With the hurricane season approaching, people are on the hunt for a portable generator to supply a home during an outage. For its great price and good domestic-grade quality, the DuroMax XP10000E is one of the most popular hurricane and general home backup generators.
As one of the best-selling 10,000W generators, the DuroMax XP10000E has received a lot of attention. There are those who feel that DuroMax is a second-rate generator brand, not really up for heavy-duty work. Sure, you can pay a lot more for a Honda or CAT generator, even some of the top Generac models. Though I should point out that the DuroMax XP10000E is cut above what we normally expect from the brand. This is a more heavy-duty machine than the smaller DuroMax models. At a price more akin to light-duty generators, the DuroMax XP10000E is great value for money.
Because dual fuel generators are the best during a hurricane when obtaining gas can be problematic, we’ll also be reviewing the DuroMax XP10000EH dual fuel generator. This is basically the same generator as the DuroMax XP10000E, with the advantage that it can run on either gas or propane. The versatility of dual fuel operation is something that many have come to value.
There are other good quality 10,000W generators that are quite affordable, presenting some stiff competition for the 10KW DuroMax model. The Westinghouse WGEN9500DF would probably be my first choice for a great value 10,000W dual fuel generator. Another brand that offers exceptional value for money is WEN. To this end, we’ll also be reviewing the WEN DF1100T.
The focus of the review is on the best value for money 10,000W generators. Because we’re also looking at the best generators for a hurricane, dual fuel operation is another important consideration.
DuroMax XP10000E
Features:
- 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts.
- Powerful 439cc engine.
- Idle control lowers RPM when there is no power demand, reducing fuel consumption and noise.
- 120V/240V.
- RV Ready, GFCI protection.
Review:
The DuroMax XP10000E is a robust machine with some truly heavy-duty traits. It is adorned with metal protection plates, a tough metal gas tank, solid frame, and heavy-duty wheels. This generator is designed to handle tough Jobsite conditions, definitely a notable workhorse.
With a peak power output of 10,000W and 8,000W running power, the DuroMax XP10000E is easily capable of meeting the power requirements of most homes during an outage. You won’t have to concern yourself with refrigerators and air conditioners running simultaneously, the rugged DuroMax alternator, with all-copper windings, can handle the peak power demands for these appliances.
The 439cc DuroMax engine has proven to be quite reliable. It is CARB and EPA certified, making the DuroMax XP10000E legal in all 50 states. The engine has low oil shutoff and the convenience of an electric starter. In an emergency, if the battery fails, you still have the old-fashioned recoil starter which doesn’t take too much effort to get the mighty machine running. Fuel consumption is pretty good, a snippet more than 5KW/H per gallon. This means that at 50% running capacity (4,000W), you can expect about 10.4 hours from the 8.3 gallon gas tank. For an average house, you should be able to run your appliances normally for 10-hours or more before refueling.
The robust metal control panel is as convenient as it is superbly durable. It has 2 X 120V household receptacles with GFCI protection, a 120V 30A outlet, 240V 30A outlet, and a 240V 50A outlet. It’s super easy to connect to an RV or a home transfer switch. The DuroMax XP10000E also includes a 12VDC battery charging port and a voltmeter.
Being such a solid 10,000W generator, the DuroMax XP10000E is rather heavy, weighing 218 pounds. It has one of the best wheel kits, with metal rims and all terrain tires. The generator also has two strong fold down handles to make it more portable. That is as portable as a generator of this size can be.
Although I’ve seen some customer reviews questioning DuroMax quality, most people feel that it is excellent value for money. This is one of the more affordable 10,000W generators and offers a lot. I’d say, for a medium-duty generator, the DuroMax XP10000E is pretty robust. You could almost call it an entry-level heavy-duty Jobsite generator. I think this is their target market. This makes it one of the more robust home generators. The DuroMax 3-year warranty should put anyone’s mind at ease.
DuroMax XP10000EH
The DuroMax XP10000EH is the hybrid (dual fuel) version of the XP10000E. It utilizes the same 439cc engine that has been modified to use either gas or propane. This means it has a propane regulator fitted to the generator and a port to connect a propane hose.
Basically, all specifications are the same as the DuroMax XP10000E with the obvious exception of power output when using propane. This is always less than it is running on gas. If you run the DuroMax XP10000EH on propane, peak power output is reduced to 9,500W, with 7,600 running watts. A 40 LBS propane tank should provide around 8.6 hours runtime at 50% load.
A minor difference in weight of 2-pounds is the result of the additional propane regulator, valve, and pipes. Though I’d hardly think this makes much of a difference when transporting the machine.
Westinghouse WGEN9500DF
Features:
- 9,500 running watts, 12,500 peak watts (gasoline); 8500 running watts, 11,200 peak watts (propane)
- Runs for up to 12 hours on a 6.6 gal. fuel tank with built-in fuel gauge; up to 7 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
- Powered by a heavy-duty 457cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed with a durable cast iron sleeve
- Push-Button Electric Start pairs with a key fob and is backed by an emergency recoil start
- Dual fuel operation easily switches from gas to propane without shutting off the unit
- Weighing 211 lb. with as low as 74 dBA operating volume
- (2) GFCI 5-20R household duplex outlets, (1) Transfer Switch Ready L14-30R 120/240-Volt twist-lock, and (1) 120/240V 14-50R with rubber outlet covers
- VFT display gives you real-time updates with the voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours
Review:
I’ll make no bones about it, the Westinghouse WGEN9500DF is, in my opinion, the best 10,000W dual fuel generator. With 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts, it’s actually a cut above what most people classify as a 10,000W generator. Typically, manufacturers prefer to rate their generators by peak wattage (not rated wattage). This means most 10,000W generators deliver around 10,000 peak (or surge watts), with your actual running capacity being considerably less. The DuroMax XP10000E (reviewed above) is a case in point. Whilst rated as a 10,000W generator, based on peak power, the XP10000E actually delivers 8,000 constant watts.
The massive power output delivered by the Westinghouse WGEN9500DF makes it ideal for powering a larger home during an outage. Add to this, the dual fuel advantage, and it is also one of the best portable generators for a hurricane or other natural disasters. Propane might be available when gas is not. Furthermore, propane can be stored for long periods, unlike gas which has a limited shelf life. Propane is more practical when preparing for hurricanes and can be used for heating or cooking equipment.
The power output provided by the Westinghouse WGEN9500DF is not unique, there are even more powerful portable generators, from the Westinghouse brand and others. Dual fuel operation is also not unique to this model. There are plenty more reasons why I feel this is the best dual fuel generator for home backup. Westinghouse generators are amongst the best in terms of quality, yet cheaper than most of their big brand competitors, making this one of the best value portable generators. The Westinghouse WGEN9500DF also has some of the best technology and convenient extras that you’ll find on a portable generator.
The Westinghouse 457cc engine has proven, time and again, to be super-tough, reliable, and fuel-efficient. Everything one looks for in a generator powerplant. This is definitely one of the most economical generators to use, with an astounding 5.76 kwh/g fuel consumption rate. If we compare the Westinghouse WGEN9500DF to the DurMax XP10000E, which is one of the better performers when it comes to fuel consumption, the Westinghouse generator emerges as an outright winner. You get 750W more power from a gallon of gas, for each hour you use the generator. This generator has a smaller gas tank (6.6-gallons) compared to the DuroMax XP10000E (8.3 gallons), it also produces more watts. So, even though the Westinghouse is more fuel-efficient, it is less impressive when it comes to runtime specs. The Westinghouse WGEN9500DF will provide about 8-hours runtime at 50% load. You can expect around 7-hours runtime (at 50%) load using propane.
When we look at the Westinghouse WGEN9500DF control panel, we start to realize the wonderful high-tech advantages that this generator has to offer. The WGEN9500DF has a Pushbutton electric starting and a recoil starter – all pretty standard for a generator like this. The wow factor comes in the form of a fob that allows you to switch the generator on or off automatically. In order to start remotely, the Westinghouse generator requires an automatic choke, which gives you one less thing to worry about.
A uniquely Westinghouse feature is the ST Switch, which is sold separately. This is a portable automatic transfer switch. A port on the Westinghouse WGEN9500F user panel connects to this switch which will automatically switch the generator on when the grid power fails. Once the generator is running, power is automatically transferred to the ST outlets. When the normal electricity supply is restored, the generator will switch off and transfer power back to the grid. All seamless and totally automated.
AC power outlets are protected by durable plastic covers. The normal array of receptacles are provided: 2 X duplex 5-20R 20A household outlets, 1 X 120V/240V L14-30R 30A outlet, and 1 X 120V/240V L14-50R 50A outlet. A small digital “VFT” display allows you to check voltage, frequency, and time.
As you’ve probably guessed, the Westinghouse WGEN9500DF is no lightweight. It weighs 211 LBS. To allow for reasonable portability, the generator is equipped with a wheel kit and fold down loop handle with a padded grip. It also has a lifting hook.
The Westinghouse WGEN9500DF is a truly awesome 10,000W dual fuel generator. It has every conceivable mod con and then some. This is an immensely robust machine with great modern technology. Westinghouse has a dealership network across the US and provides a great 3-year warranty.
WEN DF1100T
Features:
- Switch between gasoline (11,000 surge watts, 8,300 running watts) and propane (9,500 surge, 7,500 running) with the simple turn of the selection dial
- Voltage easily goes from 120-Volt to 240-Volt, perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup
- Electric start powers the 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine with the turn of a key
- 6.6 Gal. tank provides up to 8.5 hours of half-load run time
- Includes four 120V GFCI outlets (5-20R), a 120V 30A twist lock outlet (L5-30R), a 120V/240V 50A outlet (NEMA 14-50R), a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug, a bottle of oil, a 47-inch LPG connection hose, and a two-year warranty
Review:
WEN is known for being a no-nonsense, common sense, value for money brand. All this is evident in the WEN DF1100T dual fuel generator. You will probably find this generator available for under a grand. A fantastic price for a decent quality 10,000W generator from a reputable brand.
The WEN DF1100T is a little more powerful than the DuroMax XP10000E, not quite as powerful as the Westinghouse WGEN9500DF. Since it’s the cheapest of the bunch, the WEN generator does seem to be quite a bargain. While no one would place this generator in the heavy-duty class, it has a truly respectable quality level – far exceeding expectations at the price.
The 457cc engine powering the WEN DF1100T has been around for a while and has earned a reputation as a reliable workhorse. It is CARB and EPA III compliant. Making your budget go even further, the WEN DF1100T is super fuel-efficient. The WEN dual fuel generator provides an incredible 8.5 hour runtime (at 50% load) from the 6.6 gallon fuel tank.
With 11,000 peak watts and 8,300W rated watts, you should have no shortage of power during an outage. The WEN DF1100T can supply basically all your electrical requirements for an average home. As is the case with all dual fuel generators, output when using propane is slightly lower – 9,500 surge watts and 7,500 running watts.
The control panel is practical and well-equipped. The WEN generator has 4 X 120V 20A (5-20R) household outlets with GFCI protection. For a transfer switch and heavy-duty equipment, there is a 120V 30A (L5-30R) twist lock outlet, and a 120/240V 50A twist lock outlet (L5-30R). The WEN DF1100T also has a cigarette lighter style 12VDC outlet, handy for charging 12V batteries.
At 214 pounds, this generator is in line with expectations for its size. It is mounted to a strong metal frame with a wheel kit and dual fold down handles. The handles have great rubber grips.
While the DuroMax XP10000E and Westinghouse WGEN9500DF both have 3-year warranties, the WEN DF1100T only has a 2-year warranty. Perhaps this is a suggestion that this cheaper generator is not up to the same high-quality standard. Though this is not a given. The WEN 10,000W dual fuel generator has been met with massive enthusiasm from customers, earning a mighty respectable 4.7 stars on Amazon. Undoubtedly excellent value for money.
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