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Power outages are nothing short of a nuisance. And given our dependence on electricity, these power outages can pretty much bring life to a standstill. The solution? An alternate power source such as a generator. And if you are looking for a reliable, durable, but still portable and pocket-friendly option, then the DuroStar DS4850EH 4850-watt dual-fuel portable generator is the way to go.
The generator’s compact size and sturdy build not only make it a great backup power source at home or office but also makes it the perfect option for taking on your next camping or RV trip.
Introduction to 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 manufacturers of portable generators with dual-fuel technology.
DuroMax generators are fully compliant with ETL and MTL benchmarks and are EPA and CARB approved and 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. In addition to this, DuroStar generators are quieter than other competing generators. Dual-fuel technology means you can run the generator on both propane and natural gas.
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 several generators with varying power, voltage, and tank capacities. To find the portable generator best suited to your requirements, it is a good idea to understand your power requirements before making the purchase.
DuroStar DS4850EH 4850-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator Review
Engine and Power Specs
DuroStar DS4850EH comes with a strong 210 cc OHV engine that can power your house or RV without any troubles. Despite its compact size, the engine is strong enough to handle heavy loads like high voltage tools and appliances and even air conditioners and refrigerators.
The generator is powered by top-of-the-line MX2 technology that ensures that you get the most juice from the batteries. The generator is compatible with both 120 and 240 voltages. You can either have both voltages running simultaneously or just 120V.
With a peak wattage of 4,850 watts and a running wattage of 3,850 watts, you can easily connect several appliances to your generator at the same time. And the surge protection feature will keep both your generator and any devices or appliances connected to it functioning properly despite any power surges.
Fuel Specs
Like most of the generators in the DuroStar line, DS4850EH also boosts dual-fuel technology. This allows the generator to run perfectly on both propane and gasoline. This makes choosing the right fuel more flexible and convenient for you. And the flexible line for connecting the fuel tank to the generator gives you the liberty of connecting many different types and sizes of external fuel tanks without any worry.
The DS4850 generator also comes with a decent-sized fuel tank. With a capacity of 3.9 gallons, you can rest easy knowing your generator has enough fuel to ride out a storm or a power outage. Users reported a running time of 9 hours at half load using propane and 8 hours using gas.
Build and Portability
The DuroStar DS4850 is a beast of a machine packed in a sturdy body so that your investment continues to pay off for many, many years to come. The machine is encased in a heavy-duty steel frame made out of 1-inch steel tubing, making your generator virtually indestructible. The actual generator sits on frame with the motors mounted on four isolated points to ensure smooth functioning.
Size and weight-wise, it is one of the more portable generator options available, making it a great choice for your next RV trip. The DS4850 has dimensions of 24 in x 17 in x 17 in and a dry weight of 122 pounds.
But the feature that makes this DuroStar generator truly portable is the handy wheel and handle kit that comes with the generator. Simply attach the wheels and handles to the generator so that you can easily move it around as often as you like without breaking a sweat. Several users did complain that they did not receive their wheel and handle kit even though it is mentioned in the accompanying accessories, so it is a good idea to double-check that with your vendor before making the purchase. You can also purchase the wheel and handle kit separately too.
Power Panel
The DuroStar DS4850 dual-fuel generator comes with a fully-featured Power Panel that includes a variety of outlets, engine shut off, circuit breaker, 12V charging ports for charging any external batteries, and a voltmeter so that you can easily see how much voltage is being utilized at any given time. The outlets are of different types to make sure they are compatible with as many appliances as possible. The outlets included on the DS4850 are:
- 2 x 120V household GFCI outlets
- 1 x 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet
Starting System
DuroStar is known for its user-friendly design and the DS4850 doesn’t disappoint in this regard either. The generator is designed in such a way that everything from assembling, and operation is a straightforward and intuitive process.
To start the generator, you can use the easy start electronic system that allows you to switch on the generator by just turning the key. The other option is to use the manual E-Z-1 Pull Recoil Cord system for those who prefer that.
Additional Features
The DuroStar DS4850 is fully compliant with EPA and CARB. It comes equipped with several safety features that only allow you to use your generator without any accidents or hazards, but also keep your generator functioning without any problem.
The Low Oil Protection feature is a handy feature that easily lets you know when the generator is running out of fuel. Together with the Auto Shut Off feature, the generator automatically shuts down when the oil level becomes too low. By not letting your generator function without fuel or on low fuel, you can improve the generator’s longevity and keep any appliances connected to it safe. Moreover, the Spark Arrestor and the AC and DC regulators also protect your generator from unexpected power surges, overheating, and any malfunctioning.
Like all DuroStar generators, the DS4850 is super quiet while in use. This is primarily due to the top-notch sound mufflers used in the engine during construction. In addition to keeping the noise level to a minimum, they also minimize the risk of sparking. With a noise level of 69 dB, you won’t have to put up with irritating background noise to maintain power in your home, RV, or job site.
The generator also has an Idle Control option that helps you get the most runtime each time you add fuel to it. Idle Control maintains a steady RPM regardless of how much load you connect to the generator. This helps lower fuel consumption, thereby increasing runtime, and also helps with noise reduction.
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.
Some Useful Tips and Guidelines
If you face difficulties while trying to start the generator after it has been idle for a long time, it might be because the oil left 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.
Moreover, to keep your generator working optimally without worrying about voltage discrepancies and power surges, it is recommended to keep the voltage selector switch set at 120 volts position by default. Only change it to dual voltage or 240V if you are connecting any appliance that only runs at 240V.
DuroStar’s dual-fuel technology gives you the freedom to choose between propane and gas as your preferred fuel for your generator. However, using propane is highly recommended, as it burns cleaner without damaging or clogging up the carburetor, while also giving you a better runtime compared to gasoline. Also, liquid propane can easily be stored for years, unlike gasoline.
When choosing a place to set up your generator, look for either an open space or a well-ventilated covered space such as a garage with the door kept open. 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. You should also keep the generator at least 20 feet away from your home with the exhaust vents facing away from your house to minimize exposure to fumes and noise.
When you purchase a new generator, it is important to break it in before putting a full load on it. It is recommended that you do this as soon as you get the generator so that you are all set to go in case of a power outage or other emergency. To break in your generator, run it at the lowest speed setting for at least an hour without connecting any load to it. This will help lubricate all the parts and get the system up and running.
SUMMARY
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-Cycle Air-Cooled Spark-Ignition |
| Engine Displacement | 210 cc |
| Amperage | 32.08A @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 |
DuroStar DS4850EH 4850-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Pros
- Dual fuel operation
- Powerful engine
- Compatible with RV and home outlets
- Portable
- Impressive runtime
- Quiet
- Easy to operate
- Safety features
- Auto shut off
- Dual voltage compatible
Cons
- Relatively difficult installation
- Tricky bolt positioning
- Small fuel tank
- Only 3 ports
DuroStar DS4850EH 4850-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Additional Resources:
Comparing DuroStar DS4850EH With Its Competitors
Check Out More Of Our Durostar Generators Reviews
The Ultimate DuroStar DS12000EH 12000-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 on the size of the fuel tank and the load connected, a 4850-watt generator can run for up to 10 hours on propane.
4850 watts is sufficient to power several heavy-duty appliances such as a refrigerator, air conditioner, lights, etc. However, it won’t be enough to power an entire house. It is more suitable for RVs or camping sites.
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.
Your generator might not start for a few reasons. These include 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.
Your generator should be kept in an open or well-ventilated space at least 20 feet away from your home. This should be done to avoid inhaling harmful exhaust fumes and being disturbed by the noise.
It is recommended to either run your generator outdoors or keep it in your garage with the door open completely for ventilation.
You should run your new generator without connecting any load to it for at least 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.
The rated or running wattage is the maximum recommended wattage load you should put on the generator for a prolonged period. The peak wattage is the maximum wattage the generator can bear for short periods to help start appliances or in case of a sudden power surge.