Best Dual Fuel Generator

Are you tired of constantly buying another batch of gasoline every time your generator runs out of fuel? Perhaps it’s the propane gas tank that you’re tired of replacing to quench your generator’s thirst.

What if you could have a generator that can run on two different fuel sources? It already exists and it’s known as a dual fuel generator. If the gasoline runs out, you can switch to the propane and postpone the trip to the gas station; or maybe it’s the other way round.

Anyway, we’ve done our homework to dig deep into research and find you the best dual fuel generators available on the market. Let’s get down to it.

Products TypeFuel TypePeak WattsRunning Watts Running TimeNoise Level Weight
DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Dual Fuel GeneratorConventional generatorGasoline/Propane12,000W (Gasoline) /
10200W (Propane)
9,500W (Gasoline) / 8075W (Propane)8.83 hours at half load (Gasoline) / 7.2 hours at half load (Propane)74dB224 lbs
Champion 8000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable GeneratorConventional generator Gasoline/Propane10,000W (Gasoline) / 9025W (Propane)8000W (Gasoline) / 7250W (Propane)8 hours at half load (Gasoline) / 5 hours at half load (Propane)74dB210 lbs
Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter GeneratorInverter generator Gasoline/Propane3400W (Gasoline) / 3060W (Propane)3100W (Gasoline) / 2790W (Propane)7.5 hours at quarter load (Gasoline) / 14.5 hours at quarter load (Propane) 59dB95 lbs
DuroMax XP4850EH Dual Fuel Hybrid GeneratorConventional generator Gasoline/Propane4850W (Gasoline) / 4608W (Propane)3850W (Gasoline) / 3658W (Propane) 10.4 hours at half load (Gasoline) / 8.9 hours at half load (Propane) 69dB130 lbs
Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable GeneratorConventional generator Gasoline/Propane4750W (Gasoline) / 4275W (Propane)3800W (Gasoline) / 3420W (Propane) 9 hours at half load (Gasoline) / 10.5 hours at half load (Propane)68 dB122 lbs
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable GeneratorConventional generator Gasoline/Propane12500W (Gasoline) / 11200W (Propane)9500W (Gasoline) / 8500W (Propane)12 hours at half load (Gasoline) / 7 hours at half load (Propane) 74 dB220 lbs
Ford FG7750PBE Dual Fuel GeneratorConventional generator Gasoline/Propane7750W (Gasoline) / 7500W (Propane)6250W (Gasoline) / 6000W (Propane)10.5 hours at half load (Gasoline) / 8 hours at half load (Propane) 76 dB196 lbs

DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Dual Fuel Generator

With 12,000 starting watts, this is the one of the most powerful dual fuel generators on our guide. 

Type: Conventional generator Fuel Type: Gasoline/Propane Peak Watts: 12,000W (Gasoline) / 10200W (Propane) Running Watts: 9,500W (Gasoline) / 8075W (Propane) Running Time: 8.83 hours at half load (Gasoline) / 7.2 hours at half load (Propane) Noise Level: 74dB Weight: 224 lbs

Pros

  • High power output
  • EPA and CARB approved
  • 3-year warranty
  • Dual fuel technology
  • Power boost technology
  • Idle control
  • Low oil shut-off
  • Durable construction
  • It comes with DC charging outlet, circuit breaker, and voltmeter

Cons

  • It’s heavy
  • It can be noisy sometimes

This portable dual fuel generator by DuroMax packs 9,500 running watts and 12,000 starting watts – that’s more than enough to power both small and large appliances in most homes. On the panel board, you will see 5 power outlets; two 120 volt GFCI outlets for your household, a single 120-volt twist-lock outlet for 30 amps, a single 120 volts 30-amp outlet, and a 240-volt 50-amp power outlet. Did I mention, it also comes with a 12V DC charging outlet to hook up devices with external batteries?

It gets better, the generator is designed with power boost technology that makes it possible to use both 120V and 240V power outlets at the same time; or if you want, you can use the 120V receptacle at full power. Don’t worry if the oil is too low, it will automatically shut off to prevent mechanical damage. Besides, it’s made of all-metal construction to last longer and it includes a 3-year warranty.

The problem with big generators like the DuroMax XP12000EH is that they’re too heavy. If you’re not careful, you could put a lot of strain on the tires. Also, it can be a little bit noisy when operating at full capacity, but when it’s idle, it will reduce the noise.

Champion 8000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator

It’s designed with cold start technology to help you during the winter season. 

Type: Conventional generator Fuel Type: Gasoline / Propane Peak Watts: 10,000W (Gasoline) / 9025W (Propane) Running Watts: 8000W (Gasoline) / 7250W (Propane) Running Time: 8 hours at half load (Gasoline) / 5 hours at half load (Propane) Noise Level: 74dB Weight: 210 lbs

Pros

  • Powerful engine
  • 8 hours running time
  • Cold start technology
  • Cast iron sleeve material
  • Electric start button
  • Intelligauge monitor display
  • Includes 120V and 240V outlets
  • 3-year warranty
  • Surge protector
  • Low oil shut-off
  • EPA and CARB compliant

Cons

  • It’s heavy and noisy

This Champion dual fuel portable generator has a 6-gallon engine capacity that can run for 8 hours when using half of its power output. Talking about the power, this unit will give you 8,000 running watts and 10,000 starting watts on gasoline fuel. Although if you switch to propane, it will be a little different; 7250 running watts and 9025 starting watts.

To start the generator, you don’t need a recoil start since you can do it with the push of an electric start button. Thanks to its cold start technology, you won’t have a problem starting the engine during the winter season. Not to mention, you can easily monitor the voltage, runtime, and hertz on the Intelligauge display.

Anything else? Of course, for a generator its size, it is fitted with lots of 120V and 240V power outlets. To keep up its premium quality, the gasoline tank is made up of steel and the sleeve is enclosed with cast iron material.

The maximum noise level produced by this unit is 74 decibels. For some people, that can be too loud since you can hear it from 23 feet away; but then again, that’s not too bad for a generator. Even so, it’s at least 210 pounds which makes it difficult to transport.

Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

A super quiet inverter generator that doesn’t spoil your sensitive electronics. 

Type: Inverter generator Fuel Type: Gasoline / Propane Peak Watts: 3400W (Gasoline) / 3060W (Propane) Running Watts: 3100W (Gasoline) / 2790W (Propane) Running Time: 7.5 hours at quarter load (Gasoline) / 14.5 hours at quarter load (Propane) Noise Level: 59dB Weight: 95 lbs

Pros

  • Very quiet
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Ideal for sensitive electronics
  • Parallel connection output
  • Economy mode to save fuel
  • Cold start technology
  • Overload warning light
  • 3-year warranty
  • EPA and CARB compliant

Cons

  • No fuel gauge or voltmeter

This is not your typical conventional generator but rather an inverter generator; it produces an almost perfect sine wave of electricity to give you clean power with less than 3 percent total harmonic distortion (THD). In simple words, it won’t damage your sensitive electronics like your TV, sound system, or refrigerators.

The 59 decibels are one of the lowest noise levels we’ve ever heard in a generator. It has something to do with the fact that its engine doesn’t need to operate at 3600 revolutions per minute like a traditional generator. Actually, there is an economy switch mode to keep it super-quiet and conserve fuel.

Here is the cool thing; it comes with a 120V RV ready outlet, 12V DC outlet for a USB adapter, parallel connection output, and two 120 V household outlets. What about power? It depends on the fuel. When running gasoline, you can get 3100 running watts and 3400 starting watts but when running propane, you can expect 2790 continuous watts and 3060 starting watts.

Unfortunately, this unit doesn’t feature a fuel gauge or a voltmeter, which could be an inconvenience if you want to monitor the volts or fuel level. However, it will warn you in case it’s overloaded or if the oil level is too low. 

DuroMax XP4850EH Dual Fuel Hybrid Generator

A budget friendly dual fuel generator with both 120V and 240V outlets. 

Type: Conventional generator Fuel Type: Gasoline / Propane Peak Watts: 4850W (Gasoline) / 4608W (Propane) Running Watts: 3850W (Gasoline) / 3658W (Propane) Running Time: 10.4 hours at half load (Gasoline) / 8.9 hours at half load (Propane)  Noise Level: 69dB Weight: 130 lbs

  • Pros
  • Electric start for convenience
  • Includes 120V and 240V power outlets
  • Automatic low oil shutoff
  • Voltmeter and DC charging port
  • Surge protector
  • Ideal for home and RV
  • All metal construction for longevity
  • Super quiet when running on propane
  • It comes with propane hook up extension

Cons

  • It can be challenging to assemble the first time

The DuroMax XP4850EH Dual Fuel Hybrid Generator is built for longevity; it’s made of all-metal construction including a heavy-duty steel frame. On a gasoline engine, it will deliver 4850 peak watts and 3,850 running watts. If you switch to propane, it will give you almost the same power output; 4,608 peak watts and 3,658 running watts. 

Like most high-quality generators, you can operate it at 120V and 240V simultaneously; plus use the 12V DC outlet to charge small electrical appliances with removable batteries. Thanks to its automatic oil shutoff feature and spark arrestor, you can operate it safely. Of course, you can monitor the electricity on the voltmeter to avoid overloading the unit.

If you purchase the generator, the box will come packed with extra accessories such as the oil funnel, wheel/handle kit, spark plug wrench, DC charging cable, propane hook-up extension, and toolset. Remember, you will have to assemble the unit and it can be a little bit challenging if you’ve never done it before. However, you will find all the necessary information on the owner’s manual.

Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator

A durable conventional generator ideal for your RV camping. 

Type: Conventional generator Fuel Type: Gasoline / Propane Peak Watts: 4750W (Gasoline) / 4275W (Propane) Running Watts: 3800W (Gasoline) / 3420W (Propane) Running Time: 9 hours at half load (Gasoline) / 10.5 hours at half load (Propane)  Noise Level: 68 dB Weight: 122 lbs

Pros

  • Enough power to run RV air conditioner
  • Cheaper than inverter generator
  • Cold start technology
  • Long-running time at 50% load
  • Surge protector, voltmeter and low oil shut off feature
  • Back tires to transport
  • 3-year warranty
  • Includes LPG box with a regulator in the box

Cons

  • The starter battery can run out
  • It can be loud

Our first impression of this generator unit is the 9 hours running time at half load power output with the gasoline tank full. To put it another way, if you fill up its 3.4-gallon gasoline tank at night, and operate the generator at half of its 3800 gasoline running watts, you won’t need to re-fuel it till morning. Even if the gasoline runs out, you can connect it to a propane tank and keep it going for at least 10 hours.

On the power board, you will find everything that you need; a 120-volt outlet for your RV, two 120-volt outlets for your house, and a 120-volt locking outlet. Also, the generator is designed with a circuit breaker, voltmeter, and automatic oil shut-off switch for safety purposes. The icing on the cake is the 3-year warranty and free technical support.

Its biggest flaw is the starter battery which can run out after a while leaving you no option but to start it manually. Then again, it’s possible to re-charge a starter battery, so that shouldn’t be a problem you can’t fix. Other than that, it’s not as quiet as an inverter generator.

Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator

A very powerful dual fuel generator with a remote start. 

Type: Conventional generator Fuel Type: Gasoline / Propane Peak Watts: 12500W (Gasoline) / 11200W (Propane) Running Watts: 9500W (Gasoline) / 8500W (Propane) Running Time: 12 hours at half load (Gasoline) / 7 hours at half load (Propane) Noise Level: 74 dB Weight: 220 lbs

Pros

  • Remote start with a key fob
  • High power output
  • Easy to maintain
  • Heavy-duty generator
  • Long-running time
  • Automatic low oil shutoff
  • Includes 240-volt outlet and battery charging port

Cons

  • It’s heavy and loud

Forget the electric starter for a second, imagine if you could start your generator with a remote control while you’re more than 100 yards away.  But that’s not all; this unit can generate 12,000 running watts and operate for 12 hours at 50% load. Last time we checked, not a lot of generators can get to half of that.

On the control panel, you can connect to different outlets from a 120-volt 20-amp outlet to a 240-volt 50-amp outlet. It also comes with a charging port just in case you want to recharge your batteries. To keep tabs on the power, you can monitor the volts, frequency, and hours on the data center gauge meter. If the gasoline runs out, you simply flip the switch to turn on the gasoline and if the oil runs out, it will automatically shut-off.  

Like most heavy-duty generators that pack a lot of power, this generator is 220 pounds which can be heavy to transport. Also, the unit can be loud considering the noise level is 74 decibels.

Ford FG7750PBE Dual Fuel Generator

A mid-range dual fuel generator from a reputable manufacturer. 

Type: Conventional generator Fuel Type: Gasoline / Propane Peak Watts: 7750W (Gasoline) / 7500W (Propane) Running Watts: 6250W (Gasoline) / 6000W (Propane) Running Time: 10.5 hours at half load (Gasoline) / 8 hours at half load (Propane) Noise Level: 76 dB Weight: 196 lbs

Pros

  • Switch and go technology
  • Air-cooled engine
  • Long-running time
  • Includes automatic voltage regulator, low oil shut off & hour meter
  • 10-inch sturdy wheels
  • Easy to set-up

Cons

  • It’s heavy

This unit comes packed with a propane hose, Philips screwdriver, spark plug T wrench, 600ml engine oil, combination wrench, funnel, user manual, and a quick start guide. Of course, at the center of it is a 196-pound dual fuel generator with 7,750 peak watts and 6,250 running watts on a gasoline engine. Thanks to the tools included in the box, it’s very easy to set-up.

To operate it, you can open the top and use a funnel to fill the 6.6-gallon tank with gasoline. Alternatively, you can connect it to a propane tank with the hose. Anyway, to start the engine, you can either pull the recoil or press the electric start button. Here is the thing; this unit is designed with a switch and go technology and it will easily transition between the liquefied petroleum gas and gasoline.

If you’re switching between gasoline and propane fuel sources, you can run this generator for 20 hours at 50% load; although both tanks have to be full.

As we’ve mentioned earlier, this generator is 196 pounds which is anything but average weight.

Why Should You Buy a Dual Fuel Generator?             

1.  Have a Backup Plan.

If you run out of gasoline during an emergency, you can switch to propane using a dual fuel generator. It’s sort of a backup plan of a backup plan.

2.  Save Money.

Believe it or not, dual fuel inverter generators are way cheaper to run and maintain than typical generators that only consume diesel or gasoline. If you do the math, using both gasoline and propane as an fuel option will save you a lot of money in the long run.

3.  Reduce Pollution.

Propane is a natural gas that doesn’t produce soot. Hence, integrating propane with gasoline to produce electricity reduces the carbon footprint. In addition to that, if you switch to a propane engine, the dual fuel generator won’t make a lot of noise.

4.   Enjoy a longer power supply.

Since a dual fuel generator uses two different fuel sources, it runs longer than a single-fuel generator. This is very helpful in an emergency, or if you’re camping.

5.  Get Ready for Winter.

Propane doesn’t wax or gel during winter, neither does it need additives to handle extremely cold weather. That means, you can rely on propane during winter and later switch to diesel in a dual fuel generator.

6.   Ideal for large-scale operations.

Sometimes storing gasoline in large quantities can be too expensive because of the stabilizer. A dual fuel generator allows you to store propane as a long-term and cheaper alternative; propane doesn’t go stale.  

Types of Dual Fuel Generators

Conventional Dual Fuel Generator

A conventional, or rather a traditional dual fuel generator, is made up of a motor connected to an alternator. Once the fuel (propane, diesel, or gasoline) is introduced into a conventional generator, the engine converts the fuel into energy by running at a speed of 3600 revolutions per minute. Afterward, the alternator attached to the motor generates electricity in response to the 3600 RPM coming from the motor.

In essence, for electricity to be produced by a conventional generator the process must involve two stages; a motor running at a minimum of 3600 RPM and an alternator that reacts to churn out 120-volt alternating current (AC). That means, in theory, the RPM should be consistent during the power production to prevent electrical output fluctuations.

However, in practice, that is not always the case. It’s common for the power produced by a traditional dual fuel generator to fluctuate due to variations in engine speed. Remember, to produce 120-volt alternating currency or 60-Hertz, you need precisely 60 rotations per second; anything less or more than 3600 revolutions per minute will make the current frequency unstable.

For that reason, most modern dual-fuel generators are equipped with automatic speed adjusters to keep the motor going at 3600 rpm.

Inverter Dual Fuel Generator

At first, an inverter generator works almost like a traditional generator; when you add fuel to the engine, the motor rotates to produce mechanical energy and transfer it to an alternator which then generates 3 phase AC electricity.

But here is where things get interesting; instead of the inverter dual fuel generator supplying the electricity generated by the alternator directly to your house, it converts the alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), and then changes it back again to alternating current (AC) electricity.

Basically, an inverter dual fuel generator rectifies an electrical current to prevent harmonic distortion. What’s more, a dual fuel inverter generator can still deliver A/C power at precisely 60 cycles per second regardless of the engine rotation speed. So you don’t need to constantly run it at 3600 revolutions per minute; it can decrease and increase its throttle depending on your power demands.

So Which Is the Best?

For starters, inverter generators are usually smaller and lighter than conventional generators. Even so, most conventional generators are designed with a metal frame and wheels to enable easier transportation.

In terms of fuel efficiency, inverter generators consume less fuel since they don’t need to consistently run the engine at 3600 RPM. An inverter generator can deplete half as much fuel compared to a conventional generator operating under the same conditions.

Of course, if you’re running a conventional generator at full blast 3600 revolutions per minute speed, your next-door neighbors will probably hear the noise coming out of the engine. On the other hand, most inverter dual fuel generators are as quiet as a mouse; sometimes, you won’t hear any noise until you walk close to it.

But the biggest advantage of an inverter generator is that it can supply clean power with very low harmonic distortion to avoid damaging your electronics with microprocessors. Sure, some premium conventional generators are designed with a mechanical governor to prevent inconsistencies, but you can’t really compare it with the precision of an inverter generator.

Well, it seems inverter dual fuel generators have outmatched traditional generators in almost every aspect, except for two things; price and maximum power output.

If you didn’t know, inverter generators are expensive and sometimes could cost twice or eight times more of what you would pay for a typical conventional generator. In contrast, conventional generators are cheaper and easier to find on the market; 9 out of 10 generators that are sold are conventional generators.

Moreover, an inverter dual fuel generator isn’t ideal for a large-scale operation. This is because most inverter generators have a maximum power output of 1,000 watts to 4,000 watts. Good luck finding an inverter generator with more than 8,000 watts of power.

On the flip side, it’s not difficult to come across a traditional generator with a higher power output with a rating of up to 50,000 watts. Hence, if you want to back up electricity in a large facility, conventional dual fuel generators would be a better option. Alternatively, you can pair an inverter generator with another identical unit to double the power output; but can you afford it?

It all comes down to this: If you don’t have budget constraints, go for a dual fuel inverter generator. However, if you’re on a tight budget or you would like a higher power output, a dual fuel conventional generator would be a good choice.

Popular Brands

Champion

Champion generator models are well-known for their competitive mid-range budget price. Despite starting in 2003, the company emerged as one of the biggest generator manufacturers of generators in North America. All of its generator units are manufactured in the U.S.A.

DuroMax

DuroMax is a subsidiary of DuroPower, a California based company that was founded in 2003. Unlike most generator brands, DuroMax makes its generator engines without relying too much on outsourcing the work. The company’s head office is in Ontario, California.

Pulsar

Pulsar is an American company that specializes in manufacturing portable generators, lawnmowers, air compressors, and pressure washers. Its headquarters is in Ontario, California. One of its most popular hybrid generators is the Pulsar 5,250W Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Westinghouse

Did you know, the first commercial steam turbine generator used in the United States was made by Westinghouse? Founded in 1886 by George Westinghouse, it’s one of the oldest generator manufacturers in the United States. Its most renowned dual fuel generator is Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator

How to Choose The Best Dual Fuel Generator

Power Output

If you want a dual fuel generator for your mid-size house or camping, you probably don’t want a unit that produces too much power than you need; that would be an overkill. Similarly, if you want a generator to backup power in a big facility, farm, warehouse, or ranch, you should settle for something extra that packs a lot of power.

But how do you calculate how much power you need in a generator?

It’s simple, walk around your house and take note of all the electronics that will need to be running during an outage. That means, your refrigerator, microwave, electric cooker/oven, television, air conditioner, water heater, and even your light bulbs. The same should be done for any office building, warehouse, farm, or a manufacturing/assembling facility that you want to install a generator.

The good thing is, most electronics will include the required wattage on the label or manual, so it should be easy to figure it out. Once you’ve known the wattage of all your electrical appliances, add it all up to get the total wattage; then multiply that answer by 1.5 to account any error margin or unforeseen circumstance. 

In that regard, if the wattage of all the appliances in your house adds up to 3,000 watts, you should multiply that by 1.5 and choose a generator with at least 4500 rated watts.

Don’t forget about starting watts; usually, some home appliances like a circular saw or a refrigerator require extra watts for 2 or 3 seconds to turn them on. To calculate how much starting watts you need in a generator, find the electric appliance in your home with the highest starting watts and add that number to the running or rated watts.

Keep in mind that dual-fuel generators usually have different power outputs depending on what fuel you’re using.

Fuel Capacity & Running Time

It goes without saying, if you want a generator to last longer, you should go for a bigger fuel tank. But make sure you read between the lines, sometimes it’s not as it looks.

For instance, you could have a generator with a 10-gallon fuel capacity and a different generator with 4-gallon fuel capacity, yet the smaller generator could run almost as long as the big generator. This is because the big 10-gallon generator’s engine would probably be working harder to fulfill its higher power output, while the smaller 4-gallon generator’s engine would be operating in different circumstances that require less power output.

To avoid getting swindled, you should look at both the fuel capacity and running time at half a load before you decide which generator to pick. Some of the best dual fuel generators can run nonstop for at least 8 to 10 hours at half a load; giving you enough time to go to sleep and refuel in the morning.

Remember, a hybrid generator uses both gasoline (liquid) and propane (natural gas) as fuel; so when we talk about fuel capacity, we mean how much gasoline can fill up the generator’s tank. To use the propane as fuel, you need to hook up a propane gas tank to the generator with a hose. How long a dual fuel generator will run on propane depends on the size of the propane gas tank you’re using.

Size and Weight

For those who are looking for a portable generator that is suitable for camping, it would make sense to prioritize smaller units that won’t take up a lot of space. Beyond that, you have to consider the weight; anything more than 150 pounds would be too heavy to transport. If you have the budget, dual fuel inverter generators fit the profile of some of the smallest and lightest units on the market. 

However, if you can’t help it but settle for a big and heavy dual fuel generator, it would be wise to choose a unit with a metal frame and 2 wheels at the front or back so it could be easier to relocate it.

Noise Level

You wouldn’t want a generator that wakes up the whole neighborhood, do you? Of course, you can’t really find a generator that is completely quiet when the engine is running, but the goal should be to keep the noise level as low as possible. The best hybrid generators have a noise level of between 60 to 80 decibels (dB).

If you find anything with below 60 decibels, you’ve hit the jackpot; most likely, it will be an inverter generator.

Extra Features and Accessories

Besides the basics, there are some extra features you can sort out before you make that decision. You know, the nitty-gritty little things that give a generator that oomph!

For example, some generators are designed with a wireless remote control so you can start it at the push of a button. It gets better, some units come with cold start technology, making it easier to start your generator during winter. Other important features that can make a big difference in a generator include electric start button, fuel gauge, circuit breaker, quiet mufflers, spark arrester, USB outlet, low oil shutdown, DC outlet, and a parallel connection outlet.

Last but not least, consider generator accessories such as waterproof covers, cord set, handle/wheel kit, and lifting points.

How to Set Up a Dual Fuel Generator

Our Verdict

After careful consideration, we think the Champion 3400-Watt  is the overall best dual fuel generator just because of one simple fact; it is an inverter generator. Hence, it’s very quiet and it will supply clean power that won’t damage your electronics. 

However, if you’re looking for something bigger with a lot of power, DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Dual Fuel Generator is a good alternative. 

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest
Share on linkedin
Share on email

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *