Duromax XP4400EH Review 2023 – Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Duromax XP4400EH Generator brief Review and Summary

The dual-fuel portable generator, DuroMax XP4400EH, provides you with the right capacity of power anywhere and anytime. It has a 7 HP engine that is verified easy-taking on high wattage loads.

Even when the power suddenly goes off in your house or there is an energy shortage on the road, this model will work efficiently. It also comes with a tool kit, allowing you to bring it on camping, road trips, worksites, etc.

Running on both the convenient gasoline fuel and the economical propane, the DuroMax XP4400EH has the flexibility to blend easily into your daily life. This generator is easy to use for everyone with great mobility, electric key starting system, and other safety features.

This article will review some certain characteristics that need to be considered before making a final purchase. But first, let’s take a look at the important specs to overview today’s product.

Specifications and Features

Duromax XP4400EH – Pros and Cons

DuroMax XP4400EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator

• Starting Watts/Running Watts: 4,400/3500
• Voltage: 120V / 240VAC & 12VDC
• Fuel Type: Gasoline/Propane
• Start Type: Electric/Recoil
• ...⇩⇩⇩

Duromax XP4400EH Generator Detailed Review

Before making your final buying decision, you should consider some specific attributes among a sheer number of generators. This section will give a detailed analysis of the Duromax XP4400EH to help you have a closer look.

In The Box

The Duromax XP4400EH comes in a package with all of the most used generator’s accessories, consisting of the following:

• The DuroMax XP4400EH generator
• Wheel and Handle Kit
• A spark plug wrench
• A tool kit: 2 spanners and 1 screwdriver
• An oil funnel
• DC charging cables
• Manual instruction

This equipment set helps maintain the device safe and ready to go in in most emergency cases you might face. Suppose you want to prepare for more specific or rare situations. In that case, we recommend buying an additional extension or an adapter cable.

Strong Engine

Duromax has equipped the XP4400EH model with a 7HP, 208cc OHV engine. With 4,400 starting watts and 3,500 running watts, this engine can accommodate a wide range of jobs, from normal loads such as microwaves and refrigerators to heavier loads like air conditioners or high-amp power equipment.

When you plug electrical items to this generator, it supplies a peak wattage of 4400W. When the equipment runs stably, they will require a lower yet consistent wattage to run. The XP4400EH provides 3500 running watts, which is sufficient for multiple power appliances or machines with ease.

Although this generator offers several uses, you should still list down items usually used and the estimated total amount of power needed. This method will help you have a more accurate clue on what level of energy you want your generator produces.

Maximum Power Output

Once again, the DuroMax XP4400EH has proved its wide compatibility through the various power outlets. It provides 2 single-phase regular household outlets (120V, 20A) and 1 single-phase twist-lock outlet (120V/240V, 30A). Besides, a 12v DC outlet offers DC power output for charging your mobile devices, batteries, and even electric bikes/cars.

Moreover, like any other model from Duromax, the XP4400EH also has an exclusive RV switch. It works as a power amp boost by joining the two 120V/15-amp circuits into one single 30-amp course. In other words, it doubles the power from 120V to 240V. You can choose between simultaneously running the generator at both 120V and 240V, or with maximum power output at 120V only. This means you can power up any household appliances from tiny to heavy loads.

Sturdy Design & Durable Material

We can say with certainty that this generator has a premium build quality. It has a heavy-duty steel frame and totally separated motor mounts with four points, which leads to smoother operation while eliminating vibrations and reducing loudness.

Also, you don’t need to worry about dropping the fuel tank or messing up when taking it out for refilling. A chain attaches the fuel tank to the generator so that the tank’s position is always fixed.

The engine is not just powerful. It is an air-cooled type that weighs lighter and requires less maintenance than ordinary liquid coolant. Besides, it has a cast-iron cover that enhances solidity and prevents fast wear out.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Types

DuroMax XP4400EH’s dual-fuel technology offers full fuel handling flexibility. This generator is hybrid – it runs on either gasoline or propane. Switching between the two types is as easy as eating a pie.

It has been proved that propane is superior to conventional gasoline. It burns cleaner because it doesn’t harm the engine internals. For instance, there are no carburetor problems caused by propane. You can also store propane in perpetuity, which means it has a longer shelf life span. In comparison, propane is generally inexpensive and can lower running costs.

However, propane is not suitable in cold weather because it will make the starting process difficult when it’s cooled. Therefore, having a dual-fuel feature is always a wise decision. Gasoline engines can be started easily no matter where and when.

Fuel Tank Capacity & Runtime

This generator has a 4-gallon fuel tank capacity. It could work for 9 hours on a full tank of propane or much longer (some users said it’s up to 12-15 hours depending on specific power needs) on gasoline at half load. These numbers are long enough to let you use the generator continuously without a need to refill. Thus, we can indicate that this generator is fuel-efficient.

Besides, there’s a versatile line that connects to any size tank available, even as big as a regular propane barbecue grill. The recommended tank size is 20 gallons for propane.

Control Panel with Safety Functions

The panel has a handy voltmeter giving you quick control over the voltage output, making the monitoring of power performance easier.

There is also a fuel gauge to let you know how much fuel has been consumed and when you have to refuel. This feature brings the simplicity and ease of use to fuel monitoring.

Additionally, the DuroMax XP4400EH features a circuit breaker and an automatic low oil indicator for the security.

A circuit breaker is overload protection that stops the flow of an electric current, used to prevent damage to the generator’s copper windings)

Running it with low oil will lead to friction between metal components inside the engine and break it down sooner or later. This obviously costs you a lot to replace the engine or even buy a brand new generator.

To avoid this damage, The DuroMax XP4400EH has a built-in protection feature for tracking the oil level. When the oil in the crankcase is low, a red LED indicator located at the front of the panel will light up to let you know it’s time to add oil. Then the generator will automatically shut down.

Starting Systems

This unit offers a simple electric start & recoil pull start. The manufacturer has already included batteries for the electric ignition. Normally, to start the engine, you only need to turn the lever to the ON spot. When the generator is running stably, the battery is automatically charged, and its status is shown through a recharge indicator. The light turns on during the charging process and turns off once it is complete.

When the battery is discharged, the electric method cannot be used. In that case, the recoil works as a backup starting mechanism. Pull it for a fast and stable start. You will never face any cranking trouble under no circumstances.

Portability

As we mentioned before, Duromax equipped each XP4400EH generator with a wheel and handle kit. The wheels are made from solid rubber with grooves on its surface, which can roll smoothly on all terrains exactly like air tires but last longer and stronger.

Besides, lifting and moving the equipment has never been so easy with the carrying handles. Once you have transported it to the chosen position, fold the handle down to save space. The supporting legs will do their jobs leveling the generator.

Therefore, the rubber wheels and the robust handles make the XP4400EH’s 127-pound weight unnoticeable. You can carry it around effortlessly and set it up anywhere.

Noise Level

The noise level of this generator is above average. It has an exhaust design, along with the frame dampening, helping it run at an acceptable rate of loudness.

When the generator is operating under heavy loads, the noise muffler and an idle control that keeps RPM’s level constant help sustain the noise rate at 69 dB. This number is definitely not whisper-quiet, but you can maintain a regular conversation even with the engine running nearby. Besides, we can ensure that the XP4400EH will never bother your neighborhood. If you want it to be quieter, check out our previous article “How to Make a Generator Quiet“.

Emission Standards

Emission is another prominent feature that makes this model the must-have item for everyone. Authorized by both the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board), you can see that this generator is environmentally minded and available for sale in all 50 states. Just to let you know, if a generator doesn’t follow the CARB guidelines, it is not permitted in California.

Besides, as we mentioned above, this generator uses propane – an eco-friendly type of fuel. The idle control automatically lowers the RPM when the generator is not used, saving energy and reducing emissions.

Moreover, the Duromax XP4400EH has a built-in spark arrestor to avoid causing a fire. Therefore, it is safe for use in forests for camping or hiking.

Drawbacks

On the downside, Duromax XP4400EH is not waterproof. When using it under the rain or near some water sources, you need to be careful. Otherwise, the electrical components will be seriously damaged.

Besides, you need a separate wire to ground this generator before starting. This is somehow inconvenient when you bring the generator outside. If you forget to take the grounding wire with you, it’s a big problem.

Furthermore, this model’s engine is not the inverter type. This means the XP4400EH is not as silent and smooth as inverter ones. However, inverter engines always come at a higher price with the same power output, so choose wisely!

Conclusion

You might be confused choosing among various generators available with competitive prices with the Duromax XP4400EH. Nevertheless, we can say that it’s hard to find one with the dual-fuel ability like this model.

With a 3500 running wattage and a 4400 starting wattage, this generator can be used in periods of power outages or load shedding to satisfy your needs as a backup electric source. This device is also adequately sturdy for building sites, and its compatibility is ideal for tailgating or camping.

To conclude, this makes the DuroMax XP4400EH an outstanding unit and deserves its high rating received from customers.