It is a comprehensive and well-researched review of the DuroStar DS13000eh generator.
I have vast knowledge about portable and non-portable generators. That’s why I’m here to share my knowledge with you to help you select the best generator for you.
So, after doing extensive research, seeing customer service, customer reviews, uses, and disadvantages. I have tried putting the most accurate information on DuroStar DS13000eh here in this review.
The company DuroStar is one of the best generator makers in the industry. They have been in the market for around two decades.
The Durostar DS13000eh can easily supply power to household items. It includes small appliances such as lights and fans. Furthermore, large appliances such as an air conditioner.
With a peak power of 13000 watts, even in stormy weather, this generator will supply continuous energy. Moreover, this dual-fuel generator is made even stronger by a 500cc OHV engine.
However, various questions arise in mind,
Is this a good portable generator?
Is this worth your money?
Can this generator supply power for all household essentials?
In this review, I have tried to cover all questions regarding this generator. By the end of this review, you will learn whether this generator is for you or not.
Keep reading…
DuroStar DS13000eh Generator review
Durostar generators are built according to company specifications overseas, mainly in China. Durostar generators are powerful, reliable, and yet affordable.
Durostar DS13000EH portable generator is a powerful beast and can run most household appliances and high amperage power tools.
But, this generator does not have inverter technology. It also lacks a few points when comparing it on basis of fuel efficiency.
Let’s see how this Durostar generator performs against key aspects…
Power Output and Tank size
Your expedition for the best portable generator can become easier just by knowing your correct power requirements.
Durostar DS13000EH portable generator can produce plenty of power. It can easily supply power for all household appliances. Thus, there is no need to worry about power shortages even during bad weather.
To supply enough power for Heavy Duty Power Tools, a generator is supposed to produce heavy power. This generator can produce 13,000 starting watts quickly, whereas running watts is 10,500 with its powerful engine.
That’s why customers with high power needs are highly satisfied with this generator. Not only can it supply power to small appliances. But it’s also best for handling heavy loads and high amperage power tools.
The size of the fuel tank of Durostar DS13000eh is approximately 8.3 gallons of gasoline. It is a user-friendly dual fuel generator that can operate with gasoline and propane.
Thus, it is a perfect choice for someone who is looking for a portable generator with an alternate fuel to gasoline. In situations when gasoline is not accessible, propane can help you get continuous power.
Moreover, propane is cheaper and burns cleaner i.e. more environmentally friendly.
The built-in fuel gauge is a vital part of the generator. As it ensures, you have the correct fuel quantity for your emergencies.
However, there are numerous complaints that it does not operate efficiently.
There are complaints that the fuel gauge shows that the fuel tank is empty. However, when only 1 to 2 gallons of fuel is added, it shows that the tank is full. This situation has been highly troublesome for numerous customers using this generator.
This situation can lead to issues in filling up the tank. Moreover, numerous users don’t even run their generators for more than two to three hours. The uncertainty of knowing how much fuel is in the tank bothers many users.
Fuel Efficiency and Fuel Type
A fuel-efficient generator has more runtime hours for a given quantity of fuel and power output. A portable generator with better fuel efficiency saves you more in the long run.
Durostar DS13000eh generator runs through an extraordinary and unique mechanism. It is known as Durostar dual-fuel technology.
Now you might ask what’s so special about dual-fuel technology.
The thing is that this technology allows you to use two types of fuel i.e. gasoline and propane. Thus, the flexibility of fuel choice makes it even easier to operate.
It can easily operate with a full tank of gasoline for more than 7 hours when running at full load.
A lot of people use this generator because of its dual-fuel capability. Due to the high cost of gasoline, propane serves as an excellent alternative.
This generator is equipped with a fuel selector switch. It is responsible for controlling the fuel input in the generator. To use the generator with your preferred one, you must change the settings first.
You can easily set the fuel to whatever you want. It can be either propane or gasoline. Furthermore, it is also useful in running the fuel out of the carburetor for storage.
This dual-fuel portable generator is perfect for anyone who wants to save money. There is no need to spend extra money on gasoline. Additionally, propane can power your generator when gasoline is unavailable.
However, there are still some things that customers are skeptical about this product. One of them is the leakage of gasoline from the generator. It’s because the choke lever sometimes malfunctions.
Thus, as a result, there are chances of leakage. Many users have complained that the company states that leakage is pretty normal. However, speaking practically, it can be highly troublesome.
Safety Features
Portable generators that produce plenty of power can become dangerous if handled carelessly.
Along with electrical power, these generators also emit harmful gases and particles. One such is Carbon Monoxide (CO).
CO is a poisonous gas. It is also known as a silent killer 🔪. So, proper safety measures should be in place when operating a generator.
This Durostar generator has the approval of some well-known agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). They approve only those generators that follow their strict guidelines.
The approval of agencies makes it a top-notch product considering your safety. There are still some disadvantages that you must know.
Moreover, the built-in spark arrestor is best for use on camping sites. As it prevents any fir incidents that might be caused by the spark.
Moreover, the gas cap is often loose. Due to this, any mishap can occur, leading to deadly accidents. Thus make sure to take all the precautionary measures before using this product.
Quiet Operation
All portable generators make some noise while operating. This noise can be scaled into levels i.e. decibels (DB).
Noisy generators are not neighbor-friendly. You might get some cranky neighbors to your doorstep complaining about the loud noise.
Durostar DS13000eh produces a noise level of 74 decibels, as mentioned by the manufacturers.
This generator from Durostar Power Equipment features Idle Control. When you aren’t using a generator, Idle control effectively reduces the RPM of the generator.
Idle control is tremendously helpful in saving fuel, and secondly, it reduces noise. This type of generator is perfect for the roughest job sites that need a quiet operation.
An attached oversized muffler reduces the noise to a great level. This is also a perfect feature for RV enthusiasts.
Keeping the size of this generator in mind, it does not produce much noise. It can produce high wattage i.e. more than 10000 and support any power outage with instant power.
Moreover, it’s also affordable and easy to use. Therefore we can say it’s the best generator with respect to generators of their size and power.
60 DB is the noise that is produced by electronic devices such as refrigerators. Furthermore, 70 to 78 DB is the noise that is produced by a vacuum cleaner.
Thus, these generators are not perfect when it comes to noise features. This generator is not suitable for a PA system.
However, you might need a portable generator for a completely different use case. So, if you won’t mind a bit more noise for a cheaper generator then its noise won’t bother you.
Moreover, the nuts and bolts of this generator are often loose. They also produce a little bit of noise.
Durability and Portability
Durability refers to the generator’s ability to withstand extreme pressure and tough condition. A durable generator has a longer lifespan.
The Durostar DS13000eh has a strong heavy-duty steel frame roll cage. This protects generators in troublesome situations.
This generator has a 3-year residential limited factory warranty. And, a 1-year commercial limited factory warranty.
So, even if your generator malfunctions or gets faulty, you can repair or replace it.
However, all the parts of the generator are not included in the commercial factory warranty. Sometimes the motor mounts shred automatically. This situation can be quite troublesome for the users.
Another unique feature this generator has is a low-oil shutdown. It shuts off the generator when oil is low. This protects your engine from incurring damage by running on low oil.
Use proper fuel and maintenance to protect the generator from power surges. Protecting the generator from power surges will enhance its lifespan and durability.
Weight: 236 lbs
Dimensions: 29” x 30” x 26” (LXBXH)
It is a low-maintenance generator. Thus, there is no need to spend extra bucks for this purpose.
This generator has solid-fill tires. Not only this, but the manufacturers of this generator have also added high-leverage handles to increase portability.
However, one of the main problems is that the wheel kit is not a part of this generator. That’s why paying extra bucks for a wheel kit might not touch you at the soft end. Thus, moving this generator without wheels can be troublesome.
Moreover, the company states that metal braces are easily removable. And, these removable lifting brace makes moving this generator easier. However, this claim is not true at all.
Often, the items are not shipped properly. Sometimes nuts and bolts of the generator are missing.
There are also complaints that the wheels are wobbly and not strong enough to move the generator.
There are chances of items being in a poor state. This might happen due to the delivery channel or some other cause.
But, don’t worry, you can get it resolved by logging in your complaint with customer service.
Other Features
There are other features that couldn’t make it up to our key aspects. But, they contribute to overall operation ease and user convenience.
Control Panel and Outlets
There is a full-fledged featured power panel on this generator. A wide selection of outlets provides maximum compatibility with all applications.
There are two main 120V household outlets with GFCI. GFCI is Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.
Furthermore, there is one 120V 30A twist-lock outlet. There is another 12V automotive outlet as well.
Other than that, the 20A GFCI outlet and 50A heavy-duty outlet are also part of this power panel.
There is also a digital voltmeter in this power panel despite all this.
Electric Start
Electric start removes any hassle involved in starting your generator. This Durostar generator is user-friendly and has an electric start.
There is no rocket science, and it is as simple as starting a car. In case, the battery is drained you can operate it with the help of a recoil start.
Engine
The engine type is 4 cycle air-cooled spark ignition. Thus it prevents the overheating of Durostar DS13000eh.
Setup
Understanding the instructions on this generator can be a bit difficult. You might even receive the generator without a user manual.
But again, don’t worry you can get it resolved by addressing the issue with customer service. However, you can watch any youtube video explaining the setup process in detail.
Moreover, you must start this generator at least 30 minutes a month. Otherwise, the generator might run into issues.
You can remove it out of the box within minutes and set it up using the toolset and spark plug wrench. After that, you just need to add oil or gas to power up your appliances instantly.
Alternatives
Durostar DS13000eh stands good against the key aspects. But, your backup power need might be different from anyone else.
You might want to look at the alternative for reasons such as extra power, lower operation, etc. I am not judging you here.
So, I have compiled a list of some of the best alternatives based on features, user reviews, and recalls.
Therefore, you can choose the best generator that fits all your requirements.
Westinghouse WGen12000 Portable Generator – Excellent Runtime
It has been a leading generator brand for more than 130 years. The company aims for nothing but perfection. The result is user-friendly and the best product.
Moreover, the 713cc OHV V-Twin Westinghouse Engine makes Westinghouse WGen12000 even more powerful.
This generator has 12000 running watts and 15000 peak watts. You can start it electronically as well as with the help of a remote key.
The generator has a gas fuel tank capacity of almost 10.5 gallons. Moreover, it can work efficiently for 10 hours at full load.
The digital hour meter and Automatic Low Oil Shutdown are other perks of this generator. It produces a noise level of 74 DB.
This generator has two GFCI outlets, and all the outlets have rubber coverings. These rubber coverings are for safety purposes.
Westinghouse Outdoor Equipment provides a 3-year residential and 1-year commercial warranty for Westinghouse WGen12000
Weight: 352 lbs
Dimensions: 34” x 31” x 35” (LXBXH)
Thus, with amazing runtime, there is no need to worry about power outages. Remote start makes operating this generator easier.
So, if you need a portable generator with more power and fuel efficiency, then go for this Westinghouse generator.
Champion 100111–12,000 Watt – Powerful yet Cheaper
Champion company has been manufacturing generators since 2003. They are well known for building strong and finest power equipment.
This generator produces a noise of almost 78 DB. Moreover, the build is extremely strong and loved by customers.
This generator is heavy. However, moving is easy with the help of wheels.
It can easily supply power to all household items. Packed with numerous features and affordable price makes this generator a decent choice.
Weight: 330 pounds
Dimensions: 33.9” x 31.1” x 33.1” (LXBXH)
A special lift hook is attached to this generator. It makes moving this generator even easier.
Another unique feature is built-in Cold Start Technology. Usually, during the winter season generator can’t function properly. It’s impossible to start it.
However, with this feature, you can easily start this generator.
This Champion generator comes packed with a three-year residential and 1-year commercial warranty.
So, this generator can be a powerful yet affordable solution for your power needs.
DuroMax XP12000EH Generator – Super Quiet
Here’s an alternative from Durostar’s sister brand i.e. DuroMax.
Duromax generators are widely popular because of their reasonable prices. Also, Duromax portable generators are high-class generators that work efficiently.
With a 4-stroke 457cc OHV engine, this generator can produce 12,000 peak wattage. And, it can easily produce 9500 running watts.
Moreover, Duromax XP12000EH has a runtime of almost 8 hours on its 8.3-gallon fuel tank size. It can easily withstand harsh weather conditions such as a hurricane.
Weight: 224 Pounds
Dimensions: 30 x 29 x 26 inches
This Duromax generator is backed by a 3-year factory warranty. All metal construction adds to the overall durability of the generator.
With MX2 power boost technology, this generator ensures maximum output through each of its 120V outlets.
Dual fuel generators are the USP of Duromax power tools. So, if you need a reliable dual-fuel generator at an affordable price, then Duromax XP12000EH is worth a shot.
If you are still skeptical, make sure to check the following reviews too. You will indeed find something that will fit your requirements.
Conclusion
Durostar is mainly owned by Dexin. However, these affordable generators are manufactured in China according to Durostar engineers’ specifications.
Durostar DS13000eh generator has an attached spark arrestor and a quiet muffler. Both of them work together to reduce overall noise.
However, there are still some noise complaints stating the noise level is more than expected.
Moreover, this generator is easy to operate. It has a full-fledged instructions manual. The battery of this generator is detached when delivered.
Thus you have to assemble it on your own.
The fuel tank is also relatively less in capacity than usual generator brands in this power range.
Thus, if you want a generator with high runtime and the trust of Westinghouse. Then, Westinghouse WGen12000 portable generator can be a perfect option for you.
Check the current price of the Westinghouse WGen12000 Watt Portable Generator.
The Durostar 13000eh lacks Cold Start Technology. That’s why Champion 100111 15,000/12,000 Watt can be a better option in this aspect.
Check the current price of Champion 100111 15,000/12,000 Watt generator.
All portable generators on this DuroStar DS13000eh review are from the most trusted and reliable brands out there.
So, ditch all fancy thoughts and choose the one that serves your need well and buy it right away. As it will be the best choice for you.
The shipping service of this generator is fast, and it doesn’t take much time. So, if you plan to use it on a coming date 💞😅 or at any other event. Do check the delivery date once.
