Duromax 12000HX vs 12000EH

Let’s quickly examine the main differences between the Duromax 12000eh vs. 12000hx 12000-watt dual fuel generators (a.k.a. XP12000HX vs. XP12000EH) and then I’ll tell you whether I think the additional HX features are worth the extra money.

Duromax HX vs EH

When I researched about a dozen or so Duromax Generators, I kept asking myself, “Duromax HX vs. EH portable generators, what’s the difference?”

Well, it turns out that the answer depends on which Duromax dual fuel generators you are comparing.

That’s because Duromax doesn’t have a “standard” set of features for the EH series or the HX series other than the fact the HX series typically has a few additional features and costs more than the EH series.

However, I’ve learned that when it comes to the Duromax HX vs. EH series… it’s not always worth paying extra for the HX portable generators with dual fuel technology.

So, let’s do a quick comparison of two of their top-selling models.

12000HX vs 12000EH

Both the XP12000HX vs XP12000EH feature dual-fuel technology, which means they’ll both run on either gasoline or propane.

They both feature a full-featured power panel with numerous ac power outlets, including standard GFCI Outlets.

Both models also feature an AC 120/240V 30A outlet, and an AC 120/240V 50A outlet… these types of outlets can be used for connecting either of the portable generators to a transfer switch for powering your house during a blackout (that’s what I use mine for).

Neither of the models utilizes an inverter, so they may not be the best choice for powering sensitive electronic devices.

Both models have approximately the same runtimes:

Gasoline runtime = 19 hours at 25% load and between 8 – 9 hours at 50% load.

Propane runtime = 14 hours at 25% load and 7 hours at 50% load.

Both models have the same power output:
Gasoline = Peak Wattage: 12,000 watts Running Wattage: 9,500 watts.
Propane = 11,400 Peak Wattage Running Wattage = 9025.

However, there are some very important differences between the 12000HX vs 12000 EH models, so let’s take a closer look at the HX vs EH series…

CO Alert and Shut-Off Sensor

The XP12000HX dual fuel generator has a feature called CO Alert, a built-in Carbon Monoxide detector that automatically shuts down the generator when it detects unsafe levels of carbon monoxide.

However, the XP12000EH portable generator does NOT have the CO Alert feature.

When it comes to additional safety features to protect you and your family, the XP12000HX wins.

Push Button Start

The XP12000HX has a very convenient push-button start feature. Push the start button on the HX, and the generator will make several attempts to fire up the engine.

If the HX fails to start after several attempts, the generator shuts down to preserve battery life and to give you time to figure out why it didn’t start (e.g., low oil, out of gas or propane, closed gas valve, etc.).

The XP12000EH does NOT have a push-button start. Instead, it has a key, which is just another thing to keep track of, that needs to be held in the start position until the engine starts.

The push-button start feature of the 12000HX makes it easier to start than the 12000EH model.

Battery Shut-Off Switch

It may not seem like a big deal, but having a battery shut-off switch helps prevent the battery from draining while the generator isn’t in use. And for most people, the generator sits without being used for months, even years at a time.

The XP12000HX has a very conveniently located battery shut-off switch on the front panel.

When you’re done running the generator, you “flip the switch,” and the battery is automatically disconnected from the rest of the system, dramatically increasing the odds that the battery won’t be dead the next time you use your generator.

The XP12000EH does not have a battery shut-off switch.

So, if you want to disconnect the battery when the XP12000EH isn’t in use (and you should) …

You have to use tools to remove the metal panel that protects the battery, and then you have to use tools to disconnect the battery cables. Then you have to use tools to reinstall the metal panel, and then the next time you want to use the generator, you have to repeat the entire process in reverse.

When prepping your generator for storage, the XP12000HX wins by a landslide.

Multimeter With Digital Display

The XP12000HX has a digital display that makes it easy to check helpful information like voltage, frequency, current operating hours, and total runtime hours (very helpful when following the recommended generator maintenance schedule).

On the other hand, the XP12000EH only has an analog Volt Meter, which only allows you to check your output voltage.

GFCI Outlets

The XP12000HX has two 120v 20-amp GFCI-protected outlets perfect for connecting most household products and power tools on the job site.

The XP12000EH has a single 120v GFCI-protected outlet. However, it’s a 30-amp outlet that allows you to connect more demanding household products and job site tools (e.g., a circular saw or table saw).

So, both generators provide plenty of portable ac power when needed.

Automatic Choke

The XP12000HX has an automatic choke, which makes it much easier to start in cold weather.

The XP12000EH has a manual choke, which isn’t nearly as convenient as an automatic choke.

Price

The XP12000HX sells for approximately $200 more than the XP12000EH.

You can check out the best prices currently available on Amazon and eBay.

How To Save Two Hundred Dollars

Honestly, you could save yourself two hundred dollars if you can live without the extra GFCI-protected outlet that the HX offers because all you’d have to do is plug a $15.00 heavy-duty power strip into one of the outlets on the EH, and you’d be all set.

However, the XP12000HX gives you several handy operational features that make using your generator easier that the XP12000EH doesn’t have (you may also want to check out the XP12000DX as well).

The additional ease-of-use features that the XP12000HX offers include a push-button start, a battery shut-off switch, a multimeter digital display with all kinds of additional information, and an automatic choke.

Plus, the XP12000HX gives you the CO Alert feature, an additional safety feature that some people may find helpful.

The XP12000EH doesn’t have any of those things.

I’d say the exclusive features offered with the HX model (XP12000HX) are worth spending the extra two hundred dollars on.

However, that’s not always the case…

Sometimes, when it comes to Duromax EH v.s HX… I feel that the EH models offer a much better value.

Check out this Duromax XP13000EH vs. XP13000HX blog post to learn why I chose to buy the EH model to power my entire house instead of the HX model… and how I saved three hundred dollars in the process.

And also check out our Duromax Generator Reviews post for more great ideas on choosing the right generator for your needs.

XP12000HX Specs vs XP12000EH Specs