DuroMax XP11500EH

DuroMax's 9,000-watt open frame sits just under the XP13000EH and follows the same formula: dual fuel, a full panel with a 14-50R, and a price near $1,300. It makes 9,000 running watts on gasoline and 8,550 on propane from a 457cc engine, enough for a furnace, fridge, well pump and an AC through a manual transfer switch or interlock. The 20-hour run at a quarter load and the propane hose and regulator in the box get the most praise. The tradeoffs are the usual DuroMax ones: it is loud at 74 dB, about 224 lbs, and the spec sheet notes it is EPA certified but not 50-state, so it cannot be shipped to California. The dealer and parts network is smaller than Generac's or Honda's. The catch is that DuroMax's own XP13000EH lists at the same $1,299 with 1,500 more running watts, so this one only makes sense when a retailer discounts it below its bigger sibling.

9,000 W gas / 8,550 W propane·14-50R and L14-30R on one panel·Propane hose and regulator included