Generators are a great investment because they can come in handy at the most unexpected of times. A power cut straight after you’ve stocked up on frozen food?
No need to worry, just switch on the backup generator. Your partner wants to go camping but you can’t bear to be away from electricity? No worries, just pack your portable generator.
The list of things a generator can provide power to is endless, and you’re guaranteed to get your money out of it in no time.
But if you are looking to buy a generator, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many different types of generators available and it can be hard to decide which type and which size is the best for you.
Today we’re looking specifically at dual fuel generators with this handy guide to the best dual fuel generators on the market.
It’s packed full of all the information you could ever need to know about dual fuel generators and has loads of recommendations for the best options on the market.
So if you are interested in buying a dual fuel generator, you are definitely in the right place.
In a hurry?
If you need a dual fuel generator in a hurry, we’d recommend buying the Champion 76533 4750/3800 watt generator.
As well as being compatible with both gasoline and propane, this device is packed with wonderful features which we believe make it the best on the market, including:
- Peak performance of 4750W (gas) and 4,275W (propane) with running power of 3,800W (gas) and 3,420W (propane).
- It is powered by a 244cc Champion engine for excellent performance with an electric start and a toggle switch included.
- It comes with Champion’s Intelligauge display which allows you to track performance and measure the output of the device, letting you know when you need to refuel.
- It comes with a trust volt guard and built-in surge protection which prevents overloads and protects your generator and the devices being powered by it.
OUR TOP PICK
Our favorite dual fuel generator on the market is the Champion 76533 4750/3800 watt generator. Champion is one of the biggest manufacturers of generators on the market, and its 76533 model does not disappoint.
This device does not have the biggest power output of the options on this list, but it provides more than enough power for all the activities you would need a generator for.
This device has a surge of 4,750W on gasoline and 4,275W on propane with running power of 3,900W (gas) and 3,420W (propane). Both the surge power and running power on this generator is enough to start up and operate the majority of household items.
As well as being very powerful, this device comes with a variety of great features. From its low oil shutoff sensor which shuts the device down if you are low on oil to prevent fires and damage.
To its intelligauge display which allows you to track the voltage, hertz, and performance time of the device as well as the power output and fuel usage of the device.
This allows you to monitor exactly how your device is performing, and also know when you need to refuel so that you will never run out.
With all these wonderful features and an electric start, it’s clear why we’ve ranked this option the best on the market.
Pros
- Surge power of 4750W (gas) and 4275W (propane)
- Running power of 3900W (gas) and 3420W (propane)
- Ready to operate straight out of the box
- Holds 0.6quarts of oil with low oil shutoff sensor in-built
- Intelligauge display allows you to track and monitor performance and output
- Built-in surge protector to prevent overloads
Cons
- No notable drawbacks
EDITORS CHOICE
We also love the Westinghouse WGen9500DF generator.
This device is the most powerful of the options that we’ve looked at and is the perfect choice if you want a generator that can power your entire home or if you are looking for one for a building site.
The WGen9500DF has a surge power of 12,500W when operating on gas, and 11,200W on propane.
As well as an incredibly powerful surge, this device also has a running power of 9,500W on gas and 8,500W on propane which provides more power than you will ever need.
Not only is this device powerful, but it is also incredibly easy to use. It has a variety of different starting options, including the classic recoil start, an electric start option, and even a remote start option which allows you to start the generator even if you are away from it, with the simple click of a button.
It has an easy to read fuel gauge which allows you to monitor when you need to fill up and even comes with rubber safety covers for all of the outputs on the device.
With a variety of different connection options and an endless amount of power, there’s no question that this is one of the best options available.
Pros
- Surge power of 12,500W (gas) and 11,200W (propane)
- Running power of 9,500W (gas) and 8,500W (propane)
- Remote start with key fob included
- Recoil or electric start options
- Rubber covers on all outlets for safety
- Minimal assembly required
Cons
- No notable drawbacks
BEST VALUE
Another excellent option is the Pulsar G12-KBN-SG generator. This device is also a powerful one, and almost matches the power output of the Westinghouse device.
This device comes with a surge power of 12,000W on gas, and 10,800 on propane with a running power of 9,500W (gas) and 8,500W (propane).
This device is great for use as a backup home generator or for power tools on a building site, however, if you love the sound of this but don’t want a generator of this size, it is also available in a 6,500W and a 10,000W model.
Similarly to the last two products that we’ve looked at, this device by Pulsar has an electric start option making it incredibly easy to use.
It also has an incredibly powerful engine, with a 457cc single-cylinder 4-stroke air-cooled OHV engine.
Additionally, it is built to last and is incredibly durable with a powder-coated frame to protect it against the elements.
This device has a variety of different output options and can run for more than 12 hours at half load, providing you with more than enough power to last through an outage.
With all these wonderful features, it is obvious that this is one of the best options on the market.
Pros
- Surge power of 12,000W (gas) and 10,800W (propane)
- Running power of 9,500W (gas) and 8,500W (propane)
- Electric start
- Durable build with powder coated frame
- Powerful 457cc engine
- Available in 12,000W, 10,000W and 6,500W model
Cons
- Performs more effectively with gas
RUNNER UP
You should also consider the Duromax XP5500EH generator.
Now we are moving back onto the less powerful generators, but similarly, to the Champion model, this option by Duromax has more than enough power to provide electricity to your home appliances.
This device has a surge output of 5,500W and a running power of 4,500W which is more than enough to get even the most power-heavy of devices running.
This device comes with everything you need to get set up, including an oil funnel, spark plug wrench, and tool kit.
It also comes with a wheel and handles kit allowing you to easily make this device portable if you want to take it on the go with you.
It also has the ability to perform at both 120V and 240V simultaneously or it can perform on full power at 120V. The XP5500EH has an incredibly quiet operating noise of 69 decibels and even comes with an electric start button for minimal noise.
With all of this consideration, it is clear that this is one of the best options available.
Pros
- 5,500W surge and 4,500W running power
- Electric start
- Wheels and handle kit included for portability
- Quiet when in use - 69dB
- Can operate at 120V and 240V simultaneously or at 120V only on full power
- Capable of handling heavy loads
Cons
- Warranty protection isn’t that great
RUNNER UP
Finally, you shouldn’t disregard the A-iPower SUA2000iD portable generator. Of all the devices on this list, this is the best option if you want a generator that is easily portable.
But despite its size, this device still has a power output of 2,000W surge and 1,600W running on gas.
Alternatively, it has a surge of 1,800W and a running power of 1,500W when using propane. Both of which are more than you should ever need from a portable generator.
However, if you want more power, this device is also available in a 4,000W model.
Moving back to its portability, this device has an incredibly small build of 23.8 x 19.2 x 22 inches and weighs only 55 pounds.
It also comes with parallel cables that allow you to connect this generator to one that is identical to it and double the power output.
It produces clean and safe power which can be used with the most sensitive electronics and is incredibly quiet with an operating noise of 52dB.
With all of this considered, there really is no question that this is a great option if you are looking for a portable dual-fuel generator.
Pros
- Surge power of 2,000W (gas) and 1,800W (propane)
- Running power of 1,600W (gas) and 1,500W (propane)
- Allows for clean and safe power for sensitive electronics
- Parallel cables included allowing you to connect more than one unit to each other
- Lightweight and easily portable
- Quiet operation of 52dB
Cons
- The screws can be difficult to remove in order to add oil to the device
Best Dual Fuel Generators Buying Guide
Buying a generator is not as easy as it sounds. There are so many options available, and so many things that you need to consider to ensure you buy the option that is best for you.
But there’s no need to worry because we’ve put together this handy buyer’s guide which is full of all the information you need to know about dual fuel generators.
The products we’ve looked at in this guide are some of the best available, but if you want to find out more before making a purchase, you’re in the right place.
Why buy a dual fuel generator?
You might be asking yourself ‘why should I buy a dual fuel generator?’ and we’re going to tell you why.
It might seem easier to just buy a generator that is powered by either gas or propane, but it is a much better choice to buy a dual fuel generator.
They give you so much more flexibility and are much more reliable as you can switch the fuel type depending on what you have available. This is particularly important in times of emergency.
Gasoline can, on occasion, become difficult to source, whereas propane is readily available. So by buying a dual fuel generator it allows you to switch to whichever you can get and reduces the risk of you ever being unable to power your generator.
It offers peace of mind, that in the event of an earthquake or a hurricane, which does happen fairly often in the USA, you will be able to use propane to power your generator even if there is a disruption to the gasoline supply.
Portability
You should also consider how important portability is to you. This will heavily depend on how you plan on using the device and will also probably be impacted by how powerful a generator you buy.
The majority of portable generators are smaller in size and in turn produce less power. However, the main reason you will want a portable generator is if you are using it to go camping or with an RV.
A smaller generator will be more than capable to provide power in both of these scenarios so there is no need to worry. Another reason you may want a portable generator is if you are doing work on a building site.
In this case, you will probably want a more powerful generator, which does make it more difficult to find one. However, some powerful generators do come with the ability to be made portable, but you should bear in mind that these will be more difficult to move about than smaller generators would be.
The importance of portability will depend on your situation, so you should consider all of your options before you make a purchase.
Power
Finally, you should consider the power output of the generator. Even the smallest of generators usually have enough power to provide electricity to the majority of household appliances, however, they will be unable to power them all simultaneously.
The most popular Watts rating of the generator is probably the models that output approximately 4,000/5,000 as they offer the perfect balance between big and small.
If you only want to use the generator occasionally, for example on camping trips, a small generator will be able to do the job. However, if you want a device that will be able to supply electricity to your home in the case of a power outage, you will want a generator that exceeds 7,500 running Watts.
Similarly, if you are using a generator on a building site, a smaller generator will be able to supply energy to one power tool, but if you want to be able to operate multiple simultaneously, a more powerful generator would be more appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dual fuel generator?
Dual Fuel generators are the same as a normal generator, except they have the capability to be powered by either gasoline or propane. Some dual fuel generators can even be powered by diesel, however, gasoline and propane are the most common.
Dual Fuel generators are a popular choice because they give you a lot more freedom and can be more reliable.
If you are unable to source gasoline for your generator you can use propane, and vice versa. This is always good as generators are most commonly used in times of emergency, so if you are unable to get hold of the fuel that you normally use, you can easily switch to the other.
Are propane generators quieter than gas?
As dual fuel generators can be fueled by either propane or gas, it can be difficult to tell which performs quieter.
However, propane generators do tend to perform quieter than gasoline generators as they are clean burning.
So, if you want your dual fuel generator to perform quieter, it might be a better choice to use propane as the fuel rather than gasoline to fuel it.
Can a whole house generator be dual fuel?
Yes, dual fuel generators come in all different sizes, and there are many different types available that are large enough to power your whole home.
In order to power your whole home on the generator, in a power outage, you should buy a generator which exceeds 7,500W running power.
However, if you want to keep everything running in your home, bigger is better so you should buy as powerful a generator as possible for the best results.
Want To Read More?
Jeremiah Pike
I'm an environment and energy blogger who teaches outdoor and energy enthusiasts how to be better informed when it comes to purchasing or maintaining a generator, solar panel system, or anything else related to your energy needs.