DuroMax Generator Reviews – Top 4 Generators in 2025

Whenever a hurricane or other natural disasters occur, we are all inundated by grim coverage of the devastation wrought by nature. Power grids are usually affected, and thousands of families are left without power. If you live in disaster-prone areas, you should be used to preparing in advance for such occurrences. However, your disaster preparations won’t be complete without a portable source of power. Portable generators are usually the most common type of portable power solution used to backup homes during an emergency.

Another application for portable generators is providing power for activities that take place off the grid. These include powering RV’s and campers at campsites, tailgating, and powering equipment at offsite job sites. In any application, you will need a powerful and dependable portable generator to see you through the emergency seamlessly.

In that case, you might want to take a look at the DuroMax range of portable generators.

Different generator sizes. General overview of all options

DuroMax Portable generators come in a large assortment of types and sizes. The sizes are a direct function of the power output. We will be looking at four models in this review. The four models range in size from the smallest DuroMax XP2000E inverter generator producing a puny 2000-watts to the massive DuroMax XP12000EH churning out a massive 12,000 watts. Apart from dimensions and power output, these DuroMax portable generators can also be differentiated by the fuel source – gasoline, propane, or Hybrid duel-fuel.

Then there are also two broad types based on the mechanism for producing power – inverter generators and conventional generators. All the models under review are conventional type portable generators except the smallish DuroMax XP2000E

DuroMax XP2000EH 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Digital Inverter Hybrid Portable Generator – Quiet, clean power

The DuroMax XP2000EH is a compact and portable inverter generator. It delivers peak power output of 2000 watts and 1600 watts of clean running power perfect for sensitive electronics. The parallel capability allows you to connect to similar units for double the power. Smart throttle regulates engine speed according to load for great fuel efficiency and low noise output. Up to 6.5 hours of runtime at half load. Great flexibility and convenience with Hybrid duel fuel technology which means it can be run with either Propane or gasoline. EPA and CARB compliant. Ideal for tailgating, home, and camping.

Duromax XP4850EH 3850 Running Watts/4850 Starting Watts Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator – powerful yet portable

The DuroMax XP4850EH is driven by a 7 Horsepower, Air Cooled Engine that is protected by an inbuilt low-oil shutoff sensor. The powerful and durable 196cc engine is built with cast-iron sleeve and delivers a peak power of 4,400 watts and 3,500 running watts. This is enough to start up and power a 15000 BTU Air Conditioner. The XP4850EH is designed for conveniences and ease of use. It features a user-friendly, Electric Start, that lets you start it up with a simple turn of a key. It also comes with the regular recoil start for when the included battery is drained. High leverage handles and wheel kit with solid,run-flat tires make the unit easy to move around even across rough terrain. Built with safety in mind, the noise reducing muffler also has a Spark Arrestor to prevent fire. This makes it compliant with safety regulations at camping sites and job sites.

DuroMax 10000 Watt 18hp Portable Gas Electric Start Generator RV Home Standby – Sturdy Workhorse

The DuroMax XP10000E 10,000 Watt Generator is one of the most powerful units in this line-up. It comes with an 18 Horsepower, air-cooled engine with automatic low-oil shut-off for protection. It generates a massive 10,000 watts of surge power and running power of 8,000 watts. This is enough to power a large home. A newly included Idle Control feature or Auto throttle enables the engine speed to slow as the load is reduced. This maximizes fuel efficiency as well as reduces output noise. The fully loaded Power Panel features Idle control, RV Switch, Circuit Breakers, and Voltmeter. The DuroMax XP10000E is EPA and CARB compliant and comes with spark arrestors which makes them safe for use in designated areas and U.S National Parks. This powerful portable generator is ideal for home backup power and for use at the job site to run the most power hungry equipment.

DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator – the “BEAST”

The DuroMax Hybrid Dual Fuel XP12000EH 12,000-Watt Generator is the most powerful portable generator in this line-up. Equipped with a capable and durable 457cc DuroMax OHV Engine, the unit, also known as the “beast” provides maximum versatility with the Dual Fuel technology that lets you switch between Propane and gasoline. Propane has some advantages over gasoline – is more efficient, cheaper and has a long storage life. The unit is easy to start and operate and features an electric start as well as recoil start. Although heavy, the unit comes with high leverage handles and wheel kit with solid, run-flat tires that make moving it easy. The in-built oversized muffler has a Spark Arrestor for safe use in designated camping areas. The mufflers also help reduce noise. The DuroMax XP12000EH is exactly what you need for uninterrupted safe power through any disaster.

What power do you need? Field of application

Are you preparing for a hurricane? Or you wish to escape the hectic modern city living and go on an adventure in the wilds? Choosing the right type and size of portable generators can be a daunting task for new users.

Whatever your power requirements, you can find a DuroMax portable generator to suit your purposes. But first, you’ll need to audit the appliances you want to power to know their total power requirements. Will the generator be used as backup power to your home or for use with your RV? A generator meant for use in a campsite ought to have very low noise ranges. And also, some degree of portability. For backing up homes, sufficient power is the primary consideration. With such factors considered, it’s easier to narrow down the right type of portable generator for you.

The ultra-portable DuroMax XP2000E Dual-Fuel Inverter generator is well-suited for use at campsites, for fishing or hunting expeditions- wherever quiet power is desired.

While the Duromax XP4850EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator can be used to power RV’s and for home backup power.

The bigger DuroMax 10000-Watt 18hp Portable Gas generator is more of a home backup generator. It can generate enough power to run an average sized home comfortably.

The DuroMax XP12000EH also known as the “beast” is the largest and most powerful of the lot. It’s better suited for use as a home backup power in an emergency outage. It can easily power almost all the appliances in a large home.

So, why should you buy a DuroMax? To help you answer that, we’ll look at the models in greater detail.

Overview

The DuroMax range of generators is some of the leading portable generators in the market. Unlike their competition, these units are designed and built in the United States by California based DuroMax Power Equipment. This means the build standard and quality of their generators are subjected to rigorous tests and approvals.

Connection Capability of DuroMax Generator

DuroMax Portable Generators are all transfer switch ready. This means they can be connected to a transfer switch which allows for the power source to instantly and seamlessly switch over to your portable generator during a power outage. A transfer switch simply connects the generator output to the house mains. With a flick of a lever, it isolates the grid utility lines when the portable generator is in use. This prevents power from returning to the grid and electrocuting repair crew who might be working on the grid.

Maintenance of DuroMax Generators

While DuroMax generators have a reputation for reliability and durability, neglecting to carry out basic maintenance on your portable generator might shorten the lifespan.

Fortunately, the DuroMax range of portable Generators is straightforward and cheap to maintain. The key maintenance activities to carry out include; changing the engine oil every 100 hours or as recommended in the user manual for a particular model; and replacing the spark plugs and air filters every 200 hours.

When not in use, empty the fuel tank of all gas before storage. Remember to run the unit after ever 30 days to keep the components lubricated and ready to be called into service when necessary.

Accessories for DuroMax generators

Included in the box with your unit, you’ll find some useful accessories like a plastic funnel for oil changes, a toolset, and user manuals. However, to get the best out of your brand-new portable generators, here are some accessories you should buy:

• Flame King YSN-100 100-Pound Steel Propane Cylinder. For the units with Hybrid Dual-Fuel capabilities, this high-grade steel welded propane cylinder is just perfect. Other sizes are available, but this is ideal to keep your unit running for much longer.

• X Home 12 Ft Propane Regulator and Hose for QCC1 LPG Tank and LP Gas. Get this accessory to enable you to locate your propane tank in a safer place without being constrained by distance. It is also easy to install.

• DuroMax XPLGC Generator Cover. Protect your units for the elements with this heavy-duty weatherproof cover. Suitable for the DuroMax 10000-watt and the DuroMax XP12000EH portable generators.

• Conntek 1450SS2-15 15-Foot Temporary Power Cord. This power cord is long enough to allow you to position your DuroMax generator in the most convenient place. It has a female 50-amp receptacle end which locks into the power inlet box.

• Reliance Controls Corporation PBN50 50-Amp NEMA 3R CS6375 Power Inlet Box. This power inlet box lets you safely connect your DuroMax Generators to your home. It’s non-metallic and weatherproof. It can handle up to 12,500 running watts output.

• Square D by Schneider Electric HOMCGK2C Homeline Cover Generator and QOM2 Frame Size Main Breaker Interlock Kit. The interlocking kit enables you to transfer power safely from your generator to the utility box in your home. You don’t need to run separate wiring to transfer power from your generator or fix a subpanel.

Benefits and disadvantages. Comparison with other brands

How well do the DuroMax generators stack up against similarly rated generators from the more popular brands?

Comparison of DuroMax XP2000EH Portable Inverter Generator with other well-known brands of similar wattage i.e. Westinghouse and Champion

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Comparison of DuroMax XP4850EH Portable Generator with other well-known brands of similar wattage i.e. Champion and WEN

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Comparison of DuroMax XP10000E Portable Generator with other well-known brands of similar wattage i.e. DuroStar and Pulsar

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Comparison of DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator with other well-known brands of similar wattage, i.e. A-iPower and Pulsar

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Conclusion

The DuroMax name has come to be linked with reliability and affordability. And this is no small feat considering the number of generators in the market. Despite being priced lower than most other brands, the Duramax portable generators durability is unmatched which means you’ll get years of reliable service. Quite a good return in investment.

The flexibility of the hybrid dual-fuel engine gives it a clear edge over regular gas-powered generators. The units are generally fuel efficient, quiet and can run for longer – making the DuroMax portable generators one of the best brands money can buy.