Whole-house power · Dual fuel · 9,500 W

DuroMax XP12000EH review: our full analysis

Brand: DuroMax · Ranked 43rd of 174 · Our methodology

7.4/10 Power9.2 Runtime7.9 Noise— Features5.7 Portability6.3 Watts per dollar8.4 Dotted line: average of the 174 models. Relative scores based on specs, no hands-on testing. Where to buy Today's best priceTypical price: $1,200–$1,800 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key takeaways. The DuroMax XP12000EH pairs a 9,500 W running rating on gasoline with an open-frame design built for raw power, built for RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet. It weighs 224.0 lb and runs about 8 hr 50 min at half load on a tank. Notable features: electric start, a 240 V transfer-switch outlet.

Not clearly published by the manufacturer, take with caution: fuel tank, weight, noise level, outlets, CO shutoff, CARB compliance, warranty.

Pros

  • 9,500 running watts on gasoline and 9,025 on propane, with a 50 A 14-50R outlet for a transfer switch.
  • L5-30R and L14-30R twist-lock outlets plus 12 V DC charging posts.
  • Rated 8.8 hours at 50% load on gasoline from an 8.3-gallon tank.

Cons

  • 224 lb: it stays on its wheels and takes two people to load.
  • No CO sensor shutdown on this older model.
  • Discontinued by DuroMax, so parts and support depend on remaining stock.

Best for

  • RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet
  • Home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit
  • Running most of a house, well pump included

Specifications

TypeDual fuel (open frame)
Running watts9,500 W gasoline · 9,025 W propane
Starting watts12,000 W gasoline · 11,400 W propane
FuelGasoline, propane
Fuel tank8.3 gal
Runtime8 hr 50 min at 50% load
NoiseNot published
Weight224.0 lb
Outlets4 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R) · L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock · L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock · 14-50R 50 A 120/240 V · 12 V DC outlet
Transfer switch readyYes
StartElectric push-button + recoil
CO shutoff sensorNot listed
Parallel capableNo
EmissionsEPA compliant
Engine457 cc
Warranty3 years
DuroMax XP12000EH9,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $1,200–$1,800 Check price and availability

Who is it for?

The DuroMax XP12000EH is mostly suited to:

  • RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet.
  • Home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit.
  • Running most of a house, well pump included.
1

Power output: running and starting watts

The DuroMax XP12000EH delivers 9,500 W continuously and up to 12,000 W for a few seconds to start motors on gasoline. On propane, the manufacturer rates it at 9,025 running watts (11,400 W starting), 5% less. It handles 14 of the 14 loads on our typical list one at a time; add up the running watts of everything you run together, plus the extra starting watts of the biggest motor.

ApplianceRunning / starting wattsWill it run?
Wi-Fi router and modem20 W / 20 W✅ Yes
CPAP (no humidifier)50 W / 50 W✅ Yes
Laptop or TV150 W / 150 W✅ Yes
Full-size refrigerator700 W / 2,200 W✅ Yes
Chest freezer500 W / 1,500 W✅ Yes
Furnace blower (1/2 HP)800 W / 2,350 W✅ Yes
Sump pump (1/2 HP)1,050 W / 2,150 W✅ Yes
Microwave (1,000 W)1,000 W / 1,000 W✅ Yes
Space heater1,500 W / 1,500 W✅ Yes
Window AC (10,000 BTU)1,200 W / 3,600 W✅ Yes
RV roof AC (13,500 BTU)1,800 W / 2,800 W✅ Yes
Circular saw1,400 W / 2,300 W✅ Yes
Well pump (1 HP, 240 V)1,000 W / 4,000 W✅ Yes
Central AC (3-ton, soft start)3,800 W / 5,500 W✅ Yes

Typical figures; check the label of your own appliances. One load at a time: add up everything you run together.

DuroMax XP12000EH9,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $1,200–$1,800 Check best price
2

Runtime and fuel

The fuel tank holds 8.3 gallons of gasoline. At half load, it runs about 8 hr 50 min on a full tank. That is about 0.94 gallon per hour at half load, or 23 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage. On propane, a standard 20 lb tank holds about 4.7 gallons of LP; propane does not go stale, which makes it the easiest fuel to stock.

Fuel tank8.3 galgasoline
At 50% load8 hr 50 minmanufacturer figure
Fuel per day≈ 23 gal24 h at half load
3

Noise level

The manufacturer does not publish a noise figure for this model. Open-frame generators of this size typically run around 70 to 76 dB(A) at 23 feet; our noise score treats a missing figure as below average.

4

Outlets and home connection

Its panel offers 4 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock, L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock, 14-50R 50 A 120/240 V, 12 V DC outlet. The 14-50R outlet supplies 120/240 V, which is what a manual transfer switch or an interlock kit with a power inlet box connects to, installed by a licensed electrician. Never backfeed the house through a wall outlet.

5

Starting, safety and warranty

It has electric push-button start, with a recoil cord as backup. The manufacturer does not list a CO shutoff sensor: be strict about placement, 20 feet from the house with the exhaust pointed away. It is listed as EPA compliant; check California availability if you live there. The warranty runs 3 years (residential use).

6

Typical price $1,200–$1,800: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the DuroMax XP12000EH scores 8.4/10 on value: a good result. Generator prices on Amazon move a lot, especially before hurricane season: check the current price before you buy.

DuroMax XP12000EH9,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $1,200–$1,800 Check best price

Our verdict on the DuroMax XP12000EH

The DuroMax XP12000EH scores 7.4/10 and ranks 43rd out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: 9,500 running watts on gasoline and 9,025 on propane, with a 50 A 14-50R outlet for a transfer switch; L5-30R and L14-30R twist-lock outlets plus 12 V DC charging posts. It is best suited to RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet and home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit.

DuroMax XP12000EH9,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $1,200–$1,800 Check best price

Featured in our rankings

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Will the DuroMax XP12000EH run a refrigerator?

Yes: its 9,500 running watts and 12,000 starting watts cover a full-size fridge, including the compressor's startup surge.

Can the DuroMax XP12000EH power a house?

It can back up the essentials through a transfer switch or interlock kit connected to its 14-50R outlet. With this power, that includes most of a typical house.

How long does the DuroMax XP12000EH run on a tank?

About 8 hr 50 min at half load according to the manufacturer.

Does the DuroMax XP12000EH run on propane?

Yes, it is dual fuel: 9,025 running watts on propane.

Is the DuroMax XP12000EH quiet?

The manufacturer does not publish a noise rating.

DuroMax XP12000EH9,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $1,200–$1,800 Check best price

Other DuroMax generators

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