This is our DuroMax XP4850EH portable generator review.
Portable generators become essential in situations of a power outage or any natural disaster. It is also a useful addition to your camping and RV gear.
I have researched DuroMax XP4850EH and the best alternatives available for this generator. I did comprehensive research on features, user reviews & recalls, and generator use cases. All of this is just to put together this DuroMax XP4850EH review.
DuroMax XP4850EH is an efficient generator with dual-fuel technology. It uses gasoline and propane to run. This dual fuel generator comes with MX2 boost technology.
DuroMax XP4850EH has all-metal construction and all-copper winding for more durability. This generator uses a powerful engine to generate plenty of power to run most of your essential household equipment.
DuroMax XP4850EH dual fuel generator is ideal for RVs. It can also power your household electrical appliances, camping trips, tailgating, and job sites.
But, it is a bit higher on the operation noise level scale as compared to a few other generator models in this wattage range.
So,
What is the DuroMax XP4850EH Dual Fuel good for?
Is A Dual-Fuel Generator Worth Buying?
How long does DuroMax XP4850EH run?
Keep reading…
Duromax XP4850EH Generator Overview
DuroMax Power Equipment has been around for almost two decades now. DuroMax Power Equipment is the industry’s leader in Dual Fuel portable generator technology.
DuroMax XP4850 is a Dual fuel hybrid generator with an electric start feature. This powerful generator uses an engine – a 4-stroke 212cc DuroMax OHV engine.
Dual fuel technology comes in handy when any of the fuel options are not accessible at the time. You can directly connect to the propane hose and get continuous power.
Propane is cleaner and cheaper compared to gasoline. But, portable generators running on propane produce less power and runtime.
I have included key feature reviews and the best alternatives available in this DuroMax XP4850EH review.
This will save you time and effort. It will also help you decide if DuroMax XP4850EH is the best backup generator for your power needs.
Power Output and Tank Oil Capacity
Portable backup generators have a wide range of peak and rated power. So without a clear estimation of the power needed, you would be trying to find a needle in the haystack.
I recommend that you buy a generator with 20% extra power than you need. This extra power will come in handy in case of any emergency.
So, use the proper tools to find the power needed before you set out on the best generator quest.
DuroMax XP4850EH generates 4850 peak watts and 3850 rated watts on gasoline. When running on propane this generator produces 4608 surge watts and 3658 running watts.
This power is enough to run most of the essential electric appliances & power tools. You can power a refrigerator, freezer, sump pump, etc with this generator.
A Larger fuel tank means more run time but it also increases the weight and size of the generator. So, a balance is necessary between the size and power of the generator for the best portability.
This DuroMax generator has a fuel tank capacity of 3.96 gallons of gasoline. The suggested tank size for propane is 20 lbs.
Efficiency and Fuel Type
The efficiency of a generator has a wide scope. In simple terms, the efficiency of the generator depends on power, runtime, and fuel efficiency.
A generator with better efficiency has more power and run-time hours for a given amount of fuel. An efficient portable generator has lower fuel consumption and thus saves you in long run.
DuroMax XP4850EH runs for around 10.4 hours on a gasoline single tank at half load. It has a run-time of 8.92 hours on a 20 lb propane tank at the half load i.e. around 2000 watts. It has lower runtime hours on propane.
Dual fuel technology gives you an alternate fuel option. For this generator the alternate fuel option is propane. Liquid propane burns cleaner and is also cheaper as compared to gasoline.
An alternate fuel option comes in handy when any of the fuel options are inaccessible. Natural disasters have disrupted gasoline supply earlier too.
Safety Features
Proper safety measures are important when operating portable generators. Incidents such as electric shocks, and harmful effects of the gas are few to count.
All portable generators produce harmful exhaust gases and particles while running. One such gas is CO (Carbon Monoxide). This gas is also known as the silent killer 🔪. CO alone accounts for hundreds of deaths every year.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB(California Air Resource Board) provide emissions guidelines. An EPA & CARB-compliant generator limits its emission levels below standards.
This generator is both EPA and CARB certified.
This DuroMax generator has GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected outlets. These GFCI outlets protect you from any possible electric shocks due to faulty ground.
It also has a built-in spark arrestor. This makes it safe for use in a park or any forest area.
Convenience
DuroMax XP4850EH has additional features that add to your convenience. I have listed a few features just for you.
Fully Featured Power Panel
This generator has an intuitive control panel with a low oil indicator, volt-meter, and circuit breaker. These enhance the generator operation experience by showing real-time updates. The circuit breaker comes in handy in case of any emergency.
Power Outlets
This generator has a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility and usability. DuroMax XP4850EH comes with two 120V household GFCI household outlets and a 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet. The control panel also has 12V DC charging ports for charging external batteries.
Electric Start
This hybrid DuroMax generator comes with an electric start switch having a start, stop and run points. It also has a recoil starter as a backup in case the electric start does not work.
MX2 Technology
This generator comes with MX2 boost technology. MX2 boost ensures you get maximum out with either 120V or 240V power receptacles. You can choose to operate between 120V & 240V outlets simultaneously or 120V with full power.
Quiet Operation
Quiet generators are well-liked over noisy generators due to a number of aspects. A noisy generator can steal your peace of mind and your neighbors too.
All generators make some noise so you have to choose the one that makes less noise than the others.
Especially during power outages or natural events, most folks use a portable generator. You wouldn’t love to have the loudest of them all.
DuroMax XP4850EH produces an operating noise level of 69 DB. This noise level is similar to a few people having a normal conversation together.
Durability and Portability
The durability of a portable generator is its ability to withstand pressure and extreme situations. Higher durability ensures longer generator life and better performance.
This generator has an all-metal built & heavy-duty frame for tough and rough job sites. It has all copper windings that keep the generator cool when running for longer durations.
Surge arrest protector protects generator engine from any power surges.
This DuroMax 4850 dual fuel generator also has a low oil shut-off sensor. This shuts down the generator when the oil level goes below the least standard level.
Portability is important if you plan to move the generator often. This generator has good portability with a compact design and lower weight.
Weight: 122 lbs
Dimensions: 25” x 24” x 21” (L X W X H)
Duromax Power Equipment provides a 3-year limited warranty with this dual fuel generator.
Alternatives
Westinghouse iGen4500 – Super Quiet Generator
Westinghouse iGen4500 is an impressive backup power generator. It is a gasoline generator from a trusted and reliable brand i.e. Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment.
Westinghouse iGen4500 runs on a powerful engine i.e. 224cc Westinghouse OHV engine. Westinghouse Power Equipment built this generator’s engine with a cast iron sleeve that adds to the durability.
This inverter generator also produces clean power. This generator has a lower THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). Low voltage spikes and surges protect sensitive electronic equipment.
This generator produces 4500 peak wattage and 3700 running wattage on gasoline. It produces extra 100 watts of power than the Duromax XP4400E.
This Westinghouse generator has a tank with 3.4 gallons of fuel capacity and a fuel gauge. It has an impressive run time of 18 hours on single-tank gasoline at half load.
This generator has an economy mode for better fuel efficiency. Also, This generator produces a noise level of 52 DB. This is the lowest noise volume on this list.
Westinghouse iGen4500 has a push-button electric starter and a wireless remote start key FOB (Frequency Operated Button). It has a manual recoil starter as a backup for emergencies.
This generator has a LED digital data center. It has a low oil warning light for managing fuel availability.
This displays the remaining run time & fuel level, voltage output, and lifetime hours. These are essential for tracking maintenance intervals and scheduling them.
Westinghouse Power Equipment provides a three-year warranty period with nationwide customer service centers.
Weight: 93 lbs
Dimensions: 24.5” x 17.5” x 20” (L X W X H)
DuroMax 4850 is a heavier and larger generator compared to Westinghouse iGen4500. Also, Westinghouse iGen4500 is much quieter.
WEN 56475 4750-Watt – Compact Yet Powerful
This WEN generator provides almost the same power as our DuroMax generator. This generator uses a 4-stroke 223cc OHV engine.
This WEN 4750-watt generator has a digital data meter. It helps you track and schedule maintenance for your generator. This generator also has an electric switch start and recoil as a backup.
This WEN generator produces 4750 starting watts and 3750 running watts on gasoline. It has a 4-gallon fuel tank and does have a dual-fuel feature.
The WEN 56475 is EPA and CARB certified. It also features automatic voltage regulation and overload protection.
This generator can run for up to 10 hours on a single oil tank. It is lightweight and more portable than DuroMax 4850-watt generator.
Weight: 112.5 lbs
Dimensions: 26.6” x 17.1” x 17.3” (L X W X H)
WEN provides a 2-year warranty and nationwide technical assistance for WEN 56475 4750-Watt.
So, if you are not looking for a dual fuel version portable generator. This can be the one for your power source needs.
Champion 201052 4750/3800-Watt – Versatile Generator
Champion Power Equipment provides a 201052 model. This durable generator uses a powerful dual-fuel engine – a 4-stroke 224cc Champion engine.
This generator produces 4750 surge watts and 3800 rated watts on gasoline. It has a lower power rating on propane i.e. 4275 peak watts and 3420 rated watts.
This generator has a 4.7-gallon gasoline fuel tank. It can run for up to 14 hours on gasoline.
The suggested tank size for propane is 20 lbs. This generator has 10.5 hours of runtime on a 20 lb propane tank.
This generator comes with Intelligauge, a handy rocker switches electric start, and Volt Gaurd. It has a backup recoil starter. This generator is also EPA and CARB certified.
It also has a cold start technology that ensures an easy start every time. This generator produces an operation noise of 68DB. This is almost equal to our DuroMax generator.
Weight: 123 lbs
Dimensions: 24.7” x 25” x 22.2” (L X W X H)
Champion Power Equipment has been around for two decades now. They have good customer support. They provide a 3-year factory warranty on the Champion 201052 dual fuel generator.
Conclusion
DuroMax Power Equipment is industry-leading for power solutions with dual-fuel technology. Dual fuel technology gives you an alternate fuel option i.e. liquid propane.
DuroMax XP4850EH is a good and affordable generator with MX2 boost technology. This generator is ideal for powering RVs, campsites, job sites, and other recreational events.
All metal construction and a fully-featured control panel with a volt-meter make this worth every buck. This generator is reliable and can get you through power outages and any other natural disasters.
This generator provides plenty of electrical power to run most of the essential appliances and heavy loads. You can power up a refrigerator, sump pump, furnace blowers, and other household appliances with ease using this generator.
But, unlike modern generator inverters, this DuroMax 4850 hybrid generator is a little high on the noise level. It is low on portability as compared to other generators with the same power.
All generators in this DuroMax generator review are from trusted and reliable brands. Choosing any that suits your power needs will be the best option.
Westinghouse IGen4500 from alternatives has the trust of the Westinghouse brand. It is quieter and more portable than DuroMax XP4850EH. But it might cost you a few hundred bucks more.
So, go with the one that suits best your backup power needs as well as your pocket.
