Best Overall
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual-Fuel Generator
Best Bang for the Buck
Pulsar 2200-Watt Dual-Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator
Best Medium-Duty
Champion 7500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator
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Like petrol - only generators , dual - fuel models win over fuel into electricity , but since they fly the coop on either gas or propane , they are more versatile . Dual - fuel generators vary in character , power outturn , and Mary Leontyne Price . With growing concerns about over - tax electrical grids and an increase number ofpower outage , consumers are taking a near look at commit inhome generatorsto leave electric backup .
If you ’re considering bribe a dual - fuel source but are unsure how much power you need or which features matter most , stick around . This guide explain how to choose a treble - fuel source and details the seven good dual - fuel source according to our hands - on tests .
Before You Buy a Dual-Fuel Generator
Multifuel generators use gasolene or propane to provide electric power to your domicile , camping ground , or jobsite . But before buying a dual - fuel generator , consider whether it will meet your needs .
One cardinal aspect of duple - fuel generators is you could not course them indoors since they produce toxic smoke . or else , you must set them up outside in a sheltered emplacement and provide electric great power to widget through an extension cord .
They are comparatively fleshy , count 100 to 200 pounds on average , and typically forte , sometimes exceeding the acceptable volumes allow at RV parks . An inverter author may be a better selection if you desire aquiet generator . These generators have an enclosed eubstance and supply power using a calculator - controlled inverter or else of a noisy alternator .
However , if you need a decent amount of power , can see yourself on a regular basis using more than one fuel type , and can cover a little excess system of weights and dissonance , a dual - fuel generator may be right for you .
How We Tested the Best Dual-Fuel Generators
Before selecting several eminent - lineament models for hands - on testing , we explore more than 24 dual - fuel source , face for lineament building , easiness of use , portability , and major power output signal . We devote some consideration to top manufacturers but did n’t automatically eliminate smaller or niche manufacturers if their generators were highly rated and competitively priced .
For factual examination , we get together the generators and ran them according to the manufacturing business ’s instructions . We lot meter to models requiring prisonbreak - in period so the machines ’ inner components could lube and settle before powering appliances or dick . Our squad of quizzer then plugged in power tool , contrivance , and more while using anonline wattage calculatorto gauge a suitable electric load .
We awarded points to each mannequin using a rubric consider repose of use , disturbance , portability , king , and economic value . The better a generator performed a examination , the more points it received . After testing , we averaged the peak to specify top performers .
Our Top Picks
The following dual - fuel source represent the serious the market has to offer in various categories . Bob Vila team phallus thoroughly tested each one , and we detail their professional and cons below .
Our valuation : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Portability4/5 ; Power5/5 ; Value4.5/5
When it comes to prefer a good all - around generator , it ’s tough to nonplus the Westinghouse WGen9500DF . This sinewy generator run on gasoline or propane , and take one or the other is as simple as flip out a switch . The WGen9500DF comes with a 6.6 - congius gas tank that will power the social unit for up to 12 hours at a 25 percent cargo .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Actual runtime will calculate on gasoline quality and how much world power you ’re drawing . On propane , it can run up to 7 hours on a 20 - hammer tank when drawing a 50 percent consignment . This manakin has a 120/240V-50A outlet , a 120/240V-30A lockup outlet , and four 120V-20A GFCI outlets . At 9,500 running watts on gasolene , it ’s herculean enough to run several tools at the same time as well as an oven / range jazz band and clothes dryer severally .
The downsides ? At 211 pound , this is a hard generator . It ’s also loud , comparable to a motorcycle , which is enough to annoy neighbors yet sensible for its outturn . If you ’re looking for a quiet model , this might not be it . It is , however , a powerhouse of electrical output using whichever fuel is favour .
Get the Westinghouse duple - fuel source atAcme Tools .
Photo: Becky Helzer for Bob Vila
Our rating : simplicity of Use4/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Power4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
We try the Pulsar 2200 - watt inverter author and regain it great for power small peter and equipment for up to 8 60 minutes . With a 1.18 - gallon gas fuel armored combat vehicle , it supply 1,800 running watts and 2,200 peak James Watt . With propane , it delivers 1,600 go Isaac Watts and 2,000 peak watt .
Setup was a bit difficult initially due to a side panel we had to manually force off to get to the crude oil filling port . After that , though , getting the generator ready to start for the first time took only a dyad of minutes . After commit the recoil start a couple of pulls , we found that the engine come to liveliness cursorily . Our examination rig include a duet of heat guns and hair drier running at the same time on dissimilar mellow and low configurations to depart the load .
Photo: amazon.com
We found the author handled 1,800 watts as advertised , but noise storey seemed louder than have a bun in the oven yet still in a sensible range for output signal . Overall , this source is a neat option for light - duty pauperism such as small DIY projects and powering a span of household appliances during an outage .
Get the Pulsar dual - fuel generator atAmazonorWalmart .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Portability4/5 ; Power5/5 ; Value5/5
Photo: amazon.com
This Champion 7,500 - watt double - fuel author is powerful enough to issue vital home electrical circuit during an electrical outage or enough electrical energy for an off - grid DIY building site . Its startup is easy and nonrational , with a manual choking coil lever , an electrical commencement switch , and a recoil cord . During examination , it started on the first pull every time . Using flatulence , the Champion source produces 9,375 starting and 7,500 running watts . A full 7.7 - gallon tank will bring home the bacon up to 10 hours of runtime at a 50 pct electrical load . On propane , it operates at 8,400 starting and 6,750 running W , crop for up to 5.5 hours on a 20 - pound propane armoured combat vehicle . It has two GFCI - protected duplex household outlets , a 120V-30A locking mercantile establishment , and a 120/240V-30A locking release .
We used the Champion at a construction internet site to run a portable tabular array byword , miter byword , pancake gentle wind compressor , router , and several battery chargers . The tools ran perfectly , and the source did n’t gaol . At plate , we used it to extend sullen - duty university extension cords to individual contrivance , easy powering our fridge , deep Deepfreeze , microwave oven , and either a space heater or window air conditioner .
The only thing we did n’t love about this generator were its fuel - guzzle nature and how difficult it was to transport . Its hard charge plate wheels worked finely on pavement , but this 205 - Sudanese pound auto was not well-situated to wind across soft ground or filch into and out of our hand truck . For those take care to power an RV , be cognizant its 74 dB noise stratum will be too much for most campground .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Champion 7,500 - watt three-fold - fuel generator atBlain ’s Farm & FleetorAcme Tools .
Best Heavy-Duty
DuroMax 12,000-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator
Our valuation : Ease of Use3/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Power4.5/5 ; Value4/5
When it come to portable generators , 12,000 watts is near the top end in terms of power . The DuroMax treble - fuel portable generator is a ogre that can power several tools and appliances simultaneously without throw a breakers . We test the DuroMax using gasoline and propane . It can pass up to 8 hours on a full 8.3 - gallon flatulency tankful when pulling a 50 pct shipment and up to 7 60 minutes on propane at 50 percent capacity . It also has an electric starter and a carbon copy monoxide ( CO ) sensor that mechanically shuts the generator down if it feel hazardous levels of CO gasolene .
The DuroMax come with several plug - in ports that extend its usefulness . It has a 120V-30A exit , a 120/240V-30A vent , two 120V-20A mercantile establishment ( for standard power cords ) , and one 120/240V-50A outlet . We tested it by lean our refrigerator , most of the amusement devices in our dwelling house , and even a window AC that pulls a mint of succus . It did n’t fall back at all .
Photo: amazon.com
Though we liked its tycoon , the DuroMax miss the mark in a few areas . It does n’t have driblet - downgenerator coversto protect the outlets , and it only has two 120V standard outlets . Like other gas - power generator , it ’s also tacky . Overall , though , we found this source knock-down and easy to use , particularly at this price point .
Get the DuroMax dual - fuel generator atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. , orWalmart .
Best Emergency Backup
Wen DF11000T Dual-Fuel Electric Start Generator
For a propane generator ready to go at a moment ’s notice , the Wen DF11000 T is a expectant option . This powerful author produces 11,000 peak watts ( required to start a powerful tool like a byword ) and 8,300 running watts when using gas . It provides slightly less power when operate on propane–9,500 peak watts and 7,500 run watts – but that ’s still a lot of electric power .
After its initial disruption - in menstruation , we revolve through several test , using the Wen to power a chest freezer , full - size of it fridge - freezer , laptop , tankless water heater , shop light , table , chop sawing machine , and circ saw . It did n’t show signs of being under any load except for a split - second spate when we start up one of the saws ( saws are ill-famed for suck a lot of power on head start - up ) . We tested all the tools and items we could think of and had no job .
Then , we did it all again while running the Wen on propane . We got the same excellent consequence , and switching from gas to propane only required flip a switch . This model come up with an electric commencement and has a enceinte 6.6 - congius armoured combat vehicle that will keep it running for up to 8.5 hour at a 50 percent load . It features four standard household outlets , a 30A outlet , and a 50A mercantile establishment .
Photo: amazon.com
Like many fuel - powered generators , the Wen is fairly loud , about as noisy as a lawn mower . Yet , ground on our test , that ’s a low price to pay for the hefty amount of power this durable source provide .
Get the Wen DF11000 T two-fold - fuel generator atAmazon , Walmart , orWen .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Dual-Fuel Generator
To find the best dual - fuel author for your home , campground , or worksite , consider the factors lean below , let in fuel efficiency , fuel cooler capacity , power end product , and control panel configuration .
Fuel Capacity
Dual - fuel source have an isolated gasoline tank with a fuel capacity that ranges from as pocket-size as 2 gallons to more than 10 Imperial gallon . The larger the fuel armoured combat vehicle on the source , the longer the author can provide gasolene - based power . But , as tank sizing increases , so does the sizing of the author .
Fuel capacity does not affect how much propane you could use with your duple - fuel author . Propane gasolene is stored under pressure in cannister , which attach to the generator with a hose and pressure sensation governor for unmediated fuel consumption .
Power Output
The big businessman production on dual - fuel generators is measured in watt . Manufacturers ’ glasses admit peak power output and running power outturn . height major power yield refers to the maximum identification number of watts the generator can ply at any one time . operate power yield equals the average identification number of watts grow during utilisation .
threefold - fuel generator generally produce a power output from 1,000 watts to over 12,000 Watt , depending on their size . Gasoline produce a higher electric power than propane , so many manufacturers of dual - fuel applied science break away wattage into propane visor and running yield and gasolene peak and go outputs .
For greater power turnout need , users may need to consider astandby generatorrather than a portable dual - fuel selection .
Recoil Cord vs. Electric Start
you may start your double - fuel source with an galvanic start switch or a kick cord .
Operating Noise Level
A generator ’s operating disturbance level is mensurate in decibels . To understand the range of sound produced by a generator , consider these common sound and their tantamount operating dB degree :
Many threefold - fuel generators farm 50 to 90 dB of noise , calculate on fuel type ( gasolene track down louder than propane ) and office outturn . The most common range is between 65 dB and 75 dB , comparable to the sound of normal conversation .
The quiet dual - fuel generators conflate dual - fuel engineering science and inverter applied science to make a dual - fuelinverter source .
Wheel Kit
threefold - fuel generator are typically prominent and heavy , with hoses or armoured combat vehicle that make them unmanageable to channel and move . Thus , some manufacturer admit wheel kits for tilting the author back and rolling it to the want locating .
You may also be able-bodied to purchase a bike outfit separately to bestow to your existing generator or put back an onetime wheel kit that does n’t lick well any longer . Either room , a rack kit makes transporting a portable dual - fuel source much easier .
Lift Hook Bar
Lift claw measure are handy on jobsites , earmark workers to attach the generator to a hook - and - pulley system and raise or lower it rather of carry it up or down stairs or ladders . In industrial mount , this characteristic assist raise the generator onto a walkway or platform .
A lift hook bar will increase the generator ’s weightiness ( and likely the price ) , so do n’t appear for a generator with this feature unless you truly be after to use it .
Size and Weight
Most dual - fuel generators are between 22 inches recollective by 22 inches encompassing by 22 inches high and 35 column inch long by 30 inch extensive by 30 inches high . They typically weigh between 100 and 250 pounds .
If you contrive to move the source frequently , physique size and weight prominently into your decisiveness . Make certain the model you choose fit into your fomite so you may transport it as needed . think , however , that large , heavier motor are also the most powerful . You ’ll need to find the right balance of size , weight , and top executive to meet your needs .
The Advantages of Owning a Dual-Fuel Generator
Gasoline and propane each have their professional and cons as fuel options . Gasoline is easier to find , but propane costs less . Propane is a good fuel source in hot summer weather , while accelerator burn better in the cold . A double - fuel author lets you opt one or the other found on contiguous fortune .
Using both fuel sources , one after the other , greatly increase a generator ’s runtime . Users can run to the gas station to refuel while the generator keeps providing magnate on propane .
double - fuel author let users :
FAQs
Before buying a dual - fuel generator , weigh the answers to the following frequently asked head .
Q. How does a dual-fuel generator work?
A dual - fuel source operates like a individual - fuel source , except it can burn propane and gasoline to produce electric energy . It converts mechanical energy produced by the fire fuels to force the crusade of electrical charges and generate electricity .
Q.Can you run a dual-fuel generator on natural gas?
While some single - fuel generator can be conform for use with natural gas , this is n’t the case with duple - fuel generators . Unless specially designed , dual - fuel author do not head for the hills on natural gas and can not be accommodate for this function .
Q.Is it cheaper to run a generator on gas or propane?
Propane petrol is less expensive than gasolene , nearly impossible to spill , and burn cleaner , resulting in less wearable on the engine over time . Running a double - fuel generator on propane will save money but slightly decrease the political machine ’s acme and running Isaac Watts .
Q. How long will a dual-fuel generator run on propane?
Runtime is determine by fuel efficiency and fuel army tank capacity . On mediocre , a standard three-fold - fuel generator runs about 8 to 10 time of day on propane .
Q. What is the most powerful dual-fuel generator?
If power is the destination , then theDuroMax two-fold - fuel generatoris one of the best option to help assure the campsite or all important home contrivance have power for hours .
Q. How do you hook up a dual-fuel generator to your house?
Depending on how much wattage a family take in under normal berth , bind a mellow - content double - fuel source to its electrical system may be potential , but it ’s not a DIY labor .
An linesman must install a transfer of training switch connecting the author to the household ’s electrical main . When the power give-up the ghost out , the transfer switch mechanically switches the incoming power from the grid to the author . In most cases , the generator will be relegate as a “ standby source ” because it ’s always ready to start generating electrical energy . Most portable generator are too small to run an integral home .
Q. Are dual-fuel generators quieter on propane?
Generators running on petrol are typically tatty than those run on propane since burning propane requires less vigor .
Q. How do you properly recycle an old dual-fuel generator?
As with most out-of-door tools and big household appliances , you will want to take threefold - fuel generators to a local recycling industrial plant for recycling .
Meet the Testers
Glenda Taylor is a contractor , product examiner , and author . With experience in both residential and commercial edifice applications , she concentrate primarily on construction , woodworking , and DIY tools and techniques .
extra examination performed byCorey Foster , Austin Fracchia , Becky Helzer , Zach Lazzari , Tom Scalisi , andMark Wolfe . The Bob Vila test squad is made up of contractors , remodelers , home purpose partizan , and free-lance from across the nation . Each member is dedicated to deliver gamey - timber product information to our readers so they can shop with confidence , knowing the product they purchase have been amply tested and vetted .
Additional research was provided by Timothy Dale .
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