XP12000EH

I purchased this generator with the hopes of powering my entire single unit 2600 square foot South Florida home. I was without power last year in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma for four days. I contracted an electrician to install a transfer switch box and inlet port. I also built up a 6 gauge 50 amp male to male 27 foot power cord. I wanted to go with a male to female but the electrician installed a female inlet so until I change that I went with the aforementioned. At $7.00 a foot at HD my cost with the end connectors was about $265.00. I connected everything and used gas as the fuel since the specs on the unit indicated that I’d drop from 12K surge power to 10K if I used propane. After turning off the utility power and transferring to the generator, I gradually started turning on the breakers. The connection I was using was the 50 amp connector. After turning them ALL on, I went in my house and test all the appliances. The fridge, two deep freezers and even the stove worked. I then minimized all the appliances to just the fridge and deep freezers and turned on the central air conditioner. I heard the generator lull and surge back up. The air conditioner started right up and worked fine. I went outside to check the power cord to see if it was warm or hot. It was neither. I’m not by any stretch an electrician so my apologies for not running off a bunch of specifications. What I will do is try and post the specification of my AC unit to give you some kind of idea what I’m powering. After restoring everything back to utility power I tested the propane fuel option by purging the lines from gasoline and connecting a 100 pound propane tank. I used the supplied propane hose and a six foot extension with a brass coupler and the unit worked just fine. I was told at the propane distributor the the supplied 5 foot hose and the added six foot extension would be as far as I should go with the length of the line. The supplied propane line DOES NOT come with a regulator. Also the connection at the generator end is a 3/8 connection. So if shopping for a line, do not include a regulator. My unit’s only issue was a wheel that had a pressure indentation causing it to bump when rolling the unit. I contacted the help number and they requested I reply to the email with photographs and an brief explanation of the problem. I did that today so I’ll provide an update as to how that issue is resolved. The unit comes with two keys located inside a ziplock bag where the owner’s manual is located. I used 10W 30 oil with a little less than a quart. The battery was charged and already connected. There was enough of a charge for me to use the electric start. I’ll provide as much additional information with the photos I think will answer many questions I’ve seen while reviewing this unit. For now, it seem to be working just fine. Again, my apologies for not providing a more “technical” review. I give this unit five stars. It’s got the power and fuel options which allow for long term storage of your propane. UPDATE: Sunday, May 13, 2018 I’ve just tested the Duromax 12,000 Duel Fuel with my propane set up. I’m using two 100 pound tanks connected with a Mr. Heater 2-tank hook-up kit with tee and 30-inch hose assembly with P.O.L. male ends. I’ve also attached a 6-foot extension on the Duromax supplied 5-foot propane hose. Prior to attempting to start the unit, I used thread seal on all brass to brass thread connections. I used very slight torque but enough to make sure there were no leaks. I tried one tank at a time shutting off the other to check the pressure. I have a screw on pressure gauge on the in-line system. The first tank checked out fine and maintained its pressure. The second tank pressured up not problem but one the machine stated running the pressure would drop and the generator would cut off. I removed the line connecting the second tank and added more thread seal. I also added some on the end where it connected to the tee assembly. I opened the tank, pressured up not problem and turned the unit on. No loss of pressure and the units are working fine. I’ve read on a few post that a regulator would be required if you extend the hose from the tanks to the generator. Perhaps the real problem is a leak. If there is a leak somewhere in any of the connections the pressure will drop once the machine is on and the generator will stop running. Hope this info helps.

I only write reviews when I really like something or really hate it. I really like this generator, the DuroMax 12kW. I considered buying a permanent standby generator but I couldn't justify the $20,000 expense (that's what I was quoted by several suppliers here in Naples FL). That said, the Florida heat is insufferable and while a smaller generator could power a room A/C, we really wanted our central air, a new 5 ton 14SEER Carrier unit. The problem is that it demands 144 amps/32kW at start up and no portable can handle that load. After doing some research, I learned about a KICK START (also called a Hard Start) device; essentially a secondary capacitor and regulator that soft starts the AC. $250 later and my big central AC dropped to 38A/8360 measured watts! Exciting, but would it work? I had an electrician wire the inlets (I have two 200 amp service boxes, one for the high amperage stuff including the central AC, stove, pool pump etc. and the other for the rest of the house). I put the 50 amp inlet to the high current box and the 30 amp to the other. The electrician installed the Interlock kits on each service box, along with dedicated breakers for the generator. This is IMPORTANT, even critical, to prevent back flow of the generator current to the grid, which could be lethal to a line worker. It forces you to either use the power from the grid OR the power from the generator, but not both at once. You simply slide the metal plate which allows you to switch on the generator; then back when power is restored. See pictures. The Duromax arrived this morning. It looks great and was not as large as I feared, although it is heavy. I was able to flip it upside down to install the wheels and feet by myself (I'm 60, but in reasonably good shape). On the advice of other reviewers, I didn't bother with the original tires but went to ACE hardware and bought a pair of robust inflatable ones. They may go flat, but I can put air in! The ones that come with it are some sort of hard foam. Time for Duromax to improve the wheels. I also noticed that there are no ORANGE shipping braces as referenced in the manual. Just not there and it appears they aren't needed. There is also no longer a purge value for the propane regulator. Duromax needs to update the manual in this regard, although importantly they did update the regulator. Everything you need to connect to propane is in the box. The unit was a little troublesome to start. As others have noted, I had to move the choke to the mid position to start, then back off quickly when it fired up. Follow the start-up instructions to the letter, including starting with the breaker on the unit set to OFF and the loads off at the service box(es). I connected up and started initially with only the central AC on. The unit powered up and I did a series of fist pumps! Then I turned on the other box fed by the 30 amp circuit and the rest of the house powered up. I didn't press my luck trying to run other heavy loads, like the pool pump or the electric stove, but in an actual power outage I would plan to cycle those loads - turn the AC off to run the pool for a while or heat the hot water for a shower. The main thing was the Central AC. The Duromax is not quiet, but neither are the whole permanent whole home generators. I had the electrician mount the inlets on the side of my home nearest the driveway so I can just roll this out and keep it well removed from the house. With the garage doors shut, it's fine inside (and cool!) You can hear the big Duromax slightly change pitch when the AC comes on but it doesn't seem to be struggling at all. I am IMPRESSED. While I don't want a hurricane knocking out power, I feel like we are now prepared should it happen (and it will down here, just a matter of when). Although I have ordered some 40lb propane tanks (I never intend to put gas in this machine), I tested it for an hour running the whole house using a 20lb tank. I bought a Flameking Bluetooth scale on Amazon and with a full tank starting at 80% after an hour I re-measured. It hardly moved, was still showing 80%! (Yes, the scale works because I've measured other tanks and it stores those results). The base of the 20lb tank was getting a little frosty; I've read that tanks freezing can be a problem but the solution is a bucket of water a few inches up the tank. Overall I highly recommended the Duromax 12kw!

It's October 1st, 2022. Hurricane Ian tore through Florida three days ago. Our whole town is without power. The streets are dark. The houses around us are dark. Except ours. It's lit up like a Christmas tree. Every light on. My son is playing on the PS4. My wife has the oven set to 450 degrees and is cooking a pizza for my daughter. I'm watching a movie. And the AC is holding steady at 72 degrees. It may be October, but it's Florida, so its still hot and humid outside. However inside the himidity is now at a comfortable 45%. To achieve this, we purchased a Duromax 12000eh generator. Does it work? Absolutely. You can use gas or propane, but use gas. The 20lb propane tank couldn't keep the AC on. Pay the $200 or so it costs to have an electrician add the transfer switch to your house. And then purchase the expensive cable that let's you run from the generator to your power box. Without it, you won't be powering your whole house, and you might as well have settled for a cheaper generator. The gas tank holds around 8.5 gallons. On a full tank, running the AC at 72 degrees F overnight in a 3000 sqft house we are at 12 hours and counting. Meaning you'll get a full night's rest and still have time to make a full breakfast before you need to get up and add more fuel. Oil should be checked when you refuel. It took 1.5 bottles of 10w30 at the start. Three days now and I've only added about a 1/4 cup and even that was likely unnecessary. Have a few extra bottles on hand and you'll be fine. Noise level is totally acceptable considering you're powering the whole house. I can hear it, but to be fair I can hear the other generators running on our street and they're just keeping people's fridges running. Things I didn't think of but wish I had: Get a generator tent. They sell them on Amazon. It will let you run the generator safely when it's somewhat rainy. I didn't buy one, so had to create a makeshift one using plastic tarps and folding chairs. It want pretty but it let us get power once the major wind had subsided and it was just drizzling for a few hours. Read the directions. Watch all the YouTube videos. Don't run this uncovered in the rain. Don't run it indoors or in your garage unless you want to win a Darwin award. A few notes. The orange shipping brackets are red. When you set the generator up for the first time, it says to remove these. I didn't see any orange brackets. Yeah. They're red. Remove any orange or red metal bars on the bottom of the unit. They're bolted on. If you want to run on propane you need to buy a separate cable. I did. But now knowing that propane can't handle the AC, I can say it was a waste. Stick to gas, even though the manual says it's cleaner to use liquid propane. There's a gas gauge on the generator so you know when you're running out. You don't get that with propane. And a spare 5 gallon container of gas is going to get you 8 to 10 hours of run time and costs about the same as liquid propane. But it's far easier to find and refill a gas can. We have 6 gas cans holding 5 gallons each (30 gallons total) and that's enough to run 3 days. Enough time for utility crews to come through, remove debris and secure downed power lines. We couldn't travel for at least a day due to fallen trees and power lines, so having the 30 gallons of gas meant we were in good shape. Be smart about what you run. Yes, I can power the whole house. I can turn all the lights on. I can have the hot water heater going, the well pump, pool pump running, etc. But everything you turn on makes your fuel burn faster, so if you don't need the hot water heater, turn it off. Pro tip. We turned ours off and still had warm/hot water in the shower 2 days later. So I plan to run the hot water heater every 3rd day. This is basically a whole home generator. Only thing it's missing is the ability to automatically switch on when the main power goes off. But this costs 1/10th the price and is portable, so you can use it camping, etc. To buy or not to buy? BUY. Absolutely. You pay about $600 more than you would for a generator that can only power your refrigerator. And you can go back to living a normal lifestyle. I'm off to make another espresso. Cheers!

We chose to purchase the XP12000EH after extensive research of on-line reviews and surveys. Basically, our need was brought on by what appears to be a part of life now in Northern California. During the “fire season” we have endured a number of planned power outages that once lasted five days. When we didn’t have a generator the first time we lost all the food in our refrigerator and freezer. We borrowed a small portable generator in time for subsequent outages, but we had to live without running water because we have a well and the pump is hardwired into the house power. We checked out standby generators, but the estimates we got ranged from 15 to 20 thousand. They run on natural gas, but what if the gas is shut off? So, I searched for a portable generator powerful enough to deal with the pump motor and ideally able to run on propane to avoid having to store and deal with gasoline for most of the year. This product was rated highly on various website comparison reviews. I ordered one from Amazon, and it seems to fit the bill. However, getting things right may not be for the faint of heart, so you should be aware of some issues before you decide whether to buy one for yourself. The short version of the story is that the unit I got would not start with the electric ignition system, and rather than go through more time-consuming hassles to find out the cause (probably the starter, by the way) I took advantage of the Amazon return policy and basically exchanged it. The replacement seems to work perfectly. It’s hooked up to two propane tanks and a tickler battery charger, and starts without a problem. An electrician will install an interlocking kit later today. The only remaining test remaining test will be whether it holds up to actual use. Now for some reasons to be cautious. There are well over 900 Amazon reviews on this machine. about a third of which are negative. I did not go through them carefully before I made my purchase. The generator weighs well over 250 pounds, perhaps 270, and may arrive in a cardboard box that is dented and torn. There is only foam padding on one side. So, look for any denting or other damage. I didn’t have that problem. When you open the box, you find a red tag in the shape of a stop sign that advises you to call Duromax before returning the product and ask for help. This message is repeated at the beginning of the instruction manual. So, they must have a high return rate. It turns out that the negative lead to the battery is disconnected for shipping. That has caused trouble, since they don’t tell you about that in the instructions. Apparently dead batteries must have arrived enough for them to take that step. So, the first step, not included in the setup guide I received, is to connect the black wire. Unfortunately, in order to do that you have to remove a cover plate (four screws); you can’t even see the battery unless you do. I only found out about this from support staff emails. I got a trickle charger to make sure the battery won’t go dead again from sitting around for long periods. My other big problem was related to propane. When I was hassling with my first machine I was only able to start it with the manual pull cord, but I couldn’t get it to start with propane. In the course of exchanging messages with the support staff was informed that my problem was trying to use 20 pound tanks. They recommended at least 40 pound ones. Nowhere in the manual or advertising was this mentioned and the photo on the website shows it next to a 20 pound tank. None of the reviews I read warned of this either. I was miffed to say the least because I had just spent about $100 on two new 20 pound tanks. However, I discovered that there was some confusion on what to do with the choke. This seems to be clearer in the instructions now – it should be full open (not half open as one support person suggested). I am happy to report that in fact it runs fine with a 20 pound tank after all. Unless you turn on the idle control. If you do, the engine dies. Again, support staff will tell you that idle control should not be used with propane. But this is not stated anywhere in the manual or other instruction material. Some other confusion with propane stems from the fact that in earlier models the secondary regulator installed on the frame had a button that needed to be pushed the prime the line before starting. Now the generator comes with a more advanced regulator that does that automatically. But the manual and quick start instructions haven’t been updated. Also, I was advised to wait 5 to 10 minutes after turning the gas on before starting to give the regulator time to do its thing. This is not necessary at all (thank goodness); starts right up for me. Just a minor thing – the funnel they give you for adding oil is too short. I went a got one with a much longer plastic tube. Makes the job easier and you don’t spill as much. Some people have complained about the wheels going flat, but that hasn’t happened here. Perhaps the wheels have been upgraded after complaints. A word about the warranty, touted in the web reviews as a plus. It only covers parts and not labor or shipping. And it was up to me to either replace it or find someone to pay to do it. The nearest Duromax service center is two hours away and I don’t have a pickup truck to transport this 270 pound thing. I also read a review that stated there was a delay getting parts delivered. Just so you know. In addition, despite what at least one one-line review claimed, the generator is not made in the USA, it comes from China. Again, just so you know. Would I buy it again, knowing what I know? Probably. It is relatively unique in its power and ability to run on propane. Addendum: The electrician installed an interlocking kit and a 50 amp plug. The unit ran fine during our test with all circuits switched on. We let some water run until the well pump started and measured the load it created - it was running at 2400 KW, so we definitely needed a generator this size. One last propane note - this time the engine wouldn't start with the choke open. It started easily with the choke closed bur ran rough until I opened the choke. So go figure. The answer must be to remain flexible and do whatever works.

My Coleman PowerMate 6250 generator has gotten me through over 10 hurricanes but it just isn't big enough to continue in the house I am in now......sooooo, I've moved on up. I researched and scoured and finally decided on this particular unit because it is in the correct power curve for what I need and if I went to the bigger unit the cost doubles. I needed a dedicated 50 amp run as well as a 30 amp, this has both plus a switch to choose the correct power.....it is also dual fuel so it runs on both gasoline and propane.....and it has hookups for both so switch over can be accomplished in a minute. The generator comes shipped with no oil, so you will need at least a quart of SAE 30 weight. It also comes with handles and rear wheels that have to installed. It has rubber pads that sit on the front of the frame. I just propped the generator up in 4X4 blocks to facilitate the installation. I connected the negative cable of the sealed 12 volt battery and filled the 8 gallon fuel tank. Set the choke to closed, turned the fuel valve to open, turned the key and she started right up in less than 3 seconds.....once she got a warmed after 30 seconds, the choke was opened and she ran up to full. I then wanted to see what she would do if I wanted to run propane, so I reached over and shut off the fuel....while the generator was using the fuel up in the carbs bowl, I connected the LP hose to the generator, and then to the LP tank, once the engine sputtered and died, I reached down to where I connected the hose on the generator and pushed the purge button the regulator two or three times.....I then went to the front and again turned the key to start...after 3 seconds, she started right up and ran fine. I flipped the breaker on the panel so the outlets would supply energy and tested all the outlets for proper voltage....everything worked fine and it even has an auto throttle if you don't need it to supply a constant high voltage load. I tested it by running it through the home panel and seeing just what necessities it could handle. For us to be comfortable during extended outages, this unit handled a 4 ton AC with ceiling fans running, LED TVs, 2 computers, assorted lights on in the house, outlets, the clothes washer. If the AC was powered down, it would then power the range for cooking as well as the clothes dryer.....it ran smooth and consistent with no bogging down and no tripped breakers. I am 100% satisfied with this unit and hope it lasts as long as my old standby, which will now be retired to do shop chores. Along with the generator I purchased a 12 foot LP hose with standard 3/8 fitting and a 50 foot 50amp cord for attaching to the house panel via 50 amp input socket. Plus a cover for the generator.......

Based on our current use we would recommended this generator to everyone. It is very solid generator and meets our needs. We purchased this generator because we live in Florida and do to Hurricanes. For a low cost high powered generator that runs on propane or gas, I think you would be hard pressed to find another that has all the options, key start, and comes with the battery and all the accessories included. A standalone Generac 15KW would have been 9 thousand dollars with the auto transfer switch. You will save thousands and get the same results with this generator. This is more than enough to run my hole home, and I have 3 freezers, 1 fridge, and many other devices. Granted, my lights in my house are ALL LED now, which helps! But I was able to run three window unit also with four box fans with celling paddle fans, water heater, house water pump all at the same time. Most of the time I don’t rate or comment. BUT seeing some of these peoples who don’t have a clue what they doing writing comments here. If you never worked with four-stroke engines. Hire someone else don't blame the generators, do to ignorance of how to ADJUST IT. Then yes, I saw you needed to hook up the negative ground wire, (all batteries on engines never comes hook up) to the battery so I did that. (Now this quote from some other people writings) #1 “the unit will start rite up but surges badly on LP. Turning off the auto throttle switch corrects this issue. There is nothing in the manual regarding this switch. Once this was done the engine runs smooth.”#2 Engine revs up then dies down. Pretty annoying. (YOUR FIX) If you adjust the idle on the carburetor up, you can fix this and the auto throttle will work for LP running. Knowing what to do is key here. And No, you will not find this in the instructions. Again, Hire someone else if you do not know what I am talking about, don't blame the generator. It is shipped without oil, so it needs 1qt and a half of 5-w30. This is in your instructions, so, why be surprise you don’t have any oil. I do not recommend the 20gal that’s a full-sized grill propane cylinder. You can only use a little under half a tank before you will have problems with not enough Pressure to run generator. Get a sixty or eighty gallon, will work better and longer. I myself have it on a 250gal tank. Hope I have cleared up these “People miss understandings of what not to do. Dr.DRE1965

I purchased 1 of these generators for myself. I liked it so well, that I purchased 2 more for my family. I also purchased the Conntek GIB1450-025 Duo Rain Seal 50 Amp Power Inlet Box & Temp Power Cord Combo Kit, 25 ft. cable and generator external interlock kit. Generator works well with this installation configuration. Electrician had no problems installing the #6 wires in the Combo Kit Inlet Box. Generator cable plug fits perfectly in the Inlet Box. I am running this with propane and it allows me to run all my lights, refrigerator, computer, TV, well pump, hot water heater and microwave. The generator will not run all these simultaneously, especially microwave, but you can be selective and operate them as needed. I did operate the hot water heater, water pump, all lights, refrigerator, TV, and computer simultaneously. I have not tried but didn't intend to use the heat pump with this generator. I plan to use my gas logs for emergency heat. I do not think the generator will run my 3.5 ton AC. As others have said, the tires are not the best, one had a flat spot when delivered. You might as well plan to replace the tires if you are going to be moving the generator very much. I keep mine sitting on wood blocks to keep the weight off the tires, if not they will develop flat spots. The unit was delivered on time with no damages. I was kept well informed about the delivery time. Delivery personnel placed it in my garage for me. Setup instructions were accurate and easy to follow. Instructions in the manual were accurate, the generator cranked first time without any problems. Highly recommend purchasing the $27 additional 3 yr. warranty offered by Amazon. Great unit, not too loud, very well satisfied, recommend highly!

Purchased from Amazon, (which I've dealt with on a business and personal level and have always been treated right). I received the 12000 EH and packaging was good, unboxed and assembled, quality looking machine but after following assemble instructions to the letter and connecting LP tank, the machine would not start. Since I am very knowledgeable of all types of machinery and have designed, machined, fabricated and was responsible for run off to customer, I understand their functions and operation. Done a little troubleshooting and determined that the regulator mounted on the generator going to the carburetor is defective (no LP coming through "OUT" port). I contacted Duromax via email and I did get a rapid response which I appreciated, here it is: Hello I apologize for any confusion. You have the upgraded regulator that is self priming so once you've connected your propane hose to your propane bottle and turned the knob to the open position, you'd need to allow it to purge the line itself for about 10 minutes or so without attempting to start the generator. Once you do that place your choke at halfway, if you have one make sure the idle control switch is off, and you have the recommended amount of oil in it then it should start up for you. Also the manual does not mention needing to connect the battery, but you'll need to connect the negative cable as it is shipped disconnected to keep the battery from draining. If you have any other questions please feel free to call our customer care line at 844-DUROMAX. Best regards, Khari Butler/Service Technician I'd already figured the battery out but I followed those instructions, ( just so I could say I adhered to their request, still no luck). I've called service and no one answered, was told by a recording to leave a message, I did and have received no response. All this is to say; I know there are a lot of happy customers out there and I'm sure it's a good generator and I also realize that there's always going to be lemons in whatever you buy, (cars, motorcycles, mowers, etc.), it's just these types of machines (generators) are usually purchased for emergency situations, whether you're preparing for one or are in the middle of one such as floods, hurricanes, storms, tornados, etc. and if you're in a dire situation and need that piece of equipment to work right out of the box, you can't afford to get a dud especially if it's needed to run medical equipment or something of that nature. If you're reading this then you're doing the same thing I did . . . "research", which is how you make an informed decision. I'm not slamming Duromax, as I have previously stated, I "AM" saying that their quality control should probably be a little more stringent and in depth. Also, one of the reasons I purchased this generator was it's supposedly manufactured in the US and if not for any other reason it needs to be done better than all the rest so we can keep our jobs and economy strong in this country and not overseas, especially during this uncertain time of Covid-19. Another generator that could be considered for the money (which I did) would be the Westinghouse. Will post further updates as related to customer service. Doc