When it comes to energy, there is a big benefit in today’s world – you can use electricity for pretty much everything, saving you potential costs on fuel. However, what can you do when there’s a power outage and you need electricity for certain appliances? Well, the best dual fuel generators can help you out.
A dual fuel generator can give you the power that you need, and the coolest thing is that you can take advantage of two types of fuel with it: gasoline and propane. So, you can use whichever is more convenient or fits your budget.
There are many great options available on the market right now, but it might be hard to pick one unless you know what to look for in such a unit. Knowing that we prepared some dual fuel generator reviews, as well as a buying guide, to make sure you don’t end up with the wrong product. Without further ado, let’s see what these units can bring into your life.
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Why Would Someone Need a Dual Fuel Generator?
Now, you might ask yourself “Why would I ever need a dual fuel generator?”. Especially if you rarely have power outages, purchasing such a unit might not be on your list. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So, here are a few reasons why you might need such a generator:
Uninterrupted Power
Have you ever dealt with an annoying situation when you were left with no electric power whatsoever? A power outage can be problematic, not necessarily because you cannot spend hours on your computer anymore, but because it puts your food from the fridge at risk of going bad, for example. You don’t want to waste food after all, do you?
That’s why you can avoid this issue by having a dual fuel generator. You don’t need electricity to make it run and provide you with the power you need. It requires either gasoline or propane to generate energy, so you can run whatever appliance you want. You will just have to spend money on fuel but other than that, it will be an uninterrupted source of power, working as a whole house generator.
Effectiveness
Believe it or not, but these units can be just as efficient as actual electricity, especially if you make sure to buy a good model. Because of their capacity, they can generate a good amount of power, being effective when it comes to allowing your fridge and other such appliances to work during an electricity problem. Of course, effectiveness is shown by the maximum wattage and runtime of each product.
However, these units can run for hours, most of them going as far as running up to 10 hours if they have enough fuel in the tank.
Versatility
What’s so great about these generators is their versatility. Unlike a normal generator, these can work with two different types of fuels, respectively gasoline and propane. So, you have two options to choose from depending on which is the most convenient one for you. This versatility makes it a great choice for multiple types of people. Taking this into account, you will certainly not regret investing in it.
Maintenance
The cool thing with dual fuel generators is that they are not only economical but also quite easy to maintain. As most models are portable, they can be easily taken for repairs if something happens to them. Furthermore, they are much cheaper when it comes to things such as repairs and site maintenance. To sum up, it is mainly easy to maintain a dual fuel generator.
Durability
Durability is one of the most important aspects of every type of unit, and dual fuel generators don’t lack it. They are manufactured from sturdy materials, thus ensuring a long-lasting experience.
Considering these units are often used in areas with rough weather conditions, like those more prone to blizzards, hurricanes, and anything of the sort, brands give it their best to come up with high-quality products. That’s why you will that these units are solidly built. Most of them have strong materials and a sturdy frame.
Best Dual Fuel Generators Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Champion Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator |
| View On Amazon | |
Rainier R12000DF Dual Fuel (Gas and Propane) Portable Generator |
| View On Amazon | |
Pulsar PG10000B16 Portable Dual Fuel Generator |
| View On Amazon | |
Champion Dual Fuel Portable Generator |
| View On Amazon | |
DuroMax XP4850EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator |
| View On Amazon | |
Fortress Hybrid Dual Fuel Generator |
| View On Amazon |
Best Dual Fuel Generators – Top Picks
1. Champion Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator
Aside from being a good option when there’s a power outage, this dual fuel generator also has an electric start. There is a push-button electric start, and there’s a battery included for it. Besides, there are 4750 starting watts, as well as 3800 running watts.
You will get power for a good amount of time with both fuels. With a full tank of gas, the unit can run for 9 hours, whereas with a 20 lb. propane tank, you will have the energy for up to 10.5 hours. What’s also amazing is that it has 120V 30A RV, 120V 30A locking, and two 120V 20A household outlets, all secured by Volt Guard. As a result, there will be no power surges from your appliances.
The unit has a wheel diameter of 8.0 inches, and it’s easy to transport from a place to another when you need to store it or use it.
Pros:
- Can run on propane or gas as soon as you take it out of the box
- 3-year limited warranty
- Has an electric start
- Safety fuel selector switch
- Household outlets secured by Volt Guard
- Reliable 224cc Champion engine
- 0” diameter wheels
Cons
- Can be a little loud
2. Rainier R12000DF Dual Fuel (Gas and Propane) Portable Generator
If you need something that starts easily, then this dual fuel generator from Rainier is more than suitable. It has an electric start, powered by a one-touch power switch with a back-up recoil start.
On gasoline, this unit has 12,000 peak watts and 9,500 running watts. Meanwhile, on propane, it has 10,800 peak watts and 8,550 running watts. There is also a 6.6-gallon fuel tank, so you can get just the right amount of fuel whenever you need power. It has a fuel gauge and an automatic low oil shutdown as well.
What’s even better is that you get a VTF display, which shows you the frequency, volts and lifetime hours. A full control panel has been added too. It has two 5-20R 120V 20A GFCI household outlets, an L14-30R 120V 30A outlet, an L5-30R 120V 30A outlet, and a 14-50R 120/240V 50A outlet. Moreover, there are two grounding ports within the unit.
Pros:
- It can operate quietly
- At 25% load, it has up to 17 hours of run time
- 3-year limited warranty
- VTF display and full control panel included
- Foam grip handles and wheel kit included
Cons:
- The starter switch might not work properly anymore after a while
3. Pulsar PG10000B16 Portable Dual Fuel Generator
When it comes to a dual fuel generator, one thing is sure – it needs to be powerful enough. Thankfully, this Pulsar unit doesn’t lack the power that you need. You will be helped by a 420cc, 4-stroke, OHV, air-cooled engine, which will do an amazing job whenever you need extra power.
In order to make sure you get power for a good amount of time, this dual fuel generator can operate for up to 12 hours if the tank is half-loaded with gasoline. The tank has a 6.6-gallon capacity. Additionally, there is a switch & go technology that allows for easy transition between LPG and gasoline fuel sources while the machine still operates.
The engine will be safe at all times as there is a power-coated steel frame protecting the inside of the generator. You will also have an electric push start with recoil backup.
Pros:
- Strong, durable powder-coated steel frame to protect the engine
- Can run for a good amount of time, up to 12 hours
- Easy switch & go technology
- Comes with a propane hose
- Has multiple convenient outlets
Cons:
- There may be power fluctuations that don’t allow the unit to work consistently
4. Champion Dual Fuel Portable Generator
This generator does a great job when it comes to producing the energy you need. With an electric start and a battery included, this will be more than enough when you’re left without electricity for a while.
The product can operate on both fuels as soon as it’s out of the box. On propane, it has 8,400 starting watts and 6,750 running watts. Meanwhile, on gasoline, it has 9,375 starting watts and 7,500 running watts.
What we liked was the ability to keep track of the run-time hours, hertz, and voltage. Also, it can hold 1.2 quarts of oil, while having a low oil shut-off sensor for safety. The oil will be included with the product.
Pros:
- Can easily track voltage, run-time hours and hertz
- Powerful unit
- Comes with a 3-year limited warranty
- Battery included
- Easy electric start
- Can hold 1.2 quarts of oil
- It has a tubular steel frame for durability and more protection
Cons:
- It can be quite noisy at times
5. DuroMax XP4850EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
You need enough power from a generator, especially when there’s an outage and you can’t afford to run on little energy, or inconsistent one. Well, DuroMax made a suitable generator in this regard, as it can offer plenty of power whenever you need it. It can have 4,850 starting watts and 3,850 running watts. Thanks to that, you can use it for a refrigerator, lights, air conditioner, and many other appliances.
We loved how good it is at protecting its motor. Because it was designed with a low-oil shutoff sensor, it has the ability to keep the motor safe by preventing the unit from running on low oil.
The build is very sturdy and makes sure the unit is durable and will run for a long time to come. Not to mention that it can give you some reliable and clean starts when using propane.
Pros:
- It has a cleaner-burning, thus not harming the engine
- A powerful generator that can be used for multiple appliances
- Low-oil shutoff sensor for motor protection
- Sturdy construction
- Clean, reliable starts with propane fuel
Cons:
- Some models may have their engines stop working after a while, even if you hear propane moving and can smell it coming out.
6. Fortress Hybrid Dual Fuel Generator
This Fortress Hybrid generator is amazing, and one of the reasons for this is the heavy-duty steel frame. It is very durable and can protect the inside of the generator from potential damage. On top of that, there are fully isolated motor mounts for smooth and quiet operation too. So, you can enjoy your time without being disturbed by any engine sound, which is great.
Starting it is very easy, as the product comes with an electric key to allow this to happen. Also, there is a power panel that has a voltmeter, power outlets, a circuit breaker, and an engine shutoff.
The engine is air-cooled for better performance overall, and it can run up to 10 hours on gasoline at ½-load. Conversely, it can run up to 10 hours on propane at 1/2-load on a 20-pound tank.
Pros:
- Can run for a good amount of time
- Quiet operation
- Sturdy construction
- Easy start thanks to an electric key
- Power panel included
Cons
- The oil fill is too far back under the generator
7. Sportsman GEN4000DF Dual Fuel Powered Portable Generator
The great thing with this generator is its portability. Because it’s a portable unit, it is easy to carry from a place to another. This is what makes it a great choice while you’re on the road and need to run the RV. At the same time, it is suitable to use for house appliances during a power outage.
On gasoline, the Sportsman dual fuel generator can run for 10 hours if the 3.6-gallon talk is gull of gasoline. When you’re using propane, then the 20lbs. LP cylinder will allow the unit to run for 12 hours.
There is a 5-foot propane fuel hose with a regulator, for your convenience. And what’s even better is the quiet operation – if you don’t like noise or want to focus on your daily chores, you have no reason to worry, as the engine is very quiet.
Pros:
- It can work quietly
- Comes with a 5-foot propane fuel hose with a regulator
- Can run for 10 hours on gasoline and 12 hours on propane
- Portable unit, easy to take on the road or use during an outage
- Affordable and flexible
Cons:
- Can be a little too heavy
8. Westinghouse WGen7500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Westinghouse designed this amazing portable generator, which is great when you’re out of power and need another way to get energy. The unit has a remote start key gob, making it easy to start when you have an issue. Added to that, there are an oil funnel, 12V battery charger, a user’s manual and a tool kit.
It has a powerful engine, respectively a 420cc 4-stroke OHV one that has a long-lasting cast iron. In addition, there is an automatic low-oil shutdown and a digital hour meter. They will help you stay safe and also ensure the unit will function properly for many years.
On gasoline, the generator has 7,500 rated watts and 9,000 peak watts. On propane, it has 6,750 rated watts and 8,550 peak watts. The fuel tank has 6.6 gallons, spacious enough to fit enough fuel for many hours.
Pros:
- Easy to start with the remote start key fob
- Powerful engine
- Comes with everything that it needs for proper operation
- Low-oil automatic shutoff for safety
- Spacious fuel tank
- It’s backed by a 3-year limited service
Cons:
- The wheels are pretty cheap and may not last for too long
Dual Fuel Generators – Disadvantages They Come with
Although there are numerous benefits that come with a dual fuel generator, you will often have a few drawbacks too. For example, one of the drawbacks happens when the unit is running on propane. If you use propane, then it will have a slightly lower power input.
Also, another disadvantage of dual fuel generators is the fact that they can be a little heavier. When you’re using them on propane, they have to stay connected with a propane tank, which makes them much heavier. This makes them a little less portable, which can be quite annoying when you need to transport the unit.
Some units can also be a little loud. Of course, it depends on the brand and multiple other factors, but if you purchase a cheaply made product, you risk having to deal with a lot of noise, which isn’t too pleasant. That’s why you need to look for one that will not produce a lot of noise and is more of a high-quality quiet portable generator.
The gasoline usage of the unit can bring a little disadvantage as well. Basically, if you want to store your generator without using it for a whole month, then you need to run the tank dry if using it with gasoline. This fuel, especially ethanol E10, tends to dry the air a lot, becoming more corrosive to brass, aluminum, and others. It’s not the best thing in humid climates, so make sure you run the tank dry if you have plans of storing the machine for a month.
Differences Between Conventional and Inverter Dual Fuel Generators
If you’re looking for something to provide you with power during an outage, then you probably already searched for options. Most likely, you stumbled upon two options: conventional generators and inverter generators. As such, you most likely asked yourself what differences there are between the two. You’re not to blame, after all, since the goal is finding the most suitable option.
Well, here are a few differences between conventional and inverter dual fuel generators:
Noise
A top-rated inverter generator will normally be less noisy compared to a conventional generator. This is because inverters come with built-in special mufflers, as well as sound-dampening technology. This helps them operate more quietly in general. Compared to these, conventional generators tend to be a little noisier, due to the heavy load, which causes the engine to throttle up.
Price
Unlike inverter generators, conventional ones are often the more pocket-friendly option. When you need a lot of power, conventional generators will be much more affordable. Due to working on newer technology and having a lot of advantages, inverter units will be pricier.
Emissions
In every state, there are specific regulations when it comes to the accepted amount of greenhouse gas emissions from a generator. Depending on where you use the unit, some regulations can be quite strict. Inverter generators thankfully don’t produce a lot of greenhouse emissions. They are more environmentally friendly. Conventional generators that have fewer greenhouse emissions are a little harder to find.
Portability
In terms of portability, both conventional and inverter generators can be portable. However, among the two, conventional ones can be less portable, due to the fuel tank. Because they have a large fuel tank, they will be harder to move around, as they are bigger and heavier overall. For portability, you will notice that these units often have handles and wheels. As for inverter generators, they are much smaller and have less weight as they don’t have huge engines. Because most models have less than 100 pounds, they are easier to carry around.
Power Output
It’s known that inverter generators are a little less powerful than conventional generators. As such, they have a limited maximum output. In general, they have a rating between 1,000 and 4,000 watts. On the other hand, conventional generators can generate way more power, going from 500 watts to up to 50,000 watts and even higher, depending on the model. They are much better in this regard if you need more power.
Current
Another difference between these types of generators comes with the current they produce. For instance, conventional generators will usually have a messier sine wave, as they only produce AC electricity. They are suitable to use for most electrical appliances. However, they tend to cause harmonic distortion, which can be harmful if you have sensitive devices that you use with it. Conversely, inverter generators will produce electricity in 3 phases, respectively high-frequency AC to DC and back to a stable AC. The cool thing with these is that there is less harmonic distortion, making them safer to use with multiple appliances, even more sensitive ones.
Parallel Connections
To make up for the lower power output they come with, inverter generators will usually allow parallel connections. This makes two separate inverter generators of the same model able to be connected, so they can offer a double amount of power. As conventional ones are less portable and more powerful, they do not offer a parallel connection.
What You Should Keep in Mind when Purchasing a Dual Fuel Generator
When you’re looking for a dual fuel generator, there should be a few features to keep in mind, particularly if you don’t want to end up with the wrong model. Well, let’s take a look at the features you should consider.
Needs and Intention
Before starting your hunt for the best dual fuel generator, you have to establish why you need one in the first place. List all the reasons that you would use the generator for, no matter what they are. Is it for situations when you’re left without electricity during an outage, or you’re planning to use them for camping or outdoor activities? You have to look at all of these and determine whether you should purchase a unit like this or not.
Power and Size
When looking for such a generator, you cannot overlook the size. In general, dual fuel generators will be larger, mostly because of the fuel tank. In any case, large models are probably the best ones anyway. At the same time, it doesn’t mean you cannot find one that is smaller yet still has amazing features.
When you look for a generator like this, consider the weight, portability and total wattage. These are more important, with generators of any size.
Runtime
The runtime is a very important consideration, especially if you want to ensure you will get enough power throughout the entire outage you are possibly dealing with. Well, runtimes depend on the amount of fuel in the tank, so the tank size will affect the runtime as well. Most good models have a runtime of up to 10 hours if you use enough fuel. It goes for both gasoline and propane. Therefore, make sure you look for a model that has a long enough runtime so it doesn’t stop when you need it the most.
Control Panel
The cool thing with a lot of dual-fuel generators is the fact that they come with control panels. This will allow for easier control while the unit operates, making sure you get the best performance. In addition, control panels will sometimes offer you a way to see the amount of fuel in the tank and some other things, so you know what settings to make according to that. Therefore, you should consider a dual fuel generator that has a control panel.
Noise Level
Another important consideration is the noise level of the unit. It’s ideal to look for one that is quiet. While it may be hard due to the engine and overall operation of the machine, you should be able to find one that’s less noisy than the average generator. Check customer reviews to find out how it performs in the noise department.
Automatic Controls and Safety
Since safety should always come first, you need to consider this aspect. Basically, a lot of these generators tend to produce fumes, and because of that, you need enough space and an open location to run the generator. It shouldn’t be kept inside a garage or your house, because the fumes can even be fatal.
In addition, you should look for a generator with a cutoff switch. This will make it stop working in case you forget to check the oil. So, if there’s low oil or it overheats, the unit should automatically shut off.
Weight and Portability
Most of these units are very heavy and less portable. Even if they have wheels and handles, a big tank will make them harder to move. Depending on how often you need to transport the product, you must consider the weight and portability. Look for a less heavy one if you need to use it for camping or other activities away from home.
Fuel Type
As the name suggests, there are 2 types of fuel for dual fuel generators. You can use gasoline or propane, but which one should you pick? Well, it all depends on which one is the most convenient option for you. Gas can be a good option if you need to run multiple appliances at once. But it can be risky in case of spillages, and it has a limited shelf life as well. Propane, on the other hand, is cheaper and cleaner too, but it’s nonrenewable and doesn’t perform well in cold weather.
Therefore, consider all pros and cons before settling for a type of fuel. Also, if you’re looking for something more eco-friendly, you can always go for the best solar generator.
Dual Fuel Generators FAQ
Let’s take a look at some commonly asked questions about these units.
- Are dual fuel generators safe for things such as computers or other sensitive electronics?
Well, it all depends on the specific generator. You have to check the specifications of the product, which tells you about what type of output the unit uses. If there is AC output as the pure sine wave, then you can use it for pretty much anything. If not, then keep your sensitive electronics away from it.
- Can I safely use dual fuel generators outdoors?
Yes, you can, but it depends on the model. On average, though, most dual fuel generators are suitable for outdoor use.
- Can I lower the noise of my dual fuel generator?
Keeping your unit elevated may reduce the amount of noise your generator produces. It may not rid you of all the noise but will minimize it.
Wrap Up
Ending up with the best dual fuel generators will make sure that you never have to stay power-less during an outage or a road trip. It’s easy to use any of the preferred fuels with them, making them perfect when you cannot use electricity.
If you were looking for such a unit, then we hope that one of the dual fuel generator reviews has revealed a product that sparked your interest. But if you’d rather look for another model, then make sure to check the other guides on other generator types we have prepared for you, as they will help you find a worthy product to invest in.