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Westinghouse vs DuroMax Generator (2021): Whose Portable Generator Is Better?

Whether you need a portable generator for your trailer or simply want a backup power supply at home in cases of power outages, Westinghouse and DuroMax are among the most reputable brands that manufacture efficient and durable generators. We compare their best-selling portable generators side by side: the Westinghouse WGen5300v and the DuroMax XP5500EH. To better guide you in choosing the best portable generator for your requirements, we included a guide to their various Westinghouse and DuroMax models.

Westinghouse vs DuroMax Generator Comparison Chart

ModelWestinghouse WGen5300vDuroMax XP5500EH
Westinghouse WGen5300v Portable GeneratorDuroMax XP5500EH Fuel Portable Generator
PriceCheck Price

at Amazon

Check Price

at Amazon

Engine274cc OHV 4 Stroke7.5 Hp 225cc OHV engine
FuelGasolineGasoline, Propane
Fuel Tank Capacity4.7 gallonsGasoline: 3.96 gallons
Propane: 20 gallons (suggested)
Starter SystemRecoilElectric, Recoil
Peak Watts6600 WGasoline: 5,500 W
Propane: 5,225 W
Running Watts5300 WGasoline: 4,500 W
Propane: 4,275
CertificationsEPA, CARB, CSAEPA, CARB
Output Voltage120/240V120V / 240VAC & 12VDC
Run Time 13.5 hrs @ 50% load
20 hrs @ 25% load
Gasoline: 8.92 hrs @ 50% load
Propane: 7.63 hrs @ 50% load
Power Panel(1) 120V Duplex 20A 5-20R
(1) 120/240V 30A L14-30R
(1) 120V 30A TT-30R
(2)120V 20A GFCI Outlet
(1)120V/240V 30A Twist Lock
(1)12V DC charging posts
Covered OutletsYesNo
Surge-ArrestNoYes
Fuel GaugeYesYes
Low Oil SensorYesYes
NoiseN/A69 dB
Dimensions
(LWH)
27″ x 21.65″ x 19.69″24″ x 17″ x 17″
Weight107 lbs127 lbs
Included AccessoriesOil
Oil Funnel
Spark Plug Wrench
Wheel and Handle Kit
Oil Funnel
Spark Plug Wrench
Tool Kit
Wheel and Handle Kit
Warranty3-Year Limited Warranty3-Year Limited Warranty

Guide to Westinghouse and DuroMax Generator Models

The numbers on their models correspond to different wattage meanings

westinghouse-vs-duromax-generator-1
Westinghouse WGen5300V vs DuroMax XP5500EH

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 what it needs once it has stabilized. If you intend to use your portable generator for emergency back-up power supply and require them to run your air conditioning or water heater, you need a generator with at least 3,000 starting watts.

Westinghouse and DuroMax carry different models and their numbers will tell you about their running watts and peak watts, respectively. Here are some of their top-selling portable generator models:

Westinghouse GeneratorsDuroMax Generators
WGen5300, WGen5300S, WGen5300VXP4000S
WGen6000XP4400E, XP4400EH
WGen7500, WGen7500DFXP4850EH
WGen9500, WGen9500DFXP5500E, XP5500EH
WGen12000, WGen12000DFXP10000E, XP10000EH
WPro8500XP12000E, XP12000EH

Westinghouse portable generators start with the ‘WGen’ prefix followed by numbers and, for some models, letters. These numbers correspond to the generator’s running watts. Meanwhile, the letters at the end of the models tell you about the following features:

  • No letters at the end: have both electric start and recoil starting system
  • V: only offer a recoil starting system and feature a volt switch selector
  • DF: dual-fuel technology which means these generators can be used with either gasoline or propane

Contrary to the Westinghouse models, the numbers in DuroMax generators correspond to their starting/peak watts. The letters at the end will tell you these specific features:

  • 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

Engine and Power

The gas-powered Westinghouse WGen5300v has better power and engine while the DuroMax XP5500EH can be used with either gasoline and propane

With 6600 starting watts, the Westinghouse (left) can power more appliances

With 274cc OHV 4 Stroke engine and 6,600 starting watts, the Westinghouse WGen5300v can withstand a heavier load than the DuroMax XP5500EH that has 5,500 starting watts and runs on a 7.5Hp 225cc OHV engine. That said, either portable generator can run most home appliances, including refrigerators, air conditioners or water heaters.

A major difference between these portable generators is their fuel. The Westinghouse WGen5300v runs on gasoline while the DuroMax XP5500EH can be used with either gasoline or propane. Westinghouse has yet to release a dual-fuel technology WGen5300v. Their tank size is also different. The Westinghouse boasts a 4.7-gallon gas tank so it can run for up 13.5 hours at a 50 percent load.

On the other hand, the DuroMax’s gas tank capacity is 3.96 gallons and its runtime on gasoline is up to 8.92 hours at a 50 percent load. If you want to use the propane with on the DuroMax generator, the recommended size is 20 gallons and its runtime on propane is 7.63 hours when used at half its capacity. The DuroMax features surge arrest, a feature that protects your portable generator from power surge damages.

Starting System and Panel Features

The Westinghouse houses covered outlets while the DuroMax generator offers electric start

Both the Westinghouse and the DuroMax are great for RVs

The power panel of the Westinghouse WGen5300V and the DuroMax XP5500EH houses the following:

  • (2) 120V 20A standard outlets (the DuroMax outlets are GFCI-protected)
  • 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet
  • voltage switch
  • engine switch

In addition, the Westinghouse also has a TT-30R 30A 120V outlet while the DuroMax sports a 12V DC charging post. For better protection, the outlets on the Westinghouse generators are covered.

A major difference between these portable generators is their starting system. Both can be started by recoil, but the DuroMax also gives you the option to use its electric start.

Portability and Additional Features

The Westinghouse and the DuroMax generators come with a wheel kit and handle

westinghouse vs duromax generator
Weighing 107 lbs, the Westinghouse is lighter than the DuroMax generator

Both these portable generators come with “never-flat” wheels and a handle for easier portability. It is worth noting that while the 127-lbs DuroMax is more compact than the Westinghouse generator, the latter is slightly lighter at 107 lbs. Their handles have slightly different designs and which one is better will depend on your preference.

For easier set-up, both portable generators come with a spark plug wrench and an oil funnel. However, only the Westinghouse comes with a bottle of oil. You will have to buy separate oil if you go for the DuroMax generator.

Verdict

Get the Westinghouse WGen5300V if you want a more powerful engine, but if you want the flexibility on fuel use, the DuroMax XP5500EH is the better fit for you.

At regular price, the Westinghouse WGen5300V is more affordable than the DuroMax XP5500EH portable generator. However, the DuroMax XP5500EH is on sale at the time of writing, so their price difference isn’t too big of a factor.

If you catch the DuroMax on sale, the choice will all boil down to whether you prefer a higher peak and running watts or a dual-fuel technology. Both have their advantages, but it is worth noting that even though the DuroMax has lower peak watts than the Westinghouse, it can still power an array of essential appliances without problems.

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Rhodaline Escala-Phelps

Former Managing Editor and Team Leader at Compare Before Buying. Writer and researcher passionate about food, people, product comparisons, culture, and current events.