Pulsar G12KBN
#15 in LargeFull review
A large dual-fuel generator for feeding a 50 A transfer switch, and one of the few this size sold in California, though it lacks CO shutoff.
Amazon $929.99$929.99
The Pulsar G12KBN is the better portable generator overall, rated 4.2 to 4.0. The Pulsar G12KBN leads on run time and value. The DuroMax XP12000EH wins on CO safety. The Pulsar G12KBN costs $369.01 less ($929.99 vs $1,299).
DuroMax XP12000EH
#19 in LargeFull review
A large dual-fuel generator for running most of a house through a 50 A transfer switch, sold at a low price per watt.
Amazon $1,299$1,299
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 Pulsar G12KBN for run time (13 hours on a tank at 50% load vs 8 hours on a tank at 50% load) and value ($0.10 per running watt vs $0.14 per running watt).
- Choose the DuroMax XP12000EH for CO safety (shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up vs no CO shutoff).
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 | Pulsar G12KBN | DuroMax XP12000EH |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 89 $0.10 per running watt | 67 $0.14 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 90 13 hours on a tank at 50% load | 40 8 hours on a tank at 50% load |
| Fuel options 15% | 70 gasoline or propane | 70 gasoline or propane |
| Home hookup 15% | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch |
| CO safety 10% | 0 no CO shutoff | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 67 3-year warranty | 67 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 80 push-button electric start | 80 push-button electric start |
Specifications
| Pulsar G12KBN | DuroMax XP12000EH | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 9,500 W running, 12,000 W starting | 9,500 W running, 12,000 W starting |
| Propane | 8,550 W running, 10,800 W starting | 9,025 W running, 11,400 W starting |
| Outlets | 4 × 120 V, L14-30, L14-50 | 2 × 120 V, L5-30, L14-30, 14-50 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V | Yes, 240 V |
| Full power at 120 V | - | Yes |
| Price per watt | $0.10 | $0.14 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline, propane |
| Tank | 8 gal | 8.3 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 13 hr at 50% load | 8 hr at 50% load |
| Engine | 457 cc | 457 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise | 74 dBA | 74 dBA |
| CO shutoff | No | Yes |
| CARB compliant | Yes | No |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Electric and recoil | Electric and recoil |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 28.5 x 21.8 x 22.2 in | 29 x 30 x 26 in |
| Weight | 209 lb | 224 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2020-11 | 2018-05 |