DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Generator Review

In this review of the DuroMax dual fuel portable generator, model XP12000EH, we’ll look at the pros and cons of this generator. We’ll also address factors that aren’t a clear pro or con but are important to a subset of buyers.

Pros of the XP12000EH Generator

The generator comes with a heavy duty frame and wheels. The handles and wheels are not already assembled around the unit. It comes with the propane hose.
It is a hybrid model by design, running on both gasoline and propane. At half power, it runs for ten hours on an eight gallon tank of gasoline or twenty hours on a barbeque sized propane tank. At full power, it puts out 12,000 (maximum) watts and 18 horsepower. Its rated AC output is 9500 watts. This is enough to power an AC and several other heavy duty appliances in an RV or key appliances when the power is out in your home. Expect it to run your RV or home overnight.
The engine automatically shuts off if the oil is low. Note that the unit ships without oil. In most climates, it needs 5-w30 oil.
The model XP12000EH hybrid generator costs around a thousand dollars on sale, twelve hundred dollars at full price, though many companies will ship it to you for free if you spend that much. The generator protective cover is an extra twenty to thirty dollars. However, there are units less powerful that cost more than this one.
The unit has individual breakers so that you can turn them off to prevent things from being overloaded.
It starts relatively easily. It has both a key start and recoil start. The generator has to run for a while after you use the recoil start for the battery to charge so you can use the key start. If the unit sits for a while in storage, the battery will drain and you need to use the recoil start to start it up again.
It has 2 120 volt plugs, a single 120 volt 30 amp twist lock plug, a single 120/240 volt 50 amp “heavy duty” plug and a single ten amp 12 volt utility connection that can charge a battery or run 12 volt devices.

Pros of the XP12000EH Generator

The one year warranty only covers parts, not labor. When the warranty covers parts, it doesn’t cover the cost to send those replacement parts to you. The manufacturer may take weeks to get you a replacement part, though they are based in California. The manufacturer sells extended warranties for an additional two to three years. And the warranty may not apply at all through an online discounter.
If the unit experiences problems, it is hard to find service.

Observations

If the generator is severely defective, you only have 30 days to return it if you bought it new.

It is approved by the EPA for national parks because of its spark arrestor but not for sale in California due to its middling efficiency.

The generator does not put out power with very low “total harmonic distortion”. Use a surge protector or other intermediary connection before using this to power your laptop or smart phone.

Summary

This is a high power dual fuel generator that is cheaper than average. It comes with multiple plugs and has relatively few problems. As long as it doesn’t need service, it is an affordable workhorse for your home, cabin or RV.