DeWalt Portable Generator Review: Professional Quality for Your Home

DeWalt DXGN4500 portable generator
DeWalt DXGN4500 portable generator

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DeWalt specializes in portable generators for the professional contractor or the rental operator, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a DeWalt portable generator at home too. If it’s good enough for the pros, it’s great for you.

In this review of DeWalt portable generators, I’ll concentrate on 3 models – the DXGN4500, DXGN6000, and DXGN7200. I’ll compare and contrast them with each other so you can better see which one is best for your purposes.

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Comparing the DeWalt Portable Generator Engines

Let’s first look at what powers each of these models by comparing them in a table. The engine models shown are all manufactured by Honda.

Generator ModelDXGN4500DXGN6000DXGN7200
Engine Model (Honda)GX270GX340GX390
Displacement (cc)270389389
Bore and Stroke (mm)73 x 5888 x 6488 x 64
Net HP @ 3600 RPM8.510.711.7
Net Torque @ 2500 RPM (ft-lbs.)14.119.519.5
Compression Ratio8.5:18.2:18.2:1
Lubricating SystemSplashSplashForced Oil
Oil Capacity (liters)1.11.11.1
Starting SystemRecoilRecoilElectric / Recoil
Engine Weight (lbs.)55.16969

Each of these models has the following features in common.

  • 4-stroke, overhead valve (OHV) single cylinder
  • Forced-air cooling system
  • Transistorized magneto ignition system carburetor
  • Dual element type air cleaner
  • Run on unleaded gasoline (86 pump octane)

Next, we’ll look at a comparison of features and specifications related to the machine as a whole, not just the engine component.

Another table will help us do so.

Generator ModelDXGN4500DXGN6000DXGN7200
Max. AC Output (Watts)450060007200
Running AC Output (Watts)420053006100
Low Oil Shutoff?YesYesYes
Fuel Tank Size (gal.)788
Run Time @ Half Load (hrs.)151413
Receptacles2 120V 20A GFCI;
1 120V 20A Twist Lock;
1 120V/240V 20A Twist Lock
2 120V 20A GFCI;
1 120V 30A Twist Lock;
1 120V/240V 30A Twist Lock
2 120V 20A GFCI;
1 120V 30A Twist Lock;
1 120V/240V 30A Twist Lock
Decibels767979
Total Weight (lbs.)160189195
Dimensions H x L x W (in.)24.1 x 28.2 x 21.324.8 x 30.5 x 21.324.8 x 30.5 x 21.3

All three models also have these features in common.

  • Fuel gauge – know when to refuel before you run out of gas
  • Lifting hook – intended for use at a jobsite
  • Steel frame – protects the engine inside
  • Idle control – reduces noise level and conserves fuel
  • Full power switch – use 120V only or use 120V and 240V simultaneously
  • Digital hour meter – monitor run times and keep track of your maintenance schedule
  • Circuit breaker – overload protection
  • EPA, CSA and Carb compliant
  • Optional wheel kit – look for part DXGN010WK

What Can I Power with These DeWalt Generators?

As noted above, these are really intended for professional use at a jobsite, for example. Still, DeWalt provides some examples of items you might power with one of these machines that you probably use at home too.

You can find lists such as the one given here elsewhere too. If you compare them, you might find different wattages given for a particular item. Realize that these are estimates that can vary somewhat from one product to the next.

When you pick and choose your appliances that you want to run from such a list, it’s probably best to use the highest figure given. Either that, or ignore such lists entirely and look at the products you actually own to find the real numbers you need. These lists are for ballpark figures when you can’t or don’t have time to research on your own.

In the list below, for items marked with an asterisk (*), you should allow at least 3 times the given wattage for starting.

ItemRunning Watts
12,000 BTU Air Conditioner (*)1750
½ HP Air Compressor (*)1400
¾ HP Air Compressor (*)1800
1 HP Air Compressor (*)2000
25A Battery Charger600
3-inch Belt Sander1000
7 ¼ inch Circular Saw825 – 1050
Coffee Maker900 – 1100
Lawn Edger550
⅓ HP Furnace Fan (*)1200
 Single Hot Plate1500
 Impact Wrench600
 Nail Gun1200
 Microwave750
 ⅓ HP Paint Sprayer (*)650
 Radio50 – 200
Refrigerator (*)600
10-inch Table Saw (*)2000
 Television250 – 550
 Weed Trimmer500

Conclusions about the DeWalt Portable Generators

As of this writing, you won’t find many reviews for these specific models, but you will find many overwhelmingly positive reviews online for very similar DeWalt generators.

With the addition of the Honda engines at the heart of these generators, you should have little to worry about when it comes time to put them to use.

With generators of this size, weight, and decibel level (which is on the high side), you probably are going to be using one of these during a power outage after a major storm, such as a hurricane or thunderstorm with a tornado. These are not really intended for the extra power you might need while camping or at an outdoor event. There are smaller, quieter portable generators available from other manufacturers for those occasions.

If you need something for a jobsite or for power during an outage though…

Check Amazon now for the DeWalt portable generator that suits you best.