DuroMax XP5500E Portable Generator Review
A Power Supply You Can Rely on in Emergencies
If all you need from a portable gas-powered generator is just enough power to supply your home with electricity in case of outages and emergencies, the DuroMax XP5500E is a good candidate to consider. With a starting wattage of 5,500 W, this product can run basic appliances and tools, even at the same time. You can have peace of mind for eight or so hours, fully knowing that your generator will provide you with the power you need to stay comfortable at home.
Specs
- Dimensions: 24 x 17 x 17 inches
- Weight: 127 lbs
- Starting watts: 5,500 W
- Running watts: 4,500W
- Voltage: 120V/240VAC and 12VDC
- Amperage: 37.50A/18.75A
- Frequency: 60Hz
- Horsepower: 7.5 HP
- Engine type: 4-cycle, air-cooled, spark-ignition
- Engine size: 225cc
- Engine speed: 3,600rpm
- Start type: electric, recoil
- Fuel type: gasoline
- Fuel tank capacity: 3.96 gallons gasoline
- Runtime at half load: 8.92 hours
- Volume level: 69dB
- EPA- and CARB-approved for all 50 states
Engine capacity and wattage
Just like its twin, the DuroMax XP5500EH, the DuroMax XP5500E portable generator packs a lot of power in its small build. Compact and lightweight, this model is 17 inches tall, 17 inches wide, 24 inches long, and weighing 127 pounds. This baby also fitted with a 7.5-horsepower, 225-cc engine, which lets it operate on a 5,500 W starting wattage and a 4,500 W running wattage. The only difference between the two models is where the XP5500EH can switch between gasoline and propane as fuel sources, the XP5500E can only use gasoline.
Nonetheless, with this around, you can confidently plug in your essential home appliances, even at the same time. So, when there’s a power outage, you can keep your refrigerator, air conditioning, and lighting on. It can also provide enough electricity for your sump pump if you have a basement and you’re in a flood-prone area.
This compact generator model isn’t just good for emergency usage, of course. You can use this for your outdoor tasks, such as running a lawnmower or pressure washer. This product also works with most power tools, so you can have it on standby in your workshop.
Aside from being compact, the engine on this model is also relatively quiet. At 69 decibels, it’s about as loud as a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner, thanks to a built-in muffler. To keep this engine working smoothly, it’s recommended that you avoid additive-laden engine oils or two-stroke gasoline engine oils. Instead, use SAE 10W-30 oil, which has the right viscosity for this type of engine.
Fuel consumption
As mentioned earlier, this particular DuroMax generator model runs only on gasoline. Its tank can hold up to 3.96 gallons of gasoline. With this much fuel, this device can last for up to nine hours on ideal conditions. However, if you intend to use this model at high altitudes—5,000 feet and above, it’s a good idea to have the carburetor modified. This machine tends to guzzle up the contents of its gas tank when used at high altitudes, and this can mean increased emissions. A modified carburetor can keep emissions low. The downside is you may see a decrease in the engine’s horsepower.
Before you use your generator, you need to check the fuel gauge first. The fuel gauge usually doesn’t register if the fuel tank contains less than a third of gasoline.
Output
One of the advantages of the XP5500E is it gives you flexibility with how you use the power it provides. Thanks to the DuroMax MX2 Power Boost Technology, you can plug in both 120V and 240V devices to this generator. It has three outlets for this purpose: one 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet and two 120V 20A GFCI outlets. Alternatively, you can direct all the energy this device can give to the 120V outlets. All you need to do to make this happen is to flick the switch on the voltage regulator.
Ideal usage
The XP5500E works best as a standby generator. In case of power outages, you can rely on it to keep your lighting and essential appliances running. As mentioned earlier, you can safely plug in your fridge and air conditioner at the same time. You can also use it to charge your electronic devices. However, if you’re plugging in a sump pump or a well pump, you can’t use it for anything else while your pump is working.
If you need a generator for camping, this mobile model can work well with a small camper. Unfortunately, you may find its capacity limited if you pair it with a big, 70-foot, fully furnished RV. At tailgate parties, this machine can crank up enough energy for you to cook on an electric stove or grill and to play music on a small sound system at the same time.
What’s in the box
- Oil funnel
- Spark plug wrench
- Toolset (wrenches and a double-sided screwdriver)
- Wheel and handle kit
- DC charging cables
- Downloadable owner’s manual
What users say about the DuroMax XP5500E
Most of the buyers who left positive feedback on the DuroMax XP5500E said it’s powerful enough to supply electricity to their whole house. They also liked how light and easy to move this generator is.
However, this product isn’t perfect, as some reviews indicated. Among the complaints is this generator doesn’t run as quietly as it’s supposed to do. Another user commented that if this generator is left in the same position for a few hours, it develops flat spotting on its tires. Yet another reviewer stated that the spark plug is difficult to reach and remove, even with tools.
To find more information on this well equip mobile electric unit, you can check it out here for even more reviews and current deals.
Final Specs & My Ratings on the XP5500E
Product Brand/ Model: XP5500e
Manufacturer: Duromax LLC
Average Cost: $500 – $800 range
Best Place to Buy: Amazon or Ebay
Weight, L/W/H: 126lbs, 24 x 17 x 17 inches
Power Output: Running 5,500 Watt & Starting 4,500 Watt
My Overall Ratings: 4.7/5
Can you purchase this on Amazon? Yes
