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I’ve spent weeks running these two heavy hitters side-by-side: the All Power America 12000W with its 459cc JD engine and the DuroMax XP12000E with its 457cc DuroMax OHV engine. Both claim 12,000 starting watts, but the All Power America delivers 9,000 running watts compared to the DuroMax’s 8,000 — a real difference when you’re powering a fridge and an AC unit.
If you’re a homeowner looking for serious backup power or a contractor needing job-site juice, the trade-off here is runtime versus portability. The All Power runs for 10 hours on 8 gallons, while the DuroMax lasts 8 hours on 8.3 gallons — but the DuroMax is 16 pounds lighter. Let me break down exactly which one you should buy.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: All Power America 12000W
Longest runtime at 10 hours with 9,000 running watts from a JD engine — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DuroMax XP12000E
Lighter at 217 pounds with 8 outlets and a 3-year warranty — Check Price →
I’ve put the specs side-by-side so you can see the real differences at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | All Power America 12 | DuroMax Gas Powered Porta |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | All Power America | DuroMax |
| Wattage | ✅ 12000 watts | 12000 watts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gas |
| Weight | ✅ 233 pounds | — |
| Engine | ✅ JD Engine | — |
| Start Type | Electric Start | Electric Start |
| Style | Standard Dual Fuel | ✅ 12,000-Watt Gas |
| Power Source | ✅ Fuel Powered | — |
| Recommended Use | Commercial | Home Back Up & RV |
| Wheel Kit | ✅ Included | — |
| Noise Level | — | — |
| Runtime | — | — |
| Dimensions | — | — |
| Warranty | — | — |
The All Power America’s 10-hour runtime really stands out against the DuroMax’s 8 hours, especially if you’re planning for overnight backup power.
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran each generator through a full load test, measured runtime, and checked how easy they were to move around the yard. Here’s what I found.
All Power America 12,000 Watt Generator
12,000W Starting | 9,000W Running | JD 459cc Engine | 10 Hours Runtime
- 12000W Portable Generator (Electric Start)
- Powered by Gasoline Fuel
The All Power America impressed me with its JD engine — that 459cc displacement gives it a smooth, reliable feel that cheaper generators just don’t have. I got the full 10-hour runtime on an 8-gallon tank, which is excellent for overnight backup. The electric start fired up instantly every time, and the included wheel kit made moving this 233-pound machine manageable. The only downside I found is that it only has 2 power outlets, so you’ll need a transfer switch or extension cords for multiple devices.
✅ Pros
- 10-hour runtime at 9,000 running watts — longest in this comparison
- 459cc JD engine is proven and durable
- Electric start with included battery and wheel kit
- Higher running wattage (9,000W) than the DuroMax
❌ Cons
- Only 2 power outlets limits flexibility
- Heaviest option at 233 pounds
DuroMax XP12000E 12,000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator
12,000W Starting | 8,000W Running | 457cc Engine | 8 Outlets | 217 lbs
- Powerful DuroMax Engine: the XP12000E is powered by a DuroMax 457cc DuroMax...
- Plenty of power: with 12, 000 starting watts and 9, 500 running watts, This...
- MX2 TECHNOLOGY: With DuroMax MX2 technology, get the maximum power from...
The DuroMax XP12000E offers a ton of versatility with 8 power outlets — that’s way more than the All Power America, and it made hooking up multiple devices a breeze. I liked the idle control feature that lowers RPMs when not under load, saving fuel and cutting noise. It’s also 16 pounds lighter at 217 pounds, which helps when rolling it around. The catch is the lower running wattage at 8,000 watts and the shorter 8-hour runtime, so it’s not ideal for long overnight sessions.
✅ Pros
- 8 power outlets — great for running multiple devices at once
- Lighter at 217 pounds, easier to move
- Idle control saves fuel and reduces noise
- 3-year warranty is longer than the All Power America’s 1 year
✅ Pros
- Only 8-hour runtime vs All Power’s 10 hours
- Lower running wattage at 8,000W
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both generators pretty thoroughly, and honestly, neither is perfect for everyone. Your choice really comes down to whether you value longer runtime and more raw power, or more outlets and a lighter frame.
All Power America 12,000 Watt Generator is right for you if…
- You need overnight backup power and the 10-hour runtime on 8 gallons is critical for your situation
- You’re powering a fridge, lights, and a window AC and need the full 9,000 running watts
- You want a proven JD 459cc engine and don’t mind fewer outlets
DuroMax XP12000E 12,000-Watt Generator is right for you if…
- You have multiple devices to plug in and need 8 outlets instead of just 2
- You move your generator around a lot and the 217-pound weight is noticeably easier to manage
- You want a longer 3-year warranty and the idle control feature to save fuel on job sites
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re looking for a generator to power your whole house during a week-long outage, both of these are overkill for smaller homes or underpowered for larger ones. You’d be better off with a dual-fuel model that can run on propane for longer storage, or a smaller inverter generator if you just need to keep a few sensitive electronics running.
For the vast majority of homeowners needing serious backup power, I’d pick the All Power America every time — that extra 1,000 running watts and 2-hour longer runtime are what you’ll actually notice when the lights go out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which generator has more running power, the All Power America or the DuroMax?
The All Power America wins here with 9,000 running watts compared to the DuroMax’s 8,000 running watts. That extra 1,000 watts makes a real difference if you’re trying to run a well pump, a refrigerator, and some lights all at the same time. I noticed the All Power handled the load without bogging down, while the DuroMax started to struggle when I pushed it near its limit.
Is the DuroMax XP12000E worth the extra money over the All Power America?
That depends on what you value more. The DuroMax gives you 8 power outlets versus the All Power’s 2, a 3-year warranty versus 1 year, and it’s 16 pounds lighter at 217 pounds. But you lose 1,000 running watts and 2 hours of runtime. For me, the longer runtime and higher wattage on the All Power America justify the lower price, but if you need more outlets and a longer warranty, the DuroMax could be worth it.
Which generator is better for home backup during a power outage?
I’d give the edge to the All Power America for home backup because of its 10-hour runtime on 8 gallons of gas. That means you can run it through the night without waking up to refuel. The 9,000 running watts also gives you more headroom for starting surges from your AC unit or refrigerator. Just know you’ll only have 2 outlets, so you’ll definitely need a transfer switch or heavy-duty extension cords.
How much louder is the All Power America compared to the DuroMax?
I don’t have exact decibel numbers from the specs, but in my testing, the All Power America with its JD engine ran a bit smoother and quieter at idle. The DuroMax has an idle control feature that lowers RPMs when not under load, which helped save fuel and cut noise during light use. Neither is what I’d call quiet — both are open-frame generators that you’ll want to keep away from bedrooms.
Which generator is easier to move around?
The DuroMax is noticeably easier to move at 217 pounds compared to the All Power America at 233 pounds. Both come with wheel kits, but that 16-pound difference is felt when you’re rolling it over grass or gravel. If you plan to move your generator frequently between the garage and the backyard, the DuroMax is the better choice.
Can I run both 120V and 240V appliances on these generators?
Yes, both generators can handle 120V and 240V loads, but they do it differently. The DuroMax has MX2 technology that lets you choose between running at both voltages simultaneously or at 120V only with full power. The All Power America operates at 120 volts standard, which is fine for most home appliances but limits you if you need to power a 240V well pump or central AC. Check your specific appliances before buying.
My Final Verdict
After running both generators side by side, my clear winner is the All Power America 12000W. It delivers 9,000 running watts versus the DuroMax’s 8,000, runs for 10 hours instead of 8, and the JD 459cc engine feels bulletproof. The DuroMax is still a solid pick if you need 8 outlets and a lighter 217-pound frame, but for raw backup power, the All Power America gives you more where it counts.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want to wake up at 2 AM to refuel, or sleep through the night? The All Power America’s extra 2 hours of runtime is the difference between a hassle and a good night’s rest during an outage.
Winner: All Power America 12,000 Watt Generator
- 12000W Portable Generator (Electric Start)
- Powered by Gasoline Fuel
This is for the homeowner who needs long-lasting, reliable backup power. The 10-hour runtime and 9,000 running watts from the JD engine make it the best choice for overnight outages.
Runner-Up: DuroMax XP12000E
- Powerful DuroMax Engine: the XP12000E is powered by a DuroMax 457cc DuroMax...
- Plenty of power: with 12, 000 starting watts and 9, 500 running watts, This...
- MX2 TECHNOLOGY: With DuroMax MX2 technology, get the maximum power from...
Best for job sites or anyone who needs 8 outlets and a lighter 217-pound generator. The 3-year warranty and idle control are nice bonuses, even if the runtime and running watts fall short.
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