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I ’ve been in the emergency tycoon mankind for the past few years , somewhat obsessing over it . While most of my journeying have led to solar king inverter and energy storage , the ability to make power whenever I need it rather than during the 9 or so hours of daylight during cold Northeast wintertime is appealing . The DuroMax XP12000EH had the potential to generate that power , but as a framework that ’s perpetually on sale and riddled with fake reviews , I had my doubt about whether it could do the job .
TheDuroMax XP12000EHsupposedly retail around $ 1,500 , but it can often be retrieve for much less . And the reviews on YouTube are essentially the same script with a different computer voiceover , which made me think it ’s more of a scam than a deal . But this hybrid author ’s eyeglasses were still gruelling to dismiss . A power output of 12,000 watt ( W ) , the ability to run on gas or propane , a 50 - volt ( V ) output , and an electric start should at least earn it a test . So , that ’s what I did , and you might be surprised to feel out what I learned . Keep reading this DuroMax XP12000EH generator review to learn more .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator: At a Glance
Rating:7.5/10
SPECS
PROS
CONS
Get the DuroMax XP12000EH generator at :
What is the DuroMax XP12000EH?
The DuroMax XP12000EH is a portable home backup generator that ’s designed to power most of the equipment within a home during a power outage . This generator has a maximum output of 12,000W with a unceasing output of 9,500 running watts . This allows it to feed devices such as refrigerators , entertainment gimmick , heaters , and even small airwave conditioners when there is no other power supplied to the home .
The DuroMax XP12000EH can run on two fuel beginning : liquid propane and gasolene . It has a runtime of 8 minute on a full tank of gasoline ( 8.3 Imperial gallon ) and longer on a suggested 40 - pound propane storage tank . This allows folks who already have propane tanks at their homes to make the most of them while also offering users the option to run it on gasoline , which might be less expensive .
The DuroMax XP12000EH has several world power output options . It has a standard 120V twist - ringlet 3 - prong 30 - A ( A ) wall socket ; a 120/240V spin - lock 4 - prong 30A outlet ; two 120V 20A outlet ( for standard power cord ) ; and one 120/240V 50A electrical outlet . This earmark substance abuser to power devices in the home with propagation corduroy , or power an RV , baron tools on a jobsite , or an entire home ( when connected right ) . The final turnout is a 12V DC turnout for operating devices design for vehicle stream . In amount , there are five output options with six release ( the 120V power electric outlet is a duplex , like a standard menage outlet ) .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Other features that the XP12000EH has let in an electric starter , a build - on carbon monoxide detector that shuts the author down if trigger , an idle ascendancy switching , built - in collapsable hold , and expectant pneumatic tire .
Multistep Setup
Setting up the DuroMax XP12000EH is relatively light , but there are a few things to consider . Mine came attached to a palette , so it had to be cut loose first . Then , rather than a liftoff two - piece corner that most tumid putz fall in , the XP12000EH is fully close in . I had the corner off of mine , as I did n’t have assistant to lift the 238 - pound generator . A thick froth insert is include inside the box . bring through this froth pad — you’ll need it .
First , remove the source from the boxful . Then , lie down the foam pad down in front of the generator and riff it over onto the foam so that it is upside down . There is a flat corner incorporate the handles and the bicycle , and inside that corner are the wrenches you ’ll call for to assemble the author . I used two adjustable wrenches to save clip .
take away the shipping brace ( the manual country there is one orange brace , but mine had two smaller red brace ) from underneath the generator . Then , confiscate the leg to the bottom of the author frame with the add locknut . Next , slide the roulette wheel axles into the brackets and secure them with another exercise set of locknuts . slip the wheel over the axle and secure them with the PIN . You ’ll then attach the handgrip to the frame , and the generator is mostly assembled . riffle it over .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
I chose to kneel on the foam pad for the next few steps . Locate the battery and get rid of the instrument panel that forestall accession . impound the negative wire to the battery and replace the cover . Finally , slay the lily-livered cap from the propane inlet and bond the propane hosepipe to it with an adjustable wrench ( there is no wrench in the kit that ’s large enough ) .
Next , locate the oil detonating machine . Unscrew it and lend about 1.25 quarts of 30 - weight unit oil ( 40 ounces altogether ) . supplant the hood . At this point , the generator is quick to use . All secernate , this take just somewhat more than an hour , including the prison term it claim to head to the local auto voice store for oil ( it does n’t come with its own ) .
Easy to Use, Except for the Pull Start
Overall , the XP12000EH is very easy to use . I first keep out off the gas valve and associate it to a propane tank . I bear the battery to be dead , so I did n’t have much Bob Hope for the electric start , but it cranked without return . After run with the choke a bit , the source depart right up , run harsh for about 5 or 6 seconds , and then begin idle swimmingly .
With the main breaker on the control panel flipped off , I begin punch in gimmick . Once everything was plug in , I flick the main breaker on . I was able to shift between 120V and 120V/240V on the fly sheet , which take into account me to choose between splitting power between the 120V outlets and the 240V issue , or target it all to 120V for maximum output signal .
I then exit the breaker off but lead the generator running . I flip the idle ascendancy flip-flop on , and at first was n’t very happy with the results . The generator would commence to slack down and almost shut off before burn down right up again . I try this several unlike ways with the same result before I realise that it was turn on the onboard 12V barrage fire . Once it was charge , loose control specify the revolutions per minute and dissonance until draw was applied .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Once I keep out everything down , I wanted to test the wrench - commencement feature article , and I must include , I did n’t love it . The motor is great than a received lawn mower or chainsaw , so it takes important effort to pull . After about 20 pulls with a minute in the middle to have the propane dissipate , it finally start . I ’d like to see it start easier since it is firebrand new , but the electric beginning is the intended start method .
A Few Problems With the Design
TheDuroMax XP12000EHloses some points for me in terms of its design . While these could be the symptoms of affordability , the following were disappointing factors .
The DuroMax XP12000EH boast only one duplex - style 120V standard wall socket for annex electric cord and other devices . Most 12,000W generator feature two duplex outlets , totaling four ports for 120V gimmick . While user can melt several gimmick from a power strip at the end of the electric cord , gimmick like refrigerators should be on their own consecrated cord , which would take up half the release . Duromax , more outlets , please !
Also , the outlets on the power dialog box are completely unwrap to the elements , and that ’s not idealistic . Most generators feature drop cloth - down covers or plug - in covers that protect the outlet from rubble and rain . Not having this relatively gaudy insurance helped me understand why this generator is so affordable .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
lastly , there is n’t a runtime or 60 minutes m to chase the XP12000EH ’s runtime . While that might not count to many kinfolk , those who use their generators often ( such as contractors and other master ) use hour meter to gauge maintenance intervals . Anyone using their XP12000EH often will have to track their own hours .
Beyond these complaints , the XP12000EH is well design . It flap easily despite its weight , it ’s light to begin with the electric lighting , and switching between gasoline and propane occupy second base . Overall , the plan checks the most important boxes ( other than the modified number of outlet — that ’s a biggie ) .
Decent Performance Despite the Noise
The DuroMax generator perform astonishingly well . I had no job running multiple devices on the XP12000EH . I plugged in my icebox , most of the entertainment gimmick in the home , and even ran a window aura conditioner off of it . I also switched the air conditioning out for a 1,500W space heater .
I found that start these gimmick one at a time was best , and I made certain to stop up electronic machine into a upsurge guardian first . These gimmick , plus a twain of lighting devices , are the ones I would most likely employ in a power outage , and the XP12000EH kept up quite well .
For those with a generator interlock installed in their electric gore , there ’s no reason why the XP12000EH could n’t power most of the home if plug into the panel . It was barely louder with all of the gadget running ( the breeze conditioner took the most attracter and therefore do it to rev up a bit ) .
Here ’s what I ’ll take : I ’m not sure what effect the draw of an electrical heating plant system with all of the zones coif to well-off levels would have on the XP12000EH . My home incline on born gaseous state . However , it will easily tend a bombastic space heater or two , so folks using the XP12000EH to make it through a cold winter storm should have no problem stay well-situated with bright custom .
It is important to know that even in propane mode , the XP12000EH is loud . This is n’t some hushed backyard standby generator that maintain the home running swimmingly while making barely a hum . I measured it at 90 decibel from a few feet away , and I could certainly hear it running from within the domicile . I do n’t consider this a drawback because that ’s a relatively normal noise level for this case of author , but shoppers will want to note that it ’s going to make a lilliputian dissonance .
Is the DuroMax XP12000EH worth the money?
The suggested retail cost for the DuroMax XP12000EH is about $ 1,500 , but it often sell for less . At the time of writing , it can be had for just under $ 1,399 at popular retailers , not just shady deduction sites . We ’ll use that as the baseline price .
Most 12,000W source be near to the DuroMax ’s suggested retail , with some being much more expensive . And of those , very few are dual - fuel simulation . In terms of raw power output , the DuroMax is an outstanding deal .
But , it ’s not all about bare-assed power . The comparatively special number of outlets , to me , is a trouble . While the control panel is relatively lowly , it seems that some reconfiguration could easily fit a second duplex house issue , making this source quite a bit more various . While those powering their homes will probably utilise the 50A circuit , those who lack a generator tie - in , or sept on a labor land site , will line up the release shortage annoying .
But , all thing debate , it ’s really hard to argue with the economic value for this Leontyne Price . A author that is potentially capable of powering a small domicile at a cost of around $ 1,399 is middling exciting , and I think that indicate to this generator being worth the price . Everything works as it should .
Should you buy the DuroMax XP12000EH?
I feel theDuroMax XP12000EHmakes a strong case for itself , but it ’s all based on the price level . There are better generator that are more powerful , have more outlet , and go more quietly , but few even come close to this amount of might for the money . Should you buy the DuroMax XP12000EH ?
First , get me discuss who I call up should skip the DuroMax : contractor and folks who need a superfluity of electric outlet . Without an hour gauge to track maintenance and several ballyhoo to tap into , it might just be more hassle than it ’s worth . Sure , it will power almost anything you require it to at a campsite or job web site , but not everything at the same clock time .
But there are many folks who fit the other category . In my opinion , if shopper are await for an affordable backup man source that they can hook to their nursing home ’s panel ( with an ignition interlock , of course ) , I think the XP12000EH is a respectable choice . It ’s affordable , powerful , and wanton to practice . vendee can work up a shed to house it and cut down on running interference , and it has the index to handle a smaller home ’s needs . The fact that it also offers tractability between propane and gasoline as fuel reservoir only increases the attraction of this affordable manakin .
Where to Buy the DuroMax XP12000EH
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi is a full - metre DIY and construction writer for many of the prominent web site in the diligence , including BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes . He ’s become almost obsessed with emergency power selection , testing generators , solar panels , and rechargeable power station whenever he induce the chance .
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