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The DuroStar DS4500DX is a portable open frame dual fuel generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the DuroStar DS4500DX
In summary, the DuroStar DS4500DX is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Amateur DIY lovers
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The DuroStar DS4500DX
The dual-fuel technology of the DuroStar DS4500DX allows for an output of 120/240V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 3,500W and a starting wattage of 4,500W. If propane-powered, it gives 3,325 rated watts and 4,275 starting watts.
Enjoying a noise rating of 69 dBA (less noisy than an office), this generator offers the versatility of starting with either a simple traditional pull-start mechanism or an intuitive and practical electric starter (battery included).
Regarding its running time, the DS4500DX, with a 4 gallons fuel tank, can operate for up to 25 hours with a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 0.16 gallons per hour). It also offers up to 20 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.24 GPH) of operation when using propane.
As the DS4500DX exhibits a THD of less than 12%, which is relatively high, it is best avoided for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:
Because the DS4500DX is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.
Portability
With dimensions of L25 x W23 x H22 in, the traditional open frame design of the DuroStar DS4500DX ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Even at 126 lbs, the generator is categorized as 'portable,' suggesting its movability, although its weight impede its portability. Nonetheless, the limited maneuverability is compensated for by utilizing its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, which facilitates shifting once the generator is set on the ground.
Features
The DS4500DX's control panel
The control panel of the DS4500DX includes a convenient meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, the device’s light indicator will display if the oil level is too low.
Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.
The DS4500DX also benefits from DuroStar’s CO Alert carbon monoxide shutdown. If CO levels become unsafe or rapidly increase, the generator will automatically shut down, an indicator will light red, and the engine will not restart for 5 minutes.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the DuroStar DS4500DX also comes with some accessories: tool kit, funnel and propane hose are included.
Product Video
The DuroStar DS4500DX versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the DuroStar DS4500DX compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- With its weight of 126 lbs, the DuroStar DS4500DX is one of the heavier dual fuel generators in the 3000-4000 rated wattage category. If you are mindful of weight, the Champion 201531 is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 51.8 pounds.
- At 69 dBA, this generator's noise rating is in line with the expected average for devices within its type and power category. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Westinghouse iGen5000DF. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 52 dBA.
- The DS4500DX provides one of the highest run time among similarly powerful dual fuel devices, reaching up to 25 hours at 25% load.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. This generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models of the aforementioned output range, as its estimated fuel consumption reaches just 0.16 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Champion 201531, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.15 GPH, could be an option to consider.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W dual fuel generators, the DuroStar DS4500DX is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Dual Fuel
- CO Alert technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (69 dBA)
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (126 lbs)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,500 W | 3,325 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W | 4,275 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 29.2/14.6 amps | 27.7/13.9 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 37.5/18.8 amps | 35.6/17.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h | 9 h |
| Run time @25% load | 25 h | 20 h |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | Metal, 4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 126 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 25 x 23 x 22 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 69 dBA |
| THD | < 12% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit |
| Series | DX |
| UPC | 811640016685 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About DuroStar
The DuroStar brand belongs to DuroMax, a company founded in 2003 and based in Ontario, California. DuroStar generators usually have a DuroMax twin, and only differ in their color scheme and in the factory in which they were produced. While DuroStar generators and engines are manufactured in China, the design and servicing centers reside in the US.
Warranty Information
The DuroStar DS4500DX is covered under a warranty for up to 5 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of DuroStar generators, please consult DuroStar's (DuroMax) warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-844-DUROMAX (844-387-6629).
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2797 W | 3897 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2790 W | 3380 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Bought this genset to replace a 20+ year old Coleman Powermate who had seen better days. I’ve had this genset now for about 2 months and have had to use it twice now for many hours due to storms moving through the area. I’m totally happy with this unit. It is way quieter than the Powermate and ease of use and starting is awesome. I think this is a quality product and hope to get many years out of this genset.