Best DuroMax Generator Reviews: Heavy Duty + Value Options

DuroMax is a well-known brand that provides high-quality generators for a variety of purposes.

They have a sturdy and durable design that means they will last a long time and won’t break down easily.

No matter the reason why you need a generator, DuroMax is a great choice for providing everything that you will need.

This could be for outdoor activities like camping, or to power your tools at work when working on location. Whatever you need, DuroMax could have the solution.

We have conducted lots of research to bring you the best five DuroMax generators. They sport a variety of different features that make them stand out as the best products.

Some of these features will include things like dual-fuel capabilities, electric start switches, and low oil shut-off.

To find out more details about all of the best DuroMax generators, all you need to do is to keep on reading.

OUR TOP PICK

DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator...

The DuroMax XP13000EH portable generator takes the first spot on our list with its impressive 13000-watt power rating and dual-fuel capabilities.

You can use either propane or gasoline as a fuel source to power this unit, and it provides enough power to supply electricity to a variety of appliances. This generator would be great to use to supply power to your home in an emergency situation.

It has 10500 watts of running power and can power all of your essential electrical appliances. It features a ‘push to start’ button that makes it really easy to power the unit, and it is equipped with an optional recoil start.

This generator features a low oil shut-off sensor and will automatically turn off if the oil levels go below a certain level. This helps to protect the engine. 

This generator has multiple outlets that include two 120V GFCI household outlets, one 120V 30AMP outlet, one 120/240C 30 AMP twist-lock outlet, and a heavy-duty 120/240V 50AMP outlet that is ideal for use in an RV or to provide electricity to power tools.

The control panel is easy to access and use and features idle control and a digital multimeter that displays the voltage, frequency, and usage. This meter also tells you how long you have until you should be carrying out the recommended maintenance. 

Pros

  • Dual-fuel capable
  • Supplies 13000-watts of power
  • Can power your home in case of an emergency
  • Multiple outlets available for use
  • Digital multi-meter that displays all the information you need
  • Certified for use in all 50 states

Cons

  • Makes a high amount of noise

EDITORS CHOICE

DuroMax XP10000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator -...

This generator sports a powerful DuroMax 18HP 440cc OHV engine and can provide 10000 starting watts and 8000 running watts of power.

With DuroMax MX2 technology, you can get the maximum amount of power from each of the 120-volt receptacles.

You have the option to choose between operating the generator at both 120V and 240V at the same time, or at 120V with full power. This unit is equipped to handle heavy loads and power tools with high amperage. 

Like all DuroMax generators, this unit is EPA and CARB approved for use in all 50 states, and it even has dual-fuel technology that allows it to run on either gasoline or propane.

This portable generator is the solution to all of your power-related problems, no matter if it is being used residentially or commercially.

Even though it supplies you with an impressive amount of power, it is still able to run quietly.

Features such as surge arrest and extended runtimes mean that the generator can operate more safely for longer. 

Pros

  • Provides high amounts of power
  • Has a powerful engine
  • EPS and CARB approved for use in every state
  • Dual-fuel capable
  • Ideal for both commercial and residential use
  • Features a surge arrest and extended runtimes

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with any oil like other generators

BEST VALUE

DuroMax XP12000EH Generator-12000 Watt Gas or...

This generator is powered by a DuroMax 18HP 457cc OHV engine, providing you with 12000 starting watts and 9500 running watts of power.

This is plenty of power for a variety of needs, and this unit can handle heavy loads, including lights, refrigerators, and air conditioning units. It has dual-fuel technology and can run on either gasoline or propane, which gives you the freedom of choice between the two.

This generator has the ability to provide everyone everywhere with power as it is CARB and EPA approves for use in all 50 states.

Included in the box are an oil funnel, instruction manual, a spark plug wrench, toolset, wheel kit, and DC cables. This provides you with everything that you need to get set up. It also features a user-friendly electric start button and is equipped with an optional recoil start.

The control panel features a voltmeter, circuit breakers, low oil indicator, idle control, and DuroMax’s unique MX2 switch, which doubles your volt amperage for heavy loads.

The metal frame of the unit is designed for heavy-duty use to prevent damage, and the generator has a noise-reducing muffler so that it won’t be too loud. It is able to run both smoothly and quietly. 

Pros

  • 12000 starting watts and 9500 running watts of power
  • Can handle heavier loads
  • Dual-fuel technology
  • User-friendly electronic start button
  • Includes multiple safety features
  • Designed for heavy use and still runs smoothly

Cons

  • Tires could be more durable

RUNNER UP

DuroMax Gas Powered Portable 12000 Watt-Electric...

This generator also has a well-known powerful DuroMax engine and is capable of 12000 starting watts and 9500 running watts of power.

It can handle heavy loads, including multiple home appliances and electronic devices. It would make a great addition to your home as a backup generator, and it can even power tools and equipment for the workplace. 

This unit will automatically shut off if the oil levels become too low, which will help to protect the engine.

It also has idle control and will lower RPMs when it is not in use. This helps to save fuel and reduce noise levels, making it ideal for situations where power is only used intermittently. 

It is made using all copper windings for added durability, and the metal materials are high-quality and long-lasting.

It has wheels on the bottom that make it easily portable, so you can take it with you on the go. 

Pros

  • Powerful engine
  • Great for use as a backup generator at home or in the workplace
  • Made using all copper windings and high-quality metal for durability
  • Wheels on the bottom for portability
  • Idle control to lower RPMs when not in use

Cons

  • Makes a lot of noise when in use

RUNNER UP

DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Start-Camping & RV...

Included with your purchase is an oil funnel, a spark plug wrench, toolset, wheels and handle kit, DC charging cables, and owners manual. This gives you everything that you need to set up your generator.

The wheels and handle help to make the unit more portable, and you can move it around much more easily with the durable wheels. It weighs 127 pounds, so these features are handy as you won’t have to lift it. 

It produces lower levels of noise at just 69dB when running, and the fuel tank has a capacity of 3.96 gallons. The unit is flexible, and you can use either gasoline or propane as a fuel source.

It has 5500 starting watts and 4500 running watts, which can help provide power to a variety of electronic devices or appliances.

It is more cost-effective than other units of similar specifications from other brands, and it provides an easy and reliable starting with either a keyed or electric start.

This generator is durable and made of high-quality materials, making it perfect for use while camping, working on a construction site, or tailgating. 

Pros

  • Everything you need for set up is included with your purchase
  • Wheels and handle make it more easily portable
  • Dual-fuel capabilities
  • 5500 starting watts and 4500 running watts
  • Cost-effective choice
  • Reliable starting with a keyed or electric button start
  • Durable and made using high-quality materials

Cons

  • Wheel kit can be difficult to assemble

Best DuroMax Generator Buyer’s Guide

There aren’t that many noticeable differences between the different DuroMax generators as they all use a relatively similar design and approach.

The only real differences between them are the power that they are able to provide and certain additional features that aren’t included with every unit.

One of the biggest advantages that all of these generators have in common is that they are all capable of dual-fuel. This means that you can choose between using propane or gasoline as a source of fuel, and both choices have positives and negatives that you can weigh up to figure out which choice is best for you.

You can also switch between the fuels if you have limited resources.

Generators come in all different shapes and capacities, and choosing the right model for you requires you to evaluate your circumstances to determine the best outcome. For example, if you are going on a camping trip, you will need something that is lightweight and easily portable. 

The amount of time that a generator can run for is going to be really important when it comes to actually using it. If you are using it as a back-up generator in your home, and you live in a location that is prone to long power outages, you are going to need a generator that will be able to run for a longer period of time.

However, if you are looking for something to last you an evening or two while camping, you might only need it to run for a few hours. 

The size and weight of the unit are going to influence your decision-making process. This might not be too much of an issue if you are planning to keep it in one space in your house, but if it is something that you will be planning on taking around with you, then it will need to be lightweight and portable. 

Portable generators typically come with wheels and a handle that allow you to move them around. Usually, the larger the capacity, the heavier the generator. This is something to keep in mind before making a purchase. If it doesn’t have wheels, you will need to check the weight to make sure you will be able to pick it up.

The features on the control panel are also something to look out for. They may have an LCD screen showing you the details of the output. This is also where you would find the starter switch to turn on the power.

A fuel gauge is also really important so that you will know when the unit is running low on fuel. Some generators will have low-oil indicators that will let you know when you are running low on oil.

In terms of safety, there are different measures that this company, in particular, has taken with certain generators. You can get built-in surge protection that protects your unit from any damage that could be inflicted by a power surge.

There are also generators that will automatically shut down if they are running low on fuel to protect the engine. To prevent fires, some generators have a spark arrestor that stops sparks from the motor during startup.

There is also circuit protection that will protect you from getting electrocuted when you operate the generator. 

Rated and peak output are two terms that frequently come up when in search of a generator. This is the power available at the output of the generator. There will be two output ratings on every individual unit, and these tell you what the rated and peak output will be.

However, for dual-fuel generators, these values will differ depending on whether you use propane or gasoline for fuel. In this case, there will be four watt ratings, two for gasoline as a fuel source, and two for propane as a fuel source. 

Engine efficiency will determine how well the generator will run. Every dual-fuel generator will have an engine that is used to burn the propane or gasoline fuel in order to create energy.

The fuel consumption will change due to engine efficiency, and the engine will be a sign of how efficiently the fuel can be consumed to burn energy.

Essentially, if the engine isn’t efficient, the fuel will be inefficiently burned, and you will run out of fuel more quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a wheel kit for my generator?

The answer to this question all depends on the individual generator that you have purchased.

If you require your generator to be moved around and it is really heavy, then a wheel kit is going to make this process easier. Some generators will come with a wheel kit that is included in the purchase. You will be given the necessary equipment to attach the wheels. 

However, not all generators come with a wheel kit. Those that don’t might have the option to purchase one separately for the specific model, but some won’t have one available at all.

If you need your generator to be portable, you should either look for one that is lightweight or one that has a wheel kit included.

What is an electric start?

An electric start is when you can turn your generator on by simply pressing a button or flipping a switch. The same applies to turning it off.

Not all units will have this function, but it certainly is the easiest way to power your generator. 

Generators that do not have this function can either be started up using a remote control, or they will have the ‘pull to start’ method. This method can be more difficult and unreliable as it requires you to pull on a cord to start the machine.

This might not always work the first, second, or even the third time. They are even more unreliable in the winter as it gets colder, and the generator might not start. This is a common issue that people have with ‘pull to start’ generators.

We recommend that you buy a generator with an electric start.