’t get much variety.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about DuroMax generators, we hope that selection is now easy for you. Select the unit according to your needs and navigate the next power outage without any worries.