Review of the DuroStar DS10000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Should You Buy It?

Key Points about the DuroStar DS10000EH

Overview of the Generator

Another unit from the more affordable part of the DuroMax brand of generators, this DuroStar DS10000EH is the dual fuel version of the DuroStar DS10000E. They are both the most powerful in DuroStar's lineup of portable generators. This dual fuel variant is primarily for people who want a powerful and more versatile portable home standby power solution, and for working on a jobsite.

Controls and Features

The control panel is comprehensive and fully featured, befitting a generator of this size. It has a key-operated electric starter, an idle control, an engine shutoff, a volt meter, and an RV switch. Additionally, there is an oil warning light as well as circuit breakers and a grounding nut.

Besides the electric key start you also have a manual pull recoil cord in case, for example, the battery is discharged.

Multiple connection options are available. These include 2x120v household outlets, 1x120v 30A twist lock outlet, 1x120v/240v 30A twist lock outlet and 1x120v/240v 50A heavy duty outlet. Plus, you have a 12v DC facility for charging an external battery. 

A proprietary MX2 switch allows you to choose between operating the generator at both 120v and 240v simultaneously, or simply at 120v at full power. During operation, the Voltage Selector switch should always be in the 120v position until you need to use 240v.

The DS10000EH is EPA Certified and CARB Compliant so you can use it in all 50 states. And a spark arrestor qualifies the generator for safe use in U.S. National Parks and camp sites.

A sensor monitors the engine's oil level and shuts it down when it detects the level is too low. And if it remains too low, you won't be able to start it again.

Here is the DuroStar DS10000EH manual.
 
Owing to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, do not operate this generator in an enclosed environment. And know that it does not have a carbon monoxide sensor.

Power Output

Powered by a DuroStar 18 HP 439cc OHV engine, it produces 10000 starting watts and 8000 running watts on gasoline. On propane, the numbers are 9500 starting watts and 7600 running watts. This is plenty to power a lot of your home's high voltage appliances and heavy-duty power tools. 

When you plug in an appliance the generator automatically increases the engine speed to respond to whatever load is required. Conversely, the engine speed decreases when the appliance is unplugged. All of this help to maintain an efficient use of fuel, and to some extent reduce noise.

This model uses traditional generator technology but incorporates "Surge Arrest" to help protect against power surges. However, when connecting sensitive electronics, don't forget to use a UPS/line conditioner/surge protector to help prevent fluctuations in the output causing possible damage.

Altitude and ambient temperature can impact the performance and output of a portable generator so make sure you take account of where you live when looking at advertised power outputs.

Weight

The DS10000EH is no lightweight at 220lbs. To help you move the unit around, the generator comes with a solid-wheel kit and foldable handles. It's worth mentioning that some owners say solid wheels on any generator can develop flat spots if unmoved for long periods, so you'll want to move it regularly.

Noise Level

As there are no set standards by which generator companies have to measure noise levels, most, but not all, take a measurement at about 23 feet. However, from buyer evidence, noise levels are notoriously unreliable and you might want to take them with a pinch of salt.

Nevertheless, DuroStar use a heavy-duty steel frame with isolated motor mounts to deliver a smoother and quieter operation. But even under half load the noise level of this model is high at 72dB. DuroStar say that when the idle control is enabled, and there is no load, the level can fall to as low as 45dB.

What Most Buyers Like

The DS10000EH is a well-reviewed portable generator and owners are happy with their purchase. One buyer makes a comment that it is made to the exact same specifications as the more expensive DuroMax XP10000EH, so you might be able to save quite a bit by choosing this one.

Overall, the unit appears well constructed. The price is certainly low when compared to some other popular generators in this wattage range. And the connector panel is nicely laid out with receptacles, breakers, and a volt meter.

All buyers find it easy to prepare for the first time. But the negative wire to the battery, which is disconnected for safety reasons during transport, is hard to find and fiddly to connect. Once connected, however, the generator starts using the key without any problem. Owners also say they have no difficulty using the manual recoil cord to get it going.

One satisfied owner says it powers most of his appliances. This includes lights, 2 TVs (52" & 32"), a stereo, an Xbox, two DirectTV boxes, a CD player, a coffee maker, a fridge, one electric stove element, and an oil burner in his 1100 square foot home. It's also good for 220v mobile welding on a jobsite.

Another owner thinks it's the best deal when comparing wattage to dollar ratios. Voltage is a steady 120v.

Most are not too bothered by how noisy this powerful generator is because that's to be expected from an 18HP motor. They like the idle control switch, which slows the engine down when there is no load, and only revs up when something is plugged in. This reduces noise and fuel consumption.

What Some Buyers Like Less

Weighing over 200lbs, it’s a heavy beast. Some buyers say the packaging can arrive in bad shape, with parts of the generator bent or damaged. This is often a problem caused in transit by delivery companies.

Another buyer is no fan of the no-flat wheels/tires. While there is no air to leak, the tires can get severely flat-spotted when sitting for any length of time. They recommend moving the unit once a month to prevent this kind of problem. Note: this type of tire is fitted to most portable generators that include a wheel kit as standard. The problem of dead spots developing is not unique to DuroMax.