DuroStar DS13000MX
#3 in LargeFull review
A budget large dual-fuel generator for whole-house backup through a 50 A transfer switch, trading some build quality for a much lower price.
Amazon $899$899
The DuroStar DS13000MX is the better portable generator overall, rated 4.4 to 4.2. The DuroStar DS13000MX leads on value and starting. The Champion 12,500-Watt Tri Fuel wins on fuel options. The DuroStar DS13000MX costs $360.99 less ($899 vs $1,259.99).
Champion 12,500-Watt Tri Fuel
#10 in LargeFull review
A large tri-fuel generator for whole-home backup on a natural gas line, where it can run for days. Less suited to gasoline-only use, where it burns through a tank quickly.
Amazon $1,259.99$1,259.99
Prices were last checked October 28, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the DuroStar DS13000MX for value ($0.09 per running watt vs $0.13 per running watt) and starting (electric start with a remote fob or app vs push-button electric start).
- Choose the Champion 12,500-Watt Tri Fuel for fuel options (gasoline, propane or natural gas vs gasoline or propane).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every large portable generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | DuroStar DS13000MX | Champion 12,500-Watt Tri Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 97 $0.09 per running watt | 73 $0.13 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 45 8.5 hours on a tank at 50% load | 40 8 hours on a tank at 50% load |
| Fuel options 15% | 70 gasoline or propane | 100 gasoline, propane or natural gas |
| Home hookup 15% | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 67 3-year warranty | 67 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 100 electric start with a remote fob or app | 80 push-button electric start |
Specifications
| DuroStar DS13000MX | Champion 12,500-Watt Tri Fuel | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 10,500 W running, 13,000 W starting | 10,000 W running, 12,500 W starting |
| Propane | 10,000 W running, 12,500 W starting | 9,000 W running, 11,250 W starting |
| Natural gas | - | 8,000 W running, 10,000 W starting |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V, L14-30, 14-50 | 4 × 120 V, L14-30, 14-50 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V | Yes, 240 V |
| Price per watt | $0.09 | $0.13 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline, propane, natural gas |
| Tank | 8.3 gal | 7.7 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 8.5 hr at 50% load | 8 hr at 50% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | - | 3 hr |
| Engine | 500 cc | 500 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise | 74 dBA | 74 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| CARB compliant | No | No |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Remote, electric and recoil | Electric and recoil |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 29.75 x 27.5 x 25.75 in | 29 x 28.5 x 25.8 in |
| Weight | 209 lb | 231 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2024-12 | 2025-02 |