DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Start Portable Generator
The DuroMax XP5500EH Portable Inverter Generator was delivered undamaged, despite UPS leaving the box in my driveway all day in a rainstorm. I specifically purchased this DuroMax XP5500EH Portable Inverter Generator to run on propane, but having the gasoline backup is a nice option. I’m very happy with the generator’s quality and performance, and I recommend the purchase.
Providing a lot of power at a reasonable cost is the DuroMax XP5500EH standard generator. And it gets better—gasoline or propane may also be used to power this portable generator. This makes the generator an excellent candidate for users on and around the job site while camping, tailgating, and at home during emergencies.
Is the XP5500EH a portable dual-fuel generator with all the essential characteristics? We examine the specifications, attributes, benefits, and drawbacks of the DuroMax XP500EH in more detail in this review. To help you decide if this generator is ideal for your power needs, we’ll also examine what consumers have to say about it.
Comparison Between DuroMax XP4400E and Others
- Power: 4250 Watts / 5250 Watts
- Engine: 224cc
- Run-time: 12 Hours
- Noise Level: 76 dBA
- Outlets: 2 – 120V 20A, 120V 30A RV, 1 – 120/240V Twist Lock
- Fuel Tank: 4 Gallons
- Size: 28.5 x 18.5 x 19 Inches
- Weight: 110 Pounds
- Parallel Ready: No
- Warranty: 2 Year
- User Rating: 5.00 Out of 5 – 1+ Customers
- Expert Score: 5.00 Out of 5
- Power: 5500 Watts / 6580 Watts
- Engine: 274cc
- Run-time: 12 Hours
- Noise Level: 70 dBA
- Outlets: 4 – 120V 20A, 120/240V AC Outlet, 120V 30A RV
- Fuel Tank: 5.2 Gallon
- Size: 27 x 20 x 19 Inches
- Weight: 140 pounds
- Parallel Ready: Yes
- Warranty: 3-Year
- User Rating: – 3.90 Out of 5 – 10+ Customers
- Expert Score: – 4.00 Out of 5
- Power: 4250 Watts / 5250 Watts
- Engine: 224cc
- Run-time: 11 Hours at 50% Load
- Noise Level: 76 dBA
- Outlets: 2 – 120V 20A, 2 – 120/240V AC 30A, 120V 30A RV
- Fuel Tank: 4 Gallons
- Size: 24 x 21 x 19 Inches
- Weight: 108 Pounds
- Parallel Ready: No
- Warranty: 2-Year
- User Rating: – 4.40 Out of 5 – 100+ Customers
- Expert Score: – 4.50 Out of 5
DuroMax XP5500EH Portable Inverter Generator Review
There are several advantages to the DuroMax XP5500EH. It’s a dual-fuel generator, so you have a lot of flexibility depending on whatever fuel you find most affordable or convenient to keep. We particularly like how powerful this generator produces 240 volts, making it appropriate for demanding applications on construction sites and in workshops.
The generator has certain drawbacks, including a noisy conventional engine and a cumbersome transport system. Overall, we were fairly pleased with the XP5500EH and would suggest it to various customers.
DuroMax XP5500EH Generator Overall performance
The XP5500EH is a typical dual-fuel generator that can run on propane or gasoline. When using gasoline, power production is slightly greater, at a maximum of 5,500 or 4,500 watts continuously. With propane, the generator has a maximum peak output of 5,225 watts and a constant output of 4,225 watts.
Although this is fantastic for using motor-powered equipment, keep in mind that there is a significant difference between operating and peak power. Before using this generator, it is vital to determine how much running wattage is needed for your planned usage.
DuroMax designed the XP5500EH to be dependable whether you’re using gas or propane. An OHV, four-stroke, air-cooled, 225cc engine powers the generator. Suppose you want to use this generator to power your home during an emergency power outage. In that case, it is crucial that users who tested the generator’s functionality discover that it performed properly.
Since this is a typical generator, there are a few significant restrictions to be aware of. The generator’s maximum operational power is 4,500 watts and cannot operate in tandem with another device (on gasoline). Additionally, it would help if you didn’t use this generator for delicate power equipment.
The primary advantages over a 4000-watt inverter generator are the high peak power and the incredibly low price, even if this generator is more powerful than the higher-wattage inverter generators on the market by only a few hundred watts.
How much power can we get, and How much time can this Generator run?
The XP5500EH wasn’t a little portable generator, and DuroMax seemed to have understood that. To enable the generator to run on gasoline for up to nine hours at 50% load, the business equipped it with a large four-gallon fuel tank. This is fantastic since it means you can have electricity for half a day or operate your household’s vital appliances all night without having to stop for fuel.
The rated operating time for a 20lb propane tank is less than 7.6 hours at 50% load. However, keep in mind that the size of your tank mostly governs your propane’s runtime. This generator’s dual-fuel capability is part of its charm; if you need extra run time, you can connect a bigger propane tank or two tanks in a series.
Number of Outlets
The output panel of the XP5500EH is quite fully furnished. The area’s major draw is the twist-lock outlet that can switch between 120 and 240 volts of power. This makes it possible to use the generator for demanding tasks like powering heavy equipment, huge appliances, workshop tools, or tools on a construction site.
The generator has a 12-volt DC output and a 120-volt duplex output. Given the strength of this generator, we preferred to see a second 120-volt duplex. The twist-lock outlet may be adjusted to accommodate more standard outlets if necessary.
It’s crucial to understand that the 120-volt outlets function independently of the 120-volt/240-volt outlet. Accordingly, you may simultaneously utilize the 240-volt twist-lock output and the 120-volt duplex output, or you can run the generator at 120 volts.
Because each of these outlets has its circuit breaker, this feature makes operating high-power appliances easier. In the case of a modest power surge, customers often utilize the main switch on the outlet panel to turn the entire generator on and off.
An analog voltmeter is also built into the XP5500EH so you can check how much electricity is being pulled from the generator. Although it would have been wonderful if this display had been designed with LED lights, the analog display is rather simple.
Ease of use
Adding an electric start feature was the most noticeable improvement DuroMax made to this generator’s use. All that’s required to start the generator is a switch flick. A backup starter on the engine may be used if you forget to charge the generator batteries. It is a huge bonus if you sometimes use a generator and don’t take it out of the garage.
The voltmeter and circuit breakers make this generator easier, although there aren’t many other facilitating features. Users wanted an option to run the carburetor on this generator without gasoline; if this option is not present, you can run it dry, but care must be taken to turn it off before the engine stalls due to lack of fuel.
Safety features
The DuroMax XP5500EH comes with many industry-standard security features. The most important automatic shutdown triggers for low engine oil levels and electrical overload. With help, you should avoid both situations thanks to the low engine oil warning light on the generator panel and the voltmeter showing your power consumption.
The generator also has a grounding nut that you can use with a grounding rod to prevent static discharge. Unfortunately, DuroMax has not fitted weatherproof covers to the panel to prevent water from entering the outlets in bad weather.
Noise level
The noise produced by the XP5500EH is by far its biggest flaw. Users have discovered that the generator may reach 80 dBA when operating at full power, despite the generator’s 69 dBA noise rating at 25% load.
For a generator of this size, there is a substantial amount of noise; if you spend a lot of time next to the generator, consider wearing hearing protection when operating at full power. If you want to utilize this generator in a residential setting, remember that 80 dBA is enough to upset your neighbors.
Portability of the Generator
The XP5500EH is not the most portable generator on the market. However, it is also relatively easy to transport. The biggest problem is that the generator weighs 127 pounds — it takes three to four people to lift it out of a car. Fortunately, the steel frame helps with this because there are plenty of sturdy places where several lifters can grab the generator.
Once on the ground, the generator is quite easy to move. DuroMax mounted it on heavy-duty pneumatic tires, which users found to roll well off-road on dirt and gravel. There are also lift handles with rubber grips to make it easier for one person to roll the generator.
Maintenance and warranty information
For residential customers, DuroMax provides a three-year guarantee on the XP5500EH, which is kind, given the affordable price of this generator. Please be aware, however, that this guarantee period has been shortened to one year and is only applicable to business customers. Although users seldom ever report issues, the warranty reduction could be more encouraging.
Beyond standard routine maintenance, the XP5500EH requires nothing in the way of maintenance. The generator does not come with engine oil. Therefore you must replace the oil before using the appliance for the first time, according to users.
DuroMax XP5500EH Portable Generator Conclusion
The XP5500EH is for those looking for the best value for money. If you’re on a budget, look for the top-rated 5000-watt generator. This is safe and easy to operate. The MX2 function allows you to use it with heavy tools. Refrigerators, air conditioners, and other household appliances will never be a problem. So this is a good deal for the money.
DuroMax XP5500EH 5500-Watt Electric Start Portable Generator
DuroMax XP5500EH Portable Generator Price History
DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Start Portable Generator, DuroMax
as of September 28, 2023 11:06 pm
Price History
Statistics
Current Price
$613.07
September 28, 2023
Highest Price
$613.07
September 28, 2023
Lowest Price
$499.00
July 24, 2023
Last price changes
$613.07
September 28, 2023
$599.00
August 10, 2023
$499.00
July 24, 2023
$549.00
May 6, 2023
$579.00
April 26, 2023
Awesome size for emergencies. This generator is a great size for a standard house for emergencies — enough to run the sump pump, refrigerator and a couple lamps if necessary.
The only issue I have is (1) the unit did not come with a User Manual. I had to call the to have a manual sent to me via PDF. (2) – the wheel kit directs were very vague and the pictures were very dark so I had no idea what I was doing other than guessing based on the picture from the box.
One last thing, there is no directions as to how to use the electric start. I can start the generator with the pull cord, but I bought it specifically for the electric start so my wife and daughter can start it if I am not home.
DuroMax Dual Fuel. This generator was purchased because of the ability to run on propane. It is performing beyond expectations as the power loss due to propane is almost not noticeable. Propane is much cleaner and easier to transport. Don’t have to worry about long term storage as with gasoline. Unless an emergency arises it will never have gasoline in it.
steady output propane starting dissapointing. I bought this propane fueled generator as a backup battery charger for my solar powered off-grid house. When cold,: turn on the bottle and give the propane carburetor/regulator a quick tickle and it fires right up. When warm… it fires a couple times and dies. It takes some half choke, no choke, tickle cranking to finally get it to fire back up. Doable, but not automatable. Also, the propane carburetor is not a positive fuel shutoff. You have to turn off the bottle when you are done or it will leak down in a few days. A high pressure shutoff solenoid will fix the problem, but just another bug in the ointment. For the money it is a good alternative. it will just take some modification to make it work for my needs.
Good item for a good price. Delivered to the store as scheduled. Simple assembly of wheels and handles. Construction seems solid enough. Added oil, gas, connected the battery, and it fired right up. Quieter than I expected. I have only run it a couple of times and have not heavily loaded it yet. The only thing I don’t like so far is the slow speed you have to add gas to the tank to keep it from spilling out.
Only two minor problems. I’ve had this generator for over a year now. I use it mostly for dry camping to run my A/C. I’ve only had two minor problems with it, and one of those problems was my own fault. I only use Propane for fuel. I could not get it started on one occasion. I worked with it for 30 minutes before I found that I did not have the regulator hose completely tight on the Propane bottle. My bad! The second issue was with the small hose for the fuel tank vent. It is not of the best quality. It began to come apart after only 6 months. I replaced it with regular fuel hose from the Hardware store. Other than those two things the generator has been great. In the photo you can see the black hose that I replaced. The white hose is original and is starting to crack. I’ll be replacing it soon. No big issue.
Home Power Outage. I bought this generator after the statewide power outages in Texas this past winter (2021). While we were never affected by the outage it was clear that the risks in a state with an isolated power grid that we’d need to be prepared for the future. Out of the box it was as quick as removing the shipping braces, installing the wheels and handles, and adding oil and fuel to get this up and running. I’ve run it on both propane and gas without any issues. I have the house wired with an inlet connected to the breaker panel with a manual interlock to make it as simple as possible. Power went out at 8 pm, didn’t come back on until 3 am due to thunderstorms and within 20 minutes power was up and running safely disconnected from the main line while providing power to my home. It’s small (5500 watts) so it’s a balancing act to ensure that key things are powered on without tripping the generator, but it wasn’t all that difficult with mild temperatures outside.
I recommend purchasing the biggest generator you can afford and these DuroMax duel fuels are the way to go.
Poor delivery service. I can’t say much about the generator because I just received it. Doing my research I found that it to be a very good generator. As far as Walmarts delivery service is terrible. I ordered it from Walmart because they said they could deliver in two days. It took 10 days. I live in California the generator is made in California. Walmart shipped from Tennessee to Saskatchewan Canada to British Columbia Canada to California. When I receive the generator the box was beat up, but the generator was packaged very well. Put the generator together by following all the directions which is relatively easy, and started the generator right up.