Last updated on January 29th, 2024

5 Best Duromax Generators Reviewed – A Buyers Guide

The Duromax brand is famous for two things; a wide range of hybrid generators and heavy duty designs. This is the brand that you go to when you are looking for a workhorse with advanced technology.

Best Duromax Generators

The most popular Duromax line of generators is the XP series. Find the XP code and you can expect a powerful engine with a sturdy exterior made for extensive outdoor use.

So, how do you navigate your way through these otherwise similar generators to find the best version for your needs? Take a look at our top 5 choices, each with a specific purpose that they stand out in.

1. Duromax XP4850EH Dual Fuel – Editor’s Choice

Features

• Fuel Type: Gas (G) / Liquid Propane Gas (LPG)
• Running Wattage: 3,850 watts (G)
• Surge Wattage: 4,850 watts (G)
• Running Wattage: 3,658 watts (LPG)
• Surge Wattage: 4,608 watts (LPG)
• Runtime: 10.4 hrs @ 1/2 load (G)
• Runtime: 8.92 hrs @ 1/2 load (20 Gal LPG Tank)
• Tank Capacity: 3.96 gal
• Noise Level: 69 dB
• Weight: 127 lbs

More Features: Air cooled engine with low oil auto shutoff system help keep things running smoothly.  Amazon Choice and a Best Seller.

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Most of the XP series have the signature blue and black design but the XP4850EH stands out with its black and green coloring. Perhaps that is also why it catches the buyers initial eye but once you take a closer look at the specs you understand why this is a bestseller.

The capacity on both gasoline and liquid propane gas (LPG) make this a versatile choice that performs equally well as an emergency backup generator at home, on a small construction site or even for an RV or tailgate. This unit is capable of kick starting the more demanding household appliances and powering electric tools with a high amperage.

This is also a very portable design with two large never flat wheels and a folding handle that allow you to maneuver it like a cart. The steel tube frame offers extra protection for the engine but the full steel construction actually already does a good job at that.

The fuel efficiency is also impressive since its relatively small gas tank is good for over 10 hours on a half load and a 20 gallon LPG tank powers the machine for nearly 9 hours. That feature makes this a good choice for prolonged use, whether it is overnight or for several days.

Pros

• Very versatile
• Dual fuel
• Fuel efficient
• Portable and sturdy design

Cons

• Has limited outlets

2. Duromax XP15000E – Best for Heavy-Duty Lifting

Features

• Running Wattage: 12,000 watts
• Surge Wattage: 15,000 watts
• Runtime: 8.8 hrs @ 1/2 load
• Tank Capacity: 10.8 gal
• Noise Level: 74 dBA
• Weight: 349 lbs

More Features: Capable of handling heavy loads, which makes it perfect for job sites or other intensive applications. Comes with a digital voltmeter and is CARB compliant.

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A proper construction site needs a lot of power to keep all the moving parts going and that is exactly what this beast delivers. The capacity of the XP15000EH rivals that of the smaller home standby and commercial generators but with the compact size of a regular portable generator.

The full steel build and protective frame make sure that it stays protected on a busy work site, in other words it can take a little hit. At the same time, the manufacturer kept user experience in mind and made sure that all the basic parts are still easily accessible – for example, the tank cap is large and at the top of the machine.

This model is available as both a hybrid and a regular gas-powered generator but for a construction site we recommend the simpler XP15000E. Generators reach a higher peak watts and continuous power when on gasoline which is what you want for heavy duty power tools.

This unit has a large fuel tank of over 10 gallons but that should last for most of the working day. Also, each unit comes standard with a wheel kit which you will be very grateful considering how heavy it is.

Pros

• High output
• CARB compliant
• Electric start
• Very durable

Cons

• Heavy
• Loud

3. DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel – Best Emergency Power Source

Features

• Fuel: Gas (G) / Liquid Propane Gas (LPG)
• Running Wattage: 9,500 watts (G)
• Surge Wattage: 12,000 watts (G)
• Running Wattage: 9,025 watts (LPG)
• Surge Wattage: 11,400 watts (LPG)
• Runtime: 8.83 hrs @ 1/2 load (G)
• Runtime: 7.2 hrs @ 1/2 load (LPG 20 gal tank)
• Tank Capacity: 3.96 gal
• Noise Level: 74 dB
• Weight: 260 lbs

More Features: Dual fuel capabilities and an electric start make this a flexible and powerful model to rely on in a pinch. EPA and CARB compliant for use in all 50 states.

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There are several reasons why having a portable generator capable of running on LPG is a good idea for home backup electricity. The fuel burns cleaner which not only reduces the fumes but also reduces the wear and tear on the engine.

Economically speaking, LPG lowers the running costs and it is also easier to store for a long period of time. In other words, you don’t have to continuously stock fresh gasoline in preparation for a power outage.

It is also an advantage to be able to switch between the two fuel types at any time because this extends the total run time of the generator. That is one of the reasons why this unit is something you want ready and set up when there is a chance of extreme weather conditions like hurricanes in your area.

With this amount of power you should be able to sit out the situation very comfortably in your home. It holds similar power as smaller home standby generators but taking up much less storage space and at a much more affordable price.

Pros

• Dual fuel
• High output
• Electric start
• EPA and CARB compliant

Cons

• Loud
• Limited information on runtimes

Read Our Full XP12000EH Review

4. DuroMax XP2000EH Dual Fuel – The Best Portable Inverter

Features

• Fuel: Gas (G) / Liquid Propane Gas (LPG)
• Running Wattage: 1,600 watts (G)
• Surge Wattage: 2,000 watts (G)
• Running Wattage: 1,520 watts (LPG)
• Surge Wattage: 1,900 watts (LPG)
• Runtime: 6.5 hrs @ 1/2 load (G)
• Runtime: 21.46 hrs @ 1/2 load (LPG 20 gal tank)
• Tank Capacity: 1.19 gal
• Noise Level: 61 dB
• Weight: 53 lbs

More Features: Dual fuel and parallel capability for a ton of usage flexibility. Includes an eco mode to maximize efficiency.

For the smaller capacity needs like camping or similar outdoor activities, Duromax has a highly portable inverter generator on offer. It only weighs 53 pounds so it is easily carried to wherever you may need it.

The most interesting feature is that it is a dual fuel inverter generator, something that is very rare in this category. This was a smart move because it releases fewer fumes and generally runs quieter than on gasoline which are both advantages for recreation outdoor use.

Another reason why you bringing along an LPG tank is not a bad idea is because of the extremely run time that it would give. With a standard 20 gallon LPG tank, this little device can keep going for nearly 22 hours which is much longer than the nearly 7 hours on a single full gasoline tank.

The control panel is very simple but it does give you the option to switch into idle control which further improves the fuel efficiency. Of course, this inverter generator delivers clean electricity suitable for sensitive electronics and it is also parallel capable for doubling the capacity.

Pros

• Very lightweight / portable
• Dual fuel and parallel capable
• Quiet
• Very long runtime with LPG

Cons

• Relatively low output
• Limited number of outlets

5. Duromax XP4400EH Dual Fuel – The Best for RVs

Features

• Fuel: Gas (G) / Liquid Propane Gas (LPG)
• Running Wattage: 3,500 watts (G)
• Surge Wattage: 4,400 watts (G)
• Running Wattage: 3,325 watts (LPG)
• Surge Wattage: 4,180 watts (LPG)
• Runtime: 11.46 hrs @ 1/2 load (G)
• Runtime: 9.81 hrs @ 1/2 load (LPG 20 gal tank)
• Tank Capacity: 1.19 gal
• Noise Level: 69 dB
• Weight: 127 lbs

More Features: Dual fuel for usage flexibility, as well as two (2) 120V, 20A household outlets and one (1) 120/240V 30A twist lock.

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A final popular model is the XP4400EH which is especially useful for powering the appliances on an RV. Again, this a model that is available as both a dual fuel and gasoline-powered edition but the option of LPG becomes extra attractive when using it during an RV trip.

This model is very similar to the XP4850EH but has a slightly smaller capacity. Besides that, there are many positive things to say about this model such as its fuel efficiency, portable cart-like design and both EPA and CARB compliance.

As expected from Duromax, this is yet another strong build of full steel yet the manufacturers managed to keep it at a reasonable weight. Thanks to the large wheels and folding handle it is easily pulled by a single person while the added stands keeps the entire unit well-balanced.

Each package comes delivered with the basic tools needed for regular maintenance, including a spark plug wrench and DC cables in case you want to charge the car battery. Do note that this model does not come RV ready so you may have to do some tweaking during installation.

Pros

• Flexible usage options
• Good output
• EPA and CARB compliant

Cons

• Not RV ready out of the box

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Last update on 2024-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API