This is our DuroStar DS4850EH generator review.
I’ve always been a fan of both Duromax and Durostar. Both brands are sister companies & have a wide range of appliances that work efficiently.
Both have generator models with various ranges and specifications but their USP is dual fuel generators.
After a lot of research and reading customer reviews on this portable generator. I’m here to review DuroStar DS4850EH. So you don’t have to waste your time and effort doing your research.
The DuroStar power equipment has been around since 2003. It’s becoming popular because of its feature-packed & budget-friendly portable generators.
This Durostar DS4850EH generator is good for emergency household power outages. It can easily power essential appliances and power tools.
Features such as dual-fuel technology, MX2 power boost, and GFCI-protected outlets make this generator stand out.
But there are a lot of questions that arise to mind while buying a portable generator such as:
How much power can the Durostar dual fuel DS4850EH Heavy duty steel frame generator produce?
Is it worth your money?
Is it safe to use?
I’ve included an overview of features that you must know while buying this generator.
Not only this, but I’ve also included alternatives in case you might want to check them out.
In the end, I have added our verdict for the Durostar DS4850EH portable generator.
Keep reading…
DuroStar DS4850EH generator overview
The headquarters of the Durostar power generator is in Ontario, California.
But, their generators are built overseas according to Durostar’s specifications. They are built mainly in China.
This generator is a 4850 Watt portable generator and it is powered by a 210 cc 4-Stroke
engine.
80% of the buyers of this generator are satisfied with its performance and working.
Also, they recommend this DuraStar generator. This is a decent option for those who want a generator with a starting power of around 4500 watts.
USB outlets in this generator add to your convenience by allowing you to charge electronics such as mobiles, cameras, etc safely.
Power output and tank size
Before buying a portable generator, make sure to check your backup power needs. You might wonder what’s the most suitable way to calculate the required power output.
This will make the list of generators shorter and the process of looking for a suitable generator will become much easier.
If you don’t do this, you might end up buying a generator that produces a lot of energy or too less energy. Both won’t do any good.
The rule of thumb is, that you should buy a portable generator with 20% more power than you actually need. It is extremely helpful because it increases the life of the engine.
This way you will be prepared even for emergency power outages.
Durostar DS4850EH generates 4,850 peak wattage of power and 3,850 running wattage.
This power is enough to supply power to the freezer, sump pump, air conditioner, computer, and charge other high voltage electronic devices.
A bigger fuel tank means the runtime of the generator will also increase.
However, It also means that the weight of the generator will increase. As a result, the portability of the generator will be affected.
The Durostar 4000-watt generator has a 3.96-Gallon fuel tank capacity.
Efficiency and fuel type
A fuel-efficient generator is a good choice. It’s because it increases the runtime hours of appliances with respect to fuel in the tank.
It also contributes to increasing the overall quality of the engine and increases durability as well.
Also, if you are someone who is lazy like me and who doesn’t like going to gas stations. Then this generator is a decent choice for you.
DuroStar DS4850EH has Durostar dual-fuel technology features.
For those who don’t know about this feature. Dual fuel portable generators allow flexibility of fuel choice. You can either use propane or gasoline for this generator.
The runtime for gasoline is Up to 8 Hours at 1/2-Load. However, propane runtime is Up to 9 Hours at 1/2-Load. The propane tank size is almost 20 lb.
Gasoline is not readily available all the time. Not only this, due to natural disasters, its supply might get affected. In this case, a generator with an alternate option can be of great help.
Liquid propane is cheaper in comparison to gasoline. Due to an alternate fuel option, you can get a continuous power supply when either of the fuel options is unavailable.
Safety features
Safety measures are extremely important when operating any type of electronic appliance. Electronic shocks and carbon monoxide poisoning are common accidents due to generators.
Almost all the generators emit harmful gasses while running.
Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas produced by the generators in absence of adequate air supply. It is also known as the silent killer 🔪.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB(California Air Resource Board) are organizations that are responsible for guidelines about emissions.
A generator that is EPA & CARB compliant is safer to use. EPA and CARB compliance is important to selling a generator in California.
It’s because that generator fulfills the criteria and you can use it without worrying about harmful emissions.
But, still, you need to keep a portable generator in a place with an open-air supply.
DuroStar dual fuel generator is compliant with both EPA and CARB. Not only this it is also available to buy in all 50 states.
Quiet generator
No one wants a generator that produces a high level of noise. However, quiet generators are still not achieved.
A loud generator can attract lots of complaints. Even when you are at home or camping. People can get disturbed because of the loud noise of the generator.
This generator produces a noise level of 69 DB. It isn’t much noisy and produces a sound a bit more than a normal conversation.
However, it lacks a quiet muffler for noise reduction. It also lacks a spark arrestor.
Durability And Portability
The durability of a generator refers to the ability of the generator to operate in extreme conditions.
There are a lot of features that collectively increase the durability of the generator such as overload protection, fuel shutoff, etc.
This DS4850E generator is lightweight. It’s easy to move it to different places such as terrains and job sites.
It comes with a generator tool kit that includes wheels to provide maximum convenience to the users.
Product Weight 122 pounds
Product Dimensions 24 x 17 x 17 inches
This generator has a 3-year Residential Limited Factory Warranty and 1-year Commercial Limited Factory Warranty.
DuroStar also provides technical support along with these features for complaint resolutions.
Other Features
Other than all these important features there are many distinctive features of this generator worth mentioning. All of them add to the overall performance and user convenience.
MX2 Power Boost Technology
With the help of this technology, you can get maximum power from both 120-volt receptacles. Or you can choose between 120V and 240V to get maximum output.
This makes this generator an ideal option for usage with RVs.
Electric Start Generator
Generators with recoil options are also good. But, if you would like to skip this hassle, Electric Start is for you.
DuroStar DS4850EH generator has an electric start and with its help starting the generator is easy.
Control Panel and Power Outlets
DuroStar DS4850EH has a fully-featured power panel. Along with a wide selection of outlets, it has a volt meter analog and circuit breaker.
GFCI outlets and oil shutoff features provide maximum ease to the user.
It has two three-prong 120V receptacles and one 12V DC receptacle.
Alternatives
This Durostar generator has good features and would be great as an emergency backup power option and other use cases.
But you might want a generator with a different power or less price. I ain’t gonna judge you here.
So, if you are looking for a generator with similar features and some more. Then, I have a list of alternatives that you might want to check out.
Champion Power Equipment 200986 – Quiet operation
Champion Power Equipment has been around a decade for now. Champion is well known for its versatility and reliability.
Champion’s 200986 model is a portable inverter generator from Champion that has an open-frame design. This generator has a 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine.
The design of this generator is mechanical and lightweight. It ensures smooth operation with minimal engine noise.
It can easily produce starting power of 4000 watts and running power of 3500 watts. The fuel tank of this generator is 2.3 gallons of gasoline.
The runtime of this generator is up to 14 hours in a full gasoline tank when operating at half load.
The economy mode in this generator ensures maximum fuel economy. This reduces engine speed when operating at low wattage loads to save fuel and reduce noise.
This Champion generator produces clean power i.e. it’s safe to operate sensitive electronics such as pc and other electronics.
This generator also has a parallel compatibility feature which is of great help. With this feature, you can easily operate the generator with a parallel connection to another generator. You can do so in case you want to double the power.
Product weight: 95 pounds
Product dimensions: 23.2 x 17.7 x 20.1 inches
The noise level of this generator is only 61 DB. It makes this generator quieter compared to DuroStar DS4850EH.
It is a suitable option for supplying power to household appliances as well as RVs. It is also more potable.
There are many other features such as cold start technology and extended runtime that make this generator a decent choice.
Also, an easy-to-read built-in fuel gauge adds to the user’s convenience.
WEN GN4500 – Better Emergency Power Backup
This powerful and efficient generator is among one of the five rated generators of WEN. This generator produces 4500 peak watts and 3600 running watts.
The tank of this generator has 4 gallons of fuel capacity. So, it can easily run up to 13 hours on one tank of gasoline at half load.
You can easily notice the increase in fuel economy with an inverter generator. Champion 200986 has a smaller tank and yet better fuel economy.
This generator is safe to use and is EPA and CARB-compliant. The engine of this generator is 212cc 4-stroke.
The data meter of this generator is digital which shows plenty of features. Especially frequency, runtime, and other important things.
By keeping a check and balance of all these things, customers can make sure that the generator is well maintained.
Product weight: 107.8 pounds
Product dimensions: 23.25 x 18 x 18.75 inches
WEN GN4500 produces plenty of power for household purposes, supplying electronic devices and high-amperage power tools.
It also has a two-year warranty. The entire team of friendly technicians and product experts at their job.
So you won’t run into any issues because of this generator. They provide excellent customer service.
Westinghouse WGen3600v – lightweight
This is a portable generator from Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment. With a history of over a century, Westinghouse is one of the most trusted and reliable generator brands out there.
This Westinghouse generator uses a 212cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine.
This Westinghouse WGen3600v generator produces surge power of 4650 watts and running power of 3600. This generator is powerful and can easily run most home appliances.
The tank volume of this generator is almost 4 gallons of gasoline. The runtime is up to 14 hours for every single tank of gasoline.
This generator is CARB-compliant.
Product weight: 98.8 pounds
Product dimensions: 23.3 x 17.5 x 18.7 inches
It is a fuel-efficient generator in this list that can handle heavy loads (not at the same time though).
The best part about it is that this generator is affordable.
This WGen3600v portable generator has a 3-Year limited warranty. Also, lifetime technical support from experts and professionals.
Conclusion
DuroStar company is well known for making excellent products. They are extremely loved by customers because of their dual fuel features, durability, and affordability.
DuroStar DS4850EH is overall a good dual-fuel generator and is highly recommended by customers.
This dual-fuel generator produces plenty of power to run anything from household appliances to high-amperage power tools.
The noise level is also average as compared to other portable generators in this power range.
It has a fuel-efficient engine with added safety features. That way you can enjoy electricity from the generator while keeping your family safe and sound.
The alternate options in this list are from well-known brands. I’ve selected alternatives based on usage, people reviews, and important features.
So, you can choose any of them from the list that suits you and fits your backup power needs best.
For example, if you want an inverter generator with cold start technology and minimal noise. Then champion 200986 is an excellent choice for you.
Check the Current Price of the Champion 200986 portable generator.
WEN GN4500 might be a bit costly. However, the benefits include features and an efficient engine. Everything makes it a decent choice worth the money.
Check the Current Price of the WEN GN4500 portable generator.
So if you are thinking of getting any of these generators don’t hesitate. Get rid of the inconvenience of spending countless hours without electricity.
I’ve seen, that some generators take weeks to ship. So, don’t forget to check the shipping dates.
