DuroStar DS4000S, 3300 Gas Portable Generator
Introduction
When considering a portable generator for your home, there are several features to keep in mind when selecting the best option. Generators have gone through many improvements over the years, and there are many different models from which to choose. In this review, we take a look at the DuroStar DS4000S, 3300 Gas Portable Generator and talk about its power and dependability, and why we have selected this model as our Top Pick for the top ten portable generators.
Features
For those who are searching for a mid-range generator that is both powerful and economic, the DuroStar DS4000S, 3300 is a great investment for your dollar. As a consumer favorite and one of the best selling portable units on the market.
This generator is considered to be average, or mid-grade, in power with a maximum 4000 watt output and delivers some great features, including a 7.0 amp air-cooled OHV engine with low oil shutoff, and a heavy duty steel frame with four point fully isolated motor mounts that are for operating smoothly and quietly.
Other features include a full-power panel with an oil warning light, volt meter, along with a circuit breaker and power outlets. This portable generator is perfect not only for powering the appliances in your home, but also for primitive or non-primitive camping as a power backup and for working on jobsites.
Powerful
The power panel of this DuroStar gas portable generator includes the main controls which are the start switch, volt meter, and circuit breaker. It presents two 120-volt, 20-amp, 3-prong outlets to supply the power to your home appliances, plus has one 120-volt, 30-amp outlet for the high-powered tools. This portable generator has a run-time of 8 hours at one-half load, and the 4-gallon fuel tank comes with a handy gauge that is easy to read.
This unit is able to run quietly with a motor that is mounted on four points, and it reduces engine noise with a recoil start muffler for optimum quietness in operation. The automatic low-oil shutoff helps protect the engine, and there is also an optional wheel kit for easy portability of this unit.
You will appreciate the 4000 wattage this portable generator offers, especially if you need to start and run several appliances or other household necessities, as starting up your appliances can require two to three times additional surge wattage as what they would normally run.
This generator is gas-powered and will conveniently run on regular 87 octane that is available at your local gas station. The engine is an air-cooled, robust 7HP overhead valve with a 4-cycle engine. The 4-cycle versus two stroke provides the benefits of a lower fuel consumption that burns cleaner, with no need for the more expensive two stroke oil.
Easy to Operate
The EZ-Pull starting mechanism makes powering on this generator a breeze with it’s simple, 4-step instruction, and does not require you to be a body-builder to operate. When starting any generator, please keep in mind that you should not have any electrical cords attached.
Always start with the circuit breaker in the OFF position. Please refer to the instructional manual that is included for more detailed directions on starting and operating this unit. Remember that if you do not plan to use your DuroStar unit on a regular basis, you should keep the tank less than full, or use some kind of fuel stabilizer.
Why We Liked It
We tested this portable generator on a few appliances running at the same time, including a refrigerator, coffeemaker, electric stove, two cellphones and a LCD TV, and this unit ran like a champ for over 14 hours before we needed to refuel. For emergency or campground use, this unit provided a nice, uninterrupted function, and for a mid-range generator, provides a great value for the overall price.
Conclusion
Recommended as a first generator, the DuroStar DS4000S, 3300 is considered to be a workhorse and is currently one of the best selling portable generators on the market, with a great price-to-power ratio. DuroStar backs their DS4000S, 3300 portable generator with a one-year limited warranty.