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When purchasing a portable power generator, you want the assurance that you are buying a quality product. Homeowners have the option of buying a standby (if they can afford one) or a portable generator. Portable generators are available as single-fuel or dual-fuel.
Usually, portable power generators come in different shapes, sizes, and various power outputs. For example, you can choose from a small portable generator with a 1500-watt output or a large generator with an 18000-watt output. It all depends on your power requirement and the purpose of your purchase.
Amidst the debate about the right-sized generator, a 12000-watt generator takes center stage. It is the size that delivers enough power to run an entire small home or power many big appliances and tools. For example, a 12000-watt dual fuel generator can easily power an entire RV and run a worksite with heavy-duty tools such as welders and grinders.
This time, we will review the DuroMax XP12000EH 12000-watt dual fuel portable generator because this machine is a perfect balance between features, power output, portability, safety, durability, and reliability.
What is a Dual-Fuel Generator and How Does It Work?
There is no difference between the workings of a dual-fuel generator and a single-fuel generator. Both work on the same principle of converting chemical energy into electric energy. However, a dual-fuel generator has the added advantage of using propane as the second fuel.
You can select the fuel type with the help of a fuel selector dial located on the machine. It gives you the freedom to continue using your machine even if one fuel type ends or isn’t available. Most people buy a dual-fuel generator to run it on stored propane when they can’t find gasoline.
It is essential to highlight that both fuels’ power output and runtime vary. This is because gasoline and propane have different burn ratings.
A Brief Introduction to the DuroMax Brand
DuroMax is one of the top-rated generator brands in the US. It delivers high-quality, technologically advanced, robust, reliable, and durable dual-fuel portable generators. DuroMax Power Equipment was founded in 2003 and is currently headquartered in Ontario, California.
It is one of the largest generator brands in the US. The product line includes generators for home backup, work, play, and outdoor purposes. The brand also makes engines, pumps, and accessories.
DuroMax offers the best warranty and customer service in the industry. In addition, its generators are equipped with modern conveniences like remote start, digital control panels, and durable wheel kits. In a nutshell, its rugged design ensures longevity.
DuroMax Power Equipment also owns a separate generator brand, DuroStar. DuroStar caters to budget buyers looking to purchase a quality product without breaking the bank.
Overall, DuroMax is an excellent brand. It believes in quality, reliability, durability, along with exceptional customer service. In addition, DuroMax strives to achieve its vision of Powering Everyone, Everywhere with the philosophy of providing safe and dependable portable power.
Review of the DuroMax XP12000EH 12000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
DuroMax describes the XP12000EH as a generator offering power and versatility. It tags this generator as a single solution for all your power needs. From powering your home to worksites, RVs, and outdoor activities, the XP12000EH is also the best machine for navigating power outages.
Here we will review each feature in detail and explain how it will impact the machine’s usability.
Power Output and Usability
The nickname for this machine is The Beast. It provides enough power typically found in a home standby unit but a portable package. The machine produces 12,000 starting watts and 9,500 running watts on gasoline. The peak power output on propane is 11,400 watts, and running watts are 9,025.
This machine features MX2 technology that doubles the 120-volt power for heavy appliances and RVs. In addition, it gives you the freedom to get maximum capacity from each of the 120-volt outlets or choose between operating the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously. This feature makes the machine ideal for RVs and heavy appliances that need 240 volts to function.
The gasoline peak and running amps on 120V are 100 and 79.17, while at 240 volts, they are 50 (peak) and 39.58 (rated). On propane, peak amps at 120V are 95, running, 75.21, and on 240V, they are 47.50 (peak) and 37.60 (running).
The machine’s output makes it ideal for running heavy appliances in your homes such as AC, heater, refrigerator, freezer, and washing machine. It can also power additional devices such as dryers, kitchen items, TV, lights, well pumps, and sump pumps. The benefit of having a big generator is that you don’t have to turn off appliances to allow others to run. For example, you don’t need to turn off the refrigerator to fire up your stove.
You can use it to run leaf blowers, pressure washers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, trimmers, and various appliances used outdoors. In addition, it can support heavy-duty work tools like a welder, grinder, crusher, mixer, compressor (up to 3HP), drills, table saws, circular saws, nail guns, routers, and paint sprayers.
There is no denying that this machine is a true workhorse and will power anything you throw at it. But it is not wise to increase the operational cost by overloading it. Hence, you should keep the power load below 50% and turn off the tools/appliances you don’t need once their work is complete.
The THD for XP12000EH is 10-12%. Please note that it is not safe for sensitive appliances like laptops, chargers, LEDs, gaming consoles, CPAP machines, and other such appliances.
Gas Tank Capacity and Runtime
Gas tank capacity and runtime are key factors to consider when purchasing a generator. DuroMax XP12000EH is a dual fuel machine; therefore, it is essential to understand the difference in runtime for both fuels.
The gasoline tank capacity is 8.3 gallons. The manufacturer states that the unit will run for 8 hours at 50% load. DuroMax recommends using a 40-pound propane tank with this generator. Smaller tanks will run empty in less than 4 hours on this machine at 50% load. The manufacturer states that the propane runtime is 7 hours with a 50% load.
It means that a load of 4750 watts on a full gasoline tank will run for 7-9 hours, and a load of 4500 watts on propane will run for 6-8 hours on a 40-pound propane tank.
The above-stated runtime is calculated under ideal conditions with a new machine and new appliances. However, under normal circumstances, the runtime is impacted by factors such as the generator’s age and fuel quality, and the age and condition of the appliance. For example, a well-maintained generator with a regularly serviced carburetor and clean air filter will deliver better results than a machine that needs to be serviced. Moreover, high-quality gasoline will give better results.
To increase the runtime of your generator, add each load one at a time and always keep the total running load at or below 50%.
Engine Specifications
This beast uses a 457cc 4-cycle air-cooled spark-ignition DuroMax engine with a maximum speed of 3600 RPM. The engine is built with heavy-duty, durable parts to provide long-lasting operation and reliable power.
The engine features an idle control that lowers the engine’s RPM when not in use. It results in better fuel economy and low running sound, making the generator ideal for worksites that require intermittent power.
You can start the engine electrically or manually. Manual starting is easy compared to other big generators, and the machine comes alive in a couple of pulls. Please note that this generator doesn’t come with the oil for first-time use. You will have to arrange the oil yourself.
Control Panel and Outlets
The generator has a fully-featured power panel but unfortunately lacks a digital meter, forcing the user to keep manual records for running hours and maintenance intervals.
The control panel features a key start, low oil alert light, idle control button, circuit breakers, voltmeter, MX2 switch, and GFCI protected outlets. Please note that the outlets are not rubber cover protected, so you must make sure they remain clear of dust and water.
The outlets include two 120V household GFCI outlets, one 120V 30A outlet twist-lock outlet, one 240V 30A outlet, and one 240V 50A outlet. The outlets also have a 12V DC charging port for charging external batteries. In addition, its 240V 50A outlet lets you run heavy appliances and plug in your RV.
Noise Level
XP12000EH noise emissions are on a bit higher side. It emits 72 dBA sound at 15 feet. You can reduce the sound by making a canopy or a generator enclosure. Unfortunately, 72 dBA feels like standing in the middle of a busy street.
Dimensions and Weight
The unit measures 29 x 30 x 26 inches and weighs 224 pounds. It is a heavy-duty model but lighter than other models with the same power output.
Portability
The generator comes with a wheel handle kit that is easy to install and makes portability a breeze. The heavy-duty wheels with thick and rugged rubber make moving the unit on rough terrain easy. In addition, the handle on the wheel kit is ergonomically designed and facilitates portability.
Warranty and Certifications
DuroMax XP12000EH has a 3-year residential and 1-year commercial use warranty. The warranty agreement includes defects in mechanical and electric components. It is not valid on the wear and tear of parts due to excessive use. Additionally, it doesn’t cover cosmetic defects, damage caused by acts of God and natural disasters, or the use of non-DuroMax parts. Please note that all transportation charges incurred due to warranty claims are the sole responsibility of the owner.
Like all the other DuroMax generators, this unit is EPA-approved and CARB-certified. It can be sold and purchased in all 50 states.
Value-Added Features
- MX2 Power Boost: It allows users to run the machine at 120 volts or 240 volts, or both simultaneously. The feature makes it possible to run heavy appliances.
- Surge Arrest: Surge arrest protects your generator from power surges when the utility power comes back during an outage.
- Idle Control: It lowers the engine speed when no load is applied, resulting in lower running sound and higher runtime.
- 50A outlet: Lets you plug in RV and heavy appliances.
- GFCI Outlets: Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets protect the user from electrocution. It cuts the power as soon as the user’s body receives a shock.
- Included Parts: The box consists of an oil funnel, a toolset, one spark plug wrench, a wheel kit, and manuals to get you started.
Price
It is a costly machine compared to other generators in this category. However, cheaper models don’t provide the features that the XP12000EH offers, especially the MX2 power boost. Considering the features and brand’s reputation, you get a good value for money on this generator.
User Reviews for DuroMax XP12000EH
The positive reviewers praise this unit and recommend it to everyone looking for a reliable machine when navigating power outages. In addition, most users state they get better value for money with a Duromax XP12000 EH than with a standby generator that costs around 10 times more.
Buyers recommend charging the battery overnight before firing up the unit and having an extra pair of hands while unboxing it. Moreover, the electric start doesn’t work too well in cold weather. Hence, you must ensure that the recoil starter is kept in mint condition if you live in a cold area.
The negative reviews mention flat wheels, delayed start on propane, and loud running noise. Some people also highlight that they found it difficult to get in touch with customer service.
SUMMARY
DuroMax XP12000EH 12000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Pros
- MX2 power boost
- Dual fuel machine
- Powerful beast
- Best for big RVs and running heavy tools
- Easy to start in cold weather (recoil starting)
Cons
- Heavyweight
- Battery drains quickly if the key is left in on position
- Flimsy wheels
- Noisy
DuroMax XP10000E 10000-Watt Gas-Powered Portable Generator Documentation:
DuroMax XP12000EH Vs. Other Dual-Fuel Portable Generators
We have compared DuroMax XP12000EH with other popular dual-fuel machines. The table below will help you analyze and compare different features of the machine. It will help you make the best purchase decision suited to your requirements.
| Feature | DuroMax XP12000EH | WGen9500DF | Champion100297 | DuromaxXP10000HX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 29 x 30 x 26 inches | 26 x 25.5 x 27.2 inches | 27.8 x 22 x 23.2 inches | 29 x 30 x 26 inches |
| Weight | 224 Pounds | 211 pounds | 210 pounds | 228 pounds |
| Running Watts | Gasoline: 9500, Propane: 9025 | Gasoline: 9,500W, Propane: 8,500W; | Gasoline: 8,000W, Propane: 7,250W; | Gasoline: 8,000W, Propane: 7,600W; |
| Peak Watts | Gasoline: 12000, Propane: 11400 | Gasoline: 12,500W, Gasoline: 11,200 | Gasoline: 10,000W, Gasoline: 9,025W | Gasoline: 10,000W, Gasoline: 9,500W |
| Runtime | Gasoline: 8 hours, Propane: 7 hours | Gasoline: 8 hrs, Propane: 7 hrs | Gasoline: 8 hrs, Propane: 5 hrs | Gasoline: 10.4 hrs, Propane: 8.6 hrs |
| Engine displacement | 457cc | 457 cc | 459 cc | 439 cc |
| Fuel | Gasoline & Propane | Dual Fuel | Dual Fuel | Dual Fuel |
FAQs
Yes. DuroMax is one of the best dual-fuel generator brands. It offers top-of-the-line features, reliability and delivers the best performance where you need it the most.
DuroMax XP12000EH 12000-watt dual fuel portable generator can power many appliances in your home. You can run refrigerators/freezers, microwave ovens, well pumps, sump pumps, space heaters, water heaters, stoves, toasters, coffee makers, and many more appliances. It can also power large welders, compressors, saws, and drills. You can also run an entire RV on this machine!
A portable generator can last for 1000-2000 hours with good care. If you run your generator for 100 hours annually, the machine can last for around 10-20 years.
DuroMax generators are designed and manufactured in Ontario, California. However, the brand has also outsourced manufacturing around the globe to reduce manufacturing costs.