Quick verdict
For whole-home backup, the DuroMax XP13000EH is the pick. Its 13,000-watt dual-fuel output runs your home on gasoline or propane, it uses push-button electric start with a front-facing fuel selector, and a transfer-switch-ready 50 amp outlet ties it into your panel. The all-metal frame is built to survive heavy use and rough weather.
DuroMax XP13000EH 13
The DuroMax XP13000EH delivers 13,000 watts of dual-fuel power that can keep a whole home running on gasoline or propane during an outage. It uses push-button electric start with a front-facing interface to change fuel type in seconds, includes a transfer-switch-ready 50 amp outlet, and is built with a heavy-duty all-metal frame and power panel rather than plastic parts.
Check price on Amazon →The best DuroMax portable generator compared: XP13000EH, XP13000HXT tri-fuel and inverter models by wattage, fuel type and transfer switch readiness for backup.
Why you should trust this guide
DuroMax has built its reputation on high-wattage dual-fuel generators, and its portable lineup skews toward big open-frame units capable of backing up a whole house. The models look similar on the shelf, but the differences in fuel type, winding material, and start method genuinely change which one fits your needs. This guide sorts the current DuroMax portables by what they are built to power.
I compared these units on DuroMax’s published specifications, including wattage, engine size, fuel type, outlets, and start method. Some listings lead with marketing phrases rather than detailed numbers, and where that is the case I rely on the concrete specs available and describe the unit honestly instead of inventing figures. I do not claim to have operated these generators myself.
How we evaluated
My evaluation criteria started with capacity and fuel type, since DuroMax’s range is defined by high output and multi-fuel flexibility. I grouped the 13,000-watt whole-home units together, set the 5,500-watt essentials unit apart, and treated the inverter separately, because those categories serve different buyers.
From there I weighed start method, transfer switch readiness, safety, and build quality. Electric and remote start ease operation on large engines, a transfer-switch-ready 50 amp outlet is what connects these to a home panel, and CO Alert is the shared safety layer on the newer models. All-copper windings and all-metal frames speak to durability. These assessments come from the documented specifications, not from bench testing on my part.
What to look for
- Size the running wattage to your load, with the 13kW units aimed at whole-home backup.
- Choose dual-fuel for gas and propane flexibility, or tri-fuel to add natural gas.
- Confirm a transfer-switch-ready 50 amp outlet if you plan to feed your home panel.
- Prefer push-button or remote start on these large engines over recoil starting.
- Look for CO Alert carbon monoxide shutoff on the current models.
- Consider an inverter model like the XP11000iH if you need clean power for electronics.
- Check for durability features like all-metal frames and copper windings.
How we test
We base every pick on real-world use, published manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We compare the tools on the things that actually matter for your lawn, power, runtime, cut quality, build and value, and we never accept payment for a ranking. When we have not used a specific model first-hand, we say so.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DuroMax XP13000EH 13 | Best Overall | Check price | |
| DuroMax XP13000HX 13 | Best Value | Check price | |
| DuroMax XP13000HXT 13 | Best Premium | Check price | |
| DuroMax XP5500EH 5 | Best Budget | Check price | |
| DuroMax XP11000iH 11 | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
DuroMax XP13000EH 13
The DuroMax XP13000EH delivers 13,000 watts of dual-fuel power that can keep a whole home running on gasoline or propane during an outage. It uses push-button electric start with a front-facing interface to change fuel type in seconds, includes a transfer-switch-ready 50 amp outlet, and is built with a heavy-duty all-metal frame and power panel rather than plastic parts.
Reasons to buy
- With 13,000 watts of power, the XP13000EH Dual Fuel generator will keep your whole home ru
- DuroMax is the industry leader in Dual Fuel portable generator technology, with a full ass
- At the core of all our products resides a robust DuroMax engine. Designed for Power. Desig
- The XP13000EH comes with a push button start, a front facing interface that allows you to
- Constructed with a heavy-duty all metal frame and power panel
Reasons to avoid
- At 13,000 watts this is a large, heavy unit that needs its wheel kit to move
- It is an open-frame generator, so its power is not inverter-clean like the XP11000iH
DuroMax XP13000HX 13
The XP13000HX matches the 13,000-watt dual-fuel output but is built on a 500cc OHV engine with all-copper windings intended for longevity. It keeps the push-button start and quick fuel selector, adds CO Alert for safety, and offers a loaded power panel with four 120V GFCI outlets, a 30A outlet, and a transfer-switch-ready 50A outlet.
Reasons to buy
- With 13,000 watts of power, the XP13000HX Dual Fuel generator will keep your whole home ru
- Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of running your generator on either gasoline or propane.
- Built using a powerful 500cc OHV DuroMax engine and features ALL COPPER WINDINGS designed
- The XP13000HX comes with a push button start, a front facing interface that allows you to
- The fully loaded power panel includes four 120V GFCI household outlets, one 120V 30AMP out
Reasons to avoid
- Like the other 13kW units it is heavy and aimed at fixed backup use
- It is gasoline and propane only, without the natural gas option of the tri-fuel model
DuroMax XP13000HXT 13
The XP13000HXT is the premium tri-fuel model, running on gasoline, propane, or natural gas from a 500cc OHV engine for maximum fuel flexibility during long outages. It adds both push-button and remote start so you can power it up from a distance, and keeps the transfer-switch-ready 50 amp outlet and CO Alert.
Reasons to buy
- With 13,000 watts of power, the XP13000HXT Tri Fuel generator will keep your whole home ru
- Run your generator on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. With Tri Fuel, we offer the ultim
- Powerful 500cc OHV Engine: At the heart of this generator resides a robust DuroMax engine
- The XP13000HXT comes with a push button start, a front facing interface that allows you to
- Push Button Start and Remote Start: Turn on your generator with a simple push of a button,
Reasons to avoid
- Natural gas operation requires a proper connection to your home supply
- As the top model it is the priciest and largest option here
DuroMax XP5500EH 5
The XP5500EH is the budget essentials pick, with 5,500 starting and 4,500 running watts from a 224cc engine, enough for lights, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, or power tools. It runs on gasoline or propane, includes electric start, low-oil shutoff, and MX2 technology to get full power from the 120V outlets or run 120V and 240V together.
Reasons to buy
- Plenty of Power – With 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 running watts, this unit can handle
- Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom
- Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 224cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of powe
- MX2 Technology
- Fully Featured Power Panel – The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maxi
Reasons to avoid
- At 4,500 running watts it covers essentials, not simultaneous whole-home loads
- It lacks the CO Alert safety feature found on the larger current models
DuroMax XP11000iH 11
The XP11000iH is the inverter option, a dual-fuel digital inverter delivering 11,000 peak and 9,000 running watts with clean, stable power for sensitive electronics like TVs and computers. It adds remote electric start, CO Alert, and automatic transfer switch readiness, bridging high output with inverter-grade power quality.
Reasons to buy
- Power on the Go
- Dual Fuel Technology
- CO Alert
- Inverter Technology
- Remote Start
Reasons to avoid
- It is still a large, heavy unit despite the inverter design
- Inverter output typically comes at a higher price than open-frame models of similar wattage
What to look for
Capacity and use case
The 13,000-watt XP13000 units target whole-home backup, the 5,500-watt XP5500EH suits essentials, and the XP11000iH inverter balances high output with clean power. Match wattage to your heaviest expected load.
Fuel type
DuroMax offers dual-fuel gas and propane models and a tri-fuel unit that adds natural gas. More fuel options help during long outages when a single fuel source may run short.
Transfer switch readiness
A transfer-switch-ready 50 amp outlet is what safely connects these generators to your home panel. The 13kW units and the inverter include this, letting them serve as home backup through a proper switch.
Start method
These large engines use push-button electric start, and the tri-fuel and inverter models add remote start. That is far easier than recoil starting a big engine, especially in cold weather.
Build and safety
DuroMax highlights all-metal frames and, on the HX, all-copper windings for durability, while CO Alert carbon monoxide shutoff protects users on the current models. Older units like the XP5500EH may lack CO Alert.
Our verdict
For whole-home backup, the DuroMax XP13000EH is the pick. Its 13,000-watt dual-fuel output runs your home on gasoline or propane, it uses push-button electric start with a front-facing fuel selector, and a transfer-switch-ready 50 amp outlet ties it into your panel. The all-metal frame is built to survive heavy use and rough weather.
FAQs
The XP13000EH and XP13000HX both deliver 13,000 watts of dual-fuel power for whole-home backup, and the XP13000HXT tri-fuel adds natural gas plus remote start. All are transfer switch ready through their 50 amp outlets.
Both are 13,000-watt dual-fuel units. The HX is built on a 500cc engine with all-copper windings and adds CO Alert, while the EH emphasizes its all-metal frame and construction. Compare their exact panels and features for your needs.
MX2, on the XP5500EH, lets you get full power from the 120V receptacles by running the generator at 120V only, or operate 120V and 240V at the same time. It is useful for matching the generator's output to your outlets and RV use.
Yes. To power home circuits safely you connect a transfer-switch-ready DuroMax through a transfer switch at your panel. The 13kW models and the inverter include a 50 amp transfer-switch-ready outlet, but the switch is a separate installation.
The XP11000iH is the inverter model, producing clean, stable power that DuroMax describes as safe for sensitive electronics like televisions and computers, unlike the open-frame units that prioritize raw output.