A budget large tri-fuel generator for homes with a natural gas line that want whole-house backup through a 50 A transfer switch, trading some build quality for a much lower price.
Amazon $999The DuroStar DS13000MXT is the better portable generator overall, rated 4.5 to 4.2. The DuroStar DS13000MXT leads on value, fuel options and starting. The DuroMax XP13000HX wins on warranty. The DuroStar DS13000MXT costs $400 less ($999 vs $1,399).
A large dual-fuel generator for running most of a house through a 50 A transfer switch, with cleaner power and a longer warranty than the XP13000EH.
Amazon $1,399Prices 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 DS13000MXT for value ($0.10 per running watt vs $0.13 per running watt), fuel options (gasoline, propane or natural gas vs gasoline or propane) and starting (electric start with a remote fob or app vs push-button electric start).
- Choose the DuroMax XP13000HX for warranty (5-year warranty vs 3-year warranty).
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 DS13000MXT | DuroMax XP13000HX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 91 $0.10 per running watt | 69 $0.13 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 45 8.5 hours on a tank at 50% load | 45 8.5 hours on a tank at 50% load |
| Fuel options 15% | 100 gasoline, propane or natural gas | 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% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 67 3-year warranty | 100 5-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 100 electric start with a remote fob or app | 80 push-button electric start |
Specifications
| DuroStar DS13000MXT | DuroMax XP13000HX | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 10,500 W running, 13,000 W starting | 10,500 W running, 13,000 W starting |
| Propane | 10,000 W running, 12,500 W starting | 10,000 W running, 12,500 W starting |
| Natural gas | 9,000 W running, 11,250 W starting | - |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V, L14-30, 14-50 | 4 × 120 V, L5-30, L14-30, 14-50 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V | Yes, 240 V |
| Total harmonic distortion | - | under 5% |
| Price per watt | $0.10 | $0.13 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane, natural gas | Gasoline, propane |
| Tank | 8.3 gal | 8.3 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 8.5 hr at 50% load | 8.5 hr at 50% load |
| 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 | 30.5 x 27.3 x 26 in | 30 x 29 x 26 in |
| Weight | 211 lb | 240 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
| Released | 2024-10 | 2020-08 |
