DuroStar DS13000MX review: our full analysis
Brand: DuroStar · Ranked 4th of 174 · Our methodology
8.2/10 Power9.4 Runtime7.3 Noise4.7 Features8.3 Portability7.9 Watts per dollar9.8 Dotted line: average of the 174 models. Relative scores based on specs, no hands-on testing. Where to buy Today's best priceTypical price: $800–$1,200 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Not clearly published by the manufacturer, take with caution: warranty, noise level.
Pros
- 10,500 running watts on gasoline and 9,975 on propane from a 500cc engine.
- 50 A 14-50R and L14-30R outlets for a transfer switch, with remote start.
- Rated 17 hours at 25% load on an 8.3-gallon tank, with CO shutdown.
Cons
- Aluminum windings rather than copper.
- Only two 5-20R household outlets.
- 74 dB at 25% load, and not sold in California.
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
| Type | Dual fuel (open frame) |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 10,500 W gasoline · 9,975 W propane |
| Starting watts | 13,000 W gasoline · 12,350 W propane |
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane |
| Fuel tank | 8.3 gal |
| Runtime | 17 hours at 25% load · 8 hr 30 min at 50% load |
| Noise | 74 dB(A) (manufacturer figure) |
| Weight | 209.0 lb |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R) · L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock · 14-50R 50 A 120/240 V |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes |
| Start | Remote key fob + electric push-button + recoil |
| CO shutoff sensor | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| Emissions | EPA compliant |
| Engine | 500 cc |
| Warranty | 3 years |
DuroStar DS13000MX10,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $800–$1,200
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Who is it for?
The DuroStar DS13000MX 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.
What will a 13,000-watt generator run?
The DuroStar DS13000MX delivers 10,500 W continuously and up to 13,000 W for a few seconds to start motors on gasoline. On propane, the manufacturer rates it at 9,975 running watts (12,350 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.
| Appliance | Running / starting watts | Will it run? |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi router and modem | 20 W / 20 W | ✅ Yes |
| CPAP (no humidifier) | 50 W / 50 W | ✅ Yes |
| Laptop or TV | 150 W / 150 W | ✅ Yes |
| Full-size refrigerator | 700 W / 2,200 W | ✅ Yes |
| Chest freezer | 500 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 heater | 1,500 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 saw | 1,400 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.
DuroStar DS13000MX10,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $800–$1,200
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Runtime and fuel
The fuel tank holds 8.3 gallons of gasoline. The manufacturer quotes 17 hours at a quarter load. At half load, it runs about 8 hr 30 min on a full tank. That is about 0.98 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.
74 dB(A): how loud is it?
The manufacturer rates the DuroStar DS13000MX at 74 dB(A), usually measured at 23 feet (7 m) and a light load. That is loud, like a lawn mower: place it as far from the house and the neighbors as the cords allow.
Can you connect it to your house?
Its panel offers 2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock, 14-50R 50 A 120/240 V. 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.
Starting, safety and warranty
It starts with a remote key fob or the electric push-button, with a recoil cord as backup. A CO shutoff sensor stops the engine if carbon monoxide builds up around it; it does not replace distance (20 feet from the house) and CO alarms indoors. It is listed as EPA compliant; check California availability if you live there. The warranty runs 3 years (residential use).
Typical price $800–$1,200: good value per watt?
Relative to its running watts, the DuroStar DS13000MX scores 9.8/10 on value: one of the best results in our catalogue. Generator prices on Amazon move a lot, especially before hurricane season: check the current price before you buy.
DuroStar DS13000MX10,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $800–$1,200
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Our verdict on the DuroStar DS13000MX
The DuroStar DS13000MX scores 8.2/10 and ranks 4th out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: 10,500 running watts on gasoline and 9,975 on propane from a 500cc engine; 50 A 14-50R and L14-30R outlets for a transfer switch, with remote start. 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.
DuroStar DS13000MX10,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $800–$1,200
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Featured in our rankings
Sources
- Official DuroStar product page (specifications)
- Amazon.com listing (availability and typical price, November 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Will the DuroStar DS13000MX run a refrigerator?
Yes: its 10,500 running watts and 13,000 starting watts cover a full-size fridge, including the compressor's startup surge.
Can the DuroStar DS13000MX 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 DuroStar DS13000MX run on a tank?
About 8 hr 30 min at half load according to the manufacturer, and 17 hours at a quarter load.
Does the DuroStar DS13000MX run on propane?
Yes, it is dual fuel: 9,975 running watts on propane.
Is the DuroStar DS13000MX quiet?
The manufacturer rates it at 74 dB(A), typical of an open-frame generator: not campground-quiet.
DuroStar DS13000MX10,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $800–$1,200
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DuroStar DS13000MX8.2/10 · $800–$1,200
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