DuroStar vs DuroMax Generator: Which One to Pick?

Can't decide between DuroStar DS4000S and DuroMax XP4000S? We compared them for you.
By
Rodney Nestor
Rodney Nestor
Research Writer
Rodney holds a Master’s degree in Arts and apart from working as a freelance writer, is a rather successful author of science fiction stories published in several literary read more
Last updated: August 29, 2023
DuroStar DS4000S
vs
DuroMax XP4000S
Can't decide between DuroStar DS4000S and DuroMax XP4000S? We compared them for you.
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If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you need to buy a portable generator for emergency reasons. If you like camping you also need to get a reliable portable generator to power your refrigerators and keep your food supplies fresh throughout the trip. The generator also provides light at night.

However, choosing the best portable generator can be overwhelming due to the various options in the market. One of the dilemmas you are likely to face is the DuroStar vs. DuroMax generators. Since we understand this issue, we have compared various DuroStar and DuroMax generator models to help you choose the product that best suits your needs.

About the Brand

DuroStar and DuroMax are power product lines belonging to a company known as DuroPower, located in Ontario, California. The company started its operations in 1989, producing generators ranging from dual fuel, inverters, tri-fuel, gasoline, and inverter generators. These generators are suitable for both domestic and industrial use. Besides generators, the company also produces water pumps and generator accessories.

People like DuroPower products since they’re high-quality and reliable. The products are also durable and can serve you for a long time without needing replacement. Such products can help you save money in the long run. Additionally, their products are CARB, EPA, ETL, and MTL compliant, meaning they are safe for use and cannot negatively affect the environment. Finally, they have good customer service, ensuring their customers are always comfortable.

One thing that makes DuroPower stand out from the crowd is that they design, engineer, and assemble engines for themselves.

DuroStart DS4000S vs. DuroMax XP4000S

DuroStart DS4000S DuroMax XP4000S
Type conventional conventional
Peak Watts 4,000 4,000
Rated Watts 3300 3300
Engine DuroStar Power Equipment, 4-Stroke, 208cc DuroMax Power Equipment, 4-Stroke, 208cc
Fuel Tank Capacity 3.96 gal. 3.96 gal.
Runtime 26 hrs @ 1/4 load, 12 hrs @ 1/2 load 26 hrs @ 1/4 load, 12 hrs @ 1/2 load
Outlets (2) 120V 20A, (1) 120V 30A twist lock (2) 120V 20A, (1) 120V 30A twist lock
Start Type recoil recoil
Noise Level 69 dB 69 dB
Dimensions 24 x 17 x 17 in. 24 x 17 x 17 in.
Weight 92 lbs. 92 lbs.
Warranty 3 years 3 years
VIEW ON AMAZON VIEW ON AMAZON

The DuroStar DS4000S and the Duromax XP4000S are  conventional generators Trusted Source How Low Can Conventional Generators Go? | News | NREL New study in the journal Energy Policy illustrates the importance of quantifying power system operational constraints to enable more renewables on the grid. www.nrel.gov . Conventional generators have an engine connected to an alternator. The engine runs at a speed that generates appropriate AC frequency, regardless of the load on it. This means that as the load increases, the engine throttles up to maintain the speed.

Both generators are powered by 4-Stroke, 208cc OHV gas engines. Despite being powerful, the engines operate quietly, reducing disturbance when hunting or sleeping. On average, the generators produce a noise level of about 69dB.

The DuroStar DS4000S and the Duromax XP4000S are portable weigh about 92 lbs., making them portable. Besides weight, the generators come with handles that allow you to lift them. What’s impressive is that they have two handles allowing two people to lift them.

If you plan to go camping with your RV, consider buying either of these generators due to their compact size, which allows them to comfortably fit in Your RV.

The DuroStar DS4000S and the Duromax XP4000S are among the best 4000-watt generators and can power various essential home equipment, including battery chargers, air conditioners, computers, televisions, and refrigerators, thanks to their 3300 watts operating power. The devices also have 4000 surge watts, enough to start motors that require an extra push.

With a fuel tank capacity of 3.6 gals, the generators can serve you for a long time. At quarter load, the generators can serve you for about 26 hours and 12 hours for half a load.

 This feature is important since it means that you can depend on the generators for long nights out. Also, if your live in a region that experiences regular power blackouts, these generators will best suit your needs.

Safety is not an issue when using the DuroStar DS4000S and the Duromax XP4000S. The generators come with a surge arrest feature that protects your equipment from damage during power surges. They also have a fuel gauge that helps you know the amount of oil remaining in the tank. If the level is too low, add fuel to avoid damaging your engine. In case you forget to check the fuel level in your generator, don’t worry too much because they come with low oil sensing functionality. This feature automatically shuts your generator when it detects the oil level is going down.

The DuroStar DS4000S and the Duromax XP4000S generators have a power panel with several outlets for various operations. Both generators feature two 120V household outlets and one 120V 30A twist lock outlet, which are GFCI-protected.

All DuroStar and DuroMax generators are EPA and CARB-compliant. This means their emissions are within the required amount, making them environmentally safe. The panels also have a voltmeter for measuring voltage output.

Don’t get stressed when your generator develops any issue soon after buying it since both products have a warranty. The good news is that they both have a three-year warranty which is quite friendly.

Another thing worth mentioning is that the generators have an all-metal construction. This means that they can serve you for a long time. However, they require regular maintenance to prevent them from rusting.

Finally, the DuroStar and DuroMax generators feature a recoil start mechanism. This method involves pulling a rope until it uncoils and spins around the crankshaft’s end to start the engine.

DuroStar DS12000EH vs. DuroMax XP12000EH

DuroStar DS12000EH  DuroMax XP12000EH
Type conventional, dual fuel conventional, dual fuel
Peak Watts 12,000 (gasoline); 11,400 (propane) 12,000 (gasoline); 11,400 (propane)
Rated Watts 9,500 (gasoline); 9,025 (propane) 9,500 (gasoline); 9,025 (propane)
Engine DuroStar Power Equipment, 4-Stroke, 457cc DuroMax Power Equipment, 4-Stroke, 457cc
Fuel Tank Capacity 8.3 gal. 8.3 gal.
Runtime 19 hrs @ 1/4 load, 8 hrs @ 1/2 load (gasoline); 14 hrs @ 1/4 load, 7 hrs @ 1/2 load (propane) 19 hrs @ 1/4 load, 8 hrs @ 1/2 load (gasoline); 14 hrs @ 1/4 load, 7 hrs @ 1/2 load (propane)
Outlets (1) 120V/240V 50A heavy-duty, (1) 120V/240V 30A twist lock, (1) 120V 30A twist lock, (2) 120V 20A household (1) 120V/240V 50A heavy-duty, (1) 120V/240V 30A twist lock, (1) 120V 30A twist lock, (2) 120V 20A household
Start Type electric, recoil electric, recoil
Noise Level 74 dBA 74 dBA
Dimensions 29 x 30 x 26 in. 29 x 30 x 26 in.
Weight 224 lbs. 224 lbs.
Warranty 3 years 3 years
VIEW ON AMAZON VIEW ON AMAZON

The DuroStar DS12000EH and DuroMax XP12000EH come with a wheel kit, improving maneuverability even on rough terrain. Therefore, if you go camping, the generators will suit your needs. If you don’t want to push the generators, you can lift them since they come with a weight of 224lbs, which is manageable. The generators also come with a handle kit that makes them easy to lift.

One of the best things about these generators is that they come with dual fuel technology and can use either  propane Trusted Source Alternative Fuels Data Center: Propane Basics Also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or propane autogas, propane is a clean-burning alternative fuel that’s been used for decades to power light-, medium-, and heavy-duty propane vehicles. afdc.energy.gov or gasoline. This feature is essential in portable generators since it gives you flexibility and freedom. Nevertheless, propane fuel lasts longer, costs less, and won’t harm the engine’s internal components. Storing the fuel is also quite easy since it doesn’t gum up. Therefore, if you plan to camp for a long time, carry extra propane for emergency reasons. The generators are also conventional, meaning the engine’s power doesn’t reduce even as the load increases. Additionally, they don’t produce a lot of noise during operation. This means the generators won’t disturb your neighbors when running. On average, both equipment produce a noise level of 74dBA.

The DuroStar DS12000EH and DuroMax XP12000EH come with a 4-Stroke, 457cc OHV engine that produces enough power for various operations. When using propane, the peak wattage for both generators is around 11,400 watts, while the rates wattage is about 9025. Conversely, the generators produce a peak wattage of 12,000 when using gasoline and a rated wattage of 9,500. The peak wattage is enough to boost motors that require extra power to start, whereas the rated wattage can run several home appliances, including refrigerators, computers, air conditioners, laptops, electric cookers, and TVs.

These generators have an all-metal body, which makes the equipment durable. However, for the generator to serve you for a long time, you need to clean the body with a wet cloth to remove any dirt and debris. Also, keep the generator away from moisture to protect the generator from rust.

One of the notable features of these two generators is that they come with a fuel tank capacity of 8.3 gals. The fuel can last 19 hours at quarter load and 8 hours at half load when using gasoline. On the other hand, a full propane tank capacity can serve you for 14 hours at quarter load and seven hours at half load.

DuroStar DS12000EH and DuroMax XP12000EH are equipped with electric and recoil start types. The electric start type is easy to use compared to the recoil type. All you need to do is push the power button to turn the generator on or off. The generators also feature a power panel that contains one 120V/240V 50A heavy-duty, one 120V/240V 30A twist lock, one 120V 30A twist lock, and two 120V 20A household outlets for various operations. Besides outlets, the panels also feature circuit breakers, a volt meter, idle control, low oil indicators, and DuroMax’s unique MX2 switch, doubling your 120-volt amperage for large loads.

When you buy either of the generators, you will find one oil funnel, one wheel and handle kit, DC charging cables, and one spark plug wrench in the box. Moreover, they come with a user manual that shows you how to use the generator and take good care of it.

Finally, these products are CARB and EPA- approved. This means that they are safe for the environment.

Final Thoughts

Since DuroPower Power Equipment makes both DuroMax and DuroStar products, they are reliable and high quality. Moreover, the products are long-lasting and can serve you for quite some time.

As you can see from the DuroMax vs. DuroStar article, most generator models from the two product lines are quite similar. Therefore, deciding which generator to buy depends on your needs and personal preferences. Your budget can also determine the model you’ll buy.

References

1.
How Low Can Conventional Generators Go? | News | NREL
New study in the journal Energy Policy illustrates the importance of quantifying power system operational constraints to enable more renewables on the grid.
2.
Alternative Fuels Data Center: Propane Basics
Also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or propane autogas, propane is a clean-burning alternative fuel that’s been used for decades to power light-, medium-, and heavy-duty propane vehicles.
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