DuroStar DS4850EH is one of the reliable and most affordable generators out there. RV travelers, homeowners, and even contractors use this generator to power their essentials. It is not a fuel-efficient generator; still, it offers decent runtime. Its MX2 technology gives a massive power boost, and its safety features provide the ultimate level of protection. Also, its 3-year warranty gives users peace of mind.
Features:
Generator Type: DuroStar DS4850EH is a dual fuel hybrid generator. Its dual-fuel technology allows users to either run it on standard gasoline or liquid propane. The selection of a particular fuel option depends on its availability and other factors like fuel efficiency and price.
Construction: High-quality metal is used in the making of this generator. This all-metal construction helps it to withstand every weather and environment.
Maneuverability: The weight of this generator is 125 pounds, which makes it hard to lift and move. But, thanks to its wheel &handle kit that allows easy movement. Also, it is not a bulky generator but a compact-sized machine. It is 24 inches in length, 17 inches in height, and 17 inches wide.
Starting Method: It is powered by both electric and recoil start systems. The electric start system is easy to use, so most of the users will go for it. All you need is to push a button to start your generator. On the other hand, recoil is always used as a backup start system.
Engine and Output Power: DuroStar DS4850EH comes with a 208cc, 7HP, 4-stroke OHV engine. It is featured with a cast iron sleeve to provide ultimate protection and an air-cooled system to prevent overheating.
On gasoline, the power output it gives is 4850 starting watts and 3850 running watts. And on propane, it produces 4608 starting watts and 3658 running watts.
What it Powers: With this generator, you can power anything from small to large home appliances, RV appliances, or high amperage power tools. But you cannot power your sensitive devices as it is not a suitable generator for them. To power, these delicate electronics, the THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) rating of a generator must be less than 5%, and its THD value is less than 12%.
Volume Level: Its operational sound is 69 dBA.
MX2 Power Booster: Generate maximum power from each of the 120 Volt receptacles or operate your generator at both 120/240 Volts at the same time. This feature is ideal for usage with recreational vehicles.
Tank Size: The fuel storage capacity of this generator is 4 gallons. Its fuel tank is also equipped with a fuel gauge that helps you to easily check the amount of fuel available.
Run Hours: DuroStar DS4850EH gives different runtime on propane and different runtime on gasoline. A fully loaded 4-gallon gasoline tank offers up to 10.5 hours of runtime at 50% load. But a 20-pound propane tank will be able to run your generator for up to 9 hours. If you want to increase the runtime on propane, go for a 40-pound tank or higher.
The gasoline consumption of this generator is around 0.4 gallons per hour. And its propane consumption is 0.52 gallons per hour.
Power Receptacles: The power panel has three AC receptacles and one DC receptacle.
A 12 Volt 8 Ampere DC outlet charges your batteries, whereas AC receptacles include two 120 Volt 20 Ampere (5-20R) outlets and one 120/240 Volt 30 Ampere (L14-30R) outlet.
DuroStar DS4850EH is a transfer switch ready unit because of the L14-30R outlet.
Voltmeter: Along with four power receptacles, this unit also features a voltmeter. It shows the generator’s operating voltage.
Low-oil Indicator: Another useful feature of DS4850EH is the low-oil light indicator. If it turns on during operation, it means your unit is running out of oil. Turn off the generator before it automatically shuts off, allows it to cool down a bit, and then add oil to restart your generator.
Safety: It has three safety features, including surge arrest, low-oil shutoff sensor, and overload protection.
Its surge arrest technology protects the generator from damages caused by power surges. A surging generator is not only harmful to itself but also to the appliances and tools connected to it. A surging generator displays clear fluctuations at intervals caused by a damaged capacitor or other components, poor maintenance, generator’s age, or poor fuel quality.
The low-oil shutoff sensor senses a decrease in the oil level and turns off the generator. Overload protection also shuts down the engine to prevent damages caused due to overheating.
Emissions: This DuroStar generator complies with the emission standards of both the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board).
Warranty: It offers up to 3 years of warranty.
What Comes Inside the Box: There are different other things that come along with the generator. A user manual, DC charging cables, a wheel and handle kit, an oil funnel, and a spark plug wrench along with a toolset.
DuroStar DS4850EH vs. WEN DF475t vs. Champion 76533 vs. Firman H03652
| Features | Models | |||
| DuroStar DS4850EH | WEN DF475T | Champion 76533 | Firman H03652 | |
| Peak/Rated Watts (Gas) | 4850W/3850W | 4750W/3800W | 4750W/3800W | 4550W/3650W |
| Peak/Rated Watts (LPG) | 4608W/3658W | 4350W/3500W | 4275W/3420W | 4100W/3300W |
| Tank Size (Gas) | 4 gal. | 4 gal. | 3.4 gal. | 5 gal. |
| Tank Size (LPG) | 20 lbs. | 20 lbs. | 20 lbs. | 20 lbs. |
| Runtime (Gas) | 10 hrs (1/2 load) | 11 hrs (1/2 load) | 9 hrs (1/2 load) | 14 hrs (1/2 load) |
| Runtime (LPG) | 9 hrs (1/2 load) | 7 hrs (1/2 load) | 10.5 hrs (1/2 load) | 8 hrs (1/2 load) |
| Noise | 69 dBA | 69 dBA | 68 dBA | 67 dBA |
| Starting Mechanism | Recoil, Electric | Recoil, Electric | Recoil, Electric | Recoil |
| Weight | 125 lbs. | 105.8 lbs. | 119 lbs. | 112 lbs. |
My Opinion:
Pros: DuroStar DS4850EH is a dual fuel generator featuring a powerful engine. It delivers notable output power on both gasoline and propane. It is affordable, features MX2 power boost technology, and offers decent fuel efficiency. Also, it is both EPA and CARB approved.
Cons: It is on the noisy side with a decibel rating of 69 dBA. It is heavy as compared to other generators of its kind. Also, according to some users, its oil starts to leak out of the air filter after a couple of months.
FAQs
Is it possible to convert DuroStar DS4850EH from propane to natural gas?
No, DuroStar doesn’t recommend you to convert this generator from propane to natural gas. It only runs on gasoline and propane, so never try to modify this generator.
What are the benefits of using a dual fuel generator?
Gasoline-powered generators are widely used. Gasoline is the most common fuel source, and it is easily obtained. Also, in extremely cold weather conditions, it works great. So, with all these benefits of gasoline, the addition of propane will benefit users more.
Propane is 33% more efficient as compared to gasoline. It has a long shelf life, burns cleanly, and helps the engine to operate quietly.
Do you need to connect the battery before starting your generator for the first time?
Yes, DuroStar DS4850EH arrives with a disconnected battery. So, it is necessary to connect it properly to use the electric start system.