Review of the DuroMax XP5500EH Open Frame Dual Fuel Portable Generator

The XP5500EH has a lot of positive points. It's fairly powerful, it's dual fuel, and it's affordable. Less positive, though, are the few generators that don't work, or fail, for one reason or another either on arrival or after some time.

However, the need for standby power continues to grow each year. While people understandably don't want to overspend when money is tight, a portable generator is an investment and an insurance policy for when an emergency strikes. And that might not be very often.

Are manufacturers not very good when it comes to customer support? Evidence abounds about dissatisfied customers across all makes of portable generators. But there is also plenty to say that it is not all bad, and it is possible that some customers may be demanding more than is reasonably fair. Nevertheless, all customers need and should expect excellent customer care, and expect manufacturers to go the extra mile in resolving genuine issues.

In terms of the warranty, most manufacturers have similar conditions, and while having to pay freight costs when returning a unit is common, in many circumstances, and for many buyers, this practice cannot be said to be fair.

It's a versatile unit offering you a medium power output in combination with a 120v/240v capability. Like others in the line-up, it's built with an all-metal construction to help ensure greater durability and reliability in tough conditions.

It is equally at home as a solution for emergency backup, for jobsite work, and can hold its own for recreational use.

The control panel is comprehensive with an electric Start/Run/Stop rocker switch (there's an easy-pull recoil cord is located at the rear as well).

For connections you have 2x120v household GFCI outlets and 1x120v/240v 30A twist lock outlet. They are all protected by circuit breakers that automatically trip to prevent damage to the generator and connected appliances and equipment when there's a short circuit or an overload.

An MX2 switch allows you the option of combining the two 120v 15A outlets to provide 240v 30A. This is ideal for your RV, pump, a small AC, and commercial power tools. There is also a voltmeter and a 12v DC charging capability. There are no USB ports.

An idle control reduces the engine's speed (RPM) automatically to match the load. While this has added benefits and can reduce fuel consumption, delays in responding to load demands, particularly during electric motor start up, can lead to premature motor failures.

The generator has a sensor to monitor the oil level in the engine and shuts it down when it detects the level is too low. In addition, you won't even be able to start it when there isn't enough oil.

Operate this generator only outside in the open air. It does not have a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor to alert you to the presence of this potentially lethal gas.

From its 224cc 7.5HP engine the generator produces 5500 starting watts and 4500 running watts when using gasoline. On propane, the power delivery is lower at 5225 starting watts and 4275 running watts respectively. Those numbers are good enough for you to run most household appliances like a refrigerator and a home air conditioner.

While this model uses traditional technology (as opposed to an inverter), you must avoid connecting sensitive electronics without a UPS/line conditioner/surge protector to prevent potential damage from spikes in the output.

Also, be aware of how advertised power outputs can change quite dramatically as a result of altitude and ambient temperatures.

This generator itself weighs 124lbs, rising to 136lbs after you fit the supplied semi-solid wheels and handle.

DuroMax specify the sound level of this model at 69dB, which is about as loud as a dishwasher.

Buyers generally give the XP5500EH between 4 and 5-stars for its dual fuel flexibility and great price. It's easy to assemble and get going even for inexperienced people, and the included oil funnel and tools are a great bonus. 

Some buyers say the instruction manual is unclear, and even wrong, in some places. They dislike the "neoprene" tires, which easily deform permanently when left standing for longer periods.

A few generators are faulty on arrival and don't work, while some others fail after a short time.

Some buyers say customer service could be a lot better.

The warranty only covers parts, leaving buyers to pay for all shipping costs. And DuroMax expect buyers to repair the unit themselves or take it to a repair location even if they live far away.

Delivery companies sometimes damage the box and the generator inside (this is a common complaint for almost all types of the heavier units).