DuroMax Elite MX4500E Review
Affordable and reliable are probably the two main terms to describe it.
A reliable model, the DuroMax Elite MX4500E, is a 7 HP generator that manages to churn out a constant 3500 Watt of power and 4500 Watt peak wattage. This is a portable generator capable of operating as a home back-up unit, job site stand-by, RV and camping generator and is overall designed to provide power where it is most necessary. Replete with a low oil-shut down sensor, air cooling and 4 gallon gas tank, it operates for a rigorous 8 hours when half loaded. The control panel is completely loaded with controls that let you perform keyed starting, switch power through a RV switch, check on the voltage with the volt meter and also shut-down the engine. Alongside all these controls there are two 120 Volt 3 Prong 20 Amp sockets and one 240/120 Volt 30 Amp Twist Locking outlet certified by NEMA. It features a full isolated steel roll cage with a heavy steel frame and helps protect it from accidents.
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About the DuroMax Elite MX4500
As usual let’s begin with the power output and its load capabilities. The 7 HP air cooled engine is a beauty in itself. With such a small framework and compact size, it manages to churn a decent 4,000 starting watts. And it manages all this whilst operating with an electric start mechanism, the battery obviously being charged automatically while the generator runs. I found it was capable of powering my plethora of kitchen appliances including the double door refrigerator. And, as you start getting closer to the 3,500 continuous wattage limitation, the heavy load light starts to flicker. If you push it beyond its capacity, it then automatically shuts down.
Coming to the ergonomics, the design is actually quite portable and with the large wheels, the well positioned engine, it is easy to tug along. I also appreciate the effort put in the DuroMax Elite MX4500E to make it less noisy at just 69 dBA. While not exactly super silent, it is much less silent than many competing affordable models.
To me the biggest attraction of this generator is its main control panel unit that comes with an engine shut-off switch, circuit breaker, volt meter and a RV switch. Plus, alongside the control panel there are all the outlets, of which I rely mostly on the 2 120 Volt units. Having used it for a good six months, I can vouch for its durability, never a leak, no engine problems and no complications whatsoever. Just remember to use it with a full gas tank as to refuel it, you have to let it cool down first. Thankfully, operating on half load, it manages a decent 8 hours on a full gas tank. While this isn’t the most fuel efficient portable generator, it more than does the job.
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Pros
4 point mount helps stabilize the engine and reduces vibrations. Affordable price tag with good efficiency, nominal noise and dependability. Decent construction.
Cons:
DuroMax customer service isn’t the most responsive nor helpful, parts may become hard to source with time. Non-CARB compliant.
DuroMax Elite MX4500, 3500 Running Watts/4500 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Generator
- Durable 7.0 HP, Air-Cooled Engine with Low-Oil Shut-Off.
- Output: 4500 Watts Max / 3500 Watts Rated
- Automatic Idle Control
- 2 - 120vAC 20A 3-Prong Outlets / 1 - 120/240vAC 30A Twist Lock / 1 - 12v DC Battery Charging Outlet.
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- Editor's Rating
Final Thoughts
Affordable and reliable are probably the two main terms that can be used to describe the DuroMax Elite MX4500E. This particular portable generator won’t power your entire household but when you need it, it provides just enough power to keep the lights running, power to your refrigerator and your basic appliances on. Not exactly camping friendly, it is still economical in the long run considering the durable engine design and its efficient construction.
Features
- 1 x 12V DC charging port, 1 x 240 by 120 30A Twist Locking socket and 2 x 120 Volt 20A 3 Prong AC outlets.
- 3500 Watt continuous rating with 4500 Watt peak wattage.
- Low shut-off sensor, volt meter, circuit breaker and fully functional control panel.
- Auto idle control system.
- Durable electric start 7 HP motor.
- Non-CARB compliant design.
Specifications
| Running watts | 3,500 |
| Starting watts | 4,000, 7 Amp |
| Engine HP/cc | 7HP OHV 4-stroke Engine |
| Starting method | Electric Start |
| Low oil shutdown | YES |
| Fuel tank size (gallons) | 4 Gallon |
| Run time at 50% Load | 8 Hours |
| Outlets | 2 x 120-volt, 20-amp, 3-prong, 1 x 120/240-volt, 30-amp twist-lock |
| Handle style | Flip Up |
| Wheel type | Never flat knobby wheels |
| Warranty | 1 Years |
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