Dual fuel does not mean bi-fuel. Natural gas has a lower ignition temperature, which is why a dual fuel generator needs to be started on diesel alone.
The Best Dual Fuel Generator Models that Are Worth Your While
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Last Updated: 15 June 2021
There can be a lot of reasons for which you might want to buy the best dual fuel generator. Whether it’s for your home, an RV, or an air conditioner, you need to make sure you’re getting the best power generator your money can buy! The ideal choice should be a continuous source of power, without any issues or interruptions. Much easier said than done! We bet that at one point or another, your generator happened to run out of fuel when you least expected it. Having to drive in the middle of the night, or even worse, in the middle of nowhere, to get fuel can be really frustrating. Most of us have been there once or twice, and this is where the best dual fuel generator comes into play! It can run on both gas and propane, thus ensuring you’ll never run out of power again.
And since this is a big purchase that needs lots of consideration, we’ve engaged in thorough research and extended testing to bring you the Top 10 dual power generators of 2020. Keep on reading for a realistic comparison table, the most frequently asked questions, and your ultimate buyer’s guide!
Home Maker Guide created for informational purposes only. Thus, we neither endorse you in any way to buy specific products in our reviews, nor making you act like it’s written in our guides. We are reserving the rights for you to make your personal decision.
ARCHIE ADAMS
Editor-in-Chief of the Home Maker Guide
TOP 9 Best Dual Fuel Generator: Comparison Chart
Best Overall: Great For Whole House - DuroMax XP12000EH Review
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DuroMax XP12000EH
Also referred to as “The Beast,” the second entry in our list is what you would call a ‘mean machine.’ The DuroMax XP12000EH model is a powerful multi-fuel generator with an impressive peak of 12.000 watts, and an equally great 9.500 running watts capacity. It features extra-long run time, up to 48hrs at a load of 1000W. The OHV 457cc 18 HP engine is a real workhouse, and its electric start along to the backup recoil starter makes it one of the most user-friendly dual fuel portable generators on the market.
If you are looking for a lot of power, let’s say as a backup for a house, this would be the best dual fuel home generator out there. Its retail price is quite reasonable when you come to think of it as a highly reliable long-term investment.
Why We Like It
- Extra-long run time capacity
- Tons of power regardless of the fuel
- Electric start and recoil backup
- Solid and sturdy manufacture
- Wheel kit and pull handle
Good For its Money: Top For Travel Trailers - Champion 3400-Watt RV Ready Review
Champion 3400-Watt RV Ready
Most people wonder about the Champion 3400-Watt dual fuel inverter generator if it’s actually worth its price. From what we’ve come to see so far, Champion Power Equipment only delivers top models, and this one is no exception. It’s equipped with a decent single-cylinder 192cc OHV engine that ensures up to 11 hrs and 30 mins when running at 500W. It’s not only RV ready but also parallel-ready, which means that if you hook it to another Champion bi-fuel portable generator of 2800W or more, you’ll get a solid 50A RV outlet.
If you are looking for a surprisingly quiet dual fuel generator with a great engine and a very decent run time, you should really consider the Champion 3400W. Aside from this, it also retails at a very affordable price.
Why We Like It
- Long run time capacity
- RV ready
- Parallel-ready
- Inverter
- Ultra-quiet – 59 dBa
Remote Start: Westinghouse WGen7500DF Review
Westinghouse WGen7500DF
However, if you are keen on getting a dual fuel generator with remote start, then the Westinghouse WGen7500DF should be the first option on your list. Aside from the remote control, it also features electric start, ton loads of power, regardless of the fuel you’re using. Not many models out there can create enough power when using propane, but with this one, you won’t even notice the drop when switching between fuels. It is overall a great dual fuel RV generator that also features quite a couple of outlets for it.
This one of the best dual fuel generators pretty much sums up all the qualities that more advanced and smarter generator models possess. If you can handle the noise, and you leave in the wilderness, this should be one of your top choices.
Why We Like It
- Remote Start
- Electric Start
- Large fuel tank
- Long run time
- A large number of outlets
Switch & Go: Pulsar Non-CARB 10.000W Review
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Pulsar Non-CARB 10.000W
Much like the name suggests, the 10.000W Non-CARB model from Pulsar is a dual fuel portable generator that can easily switch the source, without requiring you to shut down the engine first. This is a possible courtesy to the Switch & Go technology, which is a pretty rare thing to come across these days. It also offers extended run time and large output capacity. It features 4 power outlets of 120v each, making it easily connectable to a wide variety of household electrical appliances. Compared to any other 10000-watt dual fuel generator, the price at which the Pulsar 10.000W model retails is also quite reasonable and affordable, considering its advanced technological features.
This dual fuel generator remains a great choice if you are looking for stable power supply over long periods. Courtesy to its Switch & Go technology, whenever one fuel tank runs out, you just have to turn a knob, and it will charge from the alternate fuel immediately.
Pros
- Switch & Go technology
- Long run time
- Good fuel efficiency
- Affordable price
Cons
- Non-CARB
- Faulty electrical start
Ultra-Quiet: Sportsman GEN4000DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator Review
Sportsman GEN4000DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
If your budget is not that high, this model of dual fuel generator might be the best option on the market. Despite its ridiculously low price tag, the Sportsman GEN40000DF has quite a lot to offer. On the one hand, there’s the 7 HP engine that might not bring a ton of power to the table, but when running at 3500W, it will be more than sufficient. It features 4 180V outlets, 1 120 RV outlet, and a 1 12V DC one. On top of everything, it can be quite a smooth operator, with only 69 dBa ratings.
You should really give it a chance! Not only can it do a good job, but it’s also safe CARB-compliant, and a truly quiet dual fuel generator.
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Ultra-quiet
- CARB-compliant
- Low oil shutoff
Cons
- No wheels
- Not as powerful as other dual fuel portable generators
Lightweight: Champion 3800W RV Ready Review
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Champion 3800W RV Ready
If you are looking for an extremely light and affordable model that still has a lot of great features and power than the Champion 38000W RV Ready is the best dual fuel generator for you. Several dual fuel generator reviews agree that even if it’s not as powerful as the 7500W model, but with its 4750 peak watts, it can power just about everything in your household. Much like the other great products from Champion, it‘s fully RV ready, through a standard 30A 120V RV outlet.
Weighing around 100 pounds, this is one of the lightest dual fuel generator models you can buy at this price. If you are looking for a decent and trustworthy model that is also cheap and capable, this third entry from Champion should have you covered.
Pros
- RV-ready
- Lightweight
- Double fuel switch
- CARB-compliant
- Affordable price
Cons
- 4 outlets in total
- Not that much run time
Economic Advantage: Champion 4000W DH Series Review
Champion 4000W DH Series
At 3500 running watts, this is a rather powerful yet very quiet entry in the DH series from Champion. It has a very user-friendly control panel built-in, which you will appreciate as soon as you have pulled the cord. But what really makes this the best dual fuel generator for the money it retails for its Economic Mode. Right below the On/Off switch, you will have a switch called “eco,” through which you can enable it. What this actually does - it increases the efficiency of the engine, using less fuel and increasing the run time.
Several dual fuel generator reviews we have checked so far disprove on the items sold separately. But if you consider its power, and more importantly, the Economic Mode feature, in the long run, you will actually end up saving a significant investment with this one.
Pros
- Economic Mode
- Lightweight
- Low noise level, only 69 dBa
- Various outlets
Cons
- Handle sold separately
- Wheel kit sold separately
Easy to Maintain: DuroMax XP4400EH Dual Fuel Generator Review
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DuroMax XP4400EH Dual Fuel Generator
With a 4-gallon fuel tank capacity that can power an engine for about 8 hours at a 50% load, DuroMax XP4400EH is a pretty decent competitor to some of the more advanced models from the mid of our list. Of course, it’s no match for a 12000-watt dual fuel generator, but we must say, this is one of the most user-friendly and easy to maintain products we’ve managed to get our hands-on. It comes equipped with a built-in safety that will monitor the level of oil, and a red LED that will light up when the tank is running low, saving you possibly expensive damage.
This dual fuel generator offers quite a couple of interesting options, and it can surely protect you and your family in case of a power outage. It’s effortless to maintain, move around, and, of course, RV-ready.
Pros
- Easy Maintenance
- High Mobility
- 1-year warranty
- CARB-compliant
- Solid engine protection
Cons
- No remote start
- No built-in hours for usage counter
Double Source Switch: DuroMax XP4850EH Review
DuroMax XP4850EH
We’ll give you this, this last entry in our list is definitely not as powerful as the products reviewed so far. It’s rated at 3850W, with a 4850W peak, running on a 7 HP 196cc air-cooled engine. But it does offer an effortless and smooth transition from gas to propane through the user-friendly Double Fuel Source switch. It’s also one of the lightest dual fuel portable generators out there, weighing around 130 pounds. The same goes for noise level, with a decent 69 dBa rating.
Due to its easy source technology and relatively lightweight, the Duromax XP4850EH is an overall decent product, and a much more affordable one compared to other models. And since it’s also a pretty quiet dual fuel generator fully-RV equipped, it can also constitute a good option for tailgating or camping.
Pros
- Easy fuel switch technology
- Electric Key Start
- Auto-shutoff for low oil levels
Cons
- Less powerful than the rest of the models
- Standard quality tires
Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know about the Best Dual Fuel Generator
There is such a wide variety of dual power generators available on the market that you might find it extremely difficult to decide which one to buy. What it all comes down to is the general purpose of a good generator and your particular needs. Whether you wish to protect your home against power outages, or you simply need more power for household appliances like an electric chainsaw, we have compiled a comprehensive buying guide to help you find the best portable generator for you:
What is a Dual Fuel Generator?
Dual fuel portable generators are handy kits that can provide your home the necessary backup in case of a power emergency such as an outage or an electrical shortage. They work with both gasoline and propane, and they can also be used to power other types of appliances, like, for example, window fans.
How Do Dual Fuel Generators Work?
Also known as hybrid generators, they run gas or propane-powered engines which turn on-board alternators, thus generating provide backup electrical power. They have built-in power outlets that can be plugged to extension cords, appliances, or electric-powered tools such as the best hammer drill models out there.
Advantages of Dual-Fuel Generator?
There are quite a great deal of benefits brought in by the use of a dual fuel electric start generator. Most people, especially if they are mere beginners in matters of generators, tend to buy one or consider the need to buy one as a backup source for their home. But there are quite a couple of advantages that a multi-fuel generator can bring to the table:
- Versatility: if we compare the best small generator of the moment with a 12000-watt dual fuel generator, the latter will bring you a considerably higher level of versatility. This is because you can use not one, but two types of fuel to power it, propane and gas.
- Convenience: you are less likely to run out of two types of fuel, and when this will happen for only one, the remaining fuel will kick in and keep on powering your home.
- Economical: speaking of propane, it is generally much cheaper than gas, and it also burns a lot cleaner. Some of the best dual fuel portable generator models even feature an Economic Mode.
- Easy Maintenance: all of the products currently available on the market offer a limited warranty ranging between 1 and 3 years. This includes top-notch customer service, which can pretty much cover the maintenance part completely.
- Uninterrupted Power Supply: a dual fuel electric start generator is usually equipped with a powerful engine that can run at half or full capacity for hours long. In case of a sudden outtake, or electrical shortage, you’ll get virtually uninterrupted backup power.
- Effectiveness: a dual-fuel generator allows you to choose your preferred type of fuel, depending on your needs and purpose.
Is a Dual Fuel Generator more Efficient than One Fuel Generator?
Of course, as it will allow you to choose what type of fuel to use. Instead of burning fuel out of necessity, a hybrid generator can be quite much more efficient, allowing you to control the way and order in which the fuels are used.
How to Choose the Best Dual Fuel Generator?
The answer to this question relies heavily on what the intended purpose is, and what are your exact needs. Here are a couple of factors that should help you form a pretty good idea on the matter:
- 1 TOP 9 Best Dual Fuel Generator: Comparison Chart
- 1.1 Best Overall: Great For Whole House - DuroMax XP12000EH Review
- 1.2 Good For its Money: Top For Travel Trailers - Champion 3400-Watt RV Ready Review
- 1.3 Remote Start: Westinghouse WGen7500DF Review
- 1.4 Switch & Go: Pulsar Non-CARB 10.000W Review
- 1.5 Ultra-Quiet: Sportsman GEN4000DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator Review
- 1.6 Lightweight: Champion 3800W RV Ready Review
- 1.7 Economic Advantage: Champion 4000W DH Series Review
- 1.8 Easy to Maintain: DuroMax XP4400EH Dual Fuel Generator Review
- 1.9 Double Source Switch: DuroMax XP4850EH Review
- 2 Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know about the Best Dual Fuel Generator
- 3 Verdict and Our Recommendation for 2021
How Do You Plan to Use Your Dual Fuel Generator?
Let’s say that you are about to go camping, and this is the primary purpose for which you intend to use it. In this particular case, you will use it to power an RV. And since you won’t need that much power, you should use propane first. Also, for this particular example, you should consider buying a dual fuel RV generator.
Fuel Storage Temperatures
This is yet another major chapter that plays a significant part when looking for the best dual fuel home generator. Temperature and storage need to be considered, especially by those who prefer using gasoline, as it is much cheaper. But high heat will make it evaporate much faster, and here is where propane can last indefinitely. And there’s a downside to propane too, as temperatures below 40 °F will make it contract and drop the pressure in the fuel tank.
Noise Levels
Some of the best dual power generators we have reviewed and tested feature quite low volume ratings. Ranging between 59 and 74 dBa, models like the Champion 7500-Watt are just a little bit louder than a vacuum cleaner. However, the vast majority reach much higher levels, so this is another thing you will have to look out for when choosing.
Alternative Fuel Capacity
Based on the model, you can mix fuels in different proportions. Generators can use a large variety of gases, but generally, it’s best to start them on diesel alone, since its ignition temperature is much lower than natural gas.
Size
Usually, the power of a product is directly reflected by its size. The larger the multi-fuel generator, the more power and run time it will have. Once again, you should choose according to your needs, and when deciding, you should consider the machine’s total weight and wattage.
Portability
And since we’re talking size, portability is another important factor to play a role in your final decision. Try to anticipate how often you’ll be likely to move the dual fuel home generator to determine if the size of the product will be relevant or not.
Electric Start
This is another important feature that not all of the best portable generator models present. Products that feature an electric start feature are a bit safer than the ones for which you have to pull a cord, especially if you have children playing around the house.
Power Needs
Make sure to choose a product that features several outlets, preferably 4 20A 120V ones for household, 1 or 2 30A 120V RV, and at least 1 USB port.
Safety
Safety should always come first, especially in the case of fuel operating machines. Make sure never to run the tool on an empty oil tank, as this may lead to severe damages. Some models feature built-in safety systems that will warn you in this regard.
Durability Warranty
One thing you can be sure about all of the best dual fuel portable generators is that they are specifically built from sturdy materials, in order to last longer and endure extreme temperatures. Regardless, you should only go for a product that comes with a warranty and full customer service.
Best Dual Fuel Generator Types
Based on the engine structure and configuration, there are two main types of dual power generator, and both of them can be just as efficient when it comes to getting all the power you need:
Conventional Dual Fuel Portable Generator:
These models are pretty much running the same way your car does. Their design is tried and true, and they work quite well in general.
Dual Fuel Inverter Generator:
These are more efficient models than conventional ones. They are a lot quieter, much easier to move and carry along, and overall more fuel-efficient. On the downside, they are not as powerful as the first type, and they can be much more expensive.
Tips
Our first and most important tip is related to safety. Aside from the particular systems, a product may include, when it comes to installing it, you might want to avoid the temptation of doing it yourself. These are all pretty complicated, particularly the dual fuel home generator ones, so the best thing to do would be to consult a professional.
Then we’d recommend checking out those models that are more powerful, but also have useful features and systems, such as the electric start, or the Economic System. These can seriously make your life easier, especially during power outages.
Lastly, we’d advise changing the oil of your hybrid generator after every 100hrs of use. It will keep the engine up & running and increase the machine’s lifespan.
Verdict and Our Recommendation for 2021
It’s been a long ride and, we, at homemakerguide.com, hope it is just as exciting and educative for you as it was for us in the process of making it happen. The top products of the moment have been reviewed in detail, and all their intricacies and particularities revealed. We can only imagine what the future might hold for dual fuel portable generators, perhaps more fuel options, easier controls, and a higher level of safety. But right now, it’s time to draw a line and crown the best dual fuel generator of today, the DuroMax XP12000EH! Despite its great competition, it’s safe to say that this model is as perfect as it gets!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Propane generators are not as efficient as gas ones. They produce fewer BTUs per fuel gallon, but since propane burns a lot cleaner than gasoline, in the end, it will turn out cheaper and more recommended for the environment and your dual fuel portable generator.
Most household appliances will usually require between 3000W and 6000-6500W. At 2000W, you are most likely to be able to power a 500W deep freezer plus one of the stove’s elements.
Yes, this is a cool feature of advanced dual fuel portable generators that allows you to switch from one type of fuel to the other without having to power off the machine.
Yes, but for this, you would need a 7500W model or higher. It would be powerful enough to sustain absolutely all of the appliances from your home, except for the heat and air conditioning. To cover the whole thing, a 12000-watt dual fuel generator should do the trick!
PRODUCTS TESTED BY HomeMakerGuide
How We Tested
For the past two weeks out dedicated homemakerguide.com researchers have gone through dozens of reviews, expert opinions, and hundreds of testimonials, and came up with the Top 10 contenders. After this, our testers have allocated 24 hours to each product in part, making sure to check absolutely all essential features and characteristics, in order to determine our No. 1.
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