Are you looking to purchase a portable generator?
They are so useful to have, especially if you are RVing, camping, or are doing a lot of building work outside.
It can be tough choosing the best option. As they are an investment, you want to ensure that you are choosing a reliable generator that will last.
To help you with your decision, we will be reviewing one generator in particular, the DuroStar DS4000S.
We have researched all of its specifications so that you do not have to. We will be discussing this generator and providing you with a pros and cons list to gauge whether or not this is the most suitable generator for your needs.
DuroStar Company Background
DuroStar generators are created by a company called DuroMax. They were founded in 2003 and are a company that focuses specifically on creating power equipment.
Some of the electrical products they create include generators, standby units, and digital inverters. They even create smaller electrics such as power washes and engines.
They are based in Ontario, California, and Duro Max as a company is grounded in reliability and durability.
They pride themselves on their customer care and hope to provide power for everyone.
PRODUCT REVIEW
We have split our review of the DuroStar DS4000S into useful specification sections.
This will help you to find the information you require about this generator more easily.
Design
The design of the DS4000S is excellent. It is relatively compact and its overall dimensions are 24 x 17 x 17 inches.
As you can see, it is not overly large. However, this generator does weigh 94 pounds in total. Being quite a substantial weight is not the easiest to transport, and can be a little cumbersome.
In addition to this, as it is not overly large, it is still fairly easy to store when not in use. The generator is mostly black, with a yellow top.
It has an all-metal construction, which makes this generator particularly durable.
This generator has been approved to be used in all 50 states. All of the windings are 100% copper.
Cost and Warranty
The overall cost of the DuroStar is fairly reasonable. Given that it is a popular choice, and is created by a company that can be relied upon, it is certainly worth considering.
When you purchase this generator, you are given a 3-year limited warranty. This is great because it will give you peace of mind should anything go wrong with your generator.
Engine Specifications
Let’s talk about the engine itself. It is a 4 stroke engine and its displacement is 208 cubic meters. It is a particularly powerful engine which is a DuroStar 7HP 208cc.
The engine has an automatic shut off when there is low oil. The low oil sensor is a great feature as it will notify you of this quickly so the oil can be replaced.
The fuel capacity of the engine is 3.96 gallons which is a good amount. The fuel tank has an easy to read gauge so you can see when the fuel will need to be replaced.
In terms of the overall power, the Durostar has a peak wattage of 4,000 and a running wattage of 3,300. It does not lack in power and you will have no issues with it providing electricity for what you require.
As it is such a powerful generator, you can carry out multiple jobs with ease without compromising the power outage. This can include multiple power tools and appliances with high voltages.
It has an air-cooled overhead valve which helps to keep the engine cool and circulates air around the engine to stop it from overheating. In addition to this, it has a recoil start and surge arrest technology.
The engine starts up in a similar way to other generators. It has a pull start mechanism that is easy to start up.
What Is Included?
Here is everything that is included with the DuroStar DS4000S:
- Product manual
- Oil funnel
- Toolset
- Spark plug wrench
As you can see, it comes with everything you will need to maintain the generator, and add oil.
The instruction manual is detailed and will explain everything you need to know about this generator.
It is easy to follow and understand.
Power Panel
The power panel of the DuroStar is particularly great because it allows you the option of three different power outlets.
Here are the outlets that it includes:
- 2 x 120V 20A Household outlets
- 1 x 120/240V 30A Twist lock
As you can see, this generator does not limit you with how it can be used and it provides you with several different power outlets that can be used simultaneously.
In addition to this, the power panel also contains a voltmeter. This will help you to measure your voltage input.
Run Time
The overall run time of the DuroStar DS4000S is around 8 hours.
This is based on it being run at half load.
Noise Levels
When you think of a generator, you would typically expect it to be fairly loud. However, the noise level of the DS4000S is 69dB. While it is not the quietest generator on the market, it is not too loud.
Its muffler system keeps its noise levels down. However, when the generator is powering heavy tools or is at its maximum capacity that is when it will be at its loudest.
For everyday use, the noise levels should not bother you too much, however, and this generator is not too loud to use at night or if you are camping for example.
Optional Wheel Kit
If you do find that the generator is not the easiest to transport, there is the option to add a wheel kit. This would make transportation a lot easier and less cumbersome overall.
The wheel kit includes two tough wheels that can be used on the majority of terrains. The wheels are particularly durable and as they are made out of sturdy materials, they will not pop.
In addition to this, the wheel kit comes with a pull handle to allow you to pull the generator along with ease. This wheel kit is worth investing in as it will make transportation a lot easier.
It is worth noting that this wheel kit will need to be purchased at an additional cost and does not come included with the generator. It is easy to install and put together.
Pros and Cons List
We have provided you with a useful pros and cons list for the DuroStar DS4000S, so you can have a good overview of what this generator is like.
Pros:
- This generator is fairly compact and easy to store when not in use
- It comes with a 3-year warranty
- Durable all-metal construction
- It has a good fuel capacity
- A powerful engine thaat allows you to use the generator for multiple jobs and appliances at one time
- Low oil sensor which notifies you and shuts off the engine when oil is low
- Approved to be used in all 50 states
- 100% Copper windings
- The power panel includes three different power outlets and a voltmeter
- Surge arrest technology
- Reasonably priced and great if you are on more of a budget
Cons:
- Quite a heavy generator than can be a little cumbersome to carry
- Does not come with a wheel kit and pull-along handle included. This will need to be purchased separately at an additional cost.
- It has 69dB sound levels which is not the quietest generator on the market. However, it is not too loud that it would be overly disturbing.
Summary And Where To Purchase
Overall, we think that this is a well made good quality generator. It is an affordable price and its overall specifications are great. It is powerful and will allow you to operate multiple items at once.
Although it is quite heavy and cumbersome, the optional wheel kit is a great option and will make transportation a lot easier. However, this will need to be purchased at an additional cost.
This is a powerful generator that is made out of durable materials. It has a good fuel capacity and should run for around eight hours on half capacity. This is great if you are using the generator for camping or outdoor work.
The low oil sensor will notify you when you need to add oil and will automatically shut off your engine to protect it. In addition to this, the DuroStar comes with a 3-year limited warranty to cover you should anything go wrong.
It is certainly worth the investment and it is a reliable generator overall. Although it is portable and fairly small, it does not lack power.