DuroMax is one of the leading brands when we talk about generators. It offers one of the most durable and reliable power machines at affordable prices. DuroMax not only makes generators for homes but also for RVs, and job sites. The best thing about DuroMax is that it makes its own engines with two special designs for single, triple, and four-cylinder engines. Also, every DuroMax generator meets the CARB (California Air Resources Board) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) set standards.
So, here we are going to review the five best generators from DuroMax. Each generator is different in terms of power output, fuel tank capacity, runtime, noise level, outlets, and weight.
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. This boosts up 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, then 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 easily 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 emission requirements set by EPA, and you can also use it in the state of 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 at the same time. 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 portable conventional 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 at the same time.
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 appliances 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 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 peaks 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 needs. 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 are going to guide how you can pick the right DuroMax generator for personal use.
Type of Generator
First and the most important thing to consider is the generator type. Decide whether you want to buy a conventional or an inverter DuroMax generator.
Conventional generators are more powerful than inverter machines. They give higher power output, feature big-sized fuel tanks, and power major appliances and tools. But they are quite heavier, and most of the units fail to provide clean and stable power.
On the other hand, inverter generators are lighter in weight. They are easier to move than conventional generators. Also, they produce a pure sine wave that is ideal to power delicate electronic items. But they cannot provide higher output power and feature smaller fuel tanks.
So, if you need a DuroMax generator for camping, go for an inverter generator. Or if your need to power home appliances, RV appliances, or tools at a construction site, a conventional generator is the best choice.
Power Output
To power big appliances and tools, you must need a powerful generator. For mid-size and large homes with several big and small appliances to run, you must go for DuroMax XP12000EH or XP15000E. For small size homes, RVs, or to run power tools, XP8500E is the best choice. And to power smartphones, laptops, or a portable grill at campgrounds, DuroMax XP2000EH is highly recommended.
But here one thing you have to keep in mind that generators produce different starting watts than running watts. Motor-driven appliances need more starting power than running power. Therefore, before selecting a generator, make sure both the peak and rated watts it offers are enough to power your appliances and tools.
Runtime
Runtime is generally associated with fuel tank size. But how much load you are applying, weather conditions and fuel type also affect runtime.
If you are going to buy a conventional generator, try to select a dual fuel machine. In this way, you will be able to get your desired runtime from any of the fuel options.
Starting System
All the DuroMax conventional generators mentioned above feature both electric and recoil start systems. But XP2000EH only starts manually.
Recoil start system can create problems for some users, so it is better to have a unit with an electric start mechanism.
Safety
Low-oil shutdown and surge arrest technology are both included in the safety features of DuroMax generators.
Low-oil shutdown turns off the engine when it senses the generator is running out of oil. The surge arrest technology keeps your generator protected from power surges. Check these generator safety guidelines before you bring one at home.
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 is MX2 technology?
MX2 is the DuroMax’s patented technology that allows you to either operate your generator at full 120 Volts or both 120 Volts and 240 Volts simultaneously. This voltage selection is ideal for RV use.
What is the warranty for DuroMax generators?
For residential use, DuroMax offers 3 years warranty, but for commercial usage, its warranty period is only for 1 year. The warranty covers generator malfunctioning and failure of electric or mechanical parts. Anything happens to the generator due to natural disasters, or during installation or maintenance, the Company will not be responsible for it.
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