The sheer practicality of a good generator is something which many people overlook when considering purchasing. Whether you need one for a camping trip or a stay at your cabin, whether you’re hoping to power your home in a blackout or any other situation, generators like the DuroStar DS4400 can be your best friend.
With such a varied marketplace and innumerable generators out there, it’s important to consider which generator will provide you with the best value and the power levels that you need. We’ll dive into our review of the DS4400 shortly, but first, let’s take a look at what you need to know before buying a new generator.
Choosing the Right Generator
Before making any kind of purchase, you first have to understand what type of generator you need and how it’s going to be used. Factors such as the capacity you require and the items you’ll be powering with it need to be taken into account.
You might be inclined to purchase the cheapest option you can find. If you’re only powering one or two electrical products, that might suffice. If you’re hoping to get the most out of your generator and use it for a variety of items and for the longest time possible, it might be worth looking at the more high-end options available.
On the reverse side of the coin, you don’t want to immediately buy the most expensive model available just because you think it’ll be the best. You could end up wasting your cash on something which you’ll never feasibly make full use of.
Introducing the DuroStar DS4400
The DuroStar DS4400 is a simple-to-start, lightweight generator that really packs a punch (considering the price). It can power all of the basics with ease and has no problem handling refrigerators, freezers, AC systems, lighting, and much more.
This generator has a solid construction and could definitely be considered a rugged workhouse. It’d be at home in use in an RV or out on a camping trip, while still having the power to handle heavier-duty household appliances or work tools.
In the sections below, we’ll cover some of its features and the power capacity in more depth, before taking a look at the pros and cons of the DuroStar DS4400.
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Features of the DuroStar DS4400
One of the most commonly-praised features of the DuroStar DS4400 is its low-volume exhaust. Rated at 69DBA with spark arrestor, the DS4400 is super quiet and is barely louder than normal volume conversation. We always find this to be a major plus in a generator, as the louder models can be extremely distracting.
A low oil shutoff sensor helps to protect the engine of the generator, which is ideal for those of you who are looking for something less hands-on and complex than other models out there. Paired with the easy assembly process, this minimal maintenance definitely makes the DS4400 one of the most convenient and user-friendly generators on the market.
Its portability really wowed us. At just 114.7 pounds, and measuring 25 x 18 x 17 inches, the DS4400 can easily fit inside any car or truck. Its lightweight build means it can easily be carried without the aid of a second person. As an added bonus, the wheel kit comes included with this model!
The DS4400 comes with a manual pull, as opposed to an electric start. This isn’t really anything to worry about, however, as the vast majority of generators in this price range are usually the same.
Power Capacity of the DuroStar DS4400
The AC output of the DuroStar DS4400 is rated 3500-watt with a surge to 4400-watts. Not only will that safely handle pretty much all regular household appliances, but it’ll also easily be able to restart any of the heavier duty electricals after a blackout (or when the power goes out for any other reason).
It comes equipped with a 2 to 120-volt, a 20-amp 3-prong outlet which can handle all of your needs at home. The heavier duty appliances can utilize the 1 – 120-volt/240-volt 30-amp twist-lock outlet which comes with this model.
You’ll have no worries running this generator, with its durable 7HP air-cooled EPA and carb-approved engines. All safety considerations have been taken into account and they’ve gone above and beyond to ensure everything is reliable.
With the 4-gallon fuel tank on the DS4400, you can expect to run this generator for about 8 hours at 50% load. Nothing to write home about – most models in this range have a runtime around that, but still good to know. The DS4400 takes regular unleaded gas, which isn’t hard to source at all.
To download the owner’s manual PDF of the DuroStar DS4400 from the DuroStar website, please click here.
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Pros and Cons of the DuroStar DS4400
As with any generator, the DuroStar DS4400 has both pros and cons. In this section, we’re going to take a look at a few of the compliments and complaints about the DS4400. We will also add in a few of our own thoughts.
Pros of the DuroStar DS4400
- Can easily power all critical appliances.
- Simple to assemble and easy to use. A true no-fuss generator.
- Lightweight and portable, so it’s perfect for any trip.
- Usually starts on the first pull.
- Minimal noise.
- Wheel kit comes included.
Cons of the DuroStar DS4400
- We’ve seen people mention that they were disappointed with the wattage of the DuroStar DS4400. If you keep in mind what you need it for and what to expect before buying, however, this shouldn’t be a problem.
A quick search online will show you reviews filled with mostly positive comments on the DuroStar DS4400. We actually struggled to find anything to complain about with this model, which is a really good sign.
Alternatives to the DuroStar DS4400
- Westinghouse WGen7500 Generator
- GoPlus Generator 4000
- DuroStar DS4000S Generator
- Champion 3800 Generator
Conclusion
If you’re after a generator that delivers efficiency and portability, you can’t go wrong picking up the DuroStar DS4400. Although it does have a lower wattage than other (higher-priced) models on the market, we’re willing to forgive that, considering how useful it is.
It’s an economic generator (both in price and environmentally) and will usually start up right on the first pull. Obviously, this is something you should always look for. You’ll also save a bit of cash as the wheel kit comes included with this model!
You’d be hard pressed to find a more lightweight and simple-to-use generator for this price. We highly recommend the DuroStar DS4400.
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Additional Generator Resources
- Portable Generator Transfer Switch: A 2020 Guide
- Generator Oil Matters: Choosing The Right Oil For Your Generator
- Power Line Conditioner: A Great Purchase? Our Take + 4 Options
- How To Parallel Generators For Strong Power in 2020
- The Importance of a Generator Wheel Kit in 2020
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