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Electricity is a great necessity in every household, office, or corporation. Imagine that you have a very important online job interview in the evening and suddenly all the lights are out because of bad weather conditions. Quite a situation, don’t you agree? This is one of the many reasons you should consider buying a power generator.
There are many options for generators in the market. Some of the available variations are single-fuel, double-fuel, portable, non-portable, etc. While you can find dozens of articles and manuals online about each generator type, you may get lost in the abundance of information very easily.
But you need not worry. We will present to you the DuroMax XP2850EH 4850-Watt dual-fuel portable generator. First, we will provide you with a detailed guide to each function. We’ll then look at some competitors and see why XP4850EH is one of the best options out there.
A Brief Review of the DuroMax Brand
The DuroMax XP4850EH is one of the many power generators of the brand “DuroMax Power Equipment.” The company was founded in 2003 in Ontario, California. Besides producing all kinds of generators, the brand is also famous for its engines, pumps, pressure washers, and several other types of accessories.
The pillars that DuroMax places its strategy on are durability, high quality, dependability, and good customer service. In addition to the headquarters in California, the company has several distribution centers across the USA and Canada.
The company takes pride in coming up with many innovations in the market of power generators. These include:
- dual-fuel system (DuroMax generators run on both gasoline and propane)
- power boost technology (the switch can double amperage for heavy loads)
- push-button start (generators can be started with just a hit on a button)
- lighted instrumental panel (the instrument panel lights up in case the user wants to switch on the generator in total darkness)
- v-twin dual fuel (the engine’s capability is 23 Horsepower)
Learn more about why DurMax generators are one of the best investments for your household in this article.
Now let’s get into the specific functions of the Duromax XP4850EH generator.
Review of the DuroMax XP4850EH 4850-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The DuroMax Hybrid XP4850EH portable generator is one of the most positively reviewed power generators in the market. It provides 4850 watts of power, which is more than enough to prepare your house or workspace in case of any power outage.
According to the official website of DuroMax, the generator is designed to operate both on standard gasoline and propane, which is more cost-efficient and cleaner burning. Due to the vast amount of running watts, the XP4850EH can handle lots of heavy loads, including lights, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.
Now let’s discuss each function separately and see what all the buzz around this generator is about!
Power Output
The DuroMax XP4850EH Generator has 4850 starting watts and 3850 running watts. This means that the generator can operate with a load of 3850 watts continuously. However, for a short time, the peak capacity is 4850 watts. This is more than enough to keep your lights on and run all major appliances, such as the refrigerator and TV.
Additionally, the DuroMax XP4850EH can run high amperage tools as well. This gives the opportunity of using the generator outside of your house or workspace. The added benefit of portability makes this generator an ideal option to use while camping.
Tank Capacity and Runtime
The fuel tank capacity is 3.96 gallons in the case of gasoline. Whereas the suggested tank size when running the generator with propane is 20 lbs. This is the same as 2.39 gallons. This shows that running the generator with propane is much more efficient in terms of costs.
The runtime also depends on the type of fuel you decide to start the DuroMax 4850 with. While opting for gasoline, the runtime is 10.42 hours. And in the case of the propane, the runtime is 8.92 hours. Both calculations are made taking into consideration a 50% load.
The actual runtime depends on many factors. One of the most important ones is the condition of the appliances that you are trying to power. If they are old or have technical issues, the runtime will be much shorter. Additionally, the runtime depends on the condition of the generator itself.
The flexibility to switch between the fuel types is a huge advantage as well. The generator will suggest to you the most efficient fuel source based on the situation that you are in. Also, it will shut off on its own if the oil level is low in order not to burn down the engine.
Dimensions and Portability
The item dimensions are 24x17x17 inches. The weight of the DuroMax hybrid generator XP4850EH is 122 lbs or 55,3 kg. These measurements make the generator much lighter and smaller than most other generators in the market that have the same functions.
Even though the generator is not considered to be heavy, it still can take up to two people to carry it around. So, be careful while planning to move it.
In addition to its lightweight, the wheel kit and handles that come with the product make it very easy to transport from place to place.
Durability
The generator is very durable. The outside cover is made from heavy-duty steel, which makes sure that the operation is quiet. The fuel tank is also completely made from steel and the engine is air-cooled overhead.
The steel helps to protect the generator from scratches. This makes the DuroMax XP4850EH an ideal option to use for lighting the outdoor parts of your house as well. Have a garden or want to go camping outside? Then this generator will serve you perfectly.
Besides being an ideal option to use for the outside, the steel prevents both the engine and the other parts from melting down. So, the durability of the generator is very high.
Engine Specifications
As mentioned above, the DuroMax 212cc OHV engine is made from steel which makes it very durable. The speed of the engine is 3600 rpm, which is quite a serious metric to be able to handle vast amounts of appliances in case of a power outage.
It can run several high voltage appliances and heavy-duty power tools all at the same time. The peak amps of the engine when running it with gasoline are 40.42, and 38.40 amps when running it with propane. Whereas the running amps are 32.08 with gasoline and 30.48 with propane. These measurements show that the generator is capable of enduring high volumes of amperage at the same time.
Before you start running the engine:
- Make sure that no electrical load is connected to it.
- Switch on only one fuel type.
- Ensure that the engine runs smoothly before you connect any appliance to it. You can run the engine for approximately 1-2 minutes before plugging in any power tools.
When trying to stop the engine, unplug all the appliances connected to the generator then hit on the “Switch Off” button.
Starting Issues
Below you can find some of the most common reasons why an engine may not start. In addition to the potential causes, we also provide potential solutions to those issues based on the official application guide of the Duromax XP4850EH dual fuel generator.
- The engine switch is off. Make sure to check it and set it to “on.”
- Fuel valve is closed. It should always have an open position for the engine to start running.
- The choke might be open. In this case, the generator will not run. Make sure to close it.
- Check the gas/propane level. Even though the generator is very sensible and switches off immediately in case of a low fuel level, it will not run if there is almost no fuel inside. So, make sure to always check the fuel amount inside before you hit on the switch button.
- The gas is contaminated or old. The engine will not operate if the gas inside is quite old. So, it is your responsibility to always make sure that the fuel is up to date.
- The last important point would be to check if the spark plug is dirty. If it is, the engine will most probably not start.
If after reading the manual you have some issues with starting the engine, you can contact customer service at 1-800-629-4329 or email customer_service@maxtool.com.
Outlets
There are two outlets available on the control panel of the DuroMax XP4850EH. One is the 120/240v 4-Prong Receptacle, which is used to connect devices that run with 60 Hz, 120/240 volt, and are single phase. The other outlet is a 120v 3-Prong receptacle, which runs electrical devices with 120-volt capacity, 60 Hz, and is single-phase as well.
The battery of the generator is 12V DC 7ah, which powers the whole electric start system. Additionally, it has 12v DC charging points that are used to charge batteries or run small appliances, which do not need much power.
Also, the outlet includes a voltmeter, which provides information about the voltage output at the time of running the generator.
Other Noteworthy Features of the DuroMax XP4850EH
Powers All Appliances
Some of the power generators in the market do not work with many appliances. This is mostly because of the sensitivity of different electrical tools. Some generators cannot handle giving out flexible voltages of power to several appliances. Hence, they are not efficient to be used with TVs, computers, etc. However, the DuroMax XP4850EH gives you the benefit of using it with all kinds of appliances, no matter the voltage. You can rest assured that this generator will not cause damage to any of the appliances that you have.
Affordable
This generator is much more affordable than most of the other generators that offer the same functions. The price ranges from $450-$1000 based on the model that you select. We will look at the prices of some of the major competitors of the DuroMax XP4850EH in Table 2 for comparison.
Flexibility
You are free to decide how you are going to hook up the generator at your house. Below are all 3 options available.
- Extension cords: This is the most straightforward way to connect the generator. It requires no installation and is perfect for camping or using at the job site.
- Transfer switch: This is perhaps the safest way to power all your appliances. It automatically powers your house in case of a power outage.
- Interlock kit: The installation will require you to hire an electrician. However, once you do it, it will give you the flexibility of switching up between your circuits based on your power needs.
Low Maintenance
Please note that it is important that you keep up with the maintenance schedule that comes with the user manual. Before starting the engine, you would only need to check the engine oil level and the air cleaner. Then every month you need to change the engine oil and every three months you would need to change the air cleaner. Other check-ups should be taken every six or twelve months. However, none of these take up much time or expense.
Warranty and Certificates
DuroMax gives a 3-year warranty for the DuroMax 4850 generator. This warranty works for issues connected with failures of the electrical or mechanical components of the generator. The warranty is valid for the owner only. However, please note that the delivery, as well as the costs associated with it, are the sole responsibility of the owner.
Additional Contents in the Package
- Double-sided screwdriver: This is used for maintenance.
- Spanner: These are used for both maintenance and assembly of the generator.
- Spark plug wrench: This is used with spark plug maintenance, as well as installation and inspection.
- Plug ends: These are used to make or rewire the chords.
- DC charge cables: Used to automatically charge batteries or 12V small appliances.
- Oil funnel: This tool helps to add oil to the engine.
What Can You Power With the DuroMax XP4850EH Generator?
You don’t need to sacrifice any of the appliances that you are using whenever there is a power outage. This generator can run your whole home, from the A/C system to lights and TV. You can also run the refrigerator, computer, and heating system all at the same time. There is no need to take turns as the generator has enough running watts.
Another benefit is safety. In case the generator detects an unsafe level of carbon monoxide due to running at full force, it will automatically shut down. So, you don’t have to worry about anything.
Summary
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 210cc |
| Amperage | 30.48A @ 120V |
| Running Watts | 3,850 (Gas), 3,658 (Propane) |
| Peak Watts | 4,850 (Gas), 4,608 (Propane) |
| Fuel Type | Dual Fuel |
| Tank Capacity | 3.96 gal. |
| Max. Runtime | 10.42 hours |
| Dimensions | 25″ x 24″ x 21″ |
| Weight | 122 pounds |
| Noise Level | 69 dBA |
| Certifications | EPA-Certified, CARB-Compliant |
| Warranty | 3-years parts |
DuroMax XP4850EH 4850-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Pros
- Dual-fuel system
- Affordable
- Durable
- Low maintenance
- Push-button start
- Easy fuel control
- No-flat tires
Cons
- Difficult to fill with gas
- Flimsy handles
DuroMax XP4850EH 4850-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Additional Resources
Users’ Opinions About the DuroMax XP4850EH
This is a top-rated generator. One of the most common benefits listed on Amazon is its dual-fuel capacity. The ability to change between the fuel sources helped many customers in case of extreme situations such as a shortage of gasoline. The second most popular review was regarding the affordability of the generator in comparison with all of the functions offered.
However, there were several bad reviews around the web as well. One of the major ones was the lack of information in the manual and instructions. Some customers even had difficulties with correctly opening the packaging, as it came with many handles and additional tools. So, including a more comprehensive manual was one of the main suggestions among customers. There were also complaints about the lack of good customer service. This may have been due to different suppliers being used instead of ordering the product directly from the manufacturer or Amazon.
Comparing DuroMax XP4850-Watt Dual Duel Portable Generator With Similar Generators
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FAQs
DuroMax is one of the most established and popular generator-producing brands in the international market. The brand has earned trust over time for its durability and flexibility. So, an investment in a DuroMax generator is believed to be very good.
The runtime of the DuroMax XP4850EH generator while operating with gasoline is 10.42 hours and a little less with propane.
The noise level is 69 dB. The average acceptable noise level for a generator is between 60 and 70 dB. So, the DuroMax XP4850EH meets all the standards in terms of volume level.
On average, the number of watts needed to run a house is 5000-7000 watts. The 3850-watt running capacity and the 4850-watt peak capacity of the DuroMax XP4850EH generator make it an ideal option for running all important appliances that require operating shortly in case of a power outage.
A dual-fuel generator gives the flexibility to the user of switching between the fuel types in case of running low on one of the types of fuel sources. The DuroMax XP4850EH runs both on propane and gasoline.