DuroMax XP12000EH Review With Facts and Data

My DuroMax XP12000EH review will be unbiased and based on different noise, load, and runtime tests conducted within the journey of 10 days.

Quick Review Of DuroMax XP12000EH

DuroMax-XP12000EH-Review
  • Weight:224lbs.
  • Dimensions: 30 x 29 x 26
  • Gasoline wattage: 12000 starting watts, 9500 rated watts
  • Gasoline Amps at 120V: 100 starting amps, 79.17 rated amps.
  • Gasoline Amps at 240V: 50 starting amps, 39.58 rated amps.
  • Propane wattage: 11400 starting watts, 9025 rated watts.
  • Propane Amps at 120V: 95 starting amps, 75.21 rated amps.
  • Propane Amps at 240V: 47.50 starting amps, 37.60 rated amps.
  • Engine: 457cc engine all copper winding. 8.3 gasoline tank
  • Runtime on gasoline: At 50% load: 8.2 hours
  • Runtime on propane: At 50% load: 7.1 hours
  • Starting: manual and electric
  • EPA and CARB-certified
  • Mx2 technology for maximum power
  • Outlets: x2 120V 20A, x1 120V 30A, X1 120/240V 50A, x1 120/240V 30A
  • 3-years factory warranty

Honest DuroMax XP12000EH Review

This DuroMax XP12000EH review is based on 15 months of usage in different scenarios and situations. I also wrote an initial review after using it for 6 months in the 50 amp generator article. The reading of noise and runtime tests are pretty much the same, and the performance is up to the mark as well.

DuroMax XP12000EH is one of the most versatile, durable, powerful, and reliable hybrid backup generators on the market.

There is an argument that DuroMax XP12000EH is the best 1200W heavy-duty generator thanks to its 457cc overhead valve engine that produces 18HP.

This thing produces 12000 starting and 9500 rated watts on gasoline, and 11400 starting and 9025 rated on propane. This power is 100% true. I have tested the power output multiple times.

It is often compared to standby generators because there is no installation cost, it is portable, equally powerful, and it is cheaper.

It is often recommended for small houses that face prolonged power outages.

I am not saying you should purchase DuroMax XP12000EHover Generac Champion whole house generators, but if you end up purchasing one, trust me, it will not be a bad decision.

It starts smoothly. No bad vibrations or weird noises are coming from the engine or the frame. It features both manual and electrical starts. So far, I don’t have any problems with the starting system.

Unboxing Experience:

Unboxing Experience of DuroMax XP12000EH

I received the package undamaged within 5 days. The following things were included in the package:

  • XP12000EH without a scratch
  • Oil funnel
  • Spark plug wrench
  • Wheel and handle kit
  • Toolset
  • Useful user manual
  • DC charging cables
  • Warranty Card

Design oF DuroMax XP12000EH

Design oF DuroMax XP12000EH

DuroMax is built from the highest-quality material. This thing is absolutely solid. The open metal frame design is heavy-duty. The motor mounts also serve as a protective casing for the machine.

This 12000W generator weighs 224 pounds, which is not lightweight by any means, so don’t even think about lifting it. To move it around, it has a nice ergonomic handle and wheels.

The only complaint I have is with those wheels. I don’t like them at all, so I replace them with my own 10” diameter wheels.

Many people have complained about the wheels too, so I decided to contact one of their officials about the wheels. The response was positive. I am hopeful they will improve it in their future models.

The control panel is neat and clean, with GFCI outlets. It features:

  • An analog volt meter
  • X2 5-20R
  • L14-30R
  • 14-50R
  • 12V post
  • MX2 switch
  • Low oil sensor
  • Switch start

8.5/10 for design.

Noise Test of DuroMax XP12000EH Backup Generator

XP12000EH is not a small generator by any means, and it is an open frame. So if you are not expecting a silent performance, you are wrong.

After testing the noise multiple times during my previous Duromax XP12000EH review, the results were:

  • From a distance of 5 feet under no load, the noise levels were 88 to 90 dB.
  • From a distance of 30 feet under no load, the generator made 75 to 76 dB of noise.

The results after 15 months of use:

  • From a distance of 5 feet under no load, the noise levels were 89 to 90 dB.
  • From a distance of 30 feet under no load, the generator made 75 to 77 dB of noise.

This is not bad at all. You are going to use the generator at least 25 to 35 feet away from the house anyway, so don’t worry about the loud noise. 8/10 for noise.

Runtime Test (Fuel-Efficiency) Test of DuroMax XP12000EH

After the use of 5 months, I conducted a runtime test of propane and gasoline. The results were:

  • 8.5 hours at 55% load on gasoline
  • 7.3 hours at 55% load on gasoline

After 15 months, I decided to increase the load for this test to check its durability. The results are:

  • 8.2 hours at 60% load on gasoline
  • 7.1 hours at 60% load on propane

Again, I was surprised by the results, even after 15 months. I was expecting a good runtime, but not this good. 8.8/10 for runtime.

Load Test:

This generator is equipped with a 457cc 4-cycle air-cooled engine. During my load test, I managed to get 9489 rated watts on gasoline after putting it under 10,000W of load.

The maximum I got on gasoline was 9511 rated watts before the overload sensor.

On propane, I managed to secure a maximum of 9021 rated watts, which is not bad at all. It wasn’t able to cross the 9025W limit on propane, which I was hoping for.

9/10 for the load test.

I have been able to run the following devices on this generator during outages in my cabin:

AppliancesStarting wattsRunning watts  
Fridge1200200
Microwave Oven10001000
Coffee Maker600600
AC (10,000) BTU44003000
Printer600600
Computer250250
Lights300300
Total83505950

I usually run the following things in my garage on DuroMax XP12000EH

AppliancesStarting wattsRunning watts  
Table Saw45001800
Circular saw23001400
Electric drill600600
Portable air compressor 1HP45001600
Chainsaw15001500
Bench grinder25001400

If you need a bigger unit for the Duromax XP13000EH dual-fuel generator

What is the performance of DuroMax XP12000EH?

So far, I have been able to run everything in my RV, travel trailer, garage, and cabin. I have also used it for emergency backup during power outages. This generator can run for hours and hours continuously.

So I have also tested its recovery time; from low voltage to high voltage, it recovers in a flash, which is always good whenever you are going to power motor-driven appliances.

I also like the MX2 technology. I use many power tools and heavy-duty appliances in my cabin, and MX2 technology allows me to get the maximum power from each of the 120V receptacles.

One of the biggest selling points for me was the runtime. I have been able to power my small cabin for an hour regularly during cloudy days.

The problem I see is the crappy wheelset that should be fixed in future models, and the battery doesn’t always come fully charged so you should keep that in mind.

Who Should Buy DuroMax XP12000EH?

If you are looking for a reliable portable dual-fuel backup generator, you should buy DuroMax XP12000EH. It is not only fuel-efficient and reliable, but it also produces low noise compared to competitors.

What I Like

  • Heavy-duty. Dual-fuel
  • Super reliable under pressure
  • MX2 technology allows getting maximum power out of both 120V receptacles
  • Budget-friendly. Less-noisy
  • Excellent performance
  • Preferred as a backup generator

What I don’t

  • Crappy wheel kit
  • Sometimes battery comes half-charged or completely discharged.
Alex black

Alex Black

Alex Black is a seasoned electrical engineer with a remarkable 8-year track record specializing in appliances, generators, and transfer switches. With extensive hands-on experience in the field, Alex possesses a deep understanding of electrical systems and their intricate workings. Throughout their career, Alex has consistently demonstrated expertise in designing, troubleshooting, and maintaining various electrical appliances.

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