DuroMax XP5500EH review
DuroMax XP5500EH 5,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
By Tom Calder
Key specs
The maker's figures.
- Running watts
- 4,500 W
- Starting watts
- 5,500 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Weight
- 124 lb
4,500 running watts covers a refrigerator, a furnace blower and a sump pump together on our sizing chart, on gasoline or propane, with electric start. An open-frame generator, so louder than the inverters here.
- Best for
- The essentials on gas or propane
- Skip it if
- You also want a quiet generator for camping
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Researched, not used. We haven't used this product. This review is built from the maker's specifications, owner reports and our own sizing.
What we like
- Gasoline or propane
- Electric start
- 4,500 running watts
Worth knowing
- 124 lb
- Open frame: louder than an inverter
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Our review
The DuroMax XP5500EH is a 224cc dual fuel generator, built on an all-metal frame, rated at 4,500 running watts on gasoline and 4,275 on propane, with electric start and a wheel kit. This review covers its ratings, outlets, run times and weight as DuroMax states them, its legacy status and emissions note, and the outdoor-only rules.
What it is and who it suits
DuroMax lists the XP5500EH as a 224cc four-stroke generator with a rocker-switch electric start and a recoil backup, running on gasoline or propane through a carburetor. DuroMax lists a wheel and handle kit, a propane regulator, DC charging cables, an oil funnel, a spark plug wrench and a tool set in the box, and lists a 12V battery and a propane hose and regulator as included. DuroMax calls it RV ready and home backup ready.
It suits a household that wants a mid-size unit to run essentials from a gasoline tank or a propane cylinder. The page we read is an Internet Archive copy from May 2025, because the live page now returns a not-found error. It carried a note that a newer model, the XP5500HX, is available, so the EH is a legacy model that may be hard to find.
Ratings, outlets and fuel
On gasoline DuroMax lists 5,500 peak and 4,500 running watts, with 37.5 running amps at 120 volts and 18.75 at 240 volts. On propane the figures are 5,225 peak and 4,275 running watts. Running watts are the continuous figure, so size your loads against the one for the fuel you will use.
The panel has two 5-20R outlets, one L14-30R and a 12V post, with GFCI protection listed, and an analog volt meter. DuroMax says its MX2 Power Boost doubles the 120V power for appliances and RVs; that is the maker's description, and the running watts in the table are still the figures to size loads against. There is no 14-50R outlet, so check what your transfer switch or inlet needs.
Run time, size and noise
DuroMax gives run times of 19 hours at 25% load and 9 hours at 50% load on gasoline from the 4-gallon tank, and 15 hours at 25% load and 8 hours at 50% load on propane. It suggests a 20-pound propane tank at minimum. Those are maker figures at set loads, and a heavier load will shorten them.
The dry weight is 124 pounds and the listed product weight is 136 pounds, in a frame of 25 by 22 by 22 inches. The wheels are 8-inch metal hubs. Noise is listed as 69 dB without a stated distance. The warranty is 3 years. Oil is 10W-30 and the page gives 20.3 fluid ounces.
The emissions note
DuroMax lists the generator as EPA certified but 50 state emissions as no. The page does not say which states that affects, so check your state's rules before buying one used or from old stock. We could not read the owner's manual here, so read it for the oil, fuel and storage steps.
Carbon monoxide and outdoor use
DuroMax's page lists automatic low oil shutdown but no carbon monoxide shutoff, so the safety rules matter even more. Ready.gov says generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages. CDC says never to use a generator inside your home, basement or garage, or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent, and to use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home. CPSC says to test alarms every month.
Our generator safety guide covers cords, wet weather and refueling, and the carbon monoxide alarm comparison lists detectors.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you want a model with a carbon monoxide shutoff, such as the Westinghouse WGen9500DFc or the Champion 4500-watt inverter, whose makers both list one. Skip it if you live where the 50 state emissions line matters. Our generator comparison lists the alternatives.
A researched review, built from the maker's specs, manual and US listings; facts checked 30 Oct 2026. Sources: DuroMax: XP5500EH product page (Internet Archive copy, May 2025); Ready.gov: Power Outages; CDC: What to Do to Protect Yourself During a Power Outage; CPSC: Keep Warm and Safe This Winter.
Who shouldn't buy this
Don't buy it if you also want a quiet generator for camping.
This is a Researched review: we haven't used this product. We check every specification against at least two independent sources, re-check the US price on a schedule where we can track it automatically, and say plainly who it isn't for. Commissions never change a rating.
If this isn’t the one
Best for Big home backup with remote start
Read the review →Best for The benchmark quiet inverter generator
Read the review →Questions
What are the running watts on gasoline and on propane?
DuroMax lists 4,500 running and 5,500 peak watts on gasoline, and 4,275 running and 5,225 peak watts on propane. Size your loads against the running figure for the fuel you will use.
Does it have a carbon monoxide shutoff?
DuroMax's page lists an automatic low oil shutdown but no carbon monoxide shutoff. Keep it outdoors at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents, and use battery-powered CO alarms in the house.
Is it sold in all 50 states?
DuroMax's page lists it as EPA certified but marks 50 state emissions as no. Check your state's rules before buying.
Is this still the current model?
The archived page notes that a newer model, the XP5500HX, is available. The XP5500EH is a legacy model.