In today’s world, where just about everything runs on electricity, it is hard to imagine life being put to a standstill in case of a blackout or a power outage. However, it does happen quite often due to several reasons such as extreme weather conditionmaxs like hurricanes, floods, etc.
In such cases, you need an alternate source of power to keep your life functioning normally. The solution? Portable power generators. And when it comes to portable power generator brands in the US, DuroStar deserves a special mention.
DuroStar DS12000EH 12000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The DuroStar DS12000EH raises the bar when it comes to power generators, and that too in a convenient and portable size. The generator is packed with features that can easily get you through any situation requiring an alternate power source such as a power outage.
Engine, Power, and Fuel
This generator comes with a powerful 18 HP 457cc OHV engine that is strong enough to power an average household or office. From refrigerators, central cooling systems, and televisions, DuroStar’s DS12000EH can power it all. The generator supports both 120 and 220 voltages. You can either choose to run both simultaneously or set it to only 120V depending upon your requirements.
In terms of power, DS12000EH is second to none. It comes with an easy-to-use keyed electric starting system, but also gives you the option of using the recoil start. The MX2 power engine has a running wattage of 9,500 watts and a peak wattage of 12,000 watts. This means you can power multiple heavy-duty appliances on it simultaneously without a problem. Just make sure that their total wattage is under the running wattage to avoid damaging the generator or your appliances. In the previous models of the DuroStar generator line, there was one drawback in the design. The generators did not give any indication about how much wattage was being consumed at any given time. To find that out, you had to manually add up the wattages of each appliance that was connected to the generator. Many users and owners pointed out this issue and it seems that DuroStar did listen. The DS12000EH comes equipped with a voltmeter that allows you to easily see how much voltage the generator is producing at any given time.
DS12000EH is a dual-fuel generator. This means the generator runs on both propane and gas. Both fuel choices have their advantages and disadvantages, but one thing’s for sure, you will have a steady power supply with either one of them for 8 to 12 hours. And with an 8.3-gallon fuel tank, you don’t have to worry about refueling it every few hours. And when the generator does run out of fuel, the auto shut off feature can keep your generator and all the appliances connected to it safe.
Noise Level
When most people think about generators, they imagine a machine that is both loud and difficult to operate. This DuroStar 12000-watt generator is neither of these two things. Like all DuroStar generators, it is super quiet while in use. This is primarily due to the top-notch mufflers used in the engine during construction. These not only keep the noise level to a minimum but also minimize the risk of sparking. With a noise level of 74 dB, it is quieter than an average food processor or a vacuum cleaner both of which have a noise level in the range of 75 to 90 dB.
Portability
The DuroStar is advertised as a portable generator. Its assembled dimensions are 30 in x 30 in x 26 in. While that might not be considered a portable size in most cases, considering the amount of power this generator packs, it isn’t too big either. Moreover, it has a dry weight of 228 pounds.
All in all, it isn’t too big that you will have trouble finding a space to put your generator, but you probably wouldn’t be able to move it around it too much either as that is a two-person job at least. The generator does come with a wheel and handle kit that allows you to transport or relocate your generator much easier.
Additional Features
The generator comes with a user-friendly control panel that includes 5 different power outlets to suit your every need and to ensure maximum compatibility. The power outlets included are:
- 1 x 120/240V 50A Heavy Duty Outlet
- 1 x 120/240V 30A Twist Lock Outlet
- 1 x 120V 30A Twist Lock Outlet
- 2 x 120V 20A Household Outlet
Moreover, you can easily use the power panel to switch between the 120 and 240V settings too. And finally, the DC 12V charging ports can be used for charging any external batteries.
Other enticing features of this generator includes all copper windings and an all-metal body ensuring that this generator will continue to deliver excellence for many years to come without showing signs of wear and tear. On top of this, the oil sensor can make it easier than ever to see how much fuel is left in your tank. This combined with the auto-off switch can help extend the life of your generator by not letting the generator continue to run once it runs out of fuel, thereby protecting the engine and any appliances connected to it.
And finally, when you purchase the DS12000EH generator by DuroStar, you also get a handy instructions manual, an oil funnel, a toolset, a spark plug wrench, DC charging cables, and a wheel and handle kit, all of which when combined, makes everything from setting up to operating and troubleshooting your new generator a breeze.
Warranty and Customer Service
All DuroMax products are backed by a 3-year warranty for any products that are used at home. For commercial use, the warranty period is for 1 year. The company also offers decent customer service in case you have any troubles. However, several users complained about the customer service not being as helpful or efficient as would be expected from a company that has been in business for so long.
Troubleshooting Common Issues Faced by Users
Although DuroStar’s DS12000EH is highly praised by its users, some issues were commonly faced. The first issue is the position of the fuel tank opening. As the valve is placed on the side instead of on the top, adding or removing fuel is not as simple as just pouring it in. However, this problem can easily be solved using an oil funnel.
Some users faced difficulties while trying to start the generator after it had been idle for a long time. A common reason for this can be that the oil that has been in the tank for months has clogged the carburetor. Fixing the issue is straightforward. Simply drain the tank, remove the carburetor and clean it. The engine should start easily now after refueling. To avoid this issue, always drain your generator’s fuel tank completely after using it, especially if you know you won’t be using it again for some time.
Another commonly faced issue was the fuel leaking from the tank and into the carburetor or the vents. This can not only prevent the generator from functioning optimally but can also cause a mess. Some users recommended not filling up the tank to the top. A more thorough fix is to replace the in-built petcocks with a sturdier inline fuel shutoff valve.
Where Should I Keep My DuroMax Generator?
Like any generator, it is recommended to keep your generator either outdoors or in a well-ventilated covered space such as a garage with the door kept open while the generator is running. This is because exhaust fumes from a generator include carbon monoxide, which can be fatal if inhaled. Keeping it in a covered space will also help you keep it dry in case of rain.
It is also a good idea to keep the generator at least 20 feet away from your home with the exhaust vents facing away from your house. This will not only protect you from the fumes but will also protect you from any hearing damage due to exposure to the noise the generator produces while running.
When selecting the best spot to keep your new home, keep in mind not only its proximity to your home but also of your neighbors.
Summary
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 457cc |
| Amperage | 79.2A @ 120V (Gas), 72.9A @ 120V (Propane) |
| Running Watts | 9500 (Gas), 8750 (Propane) |
| Peak Watts | 12000 (Gas), 10500 (Propane) |
| Fuel Type | Dual Fuel |
| Tank Capacity | 8.3 gal. |
| Max. Runtime | 8 hours |
| Dimensions | 29” x 30″ x 26” |
| Weight | 224 lbs. |
| Noise Level | 74 dBA |
| Certifications | EPA-Listed, CARB-Compliant |
| Warranty | 3-years parts |
Pros
- Multiple outlets
- Long run time
- Low noise level
- Dual-fuel compatibility
- Reliable engine performance
- Solid and durable construction
- Short-circuit and surge protection
- Automatic off feature
- Portability with in-built wheels
- Dual voltage compatibility
Cons
- A bit costly
- Only 1-year warranty for commercial usage
- Inconveniently positioned fuel valve
Comparing DuroStar DS12000EH 12000-Watt With Its Competitors
Additional Resources
Why Choose DuroStar?
Durostar is the line of portable generators manufactured by the company Duromax Power Systems. The company produces several appliances and products including power washers, engines, and generators to name a few.
The California-based company was founded in 2003. However, they have been manufacturing generators since 1992 for their parent company, Dexin International Inc. Cutting-edge technology, industry knowledge and decades of experience have made Duromax a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the manufacturing of portable generators with dual-fuel technology.
DuroStar
DuroMax generators are fully compliant with ETL and MTL benchmarks and are EPA and CARB approved. They come with an easy-to-use control panel that gives you full control over your portable generator. Their generators are easy to set up and operate and are safe to use in case of power surges thanks to the circuit breaker and surge protection features. On top of this, DuroStar generators are quieter than most of their competitors. And of course, the dual-fuel technology means your DuroStar generator can run on both propane and natural gas, providing you with the flexibility and convenience you need.
So, whether you are looking for an alternate power source for your home or office or even a primary power source for your RV or camping site, you can’t go wrong with DuroStar’s dual-fuel portable power generators. The line includes severable generators with varying power, voltage, and tank capacities. To find the portable generator best suited to your requirements, it is good to understand your power requirements before making the purchase.
Check Out More Of Our Durostar Generator Reviews
The Ultimate DuroStar DS4850EH 4850-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator Review
The Ultimate DuroStar DS4000S 4000-Watt Gas Portable Generator Review
The Ultimate Durostar DS10000E 10,000-Watt Gas-Powered Portable Generator Review
FAQs
Depending upon the size of the fuel tank, a 12,000-watt generator can run for up to 20 hours on propane.
12,000 watts is sufficient to power a whole house. You can power up lights, ACs, refrigerators, fans, and other appliances easily.
To keep your generator functioning optimally, it is recommended to start it once every month to keep the components lubricated and to prevent any blockages or rusting.
There can be multiple reasons for a generator not starting, for example, a defective spark plug, a clogged carburetor, or faulty batteries.
Low levels of oil in the generator can cause it to turn off. Most recent models of generators come equipped with an auto shut down feature in such an instance.
Letting your generator supply power until it runs out of gas can damage it and the appliances connected to it, as it can cause the generator’s coils to lose their magnetism which will not let it restart.
Generators tend to heat up as they run. An overheated generator coupled with gasoline fumes can be a fire hazard. It is recommended to let the generator rest and cool down every 5-6 hours.
Keep your generator in an open or well-ventilated space at least 20 feet away from your home to avoid inhaling harmful exhaust fumes and being disturbed by the noise.
Generators emit carbon monoxide, which is why it is recommended to either run it outdoors or keep it in the garage with the door open completely for ventilation.
It is recommended to run your new generator without connecting any load to it for one hour at the lowest speed to break it in.
A generator can overheat due to several reasons including poor insulation, being overloaded, running on low fuel, or running for prolonged periods without a break.
