The DuroMax XP12000EH has been a top selling generator for the past six years. This is one of those rare products that does everything right, giving buyers exactly what they expect. It’s priced in that sweet spot where most people ready to buy a portable generator can actually afford it. The reason why the XP12000EH is one of the best portable generators of all time is because it has every type of outlet any homeowner could ever need AND besides its practical design, it’s also ultra-reliable, which is essential for the success of any generator.
After you factor in the cheap price, relatively speaking — VOILA, you have the making of one of the most popular generators ever made, and that’s not an exaggeration.
DuroMax has been on fire this past year as they’ve released several excellent generators, which we’ll be looking at here. The DuroMax brand is now associated with quality and durability, whereas three years ago it was known as the budget generator brand. Everything’s different now. Here’s an example of the latest 12,000W generator from DuroMax. They have a full range of sizes, the same as the E/EH series.
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Newest Series from DuroMax: HX Series
DuroMax XP12000HX / A better version of the XP12000EH
When you compare the Duromax XP12000EH with the Duromax XP12000HX the differences are minor. Cosmetically, the HX has a more streamline look. It has a modern look and overall I like the style of it. The control panel has been completely revamped on the HX and it’s one of the best control panels you’ll find on any brand, including Honda.
You do get a push button start, which is a nice feature to have. This is becoming standard on many new generators. The addition of a carbon monoxide monitoring system is also an important change, and may save your life one day.
Besides that, the XP12000EH has the 457cc Duromax engine which give you 8 hours of running time at 50% load whereas the newer XP12000HX has 460cc Duromax engine which gives you an extra hour of run-time (9 hours at 50% load). In other words, the HX generators are more fuel efficient. The 12KW HX model costs less than $200 more. Personally, I’d buy the HX series over the EX because of the reasons I’ve mentioned. The choice is yours.
The Generator Market is Evolving
One of the questions we need to explore is if it’s still the best way to spend your money if you’re looking for a powerful dual-fuel generator. The market has changed a lot over the past two years, with increased competition from manufacturers. Prices have gone down while quality and feature sets have increased. These are the perfect market conditions that ultimately favor consumers/homeowners.
In other words, despite the state of the economy, and the fear of recession looming overhead — if you need a generator, now is actually a great time to buy either an older model, like the XP12000EH or put your money in a newer model with more advanced features for a little more money, but not as much as you’d think.
The entire E / EH series from DuroMax has an impressive score of 4.6★/5 with over 6800 reviews. Just to give you an idea of what this represents — maybe 2% to 3% of customers who buy a product actually leave a written review for what they bought (on average), which means the XP12000EH sold around 250,000 units at Amazon alone. This is just a rough estimate.
The engineering behind this model is absolutely rock solid. I’m certain that the DuroMax team refined the design over the years if any problems arose. This is normal. Overall, this is an excellent buy, no question, but we are now in 2023 and newer models have entered the market, including the new HX series from DuroMax. Let’s look at what else you can buy for about the same amount of money, or a little more. You might be surprised.
Comparison — DuroMax XP12000EH vs Westinghouse WGen9500DFc
I must confess, the Westinghouse is would be my #1 choice but this is not a criticism of the xp12000EH. They’re both excellent. I will say that I prefer the HX Duromax series over the EH series.
DuroMax XP12000EH / Dual-Fuel
The main feature the XP12000EH has over the Westinghouse is a 120V 30A twist lock. This has been a very popular generator because it has all of the outlets to connect to anything, and it has enough power to run your entire house.
This remains a great generator but time will tell if Duromax will keep the EH series now that they have their improved HX series. I have noticed that the XP12000EH is often on sale which is more common with older generators. My only hesitation in giving it a full recommendations is that you’re better off with a newer generator because it will cost you about the same amount of money.
If you specifically need a 120V 30A outlet, then this Duromax is right generator for you. Here are some of the key features:
Westinghouse WGen9500DFc / Dual-Fuel
Westinghouse is one of the leading manufacturer of portable generators. Their customer satisfaction levels are high. Overall, their generators offer the best value for homeowners. The WGen9500DFC is an excellent portable generator.
The latest version has a carbon monoxide shutdown system, which the XP12000EH does not have. You can still buy last year’s model without CO monitoring but I suspect those will sell out soon.
You get an extra 500W of starting power compared to the Duromax. Ultimately you know your needs and it’s up to you to choose the right model. The 12KW HX Duromax is a equal to this Westinghouse.
For more options on our current recommendations for 12,000W generators I recommend you have a look of our updated guide which covers a wide range of models that would be comparable to the Duromax XP12000Eh.
💬 To learn more about the Westinghouse WGen9500DF, read our full review. It also comes in a gas-only model, which we discuss in detail.
Regular Gas Version — DuroMax XP12000E
Same great generator but can’t run off of propane.
- Outlets :
2x 120V household GFCI outlets
1x 120V 30A twist lock outlet
1x 240V 30A outlet
1x 240V 50A outlet - Voltmeter and 12V DC charging posts
- Size : 40″ L x 29″ W x 27.5″ H
- 457 cc / 18hp / Runs up to 8.83 hours at 50% load
Note from Editor :
Do you go with a dual-fuel generator or a regular gas model? Dual-fuel always costs a little more but the option to run off of propane is tempting. Personally, I think a dual-fuel model is a safer bet over the long-run, especially if you expect to use your generator for emergencies. The main reason is that propane can be stored indefinitely. It doesn’t expire, whereas gas has a limited shelf life, making it difficult to store reliable in the long-run.
Why Choose DuroMax?
They are a California-based company and unlike most of their competitors, they manufacture their own engines. As a local US manufacturer, they comply with ETL and MTL standards. They also ship replacement parts to anywhere in the world. To give their customers complete peace of mind, they offer an extended warranty option, which goes beyond the normal one year period – with extensions for two to three years.
VIDEO | A Closer Look — DuroMax XP12000EH
12000 watt generators have many applications, such as keeping you and your family alive after a natural disaster like a hurricane and earthquake, when the power goes out. Or you can use it on the jobsite, keeping you and your team working efficiently in a remote location. Or, attach the DuroMax XP12000EH to your home to keep the power on in case of a power outage.
Ultimately, having backup power at this size provides you with more flexibility and peace of mind when fuel is scarce. The benefit of propane is that you can store it indefinitely, whereas gas can be stored up to a year before turning bad.
Review: DuroMax XP12000EH / Dual-Fuel
Features :
- Dual Fuel Generator : Propane or Gas.
- Heavy duty frame has four point fully isolated motor mounts. Low vibration. Quiet.
- Full Control panel with oil warning light, volt meter, circuit breaker and power outlets.
- Run-Time : Gasoline — 8 hrs @ 50% Maximum Output
- Run-Time : Propane — 8 hrs@ 50% Maximum Output (40 lb. tank)
- Low oil shut-off protects engine.
- Quiet Muffler reduces engine noise.
- Cannot ship to California – Non-CARB unit.
- Max AC Output (Watts) : 12000
- Rated AC Output (Watts) : 9500
- Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons) : 8.3
- 18Hp DuroMax Air Cooled OHV Engine
- Low Oil lamp/Shutoff
- Electric/Recoil start
- Spark Arrestor. EPA approved. Can be safely used in US national parks.
Includes:
- DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Generator.
- 12V Generator Battery.
- Generator Wheel Kit.
- Generator Tool Kit.
- DuroMax Operating Manual.
Overview | DuroMax XP12000EH
Let’s take a look at what makes the DuroMax XP12000EH a serious contender to be rated as one of the best gas powered portable generators available.
Hybrid Fuel Capability
The DuroMax XP12000EH can run on either regular gas or propane gas. The versatility of dual-fuel capabilities has several advantages and we’ll be looking at that in more detail later in the article. So keep reading.
Robust and Powerful Engine
To deliver enough reliable current to keep your home powered up in an emergency or keep machinery running on a construction site, you’re going to need a dependable, powerful engine. It uses an 18 horse power 457 CC engine, with an Over Head Valve (OHV). The cylinder sleeves are cast iron and bearings are made from steel. The locally built engine is both powerful and reliable, giving you trusted reliability when you need it most.
Excellent Build Quality
A portable gas generator has to be built solidly to handle tough conditions in any working environment. The DuroMax XP12000EH is built from the highest quality materials and to the most stringent quality control standards. The engine is mounted using four-point rubber mountings, this ensures smooth running and durability, even under the toughest working conditions.
Safety Features | DuroMax XP12000EH
When it comes to your safety there can be no compromise and the DuroMax XP12000EH is equipped with every conceivable safety feature one could want from a gas powered generator. Let’s take a look at what safety features it provides.
Current Overload Protection
The DuroMax XP12000EH has a main overload circuit breaker and individual circuit breakers for each of the power outlet sockets. This prevents any damage caused by circuit overload or short circuit. The circuits breakers can be reset when the power overload has been corrected.
Oil Level Alert
When the oil level runs low a warning light will come on and the engine will switch off. This prevents overheating and any damage that may be caused by running the engine with too little oil.
Spark Arresting Muffler
The muffler is designed to prevent sparks that can pose a fire hazard. The spark arresting muffler meets the requirements set by the US Forrest Services and complies with the regulations of most states for use in places where there is a fire risk.
Easy to Transport
The DuroMax XP12000EH comes complete with a transportation kit which includes large rubber wheels and handles for great portability.
VIDEO | XP10000EH Dual-Fuel | 10Kw Generator
Note: The DuroMax XP12000EH and the DuroMax XP10000EH are identical except for the amount of power they generate so we recommend watching the video above to learn more about DuroMax Dual-Fuel generators.
Easy to Use | DuroMax XP12000EH
So many people who have used a portable generator with a recoil (pull) starter will know how tedious this can be. The good news is that the DuroMax XP12000EH is equipped with an electric starter, so it will start with the turn of a key. To make things better, it also comes with a recoil starter, so you can still start it if the battery runs low – giving you the best of both worlds.
The user panel gives you great functionality without over complicating things with switches and gauges that you don’t need or understand. It has two regular 120V plug outlets like you’d find in your home and a 30A 120V twist-lock outlet which is very handy for RV owners. There is also a high current 120V/240V outlet, this can be connected via a transfer switch to your main power distribution board.
It has a volt meter, so you can keep an eye on the voltage and ensure that your appliances are not running the risk of damage from over or under voltage. There’s also a handy 12V outlet for charging batteries.
Low Noise
One could never expect a generator capable of delivering such a large amount of power to be completely silent. However, the brilliantly designed muffler on the DuroMax XP12000EH means that the noise level is surprisingly low for a machine of this caliber.
DuroMax XP12000EH vs. DuroMax XP12000E
Features :
- 12,000W Starting / 9,500W Running
- DuroMax 457cc OHV engine
- Idle Control – Lowers the RPMs of the generator when not in use
- MX2 Technology – Get the maximum power from each of the 120 Volt
- Runs up to 8 hours on a full tank of gasoline.
- Low Oil Shutoff
- Outlets :
2x 120V household GFCI outlets
1x 120V 30A twist lock outlet
1x 240V 30A outlet
1x 240V 50A outlet. - Voltmeter and 12V DC charging posts 240V 50A outlet.
- EPA and CARB compliant
Overview —
Essentially they are the same basic generator with the same engine and current output. They look the same and perform the same function. There is one fundamental difference, the DuroMax XP12000EH has a hybrid due-fuel engine. While this makes it more expensive than the DuroMax XP12000E, it does come with the advantage of being able to use propane gas. So if you’re wondering why should you pay more for this single difference, now is the time to look at the advantages of using propane gas.
Compact Storage
Propane gas is stored in a compressed state, meaning that a single cylinder the size one would normally for a gas barbeque, can run the DuroMax XP12000EH for 20 hours at 50% average current load. By comparison, the 8 gallon gas tank fitted to the generator will give you 10 hours for the same power usage.
Safe Transportation and Storage
Propane gas is stored in a totally sealed container, this means there can be no spillage when being transported or stored. There is also no fumes emitted from the container that can ignite. Because the container emits no fumes, there is no unpleasant odor that is usually associated with gas storage containers.
DuroMax XP10000EH | 10,000 Watts
We’ve covered the DuroMax XP10000EH extensively in a separate article so we’ll refrain from repeating ourselves here, but if you want to learn more then read our review : The Steadfast DuroMax XP10000EH | Dual Fuel Generator for Homeowners
Features:
- Starting watts : 10,000W / Running Watts : 8,000W
- Runs on gasoline or liquid propane. Highly versatile during emergencies.
- 18 HP engine can accept high-wattage loads with ease.
- Practical Uses : Home standby power, job sites, RV camping…and more.
- Maximum power from each of the 120-Volt receptacles and to choose between operating at both 120-Volt and 240-Volt simultaneously or at 120 only with full power.
- Equipped with low oil protection, AC and DC regulators and a spark arrestor, ensuring your unit will remain safe and in top operating condition.
- Easy to start and operate with electric and recoil start.
Is the DuroMax XP12000EH Right for You?
The DuroMax XP12000EH is named The Beast for good reason, it’s an extremely powerful portable gas generator – capable of running your entire house during a power outage. Its durability is unsurpassed, meaning that it will give you years of reliable service. The versatility of the hybrid dual-fuel engine gives it a distinct advantage over standard gas powered generators. It has low noise levels, outstanding safety features and is easy to use. All of this makes the DuroMax XP12000EH one of the best portable generators on the market.
