DuroMax 12,000W Dual Fuel Portable Generator
DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator Summary
- 12,000-watt dual fuel (gas & propane) generator with electric start, providing whole home backup power during outages
- Features transfer switch-ready 50 amp outlet and MX2 Power Boost technology that doubles 120V power for appliances and RVs
- Constructed with heavy-duty all-metal frame and 100% copper windings for superior heat conduction and extended generator life
- Portable design with no-flat tires for easy mobility across any terrain
- Includes safety features like low oil shutdown and CO sensor
- Versatile power solution for home backup, RV trips, and jobsites
- Comes complete with all necessary accessories including propane regulator, tools, and wheel kit
Original price was: $1,399.00.$1,220.13Current price is: $1,220.13.
Description
# Buying Guide: DuroMax XP12000EH 12,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Understanding the Power Needs
Before purchasing the DuroMax XP12000EH, assess your power requirements carefully. With 12,000 starting watts and 9,500 running watts, this generator can power most homes during outages. Calculate the total wattage of essential appliances you’ll need to run simultaneously, including refrigerators, heating/cooling systems, lights, and electronic devices. The XP12000EH’s robust power output makes it suitable for whole-home backup, but knowing your specific needs ensures you’re making the right investment.
Dual Fuel Capability: Gas vs. Propane
One of the DuroMax XP12000EH’s standout features is its dual fuel technology. Consider which fuel source works best for your situation:
- Gasoline: Provides maximum power output and is readily available in most locations
- Propane: Burns cleaner, has a longer shelf life, and is often easier to store long-term for emergency preparedness
This flexibility allows you to switch between fuel types depending on availability during emergencies or cost considerations, providing valuable redundancy in your power system.
Installation and Transfer Switch Compatibility
The XP12000EH comes transfer switch ready with a 50-amp outlet, making it compatible with home transfer switches. Consider whether you’ll need:
- A professional electrician to install a transfer switch for seamless power transition
- Manual connection options for more temporary setups
If you plan to power your entire home, a proper transfer switch installation is highly recommended for safety and convenience.
Portability Considerations
Despite its power, the DuroMax XP12000EH is designed for portability with no-flat tires and a foldable handle. At 224 pounds, however, it’s still substantial. Consider:
- Where you’ll store the generator when not in use
- How you’ll transport it if needed (during evacuations or for RV trips)
- Whether you’ll need assistance moving it
The built-in wheels help with mobility, but this isn’t a lightweight unit you can easily lift into a vehicle alone.
Durability and Construction
The XP12000EH features all-metal construction with 100% copper windings, which contributes to its longevity and reliability. When evaluating this generator, note these quality features:
- Heavy-duty steel frame designed to withstand severe weather
- Superior copper windings that provide better heat conductivity than aluminum alternatives
- Robust DuroMax engine built for long-term reliability
These construction elements justify the investment for those seeking a generator that will last through multiple emergency situations.
Safety Features
The DuroMax XP12000EH includes important safety features that should factor into your decision:
- Low oil shutdown: Automatically turns off the generator if oil levels drop too low
- CO sensor: Monitors carbon monoxide levels for safer operation
- Electric start: Provides reliable ignition in various weather conditions
These safety mechanisms are particularly important for a generator that may be used during stressful emergency situations.
Versatility and Applications
Consider how you’ll use the generator beyond emergency home backup:
- RV trips: The MX2 Power Boost technology doubles 120V power for RV applications
- Job sites: Powerful enough for construction equipment and tools
- Outdoor events: Can power entertainment systems, cooking equipment, and lighting
The more uses you have for the generator, the better value it represents as an investment.
Maintenance Requirements
Before purchasing, understand the maintenance needs of the XP12000EH:
- Regular oil changes (included components feature an oil funnel for this purpose)
- Periodic spark plug replacement (spark plug wrench included)
- Air filter cleaning/replacement
- Fuel system maintenance, especially if storing for extended periods
Factor these ongoing maintenance requirements into your ownership costs and time commitment.
Price vs. Value Assessment
While the DuroMax XP12000EH represents a significant investment, evaluate its value based on:
- The cost of power outages (spoiled food, hotel stays, business disruption)
- The versatility of dual fuel capability
- The durability of all-metal construction and copper windings
- The peace of mind during emergency situations
Compare these factors against lower-priced alternatives that may offer less power, fewer features, or shorter expected lifespans.
DuroMax 12,000W Dual Fuel Portable Generator Prices
Price History
Additional information
Specification: DuroMax 12,000W Dual Fuel Portable Generator
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Shawn C. –
Après quelques heures d’utilisation. Impossible de démarrer à l’essence ne fonctionne qu’au propane. Démarre très bien au propane mais ne démarre pas avec l’essence. Fonctionnait bien au début avec les 2 modes essence et propane. Essence changé, bougie changée, filtre vérifié carburateur nettoyé. Rien ne fonctionne. Assez décevant. Heureusement je suis rendu compte lors de la vérification avant l’hiver. À lire les commentaires c’est fréquent comme problème avec les autres modèles de cette marque. Je mettrais 0 étoile mais le minimum est 1.
MICHEL REED –
Sent in for repair with only 60 hours run time. No compression. Waiting on tech to determine failure.
Blaine Heebner
Shawn C. –
After 2 years and a couple of uses here is why I quoted it:
remove 0.1 for each bad or missing documentation (2 missing info)
remove 0.5 augmenting the price on each visit (algorithm made me paid 500 dollars more because of that. No information about that on the site)
remove 0.3 for to small battery (had to boost because it did not start immediately – missing choke information in the documentation. Definitely not a good ignition like Honda motor)
Besides that, and after just a couple of use, very satisfied.
Nick –
Edit 6/19/25
Strong storm cell came through our area; high winds and driving rain. Moved in and out quickly so everything seemed normal. A few hours later, power went out. Power was out 9 hours. The 1300EH fired right up and ran 8 hours on a full tank of fuel (gas). That seems to be the average time (in hours) with a nominal load.
Edit 6/18/25
Still running great. I usually start it by hand just to see if it starts easily and it does. 80 hours on it so far. Have not tried the propane option yet, but have tanks available if needed.
I try and run the generator at least every few months (for 15 minutes or so) to ensure the fuel lines stay clear and dust off the cobwebs. Each time I add fuel, I use Stabil fuel stabilizer since its hard to tell how long it might be before the generator is used again. I also add B12 Chemtool to at least one tank of fuel a year. Follow recommendations on B12 can for ratio. The B12 also helps keep varnish and junk from clogging up the carburetor. These two fuel additives work magic when used in small equipment engines that are not run often. You will never have a start-up issue when using these additives.
Edit 9/30/24
Generator is running great still. Lost power at 5:40AM due to remnants of Hurricane Helene. Power companies are trying to restore power and probably had to shut off adjacent grids to make the repairs.
Edit 7/23/22
We recently upgraded to a 3 ton compressor & evap coil (same air handler) due to the previous 2 ton compressor dying a slow death. The 3 ton compressor uses about 1000 watts more than the 2 ton compressor. The XP13000EH can easily handle the extra load. To help with turn-on surge, I turn the air handler fan from AUTO to ON, this way the air handler is already running and when the thermostat calls for AC, only the compressor will need the surge current to get up and running in that split second.
With both HVAC units running the load is about 6000 watts, so I have approximately 4500 watts to run the rest of the house, which is more than sufficient to be comfortable when the power is out.
As far as sensitive electronics, the only issue I have had is with a UPS (back-up power supply), but other than that, the 13000EH runs everything just fine, no issues. Desktop & laptops use a switching power supply, so those kinds of supplies don’t need a perfect sine wave to operate. My old school air handler (regular squirrel cage motor)
runs fine of the 13000EH too.
End of edits.
Original Review:
We bought this generator based on other reviews and it has been dependable and powerful. One item that I wish they would address possibly in future models or a change is the muffler; it is a bit loud, but other than that, the generator is awesome. We live in north central North Carolina where power is fairly reliable, but has gone out periodically more than I thought it would and purchased the 13000EH as a whole house generator.
The 13000EH is connected thru a 60 amp transfer switch and runs the following with ease:
Two 2-ton HVAC heat pump units with gas furnace assist
1000 watt microwave oven
Standard size fridge
Two chest freezers
Home office and networking equipment (computers, printer, etc)
TV, Dish receiver, audio equipment
Various LED lighting and ceiling fans
Two bedrooms (lights and receptacles)
Although some reviews have stated that the THD of this generator (this series in general) is higher than some other more expensive brands, we have not had any issues with our computers or other electronics being run off of the 13000EH.
The generator has about 50 hours on it. It easily pull starts even though it has an electric starter too. Very happy with it’s performance so far. I have only run it on gasoline so far, not propane, but do have propane tanks as a secondary fuel source.
Kevin –
I rarely write reviews, but I know for this purchase, I relied some what heavily on the verified reviews. First off I work in the construction world, and feel I have a above average aptitude for trouble shooting, installation, and confidence of use. The generator came on a truck with a Tommy gate, and the driver unloaded and placed in the garage for my wife (I was out of town), trucking company communicated well and timely. I put the accessories on, I.e. handles, wheels, etc, which was a semi easy task, I will note the generator is heavy, I don’t have an exact weight but I had to grunt a little to move it around with out the wheels. I filled with oil (full synthetic), fresh 93 grade fuel, and hooked the battery up and let it sit for a few hours. The generator fired right up with the electric start, and ran fairly good but was a little choppy and ran hard. I turned it off and checked oil and for any issues/leaks. I let it sit for a little longer and started back up and still ran a little rough, which I attributed to being a new start with no load to the motor. I hooked the generator up with the provided whip, into my 50a generator plug, that I wired into my panel. As soon as I started turning on breakers the generator rev’d up and was singing perfectly with no hiccups. I turned on all breakers, including my A/C and furnace (for blower fan). I live in Florida on the space coast, and this generator will be vital during hurricane season. The a/c for some reason didn’t start up at first, but after some time I did get it to kick on, and the generator rev’d up more and still sounded good. The noise level is actually quiet for its size and capability, but it’s by no means quiet. At the time it was running the majority of the lights in my house, A/C, tv, fans, fridge, and microwave. It finally tripped and pulled to much when my wife decided to run the dish washer. I will add to my review on my next maintenance run, or use after a power outage. I put 0 stars for tech support because I have not needed it to this point, so I can’t accurately rate this.
J-F Chabot –
Sent in for repair with only 60 hours run time. No compression. Waiting on tech to determine failure.
Blaine Heebner
Kevin –
I have to say I was a little bit worried about buying the smallest generator they make, but I added up all my wattage and had plenty left over. When it got here, the box was not damaged, and all of the parts were in the box. It takes about 30 minutes to put together if you read the instructions closely.
I’m able to power a portable air conditioner (large size, not window unit), a 14 ft.³ deep freezer, a 14 ft.³ refrigerator and a full-size dehumidifier. I also powered both of my 75 inch TVs and plugged in everything else that goes with them…. I have a ton of LED lights and Alexa and what not. Everything got plugged in and the generator didn’t spot once. I guess the tomato I was using somewhere around 3000 to 3500 W which is well below its peak running wattage.
I will say that you should definitely charge the battery upon arrival like I did not. When mine got here after I put it together it cranked right up with the start button so I thought no big deal. I checked it with my battery charger and must’ve misread it because I thought it said it was at 100%.
I know this is not true now because I went to crank it yesterday just to make sure everything was still running OK and suddenly the start button did not work. They would not even try to turn over whatsoever. Just a bunch of clicking noises.
So I plugged the battery charger back in to check the battery as customer Support told me to. It still said 100%.
Turns out I did not have it selected on the right charging method so it was not giving me all of the numbers. I did not see that the voltage was very low and that it was not charged all the way.
The moral of the story is charge the battery lol!
I charged mine and now it purrs like a kitten again. A very large kitten!
I purchased the tent accessory that is in the section of where “Customer’s also bought”. Definitely a wise investment. It has kept it out of the elements, but fully functional if needed.
One more mistake I made was when I went to fill the oil up. I did not make sure that the generator was level. So I had oil spilling out, thinking that I had overfilled and lo and behold it was just off balance…. Quite a bit haha. I just let it spill out until it was done and then I helped it a little bit more to make sure it wasn’t overfilled and everything was all fine.
Now I have it set up on a pallet with two bricks on one of the sides to even it out perfectly. I mean dead on perfect. Got lucky there.
I almost bought the 13,000 W version which would’ve been unjustifiably too much for this house. At the time it was on sale for about $1100.
I decided to go with my gut and just add up the wattage I needed, and it worked out.
Oh, if you happen to put synthetic oil in on its first run, don’t freak out because that’s exactly what I did. It was an accident. I bought both types and just put the wrong one in. Once it had been running it its first full cycle is when I figured it out. It has had no problems so I think you’re OK if you’ve done like me.
The control board is easy to operate and manage. It’s pretty obvious what each thing does. It has all the features that I needed and worked out great.
Just make sure you get one that is enough to power what you need and you will not be disappointed. Also upgrade your propane tanks to some 40 pound ones like I did. It’ll save you a lot of trips. And if you have to like me, and the power does go out and everybody is blazing the propane stores you’ll just be sitting back like “what’s going on?” Haha
Sorry for the rambling I hope all of this was useful or some of it was useful to somebody. It was my first generator purchase and I knew absolutely nothing about them. I threw a dart and hit the bull’s-eye!
One last thing… I love that it has the four prong outlet that allows 120/240v. I have one cord that can handle 8000 W of electric electricity. It has four female ends to plug into.
I had the AC unit, dehumidifier, deep freezer and refrigerator all on the same 10 amp cord and it didn’t even get warm. Not one bit.
So invest in the right chords as you invest in this awesome generator!
Shawn C. –
I rarely write reviews, but I know for this purchase, I relied some what heavily on the verified reviews. First off I work in the construction world, and feel I have a above average aptitude for trouble shooting, installation, and confidence of use. The generator came on a truck with a Tommy gate, and the driver unloaded and placed in the garage for my wife (I was out of town), trucking company communicated well and timely. I put the accessories on, I.e. handles, wheels, etc, which was a semi easy task, I will note the generator is heavy, I don’t have an exact weight but I had to grunt a little to move it around with out the wheels. I filled with oil (full synthetic), fresh 93 grade fuel, and hooked the battery up and let it sit for a few hours. The generator fired right up with the electric start, and ran fairly good but was a little choppy and ran hard. I turned it off and checked oil and for any issues/leaks. I let it sit for a little longer and started back up and still ran a little rough, which I attributed to being a new start with no load to the motor. I hooked the generator up with the provided whip, into my 50a generator plug, that I wired into my panel. As soon as I started turning on breakers the generator rev’d up and was singing perfectly with no hiccups. I turned on all breakers, including my A/C and furnace (for blower fan). I live in Florida on the space coast, and this generator will be vital during hurricane season. The a/c for some reason didn’t start up at first, but after some time I did get it to kick on, and the generator rev’d up more and still sounded good. The noise level is actually quiet for its size and capability, but it’s by no means quiet. At the time it was running the majority of the lights in my house, A/C, tv, fans, fridge, and microwave. It finally tripped and pulled to much when my wife decided to run the dish washer. I will add to my review on my next maintenance run, or use after a power outage. I put 0 stars for tech support because I have not needed it to this point, so I can’t accurately rate this.
Shawn C. –
Sent in for repair with only 60 hours run time. No compression. Waiting on tech to determine failure.
Blaine Heebner