The Best Dual-Fuel Generators for Home and Outdoor Use, Tested
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Dual-Fuel Generators for Home and Outdoor Use, Tested and hope the blog can help you.
Don’t get caught with a generator on empty. Invest in a dual-fuel generator for optimized performance and fuel availability.
Like gasoline-only generators, dual-fuel models convert fuel into electricity, but since they run on either gas or propane, they are more versatile. Dual-fuel generators vary in quality, power output, and price. With growing concerns about over-taxed electrical grids and an increasing number of power outages, consumers are taking a good look at investing in home generators to provide electrical backup.
If you’re considering buying a dual-fuel generator but are unsure how much power you need or which features matter most, stick around. This guide explains how to choose a dual-fuel generator and details the seven best dual-fuel generators according to our hands-on tests.
- BEST OVERALL: Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual-Fuel Generator
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wen DF250i Super Quiet 2500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator
- UPGRADE PICK: DuroMax 12,000-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Champion 8500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator With CO Shield
- BEST COMPACT: Pulsar 2200-Watt Dual-Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator
- BEST EMERGENCY BACKUP: Wen DF11000T Dual-Fuel Electric Start Generator
- ALSO CONSIDER: Champion 7500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator
Before You Buy a Dual-Fuel Generator
Multifuel generators use gasoline or propane to provide electric power to your home, campground, or jobsite. But before buying a dual-fuel generator, consider whether it will meet your needs.
One key aspect of dual-fuel generators is you cannot run them indoors since they produce toxic fumes. Instead, you must set them up outside in a sheltered location and provide electrical power to appliances through an extension cord.
They are relatively heavy, weighing 100 to 200 pounds on average, and typically loud, sometimes exceeding the acceptable volumes allowed at RV parks. An inverter generator may be a better choice if you want a quiet generator. These generators have an enclosed body and supply power using a computer-controlled inverter instead of a noisier alternator.
However, if you need a decent amount of power, can see yourself regularly using more than one fuel type, and can handle a little extra weight and noise, a dual-fuel generator may be right for you.
How We Tested the Best Dual-Fuel Generators
Before selecting several high-quality models for hands-on testing, we researched more than 24 dual-fuel generators, looking for quality construction, ease of use, portability, and power output. We gave some consideration to top manufacturers but didn’t automatically eliminate smaller or niche manufacturers if their generators were highly rated and competitively priced.
For actual testing, we assembled the generators and ran them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We allotted time to models requiring break-in periods so the machines’ internal components could lubricate and settle before powering appliances or tools. Our team of testers then plugged in power tools, appliances, and more while using an online wattage calculator to estimate a suitable electrical load.
We awarded points to each model using a rubric considering ease of use, noise, portability, power, and value. The better a generator performed a test, the more points it received. After testing, we averaged the points to determine top performers.
Our Top Picks
The following dual-fuel generators represent the best the market has to offer in various categories. Bob Vila team members thoroughly tested each one, and we detail their pros and cons below.
Best Overall
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual-Fuel Generator
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 4/5; Power 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Wattage: Gasoline: 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts; propane: 11,200 peak watts and 8,500 running watts
- Fuel: Gasoline or propane
- Outlets/ports: One 120/240 volt (V)-50 amp (A) outlet; one 120/240V-30A locking outlet; four 120V-20A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets
- Weight: 211 pounds
Pros
- Runs on either gasoline or propane, making it versatile in most situations
- Offers 3 ways to start: electric, remote, and recoil
- Robust 457 cubic centimeter (cc) 4-stroke engine delivers powerful electrical generation
- Features digital data display for real-time information about voltage, frequency, and runtime
Cons
- Registered 89 decibels (dB) from 6 feet away, which is loud enough to annoy neighbors
- On the heavy side at 211 pounds, making it challenging to lift onto a truck bed
Read our full review: Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual-Fuel Generator
When it comes to choosing a good all-around generator, it’s tough to beat the Westinghouse WGen9500DF. This powerful generator runs on gasoline or propane, and selecting one or the other is as simple as flipping a switch. The WGen9500DF comes with a 6.6-gallon gasoline tank that will power the unit for up to 12 hours at a 25 percent load.
Actual runtime will depend on gasoline quality and how much power you’re drawing. On propane, it can run up to 7 hours on a 20-pound tank when drawing a 50 percent load. This model has a 120/240V-50A outlet, a 120/240V-30A locking outlet, and four 120V-20A GFCI outlets. At 9,500 running watts on gasoline, it’s powerful enough to run several tools simultaneously as well as an oven/range combo and clothes dryer separately.
The downsides? At 211 pounds, this is a heavy generator. It’s also loud, comparable to a motorcycle, which is enough to annoy neighbors yet reasonable for its output. 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 preferred.
Get the Westinghouse dual-fuel generator at Amazon, Walmart, or Acme Tools.
Best Bang for the Buck
Wen DF250i Super Quiet 2500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 4/5; Power 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Wattage: Gasoline: 2,500 peak watts and 2,000 running watts; propane: 2,250 peak watts and 1,800 running watts
- Fuel: Gasoline or propane
- Outlets/ports: Two 120V-15A AC outlets; 2 USB-A ports
- Weight: 48.5 pounds
Pros
- Runs on either propane or gas and switches automatically between them when needed
- Compact size makes it easy to move despite it weighing nearly 50 pounds
- 2 standard household outlets and 2 USB ports are practical for powering many common electronics
Cons
- Some of the instructions on the quick-start tag and in the manual don’t match, which can be confusing
The Wen DF250i 2,500-watt dual-fuel generator is sized right for small power needs. It runs on either propane or gas, and its two USB ports and two standard household outlets are perfect for powering tools at a small jobsite or cell phones, a TV, and lights at a campsite.
In our tests, we first used the Wen to power a circular saw and a shop light. Because the circular saw required significant power (1,500 watts), the machine bogged down briefly before ramping back up and holding steady. We then plugged in several small electronics, including a cell phone, a boom box, and a shop light.
Overall, the Wen was intuitive and easy to use, and converting it from gas to propane was also simple since it happens automatically when needed. The manufacturer suggests installing an altitude kit (sold separately) when using the machine above 3,000 feet, but we performed our testing without it at just over 5,000 feet and had no issues.
Get the Wen DF250i dual-fuel generator at Amazon, Walmart, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Wen.
Upgrade Pick
DuroMax 12,000-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 5/5; Power 4.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Wattage: Gasoline: 12,000 peak watts and 9,500 running watts; propane: 11,400 peak watts and 9,025 running watts
- Fuel: Gasoline or propane
- Outlets/ports: One 120V/240V-50A outlet; one 120V/240V-30A locking outlet; one 120V-30A locking outlet; two 120V-20A GFCI outlets
- Weight: 224 pounds
Pros
- Built for heavy-duty use; 9,000- to 12,000-watt power supply intended for large appliances
- Substantial fuel capacity provides ample runtime
- Built-in automatic shutdown kicks in when the generator runs low on oil
- Built-in carbon monoxide detector protects users from dangerous conditions
Cons
- Lacks an hour meter or any way to track runtime, requiring users to keep track
- Does not come with dust covers to protect the multiple outlets when they’re not in use
Read our full review: DuroMax 12,000-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator
When it comes to portable generators, 12,000 watts is near the top end in terms of power. The DuroMax dual-fuel portable generator is a monster that can power several tools and appliances simultaneously without throwing a breaker. We tested the DuroMax using gasoline and propane. It can run up to 8 hours on a full 8.3-gallon gas tank when pulling a 50 percent load and up to 7 hours on propane at 50 percent capacity. It also has an electric starter and a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor that automatically shuts the generator down if it senses hazardous levels of CO gas.
The DuroMax comes with several plug-in ports that extend its usefulness. It has a 120V-30A outlet, a 120/240V-30A outlet, two 120V-20A outlets (for standard power cords), and one 120/240V-50A outlet. We tested it by running our refrigerator, most of the entertainment devices in our home, and even a window AC that pulls a lot of juice. It didn’t lag at all.
Though we liked its power, the DuroMax missed the mark in a few areas. It doesn’t have drop-down generator covers to protect the outlets, and it only has two 120V standard outlets. Like other gas-powered generators, it’s also loud. Overall, though, we found this generator powerful and easy to use, particularly at this price point.
Get the DuroMax dual-fuel generator at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Walmart.
Best Heavy-Duty
Champion 8500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator With CO Shield
Photo: lowes.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 5/5; Power 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Wattage: Gasoline: 10,625 peak watts and 8,500 running watts; propane: 9,565 peak watts and 7,650 running watts
- Fuel: Gasoline or propane
- Outlets/ports: One 120/240V-30A locking outlet; one 120V-30A locking outlet; four 120V-20A GFCI outlets
- Weight: 209 pounds
Pros
- Runs on both gasoline and propane, making it versatile for different users
- Suits a range of power needs with 6 outlets: two 30A and four 20A
- Built-in CO shutoff is an added safety feature
Cons
- Relatively heavy at 209 pounds—too heavy for 1 person to lift into a truck bed
Read our full review: Champion 8500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator With CO Shield
The Champion 8,500-watt generator is portable yet powerful as an emergency backup and off-grid power source. Its ability to run on gasoline or propane made it highly versatile during our tests, powering a fridge, space heater, and lights. We also connected it to our travel trailer’s 30A cord and generated enough power to run all the appliances. The Champion features six outlets: two 30A and four 20A. It has a digital display for monitoring runtime and power output and a built-in safety detector that shuts it down in case of hazardous carbon monoxide levels.
This is a heavy unit however; it weighs 209 pounds, which makes it challenging for just one person to lift in and out of the back of a pickup truck bed. It comes mostly assembled—we only needed to install the wheel kit, which took just a few minutes. If you’re looking for a serious generator that will supply enough power to run several tools or appliances simultaneously, you won’t be disappointed with this powerful dual-fuel generator.
Get the Champion 8,500-watt dual-fuel generator at Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Best Compact
Pulsar 2200-Watt Dual-Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 5/5; Power 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Wattage: Gasoline: 2,200 peak watts and 1,800 running watts; propane: 2,000 peak watts and 1,600 running watts
- Fuel: Gasoline or propane
- Outlets/ports: Two 120V-15A AC outlets; 1 USB-A port
- Weight: 46.5 pounds
Pros
- Light enough to move around without strain
- Easy to set up and get the engine running
- Ability to run on either propane or gasoline increases versatility
Cons
- Access panel to change the oil was difficult to remove
- Changing the oil requires tipping the generator on its side, making it difficult to balance
We tested the Pulsar 2200-watt inverter generator and found it great for powering small tools and devices for up to 8 hours. With a 1.18-gallon gas fuel tank, it supplies 1,800 running watts and 2,200 peak watts. With propane, it delivers 1,600 running watts and 2