In this guide, we’ll help you assess your power needs, explore the features of various Duromax generators, and find a suitable model to fill your specific requirements.
Assess Your Power Needs
Before choosing a generator, it’s essential to understand your power requirements. This includes determining your power needs, identifying your power source, and calculating wattage and surge wattage.
Determine your power requirements
List all the appliances and devices you’ll need to power, considering their frequency of use and the importance of each machine in your daily routine. Common appliances include refrigerators, air conditioners, heaters, sump pumps, and essential electronic devices.
Calculate wattage and surge wattage
For each appliance on your list, find its wattage, and add them together for the total wattage needed. Appliances with motors typically require additional surge wattage to start. Ensure your generator can handle your appliances’ total wattage, including surge wattage.
Considerations for Choosing a Duromax Generator
When selecting a generator, consider the following factors: power output and fuel type, runtime and tank capacity, noise level and portability, safety features, and certifications, and additional features for convenience. You can find the manufacturer’s specs for all models here (use the pull-down menu labeled “Generators”).
Power output and fuel type
The generator’s power output should match your total and surge wattage requirements. You want to err on the side of the generator having too much output capacity, at least 10% more than you think you’ll need.
Generators can use different fuel types, including gasoline, propane, and dual-fuel options. Consider the fuel types available in your area, their costs, and storage requirements to make an informed decision.
Runtime and tank capacity
Runtime is the number of hours a generator can run on a single tank of fuel. Larger tank capacities result in longer runtimes, which can be essential during extended power outages. Check the manufacturer’s specs for runtime data.
Noise level and portability
Noise level is important, especially for residential use or outdoor events. Inverter generators are generally quieter than conventional generators. Also, consider a generator’s size, weight, and portability features, such as wheels and handles, for easy transport and storage.
Safety features and certifications
Look for safety features like low-oil shutdown, overload protection, and GFCI-protected outlets. Ensure your generator meets relevant certifications, such as EPA and CARB compliance.
Additional features for convenience
Electric start, remote control, and multiple outlets are some of the convenient features to consider when choosing a generator.
Types of Duromax Generators and Their Features
Duromax offers several types of generators, including dual-fuel, inverter, portable, and heavy-duty generators.
Dual Fuel Generators
Duromax dual-fuel generators can run on gasoline and propane, offering flexibility in fuel choice and increased runtime. These generators often come with an electric start and are suitable for various applications, including home backup power and job site use.
Inverter Generators
Inverter generators provide clean, stable power, ideal for sensitive electronics like laptops and smartphones. They’re generally quieter and more fuel-efficient than conventional generators, perfect for camping, RV use, and outdoor events.
Inverter generators are often parallel-compatible, allowing users to connect two or more units of the same model to increase the overall power output. Parallel compatibility is helpful for those who may require additional power for larger appliances or need to support multiple devices simultaneously. This capability provides a scalable power solution, giving greater flexibility in meeting your changing power needs than a single, larger generator would allow.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are designed for easy transport and storage. They typically have wheels and handles, making them suitable for outdoor events, camping, and job sites. The downside is that they put out less power than heavy-duty models.
Heavy-Duty Generators
Heavy-duty generators have higher power outputs, making them ideal for large appliances, power tools, and home backup power during extended power outages. But, of course, they can be a royal pain to transport — and they cost more than smaller models.
Matching Your Needs with the Right Duromax Generator
To choose the perfect generator for your needs, consider the following applications and factors:
Home backup power
For home backup power, look for a generator with enough wattage to support your essential appliances and devices. Dual-fuel generators offer extended runtimes and fuel flexibility, while heavy-duty generators provide higher power outputs for larger homes.
Camping and RV use
Inverter generators are ideal for camping and RV use, as they deliver clean, stable power for sensitive electronics and operate at lower noise levels. Portable generators with wheels and handles also make transport and storage more manageable.
Job site power
For job sites, consider a generator with enough power output to support your tools and equipment. Portable and heavy-duty generators are suitable options, while dual-fuel generators offer fuel flexibility.
Job site use typically involves running a lot of motors, so be sure you take full surge power draw into account. It may seem like it’s not likely that everyone on the site is going to be starting their tools up at once, but it could happen. For instance, everyone stops to listen to an announcement, and then they all go back to work at the same time.
Emergency power
A generator with a long runtime and large tank capacity is essential during emergencies. Dual-fuel generators provide additional fuel options, and electric start features allow quick and easy operation.
Outdoor events
Consider a generator with low noise levels and easy portability for outdoor events. Inverter generators are ideal due to their quiet operation and clean power output, while portable generators with wheels and handles make transport and setup more convenient.
Other considerations
Other factors to consider are maintenance requirements, warranty, and customer support. Duromax generators generally have a limited warranty, and their customer support team is available to help with any issues.
Conclusion and Top Picks for Your Power Needs
With various generator types and features available, Duromax has a generator to meet your specific power needs. To recap, consider your power requirements, fuel type, runtime, noise level, safety features, and additional conveniences when choosing a Duromax generator.
For home backup power, consider a dual-fuel or heavy-duty generator with enough wattage and surge wattage capacity. For camping and RV use, an inverter generator offers clean power and quiet operation.
Portable generators are ideal for job sites and outdoor events, while heavy-duty generators provide ample power for large appliances and tools.
By carefully assessing your power needs and weighing the various features of generators, you can confidently select the perfect generator to keep you powered during power outages, outdoor events, or job site tasks.
Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll want to read our Duromax Generators: Setup and Installation Guide. or maybe you’d like some info about Duromax vs. Competitors: In-Depth Comparison.
Need more help? See our guide to How to Choose the Right Portable Generator.
- Powerful DuroMax Engine: the XP12000EH is powered by a DuroMax, 457cc OHV engine.With Gasoline : Peak Wattage – 12,000., Running Wattage – 9,500., Running Amperage at 120V – 79.17., Running Amperage at 240V – 39.58., Runtime at 25% Load – 19., Runtime at 50% Load – 8With Propane : Peak Wattage – 11,400., Running Wattage – 9,025., Running Amperage at 120V – 75.21., Running Amperage at 240V – 37.6., Runtime at 25% Load – 14., Runtime at 50% Load – 7Please read the detailed safety instructions in the manual before operating.Fuel Delivery System : Carburetor.Engine Speed : 3600 RPM, Volt Meter : Analog, Cast Iron Sleeve : Yes, Engine Cooling Type : Forced Air.
- Dual fuel technology: the ability to run on propane or gasoline allows the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice. Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
- Plenty of power: with 12,000 starting watts and 9, 500 running watts, This unit can handle heavy loads from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools.
- Maximum power: with DuroMax MX2 technology, get the maximum power from each of the 120 volt receptacle. Choose between operating the generator at both 120 V and 240 V Simultaneously, or at 120 only with full power.
- Powering everyone anywhere: like all DuroMax generators, the XP12000EH is EPA and CARB approved For use in all 50 States.
- All-new control center with a digital multimeter, push-button start, and a front-facing fuel interface allowing you to change your fuel type in seconds! The digital multimeter displays voltage, frequency, total hours run, and hours until the recommended maintenance
- This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice
- Equipped with DuroMax “CO Alert Technology” that will automatically shut down the generator if an unsafe level of carbon monoxide is detected
- Built using a powerful 500cc OHV DuroMax engine and features ALL COPPER WINDINGS designed to make your generator last for years
- The fully loaded power panel includes four 120V GFCI household outlets, one 120V 30AMP outlet, one 120/240V 30AMP twist-lock outlet, and a heavy-duty 120/240V 50AMP outlet making it transfer switch ready!
- Power on the Go – With 9,000 peak watts and 7,600 running watts, this generator is perfect for emergency home power, jobsite use, or camping with your RV..Amperage : 71.26A.
- Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice.
- Inverter Technology – Provides clean, stable power for sensitive electronics including televisions and computers.
- Remote Start – Start the generator conveniently with the remote control.
- Automatic Transfer Switch Ready – Equipped with an ATS outlet making it easy to connect to a compatible Automatic Transfer Switch
- Plenty of Power – With 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools.Runtime (Gasoline) at 50% Load : 9 hrs. Runtime (Propane) at 50% Load : 8 hrs.
- Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice. Low Oil Shutoff
- Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 224cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
- MX2 Technology – Get the maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles. Choose between operating the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously, or at 120V only with full power. Ideal for usage with RVs
- Fully Featured Power Panel – The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: (2) 120V household GFCI outlets, and (1) 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet. The panel also includes a voltmeter and 12V DC charging posts for charging external batteries
Leave a Reply