Dual fuel generators are a great choice, because they can run on either gasoline or LPG. Propane doesn’t go stale like gasoline, making it a great choice for home backup. It’s also cheaper than gas. Gasoline releases more energy when it burns, increasing power output, and it’s available everywhere. You also don’t need a separate tank to run on gas. Which model should you choose for your next generator? We rounded up and reviewed the 7 best models we could find in every category, from the smallest portable generators to the largest home backup systems.
Top Dual Fuel Generators
- 1Champion 100574 4000-Watt RV Ready Dual Fuel Inverter Generator - 4000 Watts
- 2Westinghouse WGen7500DF Portable Dual Fuel Generator - 7500 Watts
- 3WEN DF475T Dual Fuel 120V/240V Portable Generator - 4750 Watts
- 4Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator - 9500 Watts
- 5DuroMax XP10000HX Portable Dual Fuel Generator - 10,000 Watts
- 6DuroStar DS10000EH Portable Dual Fuel Generator - 10,000 Watts
- 7Champion Power Equipment 100402 Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator - 2000 Watts
Dual Fuel Generator Reviews
1. Champion 100574 4000-Watt RV Ready Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
The Champion 100574 dual fuel generator is a great option, if you’re looking for RV shore power that’s safe for your electronics. It has an inverter, and it supports parallel connections, so you can multiply power output with a second generator. It’s also quieter than most dual fuel generators this size, so you won’t disturb your neighbors.
This dual fuel generator has a single TT-30R outlet for RV shore power, and a pair of 15-20R household outlets to directly power appliances. The 100574 also has a 12 volt automotive outlet, and Champion includes an adapter with two USB ports and a set of battery charging cables for this port.
Output for this model is up to 4,000 starting watts and 3,500 running watts on gasoline. Switch to propane, and output drops to 3,600 starting watts and 3,150 running watts. The 100574 supports parallel connections, letting you connect it to another generator to increase available power. While most manufacturers only allow these connections with identical models, this generator can connect with any other Champion inverter generator that makes at least 2,800 watts of power. The ParaLINK kit includes a L5-30R outlet, but it only supplies 120 volt power.
The engine will run for 17 hrs. at 25% load using the built-in 2.9 gallon gas tank. Hook up a 25 lb. propane tank, and it will run for 18 hrs. at 25% load. Opening the port for the LPG hose automatically shuts off the flow from the gas tank. An LPG hose and regulator are included with this dual fuel generator model.
Despite its size, the engine is recoil start only. The 100574 uses a hybrid design, combining sound isolating panels with an open frame. As a result, noise is rated at just 64 dB, measured at 25% load from 23 feet.
This Champion dual fuel generator measures 20.5 x 18.3 x 19 inches, and it weighs just over 82 lbs. without fuel. It does not have wheels or a handle. However, the top rails of the frame are positioned, so that two people can lift this unit.
Champion offers a 3 year warranty on this generator for residential users, and a 270 day warranty for commercial users. This generator also comes with lifetime technical support.
2. Westinghouse WGen7500DF Portable Dual Fuel Generator
The Westinghouse WGen7500DF is built for one purpose: make home backup power as simple and convenient as possible. This is the only dual fuel generator on our list with a remote starter, as well as the only model that can switch fuels without restarting the engine. There’s even a way to set up backup power for home appliances without using a transfer switch.
The 7500DF dual fuel generator has a L14-30R for RV shore power, which supports both 120 and 240 volts. It also has four 120 volt 5-20R sockets, letting you to power appliances directly. These household outlets have GFCI protection, so they’ll cut power if there’s a short. This is a great safety feature to have, if you plan on using devices outside where they may get wet. The WGen7500DF also has a pair of USB ports, but you may not want to use them with your electronic devices, since this model doesn’t have an inverter. All plugs have rubber covers to protect them from moisture.
The digital display shows voltage, frequency, and operating hours. It also has a resetable hour meter, making it easy to keep track of maintenance intervals. The engine’s electric starter can be activated remotely with the included key fob.
Maximum output for this generator is 9,500 starting watts and 7,500 running watts on gas. On propane, maximum output drops to 8,550 starting watts and 6,750 running watts. The WGen7500DF dual fuel generator has a 6.6 gallon gas tank, which can keep the engine running for 16.5 hours at 25% load, and 11 hours at 50% load. This tank has a built-in gas gauge. Hook up a 25 lb. propane bottle, and you can expect 8 hours of run time at 50% load. Unlike the other dual fuel generators on this list, this model can switch between gas and propane while running.
The WGen7500DF is transfer switch ready, so you can wire it into your home’s electric system for backup power. This generator is also compatible with Westinghouse’s ST smart transfer switch. This switch doesn’t need to be installed by an electrician, nor is it permanent. It has a cable that plugs into a household outlet. When the switch stops receiving power from the outlet, it turns on the generator and sends power to a pair of outlets on the switch. This makes it easy to keep critical appliances up and running.
Westinghouse says this dual fuel generator makes 72 dB of noise, but they don’t state the distance or load used to take this measurement.
The WGen7500DF measures 30.7 x 21.1 x 22.6 inches, and weighs 192 lbs. Wheels and a folding handle are included. There’s also a bottle of oil, an oil funnel, and a tool kit boxed with this generator.
Westinghouse offers a 3 year warranty to consumers, while commercial customers are covered for one year.
3. WEN DF475T Dual Fuel 120V/240V Portable Generator with Electric Start
The WEN DF475T may be light on features, but it’s also light on your wallet. Despite being middle-of-the-pack in output, this is the cheapest dual fuel generator on our list. However, when you buy something by WEN, you don’t have to skimp on build quality or support. They have a solid reputation, and they back their products with one of the largest dealer networks in the country.
This generator has an L14-30R outlet that provides either 120 or 240 volt power, so it can handle large RV air conditioners, as well as regular shore power. There are also two 5-20R household outlets with GFCI protection. This makes it safer to use appliances outdoors, since the circuit will trip if there’s a short. The DF475T also a 12 volt automotive outlet, which is handy for charging batteries and using portable appliances.
Maximum output for this dual fuel generator is 4,750 starting watts and 3,800 running watts on gasoline. Switch to propane, and output drops to 4,350 starting watts and 3,500 running watts. The DF475T has electric start with a backup recoil starter. There is no display for tracking power output or run time, something you’d expect on a generator this size.
The 4 gallon gas tank can keep the engine running for 11 hours at 50% load. Hook up a 20 lb. LPG tank, and you can expect the engine to run for 7 hours. WEN includes a 27 inch hose for connecting propane tanks, and the gas tank has a built-in fuel gauge.
WEN says this dual fuel generator makes 69 dB of noise, but no distance or load is stated for this measurement. There isn’t much sound shielding on this open frame generator, so expect it to be louder in use.
The DF475T measures 23.2 x 17.5 x 18.5 inches and weighs 106 lbs. Wheels and a folding handle are included, although the handle is only wide enough for one hand. There’s plenty of space around the frame rails to lift this generator from the top, making it easy to get up into truck beds.
The WEN DF475T is covered by for two years or 500 operating hours of residential use, or 90 days of commercial use.
4. Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator - 9500 Rated Watts
The Pulsar G12KBN is as powerful as it gets for portable dual fuel generators. While most large gas generators top out at 10,000 watts of starting power, this model makes more than that running on propane. Switch to gasoline, and it can handle spikes up to 12,000 watts, while providing a combination of 240, 120 and 12 volt power.
This dual fuel generator has a 14-50R socket, which is useful for hooking this generator to a transfer switch for home backup power. There’s also an L14-30R socket for RV shore power. Since it offers both 120 and 240 volt electricity, you can use this generator to power large RV air conditioners. Four 5-20R household outlets offer easy access for directly powering appliances. However, there’s no GFCI protection, so you may not want to use this generator for working outdoors. There’s also a 12 volt DC port, which you can use to connect battery charging cables and DC appliances. Since this generator doesn’t have an inverter, you shouldn’t use any of the sockets to power or charge electronic devices.
The G12KBN dual fuel generator has a maximum output of 12,000 starting watts and 9,500 running watts on gasoline. With propane, output tops out at 10,800 starting watts and 8,550 running watts. The 8 gallon fuel tank can keep this generator running for 12 hours at 50% load. This tank has a built-in gauge, so you can keep tabs on fuel usage. Attach a 20 lb. propane tank, and you can expect a run time of 5 hours.
A digital meter on the front panel shows voltage, frequency and operating hours, helping you keep track of the current operating condition, as well as maintenance intervals. The engine has an electric starter with a recoil backup. Pulsar includes a battery, propane hose, spark plug wrench and a couple tools for maintenance.
Noise is rated at 74 dB, but Pulsar doesn’t state the load or distance for this measurement. That said, this is in line with similar hybrid open frame generators operating at 50% load from 20-30 feet away. Expect the G12KBN to be far quieter than an unshielded open frame generator.
The G12KBN weighs 209 lbs. and measures 28.5 x 26 x 25.5 inches. A “mobility kit,” which includes a handle and wheels, comes with this generator.
Pulsar covers the entire generator with a one year warranty, while the engine is covered for two years or 500 operating hours. Commercial use is not covered by this warranty.
5. DuroMax XP10000HX Portable Dual Fuel Generator
The XP10000HX is a high-power, feature-packed dual fuel generator that has everything you need for work, home or RV power. It’s the only generator on our list with a carbon monoxide sensor, and it has GFCI protection for outdoor power safety.
Both the 14-50R and L14-30R outlets provide 120 or 240 volt power., so you can use this generator to power high draw RV air conditioners. There’s also a TT-30R socket, giving you every common socket type used for RV shore power systems. The four household 120 volt outlets have GFCI protection. The circuit breakers built into these outlets trip when there’s a short, making it safer to use appliances in wet outdoor environments.
The XP10000HX makes up to 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts on gasoline. Use propane, and output maxes out at 9,500 starting watts and 7,600 running watts. The 8.2 gallon gas tank can keep the engine running for about 10 ½ hours at 50% load. Connect a 40 lb. propane tank, and you can expect about 8 ½ hours of run time with the same load. A digital meter on the front of the generator lets you keep track of out voltage, frequency and operating hours. This makes it easy to diagnose power problems and keep track of maintenance.
DuroMax says this generator makes 72 dB of noise, but doesn’t include distance or load for this measurement. However, you can expect noise levels to be in line with similar generators in this class.
This dual fuel generator doesn’t meet the PGMA G300-2018 standard for carbon monoxide safety. However it’s the only generator on our list with a carbon monoxide sensor. While you should never run any generator in an enclosed space, this feature will shut off the engine automatically if it detects high levels of CO. The engine has an electric starter with a backup recoil starter. DuroMax includes an oil funnel, plug wrench, tool kit and LPG hose with this generator.
The XP10000HX dual fuel generator measures 30 x 29 x 26 inches and weighs 228 lbs. A kit with wheels and a handle are included.
Residential use of this generator is covered by 3 year warranty. Commercial use is covered by a one year warranty.
6. DuroStar DS10000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator-10000 Watt Electric Start
Don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re experiencing deja vu. DuroStar is a sister brand of DuroMax, and their models share a lot of parts. The Hybrid Elite DS10000EH is in many ways identical to the XP10000HX, but it lacks a few features, making it cheaper. If you don’t need everything the DuroMax offers, you can expect to save 15-20% by buying this model.
The DS10000EH dual fuel generator has a 14-50R outlet for home backup power, and both L14-30 and L5-30 outlets for RV shore power. The 14-50R and L14-30 sockets provide either 120 and 240 volt electricity. This generator also has a pair of GFCI-protected household outlets, giving you short protection for appliances you use outdoors. However, these outlets can only handle a small fraction of this generator’s total output. DuroStar includes cables that connect to the 12 volt DC terminals, letting you use them to charge batteries.
This generator makes 10,000 starting watts, and 8,000 running watts on gasoline. Switch to LPG, and it makes up to 9,500 starting watts and 7,600 running watts. The company claims their MX2 technology doubles 120 volt power for high draw devices. In reality, this dual fuel generator uses two hot wires on the 14-50R and L14-30 sockets in 120 volt mode, just like any other generator.
The engine has an electric starter with a backup recoil starter. An analog volt meter makes it easy to check output, but there’s no way to measure frequency or keep track of operating hours. DuroStar includes an oil funnel and a tool kit with a spark plug wrench with this generator.
The 8.2 gallon gas tank can keep the engine running for about 10 ½ hours at 50% load. Connect a 40 lb. propane tank, and you can expect about 8 ½ hours of run time with the same load. DuroStar says this generator makes 72 dB of noise, but doesn’t include distance or load for this measurement.
This dual fuel generator measures 29 x 30 x 26 inches and weighs 220 lbs. Wheels and folding handle are included.
DuroStar offers a three year warranty for residential users. Commercial users are covered for one year.
7. Champion Power Equipment 100402 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
2,000 watt class generators are a mainstay of tent camping and tailgating, but there are few models out there that can run on propane. The Champion 100402 offers gas and LPG capability in a package that includes inverter power generation and DC charging for smartphones, drones and other small devices. This makes it the perfect companion for your next outdoor adventure. Use two of these generators in parallel, and you have a great low-noise option for RV shore power.
The 100402 dual fuel generator has a pair of household 120 volt outlets, as well as a 12 volt DC automotive socket for low power devices. Champion includes a USB adapter for this port, which has a pair of 2.1 amp USB Type A sockets for fast charging. This generator also supports parallel connections, letting you link it to a second generator for more power. Champion’s ParaLINK supports multiple generator models, letting you can pair this model with any other inverter model from their lineup. The parallel kit has a built-in TT-30R socket for RV shore power. This outlet is built into a base that fits neatly underneath the 100402, with a slot to accommodate the handle on a second generator. This design makes the dual fuel generators stackable, saving space.
The 100402 makes 2,000 starting watts and 1,600 running watts on gasoline. Switch to propane, and you’ll get 1,800 starting watts and 1,440 running watts. The 100402’s 1.1 gallon gas tank keeps the engine running for 11 hours at 25% load. Connect the generator to a 25 lb. propane tank, and it will run for 34 hours. A propane hose is included with this dual fuel generator.
Most generators in this class have no instrumentation. However, this model has a digital display that shows volts, frequency and operating hours. It also has displays for total power output and the fuel level in the gas tank.
The engine is fully enclosed, keeping noise down to a low 53 dB under 25% load, as measured from 23 feet away. The 100402 measures 20.5 x 12.6 x 17 inches, and weighs 48 lbs. There’s no way to add wheels to this generator, but it’s easy to carry, thanks to a large built-in handle.
Champion offers a 3 year warranty on this generator for residential users, and a 270 day warranty for commercial users. The 100402 also comes with lifetime technical support.
What Should I Look for in a Dual Fuel Generator?
All of the dual fuel generators on our list are EPA and CARB certified, and they come with spark arresters. That means you can use them anywhere. They also have low oil warning systems, which shut off the engine before it’s damaged. We also only selected dual fuel generators that have eco modes, adjusting the throttle automatically depending on load. This reduces fuel consumption, engine wear and noise.
One feature usually missing from dual fuel generators is an inverter. This device regulates power coming from the generator, creating a smooth alternating wave form that won’t damage electronics. We’ve found two dual fuel generators with this feature.
Generator output is rated by starting power and running power. Devices with electric motors, including power tools, refrigerators, fans and air conditioners, need more power to start than they do to run. Starting power is the amount of watts the generator can make temporarily for these loads. Running power is the maximum power the generator can handle all the time. Propane doesn’t release as much energy as gasoline, so dual fuel generators have different limits on power output, depending on the fuel you use. Only one generator on this list can switch between fuel types without shutting down.
You can use any propane tank with a dual fuel generator, as long as you have the correct hose and regulator to control gas flow. Most dual fuel generators are designed with 20, 25 and 40 lb. bottles in mind, but you can also connect your home or cabin propane tank to your generator with the right adapters.
Propane is a great choice for backup power, because it doesn’t go stale like gasoline. Generators connected directly to your home must use a transfer switch installed by an electrician. This switch cuts the connection between your home and the grid. Without it, your generator can send power into the grid, potentially electrocuting line workers.
Using a parallel connection, you can link together two generators to act like one. This adds some redundancy, so you still have some power if one generator fails. Using a pair of generators is usually quieter than getting power from one large generator.
Plan on using your generator at high altitudes? Check to see if there is an altitude kit for your generator. This kit has smaller carburetor jets that help match fuel with the lower air density. Most manufacturers recommend installing a kit if you use your generator above an altitude of 3,000 feet.
Never use a generator inside or next to a building. Carbon monoxide gas can be trapped inside the building, leading to death. Plan on buying extension cords to put some distance between your generator and the appliances you’re powering. Household outlets on these generators use 5-20R sockets, which can handle up to 20 amps of power. With the right extension cord, you can draw enough power from this outlet to power several devices.
Due to shipping regulations, electric start models usually don’t include batteries, and many generators don’t come with oil. You’ll need to provide your own when setting up your new equipment.