Last updated on January 29th, 2024
Best Dual Fuel Generators – Comprehensive Buyers Guide
Table of Contents
Dual-fuel generators, also called hybrids, can run on two types of fuel, usually gasoline and propane or sometimes natural gas. Having both options offers more flexibility in operational costs, run time and storage.
Table of Best Dual Fuel Generators
Gasoline is the standard fuel type for generators but there are certain disadvantages – difficult to store, subject to price fluctuations – that propane does not have. Propane is often cheaper which lowers your running costs, it can be stored indefinitely and even reduces the noise level of the machine.
For some, having a longer total run time is already enough reason to get a dual fuel generator. Depending on the model, you can seamlessly switch between fuel supplies which drastically extends how long you can keep the generator running before you need to shut it down for refueling.
Here are ten of the best hybrid generators, ranging from lower output inverters to more heavy duty models. Which one meets your power needs?
1. Champion 7500-Watt Dual Fuel
Champion generators are popular in general but this mid-size dual fuel model in particular has earned lots of positive reviews. It has 7500 watts continuous on gasoline and 6750 watts on propane.
This is a user-friendly model with an electrical starter and also cold start technology so that it does not fail in colder climates. The Intelligauge on the control panel also keeps it easy to monitor as it shows the run time, voltage, output and even maintenance reminders.
Run time is decent but it is less than many other models available on the market. On the other hand, this is also one of the larger engines featured so keep that in mind when considering what you can hook up to it during that shorter time period.
Pros and Cons
- Intelligauge
- Easy to start
- Loud
- Average run time
- Dual Fuel – Operate your 7500-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the...
- Electric start – Power up the 439cc Champion engine with the handy toggle switch, battery included
2. Pulsar 10,000 Watt with Switch & Go Technology
This Pulsar model offers big output with a long run time and even instant changing of fuel source without having to turn the engine off first thanks to the Switch & Go technology. Whenever one of the fuel tanks is running out, you can simply turn the knob and change to the alternate fuel.
This is a great source if you need a stable power supply for a long period of time since this Pulsar can keep going for 12 hours on either gasoline or propane at a half load. There are also 4 120v power outlets so you can plug in plenty electrical appliances at the same time.
This product comes at a decent price for its capacity and technological features making it one of the best value for money options on this list.
Pros and Cons
- Good fuel efficiency and run time
- Value for money
- Unstable output
- Chance of faulty electrical start
- 10, 000W peak 8000W rated (gas)/ 9000W peak 7000W rated (LPG)
- The powerful 420cc, 4-stroke, OHV, air cooled Engine is protected by a durable powder coated Steel frame
3. DuroMax XP1200EH with Push Start
This ‘Beast’ is built for heavy duty use with a durable steel frame, all terrain tires, high output and an MX2 switch that can double the 120-volt amperage for big loads. If you need a portable generator powerful enough as a whole house solution or reliable enough for a construction site, then this is the model for you.
This machine provides peak power of 12,000 watts on gasoline and not far behind comes the peak power of 11,400 watts on propane. Considering its high capacity, the run time is quite decent with nearly 9 hours and over 7 hours, respectively.
The downside is that you would expect more outlets for this amount of power but there is the benefit of being able to run on both 120 volts and 240 volts simultaneously.
Pros and Cons
- High output
- Can run 120 volt and 240 outlets at the same time
- Loud
- Not available for shipping to California
- With 12,000 watts of power, the XP12000EH Dual Fuel generator will keep your whole home running during a storm or power...
- DuroMax is the industry leader in Dual Fuel portable generator technology, with a full assortment ranging from digital...
4. Ford 7750PBE with Switch & Go Technology
If you are a fan of Ford cars then you will be happy to know that their generators are built with the same quality standards, delivering a highly reliable dual fuel portable generator. The 7750PBE is a durable design with a steel frame and never-flat tires that offers medium range power.
For its capacity, this model is quite fuel-efficient, when running on gasoline. With a half load, this generator can keep going for over 10 hours on gas and 8 hours on LPG.
Other reasons to consider this model is the Switch & Go technology that allows to switch fuels without stopping the engine and the maintenance-free battery that allows for a simple user-friendly push start.
Pros and Cons
- Strong durable design
- Decent run time
- Reviewers report it is loud
- 7,750W Peak/ 6,250W Rated (Gasoline) & 7,500W Peak/6,000W Rated (LPG)
- The powerful 420cc, Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, OHV, Air Cooled Engine is protected by a Heavy-Duty Powder Coated Steel...
5. Firman H03651 CARB & cETL Certified
For a lesser known brand, this is a product that you should definitely consider for its value for money. It has one of the smaller fuel tanks but it still capable of a long run time of 14 hours on a quarter load and over 10 hours when running on propane.
There are several additional safety features such as covered outlets and an automatic low oil shutoff. It is also more portable than some of the other models since it weights less, has never-flat tires and a foldable u-shaped handle for easy moving and storage.
Overall, this is a great alternative to the bigger brand names that you won’t regret purchasing.
Pros and Cons
- Smart portable design
- Affordable
- Good run time
- Few power outlets
- Poor packaging
- Dual Fuel - Works on Gasoline or Propane
- Starting Watts -4550 Gas/4100 LPG
6. Westinghouse WGen3600DF
If you are worried about all the required certifications then consider the Westinghouse WGen3600DF which has the trifecta of approvals, CARB, EPA and CSA. On top of that, it has incredible fuel efficiency that offers a run time of 18 hours on gasoline and 11 hours on propane.
This is also a very user-friendly model with Switch & Go technology, an electrical start, easy maintenance and it comes ready to connect to any RV. If you prefer even more convenience then you can upgrade to the version that offers a wireless remote start.
This may no be the most powerful power source but it is more than enough to keep the electronics in you RV running overnight.
Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Incredible run time
- Large for its capacity
- Chance of faulty battery
- 3600 Rated Watts & 4650 Peak Watts (Gasoline); 3240 Rated Watts & 4650 Peak Watts (Propane); 4 Gallon Fuel Tank (with...
- Intuitive Control Panel Features a 5-20R 120V Duplex Outlet, an RV-Ready TT-30R 30 Amp Outlet, and an L5-30R 30 Amp...
7. Champion 3400 Watts – RV Ready
Another extremely popular Champion generator comes in the small dimensions of a regular inverter but with more power and the option to run on propane, as well. This is a great example of advanced technology that this American brand prides itself on.
Dual fuel generators are not common but they are great for portability and reducing noise levels so definitely worth it if you can afford it. With over 3000 watts of power, this model comes very close in output to much larger bulkier designs.
Despite its small fuel tank, this inverter still has a decent run time of over 7 hours on gasoline, and even more impressive, over 14 hours on a 20 lbs tank of propane. You can also get double the power by connecting a second inverter.
Pros and Cons
- Compact design with good capacity
- Relatively quiet
- Long run time on propane
- Parallel capable
- Expensive
8. WEN DF457T
WEN consistently delivers good quality affordable generators and this model is no different. It has decent power for a good run time of 11 hours on gasoline and 7 hours on propane which should be enough for tailgating or powering the appliances in your RV.
You would not guess its smaller price tag from the spec list since it has an electric start, folding handles, never-flat tires and fuel-type switch. This all comes backed with a 2-year warranty and accessible customer service.
Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Good portability
- Limited monitoring display
- Limited power outlets
- Switch between gasoline (4750 surge watts, 3800 running watt) and propane (4350 surge, 3500 running) with the simple...
- Voltage easily goes from 120V to 240V, perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup
9. DuroMax XP2000EH
Not in need of a lot of power or is portability more important to you? Then consider the DuroMax XP12000EH inverter generator which is great for camping.
This lightweight machine only weighs 47 pounds so you can easily carry it with you anywhere or even take 2 so that you can make use of its parallel capabilities for twice the power output. This is a small capacity generator so it is more suited for charging sensitive electronics like laptops, mobile phones and DSLR cameras or drones.
Th run time is below average on gasoline which is understandable for the small tank but it does offer an astounding 21 hours of run time when hooked up to a 20 lbs propane tank. The engine runs quiet enough for a campsite at 61 decibels which is about the same level of noise as a normal conversation between 2 people.
Pros and Cons
- Lightweight
- Very long run time on propane
- Quiet
- Low capacity
- Small gasoline fuel tank
10. DuroStar Hybrid Dual Fuel DS10000EH
This design by DuroStar was meant for heavy duty use but it could also double as a whole house backup generator. It delivers great power, on either fuel type, and it is also fuel-efficient enough for a long run time of over 10 hours on gasoline and over 8 hours on propane.
This model has an MX2 switch that lets you double up the 120 volt power outlet for bigger loads and lets you run at both 120 volt and 240 volt at the same time. This is great for high power requirements or when you need to connect lots of devices.
The downside is that it is quite heavy, even with the tires and pulling handle so this is not the most portable option.
Pros and Cons
- High capacity
- Fuel-efficient
- Heavy
- Loud
- Plenty of Power – With 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights...
- Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel...
Last update on 2024-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API