Homes prone to hurricanes or power-outages will benefit from powerful and reliable DuroMax or Harbor Freight’s Predator generators. They also work well for use in job sites or trailers. We review their consumer-favorite models that can power your home during emergencies: the DuroMax XP10000EH and the Predator 9000 portable generators. As both brands carry a wide array of generators, we further included a guide to choosing which model best suits your power consumption needs.
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DuroMax vs Predator Generator Comparison Chart
| Model | DuroMax XP10000EH | Predator 9000 (63968/63969) |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
| Engine | 18 HP 440cc 4-cycle Air-Cooled Spark Ignition | 13 HP 420cc Air-cooled OHV Gas Engine |
| Fuel | Gasoline, Propane | 87+ Octane Unleaded |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | Gasoline: 8.3 gallons Propane: 40 gallons (suggested) | 8 gallons |
| Starter System | Electric, Recoil | Electric start with recoil back up (battery sold separately) |
| Peak/Running Watts | Gasoline: 10,000/8,000 W Propane: 9,500/7600 W | 9,000/7,250W |
| Peak/Running Amps at 120V | Gasoline: 83.33/66.67AMP Propane: 79.17/63.33AMP | 75/60.4 AMP |
| Peak/Running Amps at 240V | Gasoline: 41.67/33.33AMP Propane: 39.58/31.67AMP | 37.5/32AMP |
| Run Time | Gasoline: 10.4 hrs @ 50% load Propane: 8.6 hrs @ 50% load | Gasoline: 13 hrs @ 50% load |
| Certifications | EPA, CARB | EPA III/CARB (Depending on the model number) |
| Receptacles | 6 | 7 |
| Covered Outlets | No | Yes |
| Surge-Arrest | Yes | Yes |
| Low Oil Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Noise | 72dB | 76dB |
| Dimensions (LWH) | 40″ x 29″ x 27.5″ | 27″ x 22″ x 22.75″ |
| Weight | 232 lbs | 196 lbs |
| Included Accessories | Oil Funnel Spark Plug Wrench Tool Kit Wheel and Handle Kit | Spark Plug Wrench Tool Kit |
| Warranty | 3-Year Limited Warranty | 2-Year Limited Warranty |
Quick Guide to DuroMax and Predator Portable Generators
The numbers on their models correspond to their starting wattage
Different appliances and tools have different power consumption requirements, thus requiring different peak and running watts from your portable generator. The peak watts refers to the power needed to start your appliances while the running watts, typically lower than the peak watts, is the power it needs once it has stabilized. For reference, water heaters or air conditioners (10000 BTU) require 3,000 starting and running watts while fridges and freezers typically require 1,200 starting watts and 700 running watts.
DuroMax and Predator carry different models and their numbers will tell you their maximum starting watts. Here are some of their popular portable generator models:
| DuroMax Portable Generators | Predator Portable Generators |
| XP4000S | 4000 Watt Max Starting…CARB/EPA |
| XP4400E, XP4400EH | 4375 Watt Max Starting…CARB/EPA |
| XP4850EH | 6500 Watt Max Starting…CARB/EPA |
| XP5500E, XP5500EH | 8750 Watt Max Starting…CARB |
| XP10000E, XP10000EH | 9000 Watt Max Starting…CARB/EPA |
| XP12000E, XP12000EH |
As mentioned above, the numbers in DuroMax generator models correspond to their starting/peak watts. For instance, XP5500EH has 5,500 peak watts. The letters at the end will tell you specific features of certain models:
- S: Gas-powered (typically has a recoil starting system)
- E: Gas-powered with electric start
- EH: Dual-Fuel technology which means they can either use propane or gas
Meanwhile, the Predator model names are more straightforward, although they are a lot longer than the model names of DuroMax portable generators. As an example, the Predator portable generator reviewed in this article is called Predator 9000 Watt Max Starting Extra Long Life Gas Powered Generator – CARB. Just as the case with DuroMax models, the ‘9000’ corresponds to the generator’s peak or starting watts.
In addition, something important to note when choosing your Predator generator is whether it is CARB or EPA compliant. This can be found at the end of the model name. California residents will want to get a model that ends in CARB.
Engine and Power
The DuroMax XP1000EH boasts dual-fuel technology and offers more power than the Predator 9000
With 18HP 440cc engine and 8,000 running watts, the DuroMax XP10000EH has better running power than the Predator 9,000 that has 7,250 running watts and runs on a 13Hp 420cc OHV gas engine. Both are powerful portable generators that can run most homes efficiently, but the DuroMax can handle a heavier load than the Predator generator.
Another difference between the two is the DuroMax can be used with either gasoline or propane while the Predator can be run with unleaded gas with 87 octanes or higher. This can be a major deciding factor for some as owners who own a propane grill want the option to use their propane with their portable generator as well. As for their runtime, the DuroMax XP10000EH can run for 10 hours at 50 percent load when used with gasoline while the Predator 9000 runs a bit longer with up to 13 hours at 50 percent load.
Their fuel capacity is almost the same, with the 8.3-gallon fuel tank of the DuroMax and the 8-gallon tank of the Predator generator. Meanwhile, if you want to use propane with the DuroMAx portable generator, the 40-gallon tank is recommended.
Starting System and Panel Features
Both portable generators offer electric and recoil start and house numerous outlets on their panels
Both these DuroMax and Predator portable generators give you the option to use electric or pull-start. However, if you want to use the electric start of the Predator, you’ll have to buy a separate to enjoy this feature. Otherwise, its recoil system works easily.
The power panel of the DuroMax XP10000EH houses the following outputs:
- (2)120V 20A GFCI Outlet
- 120V 30A Twist Lock
- 240V 30A
- 240V 50A
- 12V DC
Meanwhile, the Predator 9000’s power panel houses the following outlets:
- (4) 120V GFCI
- 120V Twist Lock
- 120V/240V Twist Lock
- 12V DC
Portability and Additional Features
The DuroMax XP10000EH comes with a wheel and handle kit while the Predator 9000 requires a separate purchase
Another area where the DuroMax XP10000EH trumps the Predator 9000 is its included “never-flat” wheel and handle kit. While this may seem minor, having the wheel and handle offers better mobility. Even though the 196-lbs Predator 9000 is slightly lighter than the 232-lbs DuroMax XP10000EH, it is still a heavy piece of machinery. The Predator can be installed with wheels, but having the wheel and handle kit with your portable generator purchase definitely lessens the hassle.
Both portable generators come with a spark plug wrench and a tool set, but DuroMax also includes an oil funnel. Don’t forget to buy a bottle of oil before using either the DuroMax or the Predator generator.
Verdict
The DuroMax XP10000EH offers better value for your money
At the time of writing, the DuroMax XP10000EH costs slightly lower than the Predator 9000 portable generator, making it so much easier to recommend the DuroMax. However, even at regular price, the small price difference between the two becomes insignificant as the DuroMax features better running power and engine, dual-fuel technology, and a wheel and handle kit. As for the Predator generator, you’ll have to buy a separate battery to enjoy the electric start and a wheel and handle kit, adding more to the cost.
Last update on 2020-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API