Best Dual Fuel Generators of 2022 – Reviews and Buying Guide

Best Dual Fuel Generator 2022

1. Champion 76533 Portable Dual Fuel Generator

The Champion 76533 can operate on both gasoline and propane right out of the box. It has a maximum of 4750 peak watts and 3800 rated watts on gasoline, and 4275 peak watts and 3420 rated watts on propane.

Powered by a 224cc engine, this generator is a workhorse, and with this amount of output power, you can run as many appliances in your home as you want. There is an electric start feature in this unit for the effortless starting of the generator.

Battery plays a crucial role in the starting process of the generator, so don’t forget to recharge it frequently. This dual-fuel generator has an excellent runtime of 9 hours when operating it on a 50% load, and this runtime increases up to 10.5 when you use the 20-pound propane tank at a 50% load.

Sometimes the generator’s power output may fluctuate, and that’s when the Volt Guard comes in. Basically, It suppresses the voltage spikes from output power; therefore, it protects your appliances from getting damaged.

This unit is equipped with Intelligauge, which enables you to track every movement of your generator. And you can monitor voltage, hertz, output power, overall runtime, and track maintenance intervals. It is CARB-compliant for 50 states.

Other than that, it has plenty of output ports to connect many appliances simultaneously. Moreover, Champion backs this generator with three years of warranty.

2. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

Champion is a pioneer in the generator industry, and its products are unique, innovative, and affordable at the same time.

Champion 100263 is the first generator that combines inverter technology with a dual-fuel system. The inverter technology distributes clean power (less than 3% THD), which is suitable for sensitive electronic devices, and it consumes less fuel resulting in less fuel cost.

The Economy mode of this unit adjusts the engine speed according to load demand; thus, the generator runs quieter and uses less fuel.

This dual-fuel generator has a dedicated 50-amp RV-ready port, which allows you to run appliances like two 15,000 BTU AC, a sump pump, a TV, a refrigerator, and smartphones on your RV.

When using gasoline, Champion 100263 can produce 3400 watts at the starting and 3100 watts continuously for 7.5 hours at 25% load. Similarly, by using 20-pound propane, it can deliver 3060 watts at the beginning and thereafter 2790 watts continuously for 14.5 hours at 25% load.

By paralleling another inverter with this generator, you can increase the wattage output.

Thanks to its low-oil sensor, the generator will shut off automatically when the oil is low. It boasts an electric-start feature that has cold start technology so you won’t be disappointed in cold weather, and this feature relies on an internal battery of the generator.

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3. Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Westinghouse is another leading brand in the world of generators. The WGen9500DF is the highest power output dual fuel generator on our list.

Constructed from a durable cast iron sleeve, this generator is reliable enough to last for years. It is rated for 9500 running watts and 12500 starting watts on gasoline, and 8500 rated watts and 11200 peak watts on propane.

With the built-in battery, the generator becomes very easy to start. What’s more, you can even start the generator from a far distance with the help of a wireless key fob.

Moreover, it is equipped with GFCI outlets, so you don’t need to ground your generator. To top it off, there is a Transfer Switch Ready port in this generator too.

By turning the knob, you can switch from gasoline to propane. Being EPA and CARB-compliant, this dual-fuel generator is safe to use anywhere.

For real-time monitoring, there is a VFT data center that shows various information like voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours.

Features like automatic low oil shutdown and fuel gauge make this generator even more user-friendly. Its 6.6-gallon fuel tank holds enough fuel to provide you power throughout the entire day.

Three years of warranty and lifetime technical support will earn your trust in this product.

4. WEN DF475T 4750-Watt Portable Dual Fuel Generator

When you have a limited budget to spend on the best dual fuel generator and if you need bang for your buck, then WEN DF475T is worth looking into.

Being a dual-fuel generator, it can run on gasoline as well as propane. It features 4750 surge watts and 3800 running watts (gasoline). It can even produce voltage ranging from 120V to 240V so you can use this generator for emergency backup in your home.

When it comes to runtime, WEN DF475T is an excellent choice. You will get 11 hours of runtime at 50% load, and this runtime decreases to 7 hours when using a 20-gallon propane tank at 50% load.

Its powerful electric start system lets you turn on the generator with one push of a switch, so this way, you don’t have to pull start the generator relentlessly.

The handle of the generator is foldable; thus, you can easily store it in confined places. The solid handle and never-flat tires make the transportation piece of cake.

With its included 47-inch propane hose, you can connect the propane tank right out of the box. Sadly, this dual-fuel generator has no parallel ready port, so you cannot increase the power output.

This unit is protected by two years of warranty, and its affordable price range makes it worth investing your money in.

5. Rainier R12000DF Open Frame Dual Fuel Generator

Rainier R12000DF is another high-powered dual fuel generator that can deliver 12,000W starting power and 9500W running on gas and 10,800 starting power and 8550W running power on propane.

This workhorse can smoothly run the air conditioner, lights, TV, kitchen appliances, and some other electrical machines simultaneously.

At 50% load, you will notice 11.5 hours of runtime when you use the propane, and even if you increase this runtime to 14 hours, the generator will still maintain the 50% power output.

Thanks to its transfer switch-ready port, you can easily connect this generator to your electrical panel without installing any additional transfer switch. For additional protection, this dual fuel generator incorporates two GFCI outlets and not to mention the low oil sensor & overload protection alarm.

The RV-ready port is useful for RVers who want to connect the generator directly to RV. On top of that, the VFT data center displays voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours.

The operational noise is 72 decibels, which is acceptable compared to its power output. Just like all the big generators, Rainier R12000DF also features two foam grips and two 10-inch wheels so that you can move it around quickly.

6. Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

Westinghouse iGen4500DF falls into the category of high price range due to its built-in inverter and low-noise technology. Another advantage of using the inverter generator is that it offers clean and stable power containing less than 3% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion).

This generator can be operated on both gasoline and propane, thus giving you the convenience of using any fuel you want as per the availability and affordability of the fuel.

Its maximum noise level is 52 dBA, which is very low. Apart from being extremely quiet, this dual fuel inverter generator is also powerful.

Westinghouse iGen4500DF offers a peak power of 4500 watts with continuous power of 3700 watts on gasoline and peak power of 4050 watts with a constant power of 3330 watts on propane.

This unit can be started wirelessly with the help of the included key fob, and the electric start feature will come in handy when the remote start doesn’t work. And even if the battery fails, you can still use the conventional recoil start method.

The biggest advantage of this generator is its rotating digital display so that you can keep close tabs on your generator. With its 3.4-gallon fuel tank, you can expect about 18 hours of runtime at 25% load, and by using the 20-pound propane tank, you can achieve 15 hours of runtime at 25% load.

7. Sportsman GEN4000DF Dual Fuel Powered Portable Generator

The Sportsman GEN4000DF is the cheapest dual-fuel generator we have added to our review list. Despite its low price range, it has a lot of cool features; let’s have a look.

Upon start-up, this generator produces a maximum of 4000 peak watts and 3500 running watts on gasoline and 3600 surge watts, and 3150 rated watts on propane.

It has a total of 6 output ports, including four 120V outlets, one 120V RV port, and one 12V DC output port. Moreover, it comes with a 3.6-gallon fuel tank that can roughly provide 10 hours of runtime at 50% load, and this runtime increases up to 12 hours when you use the 20-pound propane tank at 50% load.

Its 7HP internal engine may not look convincing, but it is strong enough to handle your regular power needs. Furthermore, not only is it powerful, but it is surprisingly quiet too. At just 69 decibels, this dual fuel generator is relatively quieter.

If you like to run your generator using the propane tank, then the included 5-foot propane hose will come in handy, and let’s not forget the free regulator hose kit that comes with the whole package.

This unit weighs 90 pounds, and the dimensions are 24.5 x 16.5 x 17 inches. Last but not least, you will get one year of warranty on this product.

What to look for when buying Dual Fuel Generators?

There are so many dual-fuel generators available on the market, and to choose the best among them, you may have to conduct thorough research. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an expert, but it will become frustrating to read reviews. To help you simplify the selection process, we have created this guide, so keep reading.

1. Power needs

The selection of any generator mainly depends on your power needs. So first, you need to decide how many appliances you want to run simultaneously through your generator. After that, you need to calculate the power consumption of each device and don’t forget to write down to starting watts and running watts. Only and only after that, you can know for sure how many watts of generator you need.

2. Noise level

You should know that the noise level of the same power-output generators with different brands may differ. Moreover, the noise level increases as the power output and load on the generator increase. Generally, generators operating on gasoline are louder than generators operating on propane. The noise level of the generator also depends on how far it is placed from your house and at what speed it is running.

3. Size

The size of the generator is directly proportional to the power it produces. For example, high-power output generators are bigger than low-power output generators. Also, you need to keep in mind the available size in your home. So you should choose a generator that will easily fit in your house when not in use.

4. Portability

If you want a generator for camping trips or recreational vehicles, then you should choose a portable generator. But on the other hand, office use and home backup system will do just fine even with a less portable generator. Moreover, if your generator is too heavy, then the wheel kit and handle will make transportation easier.

5. Budget

Before going all out on finding the top dual-fuel generator, consider how much you are willing to spend on a generator. Your budget will narrow down the list of dual-fuel generators to a great extent so that you can make the best buying decision. Remember that most dual-fuel generators aren’t as expensive as you think, but only high-end generators are costly.

On the other hand, the initial cost of solar generators is high, but after that, all the energy you get is free. We also encourage you to read reviews of portable solar generators.

6. Outlets

More outlets will give you the flexibility to simultaneously power as many devices as you want. Moreover, if you have specific usage of any generator, then you’ll want to look at those outlets. For example, if you have an RV, then you would need an RV-ready port. Similarly, if you’re going to use the generator for home backup power, then choose the generator with a transfer switch-ready port and GFCI outlets.

7. Start type

All the dual-fuel generators are equipped with a recoil start, in which you have to pull the cord to start the generator. Some high-end dual fuel generators come with an electric start feature, and by using this feature, you can start the generator with one push of a button. It is always better to have the electronic start feature, but this feature relies on the battery, so for backup purposes, recoil start is a must-have feature too.

8. Warranty

A dual-fuel generator is a big investment, so you need to make sure that it lasts for many years. A good warranty from the manufacturer will protect the generator against any defects whatsoever. All the generator manufacturers are offering at least one year of guarantee on their products, whereas brands like Champion and Westinghouse promise three years of warranty.

Difference Between Single Fuel Generator and Dual Fuel Generator

A single fuel generator runs on one fuel source such as gasoline, propane, natural gas, or diesel. A dual fuel generator, on the other hand, can operate on two fuel sources, and it is also known as a hybrid or bi-fuel generator. That’s not all, even tri-fuel generators are available too, and they use three fuels, namely gasoline, propane, and natural gas.

With dual-fuel generators, you can use your preferred fuel as per its availability, and even if you end up using the first fuel, you can use the second fuel source as a backup. Almost all dual-fuel generators use propane and gasoline combination by default.

Advantages of dual fuel generators

A generator is definitely a useful gadget for home, but having a double fuel system is even more convenient. That being said, the dual-fuel generator has its advantages and disadvantages, which we have explained below.

1. Versatility

It’s always great to have a backup in case of emergency, and this same goes for the generators too. Suppose there is a power outage due to hurricanes in your area. If you are prepared for it in the advance, then there is no issue.

But if this hurricane lasts for many days, then your primary fuel source will run out quickly. At that time, having a dual fuel generator gives you an advantage because you can use the secondary fuel source until the power comes back.

2. Fuel Storage and Availability

Gasoline is widely available in all the local stores, and so is propane. In terms of price, petrol is cheaper compared to propane.

But the storage of gasoline is challenging, and you have to take many precautions while storing it. Even with the fuel stabilizer, the average shelf life of gasoline is several months, whilst propane lasts for an infinite time.

Due to the short life span of gasoline, you can’t rely on gas. There are times when either fuel may not be available to you. So when you run out of your preferred fuel, you can use other fuel as a backup. Thus, dual-fuel generators are a lifesaver in a situation like these.

3. Green Considerations

Gasoline is the top contributing factor to the greenhouse effect and global warming. And also, it produces a high amount of carbon monoxide and other dangerous gas emissions. Propane is the cleanest burning fuel in all of them.

Unlike people who own a generator that has a gasoline-only fuel option, you can help in keeping the environment clean by using propane in your generator.

4. Fuel Efficiency

There is no doubt that propane is highly fuel-efficient and it produces more energy per gallon than gasoline. And the propane is cheaper too. But the prices of both gas and propane fluctuate too much throughout the year.

So having the option of both fuels gives you the independence of using whatever fuel is less expensive at that time.

Disadvantages of Dual Fuel Generators

There is a misconception that a dual fuel generator is less efficient and produces lesser power than a single fuel generator. It is not true. Any dual fuel generator is as fuel-efficient/capable as any single fuel generator, if not better.

The only disadvantage of the dual fuel generator is that one large unit will be more expensive than the same size generator having a single fuel option. So you need to choose the generator according to your budget.

Dual Fuel Generators: Frequently Asked Questions