A portable generator with 12000 peak watts that can breathe either gasoline or propane might deserve the nickname Beast printed on its side. This is Powergeneratorexpert.com’s review of the DuroMax XP12000EH dual fuel portable generator.
DuroMax XP12000EH: Summary
The most frustrating feature of this 12000 watt DuroMax dual fuel generator might be the inadequate wheel kit. The two wheels are made from rubber that are filled with some kind of foam. The XP12000EH is a large portable generator that weighs about 270 pounds. This places a lot of weight on the wheels that quickly develop a flat spot after only a few days of storage. The flat spot on the wheels makes it very difficult to wheel it around. You have to either buy better tires (solid rubber or inflatable) or you have to install it somewhere where it does not have to be moved.
Connecting the battery cables might be a little frustrating, but not impossible. You can use a battery charger to recharge the battery before the first start. Otherwise, you can use the recoil starter to start the generator, which will then recharge its own battery. You might also consider using a battery tender so that the battery is always charged and ready to start in an emergency.
The best feature of the DuroMax XP12000EH is its dual fuel ability to run on either gasoline or propane. However, it would be best to use non-ethanol unleaded gasoline to prevent problems with stale fuel.
Another positive feature is the 120-120/240 selector switch and 120/240 AC receptacles. This makes it a portable solution for home backup power.
To summarize, the DuroMax XP12000EH seems to be an affordable dual fuel portable generator for home backup power when you consider its 12000 surge wattage. It would be even better if it had a more robust wheel kit (shop now on Amazon).
Is the engine CARB-compliant?
If you live in California, you are out of luck because the DuroMax XP12000EH is not CARB-compliant. Therefore, this generator cannot be shipped, sold or used in California. Its engine does not meet the emission standards of the California Air Resources Board.
Is the DuroMax XP12000EH easy to assemble?
Yes, but you might need some help to lift it while installing the wheel kit and handles. You need to add some engine oil and connect the battery ground cable. You might need to charge the battery if it is flat. Then you should either fill it up with gas or connect an LPG tank to the onboard regulator and hose. Pull the recoil start or turn the electric key start to run the generator.
What is the maximum wattage?
The DuroMax XP12000EH has a maximum starting wattage of 12000 and a continuous running wattage of 9500 when using gasoline fuel. We are uncertain about the figures when using propane fuel.
Does the XP12000EH have an electric starter?
It has both electric start and recoil start. However, the electric key start will not work if the battery is either dead or not connected properly. The internal battery seems to be recharged while the generator is running. You might buy a battery tender and connect it to the internal battery to ensure that it is fully charged and ready to use during the stormy months of the year. Nonetheless, the recoil starter is a good backup in situations where the battery does not have enough charge to start the motor.
Does it have wireless remote start?
No, this dual fuel generator does not have a remote start feature. Trying to install a remote starter is also not recommended because of its manual choke. The engine also needs to warm up for a few minutes before you turn on its main circuit breaker. Definitely not the ideal setup for a wireless remote starter.
How does it switch between gas and propane?
There does not seem to be a single switch to do this. You have to stop the generator and turn it off before switching between fuel sources. Please remember that the propane valve must be shut when using gasoline. The fuel valve must be shut when using propane. Never mix the two fuel sources!
You can control the flow of gasoline with the fuel valve. Turn it to the ON position to run the engine on fuel. Turn it to the OFF position to run the engine until there is no more fuel in the carburetor. Key start should also be turned off. Open the propane gas knob at the tank and purge the line with the pressure release valve on the regulator.
When it comes to using the choke lever, we are not quite sure what to do. The easy start guide printed on the side of the generator seems to say that you should never use the choke when using propane. You should only use the choke when running on gasoline.
What size propane tank does it use?
The DuroMax XP12000EH seems to have its own regulator and hose which connects to a standard propane tank. Small to medium size propane tanks between 20 and 40 pounds will probably work, but a 20 pound tank might experience freezing problems due to the rapid removal of gas from the tank by the generator’s engine.
For emergency situations, such as those after a major storm or a hurricane, you should have a few 100-lb tanks at home. However, a 100-lb propane tank requires a different fitting and regulator.
How much noise does the DuroMax XP12000EH make?
This dual fuel portable generator is powered by a 457cc engine which has a muffler to reduce operational noise. Nevertheless, do not expect it to be as quiet as an inverter generator. It will be noisy, but it is reasonably quiet when you consider its large size and maximum wattage.
XP12000HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator With CO Alert
Let me just mention that there are now DuroMax dual fuel generators that have CO alert technology built into it. The CO alert system has the ability to detect unsafe levels of carbon monoxide around the portable generator and shut it down.
For example, the XP12000HX is a newer model that not only has the CO alert technology, but also a control center and multimeter. The control center consists of the push-button engine starter, battery on/off switch, idle control switch, charging light indicator and low-oil light indicator. You can press the mode button of the multimeter to cycle through the voltage, hertz and hours run information.
The XP12000HX has a 460cc DuroMax engine with all copper windings that should last for many years. It can run on either gasoline or propane. The propane inlet has been moved to the left side of the control panel on the front. The fuel selection knob (propane, storage, gas) and the CO alert is also found there. This model is both EPA and CARB approved and can be used in all 50 states.
The DuroMax XP12000HX provides up to 12000 peak watts and 9500 running watts when using gasoline fuel. It produces 11400 peak watts and 9025 running watts on propane. The following outlets are located on the front of the generator:
- 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet
- 120/240V 50A outlet
- 120V 30A outlet
- Four 120V 20A GFCI household outlets
In brief, the DuroMax XP12000HX provides enough watts and features to make it a good choice for both home backup power and remote job sites (check price on Amazon).
DuroMax XP12000EH: Verdict
Competitive price, 12000 starting watts, dual fuel, electric start and 120/240V receptacles make the XP12000EH a portable generator that is capable of powering a house if you install a manual transfer switch. However, its inadequate wheel kit means that it is also a clumsy beast with flat feet.
If you spend some extra money on a better wheel kit, then the DuroMax XP12000EH turns into a great dual fuel generator. However, you might also consider the newer HX models with CO alerts, such as the XP10000HX, XP12000HX and even the XP13000HX.