DuroStar DS4000S Generator Review: Pros & Cons

Last Updated on April 25, 2023 by Rod Olivares

This post is a review of the DuroStar DS4000S generator, one of the best value buys on the market since it offers a lot of power and great performance at a really reasonable price point.

Having a high-powered generator can help you keep vital devices running in case of a power loss.

A generator can also be a helpful tool to use in remote locations or spots without easy access to a power source like job sites or for camping or tailgating. Generators that offer a lot of power tend to be pretty expensive.

Operation & Ease Of Use

The DS4000S Generator from Durostar is fairly user-friendly especially if you have any experience with generators.

You start it with an EZ-pull recoil starter and it really is pretty easy to get it started.

There is a low oil warning light and if you don’t notice that in time, there is an automatic shut-off feature when the oil gets too low.

This keeps your engine protected.

There is a fuel gauge so you’ll know when the 4-gallon fuel tank is close to running out of gas.

At a half load, you should have about eight hours of run-time.

A voltage meter lets you keep an eye on the power output. The various components are clearly labeled so you know what you’re looking at.

The DS4000S is a solidly constructed workhorse. The heavy-duty steel frame is tough and can handle just about anything. This makes it a great choice for being hauled around to various worksites. It is pretty heavy so transport can be a little difficult but an optional easy-to-install wheel kit with a pull handle can make this significantly easier.

Noise Level & Power

This generator isn’t super quiet, but for its size and power, it is quieter than other generators on the market. Because of its muffler system, the sound level is kept down to only 69 decibels. It will be at its loudest when operating heavier loads.

With a rated wattage of 3300 watts, this generator offers enough power to keep a few items running at once. As long as the total wattage is under the limit, you should have no problem keeping both a portable heater and a sump pump running with this generator, for example. There are two 3-prong 120-volt outlets and one 30-amp twist-lock outlet.

Durostar DS4000S Specs

• Dimensions: 23″ x 18″ x 17.5″ (L x W x H)
• Weight: 94 lb
• Recommended Oil Type: SAE 10W-30
• Oil Capacity: 20 fluid oz.
• Fuel Type: Gas
• Oil Capacity: 20 fluid oz.
• Fuel Capacity: 4 gallons
• Run-time: 8 hours at 50% load
• Outlets: Two 120V, 20-amp, 3-prong outlets and One 120-volt, 30-amp twist-lock outlet
• Starting Watts: 4,000
• Running Watts: 3,300
• Engine: 7.0 hp air-cooled OHV
• Warranty: 1-year, limited

Optional Wheel Kit

Because this generator is quite heavy, you might want to invest in a wheel kit to make it more easily transportable.

The DuroStar DS4000S-WK Wheel Kit includes tires, braces, screws, and a pull handle. It’s pretty easy to put together and only takes about 15 minutes.

The wheels and pull handle make a huge difference in the ease of moving the generator around.

Service, Company & Warranty

DuroStar is an American generator brand that is owned by the parent company DuroPower.

They are a well-respected brand with a good reputation for being reliable and durable. A limited 1-year warranty can provide some peace of mind. Routine regular maintenance does need to be performed or the warranty will be invalidated.

The DS4000S comes with a manual with comprehensive instructions for its operation and maintenance.

This includes a list of troubleshooting tips.

You can also contact DuroStar at 1-800-629-3325. Any qualified small engine repair person should be able to help with any difficulties you have with the generator that the manual doesn’t help you resolve on your own.

DuroStar DS4000S VS Champion 4000 Watt

The 4000 Watt generator from Champion is pretty similar to the DuroStar DS4000S but there are a few important differences.

While both models have very good customer reviews, the Champion does come out a bit ahead.

The Champion also has a 3-year warranty along with lifetime technical support as compared to the 1-year warranty from DuroStar.

The two models have similar specs and perform pretty equally.

Another important point of distinction is the price.

The DuroStar gives you the same specs and reliable performance for a much lower price. The Champion has several advantages but without question, the DuroStar is a better value.

Online Customer Reviews & Ratings

At the time of publishing this review, the ds4000S had over 500 reviews on Amazon and a 4.3-star average, this is a product most buyers are happy with.

Several purchasers rave about the value of this generator, with high quality and consistent performance for an affordable price.

Some reviewers talked about how they successfully used the DS4000S after losing power due to a natural disaster.

One Amazon reviewer described using it to power a refrigerator, a sump pump, and various chargers and also noted that it was quieter than the generators his neighbors were using.

A YouTube reviewer similarly described how it was able to save all their food when losing power after a blizzard, though he did note that it’s quite loud.

Some reviewers do talk about durability issues, with things like the recoil starter and muffler breaking after some use.

These reports are in the minority, though, and many of these issues can be prevented with consistent maintenance.

Potential Operating Problems

There are a number of reasons the engine might not start.

You should make sure the fuel valve is set to Open and the choke is closed.

If the gas is old and has been sitting in the tank for a while, you should drain it and add new gas.

Make sure the generator has enough oil.

If it still won’t start, it could be a spark plug issue. You can try cleaning the spark plug but if that doesn’t help, you may need to replace it.

Another potential problem is when the engine starts but the generator isn’t supporting all of the devices you have plugged in.

This could mean that the generator is overloaded.

To resolve this, you’ll need to unplug at least one of the devices. Another possible reason for this is that the air cleaner is dirty and it needs to be either cleaned or replaced.

Most other potential issues with the DS4000S can be prevented with regular maintenance.

Maintenance

A generator should be treated like a car. You’re asking for trouble if you don’t commit to performing routine maintenance.

The manual clearly lays out the recommended maintenance schedule and gives clear instructions on how to complete each task.

This includes things like changing the oil and cleaning the air cleaner, fuel filter cup, and spark plug.

Wrapping It Up: Should You Buy It?

It’s hard to find a generator with this level of power for a better price.

There are better generators overall but they cost a lot more.

If you don’t have a huge budget, this is a trustworthy model and a great value.

This generator will serve you well as a backup power source in case of a natural disaster.

It will also work well as a tool for a job site or for camping or tailgating.

It’s not the quietest generator on the market but it’s much quieter than many thanks to its muffler system.

You get a lot for the money on this one so it’s a great choice for those without a huge budget.

Do you have experience with this generator? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.