Duromax XP13000HX Generator Review [+Alternative]

DuroMax XP13000HX
Our Rating:
4.6/5

This is our DuroMax XP13000HX generator review.

Selecting the best portable generator from the available options is difficult and time-consuming. I have reviewed DuroMax XP13000HX, so you can decide whether this generator is worth it.

DuroMax has been around since 2003 and boasts its long list of Dual fuel generators that run on gasoline and propane.

DuroMax XP13000HX is a powerful generator with an all-new control center. Its digital multimeter displays voltage output, operating frequency, and maintenance hours.

It also features Idle Control and Low fuel shutoff sensor. Push-button start makes starting hassle-free.

This DuroMax generator produces enough power to run all your household essentials and other high-power tools as well.

So, for all your un-answered questions such as

Are Duromax generators any good?

Does Duromax make its own engines?

How loud is the Duromax 13000-watt generator?

I have reviewed important aspects and features of this DuroMax 13000-watt portable generator. 

I have also included the best alternatives for DuroMax XP13000HX in this DuroMax 13000 review.

Let’s find out together…

Duromax XP13000HX Generator Overview

DuroMax products are engineered and serviced from Ontario, California, USA. But, their engines get built according to DuroMax specifications overseas. 🤐

DuroMax XP13000HX uses a powerful 500cc OHV DuroMax engine. This generator produces plenty of power to run all your household appliances during a power outage or any emergency.

This generator is powerful enough to meet your job site power requirements. This dual fuel generator produces power like a standby generator in a portable package.

However, it would not be an ideal solution for camping, or any other use case that requires a lot of relocation.

Let’s put this DuroMax 13000 generator to test against the most important features and must-haves.

Power Output and Tank Size

Calculating the proper power output required will filter the long list of generators to a much more convenient number. 

Also, you would not end up with a portable generator with too much power or less power than you actually need.

What can I run with my DuroMax xp13000hx Generator

I recommend you buy a portable generator with 20% more power than you actually need. This extra power will prevent any overloading conditions and increase engine life.

DuroMax XP13000HX produces 13000 surge watts and 10500 rated watts of power on gasoline. When running on propane, it produces 12350 peak watts and 9975 running watts.

With this power, you can run a freezer, furnace, modern refrigerator, air conditioner, clothes dryer, etc. You can also run high-amperage tools.

A bigger tank obviously means more runtime hours but it adds to the weight and size of the portable generator.

DuroMax XP13000HX has an 8.3-gallon fuel tank capacity. The suggested tank size for propane is 40 lbs.

Efficiency and Fuel Type

The efficiency of a portable generator is directly proportional to the power output and runtime hours. It is inversely proportional to the amount of fuel consumed.

Fuel efficiency is runtime vs power for given fuel capacity for any portable generator

An efficient generator has a longer life, is fuel-efficient, and has better power output. It will save you more in the long run.

DuroMax XP13000HX can run for 8.5 hours at half load on a single tank of gasoline. And when running on propane it can run up to 6.5 hours at half load.

The idle control feature reduces engine speed when there is no load on the generator. This saves fuel and increases engine life.

DuroMax XP13000HX is a dual-fuel portable generator. Generators with dual-fuel technology provide flexibility in fuel choice. You can run this generator either on gasoline or propane.

But, if you do not need a dual fuel generator, another model with the same specs is available. DuroMax XP13000E is a gas-powered portable generator with the same specs.

Check the Current Price of the DuroMax XP13000E – a 13000-watt gas-powered portable generator.

Safety Features

This is a powerful beast and safety measures become necessary when operating a generator with this power.

Proper safety measures and precautions are necessary when using a portable generator. Other than power, all portable generators produce harmful gases and particles when running

All portable generators produce harmful gases and particles when running. One such gas is Carbon Monoxide (CO).

CO is also called a silent killer. An unsafe level of CO can be deadly.🔪

EPA and CARB provide regulation standards for emissions. EPA is Environmental Protection Agency and CARB is California Air Resource Board.

DuroMax XP13000HX is an EPA and CARB-compliant generator. It means its emission levels are within safety standards.

This generator features a CO alert technology. The CO Alert monitors the level of Carbon Monoxide. And, when the CO level increases it shuts down the engine with an indication of a high CO level.

CO alert technology detects the harmful levels of Carbon Monoxide for DuroMax generators

We recommend buying a generator with CO Alert. But, if you do not need a generator with CO Alert technology then DuroMax XP13000EH can be a good option.

Check the Current Price of DuroMax XP13000EH dual fuel portable generator without CO alert.

It also has GFCI household outlets. GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It protects you from any possible incidents due to faulty ground.

Quiet Operation

I love a power generator that makes less operation noise. An absolutely quiet generator is yet invented.

So, you have to choose the one that makes less noise. A noisy generator can never be neighbor-friendly unless they all are deaf. 😁

Noisy generators are not loved and steal your and your neighbor’s peace of mind-If you are camping with a noisy generator, imagine the reaction of other campers

I had to handle my cranky neighbor with our previous generator which was a bit loud. 😬

During a power outage, most people use a portable generator. Believe me, you won’t love to have the loudest of them all.

DuroMax XP13000HX makes an operation-noise level of 74 DB. This noise level is a bit louder than a vacuum cleaner running.

Other Features

There are other features that add to your convenience and operation ease.

Intuitive Control Panel

This generator’s power panel has a digital command center. You can track voltage output, operating frequency, and maintenance hours.

DuroMax XP13000HX control panel features

It also has an individual circuit breaker, a low oil sensor, and Idle control on board. These make scheduling maintenance and generator operation easy.

Power Outlets

This generator comes with a wide selection of outlets for maximum support. It has one 120V 30A outlet, one 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, and a Heavy-Duty 120/240V 50AMP Outlet.

These outlets are transfer-switch ready.

Electric Start

Pulling recoil to start is difficult and with generators’ age, it gets worse. Electric start removes any hassle in starting your generator.

This DuroMax portable generator has a push-button electric start. It also has a recoil starter as a backup for emergencies.

What comes in the box

DuroMax XP13000HX comes with an Oil Funnel, Spark Plug Wrench, Tool Set, Wheel & Handle Kit, Propane Regulator, and Owner’s Manual.

Durability and Portability

Many use cases involve generators’ use in tough environments and conditions. The durability of a generator is its ability to work through these and deliver the best efficiency.

A durable portable generator lasts long and makes every buck worth it. DuroMax XP13000HX has a sturdy design and metal construction.

This generator’s engine has all copper windings. These keep your engine cool and thus increase engine life.

The fuel shutoff sensor detects a low level of fuel and shuts down the engine when the oil level is low. This saves the generator engine from incurring any damage by running at low fuel levels.

This generator is heavy and big in size. Never flat wheels and folding handles make moving this generator easy.

Still, you won’t love moving this generator often. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Product Weight: 245 lbs

Product Dimensions: 30” x 29” x 26” (L X W X H)

This generator comes with DuroMax’s 3-year warranty and technical assistance.

Alternatives

This DuroMax generator is one of the best portable generators in this power range. But, your use case and backup power need might be completely different. 

So, if you need a generator with a few additional features then you might want to have a look at the alternatives for this Duromax generator.

Westinghouse WGen9500DF – Better Efficiency

Westinghouse Power Equipment has been around for more than a century now. They have a reputation for building reliable and best-priced product lines.

Westinghouse WGen9500DF is one of the best-selling dual-fuel generators in this power range. It features a 457cc 4-stroke Westinghouse OHV engine.

This generator has an impressive 12500 peak watts and 9500 running watts on gasoline. When running on propane it produces 11200 surge watts and 8500 rated watts.

Westinghouse WGen9500DF has a fuel tank capacity of 6.6 gallons of gasoline. It can run up to 12 hours on a single tank of gasoline on half load. 

This generator is feature-packed with a wireless remote key FOB for remote operation. FOB is a  Frequency Operated Button.

VFT display, Low oil level automatic shutdown, GFCI outlets, etc are a few to count. You can check our complete review of Westinghouse WGen9500Df for more information.

Also, if you need a generator with the same specs but without dual-fuel capability, Westinghouse WGen9500 can be the one for you.

Check the Current Price of the Westinghouse WGen9500 gas-powered portable generator.

Weight: 211 lbs

Dimensions: 27.2” x 26.1” x 26.5” (L X W X H)

This generator is powerful and fully featured. It is an ideal power solution for home backup and emergencies.

This heavy-duty generator can run power tools for your job site. It also has the lowest price of all alternatives & our DuroMax 13000 dual-fuel generator.

Pulsar G12KBN – RV Ready

Pulsar G12KBN is a dual fuel portable generator from Pulsar Products. This generator features a 457cc, Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke OHV Engine.

This generator produces 12000 watts of surge power and 9500 running watts of gasoline. 

And, on propane, this pulsar generator produces 10800 starting wattage and 8550 running wattage.

This generator gives 12 hours of continuous operation at half load on its 8-gallon gas tank.

It comes with a convenient push start, a low oil shutoff sensor, and automatic voltage regulation. 

Weight: 209 lbs

Dimensions: 28.5” x 26” x 25.5” (L X W X H)

This dual fuel generator has a 1-year limited warranty.

This generator is powerful like any stationary home standby Generator and has good efficiency. It can serve as a home backup generator and can also power your work appliances.

But, it has less warranty and power output as compared to the 13000-watt DuroMax generator.

Champion 100111 – Most Powerful

Champion power equipment has been around for 2 decades. They are well known for reliable and versatile product lines.

Champion 100111 features a reliable 717cc V-Twin Champion engine. This gas-powered generator produces 15000 watts of starting power and 12000 watts of running power.

Champion 100111 has a large 10.9-gallon fuel tank. This generator can give you a runtime of up to 9 hours on a single tank of gasoline.

This champion generator comes with Volt Guard and Cold Start Technology. Volt Guard is a built-in surge protector. Cold Start Technology ensures an easy start in cold weather conditions.

It also features intelligence. Intelligence keeps track of voltage, hertz, and run-time hours.

This generator has a lifting hook and never-flat wheels. These increase the overall portability of this heavy generator.

Weight: 330 lbs

Dimensions: 33.9” x 31.1” x 33.1” (L X W X H)

Champion Power Equipment backs this generator with a 3-year warranty. It also offers lifetime technical assistance from dedicated experts.

Conclusion – Should You Buy It

Founded in 2003, DuroMax Power Equipment is manufacturing reliable and affordable power tools.

DuroMax XP13000HX is an XP series dual-fuel generator. 82% of 227 users recommend this product on Amazon with a 5-star rating.

This powerful generator produces plenty of power to run all your home electronic devices, even a central AC system.

This generator features Idle Control, a digital command center, CO alert Technology, and many other features.

This generator is a good option if you need this much power. It can serve as a complete home backup solution.

XP series has two other models with the same specs and dual-fuel capability and CO alert difference.

DuroMax XP13000EH has the same specs but does not have CO Alert Technology. This makes it fairly cheaper.

Check the Current Price of the DuroMax XP13000EH dual fuel portable generator.

DuroMax XP13000E also has the same specs but lacks dual-fuel capability and CO Alert Technology.

Check the Current Price of the DuroMax XP13000E – a 13000-watt gas-powered portable generator.

All generators on this DuroMax XP13000HX review are from reputed and trusted brands. So, select anyone that suits your power needs.

For example, if you need a generator with a bit less power and better efficiency, Westinghouse WGen9500DF can be the one for you.

Check the Current Price of the Westinghouse WGen9500DF dual fuel generator.

And, if you need a portable generator with more power then you might want to check Champion 10111 15000/12000 watts portable generator.

Check the Current Price of Champion 10111 15000/12000 gas-powered generator.

All portable generators get delivered in a bit of time. So, if you are planning to use it on a coming date then do not forget to check the delivery date.

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Farhan Sheikh

Hi, I’m Farhan Sheikh. I'm an Electrical and Electronics Engineer. On this site, I guide you with different electronic circuits, theories, and how to buy generators for yourself. And yeah, I manage the content planning and editorial of this website. :)