Last Updated on January 2, 2025
There are plenty of situations where you might find yourself without power. Whether that is planning an exciting outdoor event, working on a construction project, running a food trailer, or camping in the great outdoors in an RV, or having peace of mind that you have a power backup for when you face power outages.
Whatever the reason, the solution is having a portable generator that can provide portable power for a whole host of different appliances. So if you are on the market for a portable generator you might want to consider DuroStar. DuroStar is a reliable portable generator manufacturer that creates great quality generators at reasonable prices.
Their powerful selection can provide power for all your needs whether that’s your laptop, power tools, lights, a stove, hot water heater or even a refrigerator. But if you want to know a little more about DuroStar generators you are in the right place.
We have reviewed DuroStar generators in depth below and checked out what they offer, how their generators perform, how they compare to other portable generator brands and everything else you need to know. Find out whether a DuroStar portable generator is for you.
What is DuroStar?
DuroStar is the brand of generators manufactured by DuroPower, a company based in California. They are a leading brand in providing generators and are known for both their good quality products and affordable prices.
DuroStar is actually owned by Dexin International Inc who also owns sister brand DuroMax generators. Dexin has been manufacturing generators since 1992 and offers a range of different generators. DuroStar generators are reliable and they usually offer a 30 day replacement warranty and 1 year part warranty.
We love their focus on power solutions that are environmentally friendly and the brand meets the standards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This means their generators follow exacting standards that help to keep your air clean.
What types of generators does DuroStar offer?
DuroStar offers a wide range of generators so whether you are looking for a portable generator for outdoor events and camping or a large gas generator for backup power of your whole home, DuroStar has you covered. The generators they offer can be:
- Portable generators
- Dual Fuel Hybrid generators
- Gas generators
Durostar portable generators are lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for taking with you and trips and easy to transport, especially with a wheel kit. If they are dual fuel generators they can run on both propane and gas.
The gas generators have higher power and longer runtimes, coming with large fuel tank and sturdy designs. The heavy duty frames are designed with four point motor mounts that help keep the operation smooth and quiet. We feel Durostar has some of the best portable generators out there.
What are some key features to look out for?
When choosing a portable generator there are some key features you should consider and compare.
Power output
This is usually measured in watts and let’s you know how many appliances you can plug in as well as the size and type of appliance.
Size
A compact portable generator is important if you plan on transporting and moving it around a lot, if you plan on keeping it in your shed for backup power, size may not be as important. For larger generators you can also get hold of a wheel kit to help you move it around on wheels.
Run time
Run time is usually directly related to the fuel tank capacity and fuel efficiency of your portable generator and dictates how much continuous power you will get and the run time will totally depend on this.
Price
Generators can come with a big price tag so it is important to check you are getting good value for money.
Noise Levels
Everyone knows the buzz or hum of a power supply can be anywhere from mildly annoying to totally overpowering if you’re not careful. That means it is important to know how much noise the portable generator will emit when it is running, before you buy.
Interface and design
It is important to have a portable generator that is simple and easy to use and maintain so that it is as efficient as possible as well as lasting as long as possible.
Recoil or electric start
A recoil start usually involves pulling a start handle cord, like a lawn mower, while an electric start is as easy as turning a key or pushing a button.
DuroStar generators have a range of top features that mean they are some of the best on the market. They can range drastically in power output with wattages ranging from 1050 watts to 12,000 watts and can also range in price from $300 to over $1200.
Runtimes tend to range from around 8 to 12 hours. In general Durostar aims to keep their generator noise levels low so that you won’t be disturbed when camping, working or at outdoor events.
They do this by using a Quiet Muffler to reduce the engine sound. DuroStar generators have easy interfaces with a power panel that has a voltmeter, circuit breaker and advanced oil caution light to let you know when oil is low as well as a low oil shut-off feature to avoid damaging the engine.
And they also have various power plug configurations and power outlets, giving you flexibility of how to set up your power. You can also find generators with wheel kits to make transportation easier. You will find generators with both recoil or electric start, a recoil start involving a starter handle to pull out while an electric is simply pushing a button.
Some people find recoil repeated pulling a start cord can be uncomfortable or give them strain, so prefer electric. Electric start however usually comes with an extra cost.
Pros of DuroStar generators
Affordable
Compared to many other generator brands, DuroStar’s products are pretty budget friendly. In fact they are one of the best value generator brands for the performance.
If you are looking for a generator but you are on a budget or perhaps can’t afford a Honda or a Generac, DuroStar is a great choice.
Reliable
DuroStar generators are powerful and reliable. They are highly rated and will serve you well for whatever you need. They are also known for lasting a long time.
DuroPower makes their own engines meaning they have more involvement in creating and constructing the best generators possible than some other brands.
Quiet
A great thing about DuroStar generators is how quietly they run. If you are looking for a generator you can run alongside you without making a racket, especially if you are on a quiet camping trip or running an outdoor event, DuroStar could be a great choice for you.
They use special quiet mufflers on their engines to reduce the engine sound and their frames are built to be especially sturdy and to not touch the generator which also helps it avoid vibration sounds.
Dual Fuel Options
DuroStar is well known for offering a range of dual fuel generator options that run off both propane and gas which can be a definite benefit for some. These dual fuel tank generators often offer higher power and a longer run time than other generators.
They also can save you some money as propane is cheaper to supply than gas and gives you more flexibility.
Cons of DuroStar generators
Not inverter generators
One of the downsides for some DuroStar generators is that they do not manufacture inverter generators. What is the difference between a standard generator and an inverter generator? Well this is down to the way in which they convert DC power to AC power.
Although standard generators can actually produce more power, inverter generators are more compact and lighter and most importantly they are more fuel efficient. Standard generators operate at a constant speed and so they produce a fixed amount of power regardless of what you need.
Inverter generators on the other hand, are able to adjust their output based on what you need.
Availability
There are fewer DuroStar models available than many other generator brands which means you have slightly less choice when it comes to choosing the perfect generator. They still cover their bases however so most people should find what they need.
If you are looking for something more specific, perhaps you can take a look at their DuroMax line which has a slightly wider selection.
How does DuroStar compare to other brands?
DuroStar holds up pretty well to other similar competitors like Honda or Generac in terms of power and output and runtime. This depends on the model however and you might find that the equivalent generator from Honda does slightly outperform the DuroStar.
For the totally affordable price of DuroStar though, this can be more than worth it for many people as for normal usage, DuroStar provides plenty of power. One thing DuroStar does really well is their low noise levels.
The engine design along with a quiet muffler means that they run smoothly and quietly. One downside of DuroStar generators is that they are not inverter generators meaning that they are less fuel efficient and cannot adapt their power output.
Where can I buy a DuroStar generator?
You might be searching for a DuroStar website to purchase your DuroStar generator but you won’t find one. The website you need is actually called Generator Factory Outlet, or GFO.
Here you can find their whole range of DuroMax and DuroStar generators and also transfer switches, outdoor equipment and lawn and garden products. Alternatively you can buy through third party marketplaces like Amazon.com.
What is the difference between DuroStar and DuroMax generators?
If you have been looking at DuroStar generators you might have come across DuroMax generators too. If so, you might be wondering about the difference. Well DuroStar and DuroMax generators are both made by the same company and both generator types actually have a similar array of specs and features.
DuroMax offers a wider range of generators and you can note that they have model numbers beginning with XP rather than DS like DuroStar. The two lines also have different colour schemes, DuroStar’s generators coming in red and yellow and DuroMax’s in green and blue.
Best DuroStar generator?
DuroStar DS4000S Gas Generator
One of the best selling DuroStar generators is the DuroStar DS4000S Gas Generator. This 4000 watt generator is portable, powerful and great value for money. It uses an air cooled 7 HP DuroStar Engine that packs a punch and is super long lasting. It has 4000 starting watts and 3,300 watts when running at continuous use.
It can work most medium and large appliances including air conditioners, lights or fridges. This makes it your perfect camping companion, work buddy, home backup generator or anything else. It is easy to use with a fully loaded power panel that is simple to use and easy to access.
It contains a voltmeter, circuit breakers, oil warning light and engine shut off switch so operating and staying safe are at your fingertips. It uses a recoil start, meaning you can easily start it up by easily pulling the starter handle like a lawn mower, some people might prefer an electric start but a recoil start is simple and does the job just fine.
Worried about the noise levels? Don’t be. The running noise of this generator is super quiet as it comes with a quiet muffler to reduce the noise of the engine.
How long does the generator last? If you are using it at 50% of its maximum output the generator will run for an impressive 8 hours. How much will this set you back? As one of DuroStar’s cheapest models the DS4000S comes in at just $350 so it is one of the best value generators around.
Bottom line – Should I buy a DuroStar generator?
If you are looking to buy a portable or back up generator then Duro Star is a great option. They are a dependable, highly rated brand and we absolutely love the quality of their generator selection.
A great thing about DuroStar is that the company actually manufactures all their own engines. We would recommend DuroStar generators for anyone on a budget looking for a great value generator, anyone in search of a quiet running generator and anyone looking for a dual fuel tank generator. Overall, yes, you won’t be disappointed by the performance and value of DuroStar dual fuel generators.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.