10 Best Dual Fuel Generators: Reviews & Buying/Usage Guide

Generators are the most useful machines as they give power to your appliances during a power outage or run your devices and other important stuff at campsites, tailgate parties, and in RVs. But if you are looking for a more versatile option, then a dual fuel generator is the best choice for you.

These dual fuel generators mostly use gasoline and propane to offer you the freedom and flexibility of fuel selection. Also, they save fuel storage cost. Moreover, the running and maintenance cost of these generators is lower.

So, if you have decided to purchase a dual fuel generator, then you must spend some time to make a list of the best dual fuel generators to select one. But, there is no need to do that as we have created a top 10 list for you.

But first, you must know why dual fuel generators are the better option and what safety measures you must keep in mind while using a dual fuel generator. Also, before going through the list, it is necessary to know what things or features you should look at before purchasing a dual fuel generator.

Best Dual Fuel Generators

1. Westinghouse WGen3600DF Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator – Best Overall

Weight and Warranty: If you are looking for a dual fuel generator with remote control start system, then this Westinghouse WGen3600DF is an ideal choice for you. It weighs around 109 pounds and comes with a 3-year warranty.

Power Output: The maximum output power it gives on gasoline is 4650 watts, and on propane, it generates 4180 watts peak output power. The running watts on gasoline is 3600 and on propane, 3240 watts.

Engine: It features a powerful 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine with cast iron sleeves.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: Its gas fuel tank is 4 gallons that also features a fuel gauge. If we talk about its run time, then it can run for 18 hours on a full gas tank at 25% load. The run time will decrease when you increase the load.

Start System: Along with a remote control start system, you also have an electric push-button system to turn your generator on and off.

Control Panel: The control panel is simple and easy to use. There are four power outlets to meet your power needs. Two outlets are of 120V AC 20A (5-20R), one outlet is of 120V AC 30A (L5-30R), and one is the 120V AC 30A (TT-30R) outlet for RV. All of these outlets are well protected with covers.

Other than power outlets, you have a fuel selector knob, electric start button, engine switch, and a battery indicator.

Safety Feature: There is also an automatic low-oil shutdown feature to protect your engine from any harm.

Certifications: Another important feature of this unit is that it is EPA, CSA, and CARB compliant product.

Portability: There are two long-lasting wheels that make transportation easy.

2. Champion 7500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Electric Start – Best under $950

Weight and Warranty: This Champion generator is a true champ. It has a weight of 202 pounds and is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.

Engine: The generator is equipped with a 439cc 4-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine with cast iron sleeves.

Power Output: Both the gasoline and propane work to run the generator, but they generate different peak and rated watts. The maximum output power this generator can produce on gasoline is 9375 watts with 7500 rated watts. But if we talk about propane, then 8400 watts it generates in the beginning and then gives 6750 continuous watts.

Start System: The unit features both the recoil and electric start systems. You can use any of them according to your needs at a particular time.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: It has a gasoline fuel tank capacity of 6.1 gallons that gives a run time of 8 hours on at 50% load and 5.5 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank. Moreover, the unit can hold oil up to 1.2 quarts.

Safety Features: If we focus on its safety features, then first, there is a low-oil shutoff sensor. And second, there is a Volt guard that prevents overload and protects your engine.

Control Panel: The control panel is featured with six power outlets. There are four GFCI protected 120V AC 20A (5-20R) household outlets. The remaining two power outlets include 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) and a 120V 30A (L5-30R). Also, there is an intelligauge that helps you to monitor and track power output and maintenance intervals.

Portability: The unit is also easy to move. The two durable and long-lasting tires make transportation easy.

Noise Level: The generator is quite noisy having a decibel rating of 74 dBA.

3. Westinghouse WGen7500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator – Best under $1000

Start System: Another quality dual fuel portable generator on our list is from Westinghouse that features all the three start systems: Electric, Remote, and Recoil.

Weight and Warranty: It comes with a 3-year limited warranty and weighs 194 pounds.

Engine: It has a powerful 420cc 4-stroke OHV engine.

Power Output: If we focus on its starting and running watts, then the generator produces 9500 peak watts and 7500 running watts on gasoline. But on propane, it generates 8500 watts peak output power and 6750 running watts.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: The gas tank has a total capacity of 6.6 gallons that offers a run time of 15 hours on gasoline at 25% load. But if you are running your generator on propane, then you will get 11 hours of run time at 25% load. The gasoline fuel tank also features a fuel gauge.

Control Panel: Its control panel is very intuitive. There are four 120V AC 20A (5-20R) household power outlets that are GFCI protected. Also, there is a 120/240V AC 30A (L14-30R) outlet. All these five power outlets are protected with covers. Other than this, there is a data center, smart switch, main breaker, and a battery indicator.

Safety Features: There is an automatic low-oil shutoff sensor that protects the engine when the oil levels go seriously down.

Portability: You have an ergonomically designed handle that combines with two durable tires to make transportation easy.

Certifications: The product is also CSA, EPA, and CARB compliant.

4. DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator – Best for Home Use

Start System: Another powerful dual fuel generator that you can purchase for your everyday use is the DuroMax XP12000EH. It features both the electric and recoil start systems to provide you with the freedom and flexibility of selecting any start system anytime.

Weight and Warranty: It is quite a heavy product that weighs around 236 pounds and is backed by a 3-year warranty.

Portability: Its two fold-down handles and durable tires help you to easily move the generator from one place to another.

Power Output: The unit generates 12000 starting watts on gasoline and 11400 peak watts on propane. And if we talk about the running watts, then it is 9500 on gasoline and 9025 on propane. The unit can easily bear heavy loads as the starting and running watts on both fuel sources are high.

Engine: The XP12000EH comes with a powerful 18 HP, 457cc OHV engine.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: It features 8.3 gallons gas tank that can give 8.8 hours of run time on gasoline at 50% load and 7.2 hours of run time at 50% load with propane.

Control Panel: The unit is there to meet all your power needs. The control panel includes two 120V AC 20A outlets, one 120/240V 30A outlet, and a 120V 30A (twist lock) outlet. Also, there is a 50A outlet to fulfill your other power demands.

Other than this, you have a special MX2 switch that is responsible for boosting the 120V amperage to support different heavy loads.

Moreover, there is a voltmeter and a fuel selector knob.

Safety Features: There is a low-oil shutdown sensor along with a spark arrestor.

5. Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start – Best RV Ready Dual Fuel Generator

Power Output: Another Champion dual fuel portable generator is on our list that is ideal to use at campsites, tailgate parties, and to power some of the appliances at home during a power outage. The maximum output power it can generate on gasoline is 4750 watts and 4275 watts on propane. But the unit generates 3800 running watts on gasoline and 3420 running watts on propane.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: On a gasoline fuel tank of 3.4 gallons, it gives 9 hours of run time at 50% load and 10.5 hours of runtime on 20 pounds propane tank at a 50% load.

Engine: It is powered by a 4-stroke, 224cc power engine.

Start System: The unit features both the electric and recoil start systems. Other than this, the cold start technology ensures a quick start even in freezing weather.

Noise Level: If we talk about its decibel rating, then it is 68 dBA from a distance of 23 feet.

Control Panel: The control panel has two 120V household power outlets, one 120V 30A twist locking outlet, and a 120V 30A outlet for RV. Also, there is an intelligauge that helps you to monitor and track power output and maintenance intervals. Moreover, the battery switch and engine switch are also part of the main panel.

Safety Features: It is featured with a low-oil shutoff sensor and all the power outlets are protected with Volt guard.

Weight and Warranty: It weighs 122 pounds and is backed by a 3-year limited warranty. 

6. Sportsman GEN4000DF Dual Fuel Powered Portable Generator – Lightest Dual Fuel Generator

Weight and Warranty: Weighing only 94 pounds, this portable dual fuel generator from Sportsman is one of the lightest units available in the market. But it comes with an only 1-year warranty.

Engine: The unit is equipped with a 7HP 212cc OHV engine.

Start System: It only comes with a recoil start system, so there is no other option for you to turn your generator on and off.

Power Output: It produces 4000 starting watts with 3500 running watts.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: On a 3.6-gallon gasoline fuel tank, the unit can run continuously for 10 hours at 50% load and for 12 hours at 50% load on a 20 lb. propane tank.

Noise Level: The unit operates at less than 69 dBA.

Control Panel: The control panel has four 120V household power outlets, one 120V outlet for RV, and a 12V DC outlet for battery charging only. Also, there is a voltmeter and a power button.

Certifications: It is an EPA-approved unit.

7. Pulsar PG10000B16 Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator – Best for Camping

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: Another powerful portable generator on our list is the Pulsar PG10000B16 that runs both on gasoline and LPG. It is equipped with a 6.6 gallons gas fuel tank that offers 12 hours of run time at 50% load. You can also easily switch between gasoline and LPG during operation as the generator features Switch & Go Technology.

Start System: The generator features an electric start system with a recoil system as a backup.

Engine: It has a powerful 420cc 4-stroke OHV engine that runs smoothly. Also, it is well protected by a solid steel frame.

Power Output: The unit produces 10,000 starting watts on gasoline and 9000 watts on LPG. But, it generates 8000 running watts on gasoline and 7000 watts on LPG.

Control Panel: The control panel has different power outlets that include four 120V AC household outlets, one 120/240V AC twist-lock outlet, an RV port (50 amp), and a 12V DC outlet. Other than this, there is an hour meter, engine switch, and a fuel selector knob.

Portability: The unit is also easy to move. The fold-down handles and durable tires make movement easy.

Weight: Its weight is 209 pounds.

8. DuroMax Hybrid Dual Fuel XP4400EH Portable Generator – Not for RVs

Engine: This generator from DuroMax is not so powerful but is capable enough to meet your different power needs. It is powered by a 7HP, 208cc OHV engine.

Fuel Tank size and Runtime: Its gas fuel tank is 3.96 gallons that give 11.4 hours of runtime at 50% load and 9.8 hours on propane.

Power Output: The maximum output power it can produce on gasoline is 4400 watts with 3500 running watts. But on propane, it can produce 4180 starting watts and 3325 running watts.

Start System: It features both electric and recoil start systems. You can use the unit at any place, whether it is a construction site, campsite, tailgate parties, or a home.

Noise Level: The super quiet muffler is responsible for reducing the engine noise so that you can work and enjoy without listening to the awkward generator sound. But still, it operates at 69 dBA.

Control Panel: Its control panel is featured with two 120V AC household outlets, one 12V DC outlet, and a 120/240V outlet. Also, there is a low oil indicator, circuit breakers, engine switch, and a voltmeter.

Safety Features: There is a surge arrestor along with a low-oil shutdown sensor.

Weight and Warranty: If we talk about its weight, then it is 128 pounds. Also, the unit is EPA and CARB compliant and comes with a 3-year warranty.

9. DuroMax XP4850EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator –Affordable Dual Fuel Generator

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: The XP4850EH runs on both gasoline and propane and offers a run time of 10.4 hours on gasoline at 50% load and 8.9 hours on propane. It has a 3.96-gallon gas tank.

Start System: The unit comes with both the electric and recoil start systems.

Noise Level: The generator operates at 69 dBA.

Power Output: It produces 4850 starting watts on gasoline and 3850 running watts. But on propane, it generates 4608 starting watts with 3658 running watts.

Engine: It comes with a 7HP, 212cc OHV engine that can bear a load of any light and heavy power tool.

Control Panel: Other than the two 120V AC outlets, the control panel features a 120/240V 30A outlet and a voltmeter. Its MX2 technology ensures maximum power output from both the 120V outlets. Moreover, oil warning light, circuit breaker, and a key start switch are also part of the control panel.

Safety Features: Low-oil shutoff sensor and overload protection are there. 

Weight: The DuroMax XP4850EH weighs around 130 pounds and it is EPA and CARB approved.

10. Firman H03651 Electric Start Dual Fuel Portable Generator – Best under $600

Engine: The last but not the least dual fuel portable generator on our list is the Firman H03651. It is powered with a 208cc engine that features a cast iron sleeve.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: The unit can run for 14 hours on 5 gallons gas tank.

Power Output: The maximum power it can generate on gasoline is 4550 watts and on propane, 4100 watts. But the unit produces 3650 running watts on gasoline and 3300 watts on propane.

Start System: It only features an electric push-button start system.

Control Panel: There are three power outlets on the control panel; all of them are well-protected with covers. Two are the 120V household outlets, one is the 120V 30A twist lock outlet and one is the 120V 30A RV outlet. Other than power outlets, there is an intelligauge, engine switch, and a fuel selector.

Weight and Warranty: The H03651 is also a California emission certified unit that comes with a 3-year warranty and weighs 119.5 pounds.

Portability: It is featured with a large u-shaped handle and two never-flat tires for mobility.

Related Post: Firman Generator Reviews: Top 5 Picks Compared

Buyer’s Guide

In this section, you are going to know about those factors that you should consider before purchasing your ideal dual fuel generator.

Starting and Running Watts

No matter what type of generator you are going to buy, it is necessary to focus on the peak and rated watts of your generator. And since you are going to buy a dual fuel generator, so it is necessary to look at the starting and running watts on both fuel types.

Since many dual fuel generators come with gasoline and propane fuel options, so it is necessary for you to check the starting and running watts on both fuel sources. And then select a particular generator on the basis of the output power it can produce on both fuel types.

If you are going to buy a dual fuel generator for your RV or to run at the campsite and tailgate parties, then you won’t need more power output. But if your only purpose is to keep your home appliances operational during a power outage or to run multiple heavy power tools at the construction site, you will need more output power.

Fuel Tank Capacity/Run Time

These dual fuel generators come with different fuel tank capacities. But the gas fuel tank capacity differs from the propane tank. When the companies mention the gasoline fuel tank capacity, they also mention the suggested tank size for propane.

The tank size determines the run time of the generator. If you are selecting a generator having large gas tank capacity, you will get more run time as compared to those units that feature smaller gas tanks. But the load applied also changes the run time of the generator despite having a large tank. At 25% load, the dual fuel generator will run more as compared to 50% and 100% load.

Other than this, the fuel type also changes the run time. If you are running your generator on gasoline, you will get more running time as compared to propane.

Start Type

Some dual-fuel generators feature electric and recoil start systems whereas some units come with the electric and remote control start systems. There are also some generators that feature all the three systems for your convenience. So, it all depends on you whether to select a unit having all the three systems or stick to two.

Remote control start option allows you to start and stop your generator while sitting on a chair or lying on the bed. There is no need to go near to the generator to start or stop it. This control system becomes extremely useful when the weather becomes unfavourable. The electric push-button start system requires no hard work. Just push the button on and off to activate and deactivate your unit. But a recoil system needs some work as it is a pull start system.

Conventional Generator vs. Inverter Generator

It is also necessary for you to decide whether you want a conventional dual fuel generator or a dual fuel inverter generator. Both of these generators work well to meet your power demands, but a dual fuel inverter generator is more fuel-efficient. Also, these units make less noise than conventional generators. They are also more portable. But they are expensive and not as powerful as the conventional generators.

Noise Level

It is also important to check the decibel rating of your dual fuel generator before the purchase. Since inverter generators are less noisy than the conventional ones so if you need peace, you can go for inverter generators. But if you want a powerful generator, then you must be ready to bear the noise. However, not all conventional generators make noise. Some companies use different techniques to reduce the noise level of the generators. Other than this, when the load increases, the noise levels go up, and when then load decreases, the noise levels go down.

Safety Features

A dual fuel generator without having safety features is worthless. A low oil shutoff system must be the part of your generator. This low-oil shutoff sensor senses the lower levels of oil and shuts off the engine to protect it from being damaged. Also, overload protection and overheating protection features must be there.

Portability

Your dual fuel generator must be portable so that you can move it from one place to another with ease. Before making a purchase, make sure that there are the ergonomically designed handle and two never-flat tires to transport your generator easily.

Warranty

It is also important to check the warranty of your generator and always give preference to those generators that come with at least 3-years of warranty.

User’s Guide

Why is it beneficial to have a dual fuel generator?

Dual fuel generators are quite useful as compared to those that feature only one power source.

As we have mentioned only those dual fuel generators in our top ten list that support gasoline and propane, so we are going to talk only about these two fuel types.

No doubt, gasoline is a true fuel option. Many people use it to power their generator or other engines, but propane is better than gasoline in some ways.

First of all, liquid propane is cheaper than gasoline. Second, it lasts longer and has a longer storage life. You can store propane for a longer period without any problem. Other than this, your carburettor won’t be damaged due to propane. But gasoline is still the most and widely used fuel source.

That is why; it is beneficial for you to have both the fuel sources to power your generator. When you are running out of gasoline, switch to propane, and when the propane tank gets empty, switch to gasoline.

These dual fuel generators give you the freedom of fuel selection so that you can use any fuel source at any time according to your needs.

Some people start their generators on gasoline, keep it running on gasoline for about an hour or so and then switch to propane as propane is 33% more efficient as compared to gasoline.

So, if you want to spend less money on fuel, then you can use propane for a longer time and keep gasoline only to start up your appliances. But here one thing you should keep in mind that the dual-fuel generators give more starting and running watts on gasoline as compared to propane. So, if you want to avail the maximum power output of the generator then gasoline is the best option. Or to start and run the heavy power tools or those appliances that require more starting watts than running watts, it is better to go with gasoline. On the other hand, propane is best for RVs where you don’t require much output power. Also, for emergency purposes, propane is best suited.

What safety measures you must keep in mind while using a dual fuel generator?

No matter what fuel types your dual fuel generator support, it is necessary to keep some safety measures in mind while using a dual fuel generator.

• First of all, fuels are highly explosive so they must be handled with care.
• Keep all those things away from your generator that can cause a fire. Also, when refilling the tank, make sure that you don’t have a matchbox or lighter in your pocket.
• Carbon monoxide is a serious threat to humans, so it is necessary to avoid using generators inside the home or garage. Even keeping the doors and windows open is not a solution.
• Also, the LPG tank can leak anytime so you must have to take precautionary measures to prevent tank leakage.