Best Dual Fuel Generator Reviews and Guide
Introduction
Power outages and extended periods away from power sources are no problem when you have the best dual fuel generator on hand. These are the most popular applications, but anybody from construction workers and farmers to outdoor enthusiasts can benefit from a reliable generator when more power is required for a project or in a specific region.
There are numerous generator types available, but one with dual fuel capabilities has advantages over single fuel, solar, or electric generators.
A dual fuel inverter generator is a portable generator that can run on both gasoline and propane. It has an inverter system that converts the engine’s raw power into clean, reliable power that can power sensitive devices. Because these generators are frequently smaller and quieter than regular generators, they are a popular alternative for recreational use as well as emergency scenarios. They can switch between fuel sources on the fly, giving them greater flexibility and a longer run duration.
Today, we will present the top dual fuel generators on the market right now. You can browse our best options while learning about their vital qualities and gathering all of the necessary information.
A detailed “Buying Guide” is also provided below to assist you in better understanding dual fuel generators.
As a result, read the article thoroughly before making a decision.
Best Dual Fuel Generator 2023
DuroMax XP12000EH Generator
DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready
Champion Power Equipment Dual Fuel Generator
DuroStar Dual Fuel Generator
Firman Dual Fuel Generator
A-iPower SUA2000iD
Wen DF1100X Dual Fuel Generator
This premium dual fuel generator’s features justify its higher price tag.
The DuroMax Portable Dual Fuel Generator provides 9,500 watts of running power and 12,000 watts of peak power at a noise level of 72 decibels on a full 8.3-gallon tank of gasoline.
(The manufacturer’s specifications do not include propane power outputs.)
The DuroMax generator is powered by an electric ignition or a backup recoil cord.
It automatically turns down when the oil runs low for enhanced security.
This 234-pound generator has dimensions of 30 by 29 by 26 inches and is supported by a steel frame and two heavy-duty wheels for easy transportation around the campsite, job site, or home.
It has two conventional 120-volt household outlets, one twist-lock 120-volt outlet, one 240-volt twist-lock outlet, and one 240-volt heavy-duty outlet.
With the DuroMax, one of the best portable dual fuel generator types for camping, you can get out of the house and into the great outdoors.
It has a robust steel lift frame and a rear-wheel kit for easier transportation.
The machine makes only 69 decibels of noise so that it won’t disturb the calm at the campsite.
The 142-pound generator can run for up to 9 hours on a full 4-gallon tank of fuel and delivers 4,500 watts of running power and 5,500 watts of peak power.
It produces 4,275 watts of operating power and 5,225 watts of peak output when powered by propane.
This generator includes two normal 120-volt household outlets and one 120/240-volt twist-lock outlet for powering 240V appliances or tools.
Champion Power Equipment follows with a dual fuel generator.
It is a very dependable name when it comes to power generators and equipment.
Champion Power Equipment’s very reliable dual-fuel power generator is the third item on our list.
It is powered by a 224 cc four-stroke engine with good fuel efficiency.
For ease of use, there is a push-button electric start.
When running on gas, it has a running power of 3800W and a peak output of 4750W.
It may also be run on propane, which gives 3420W of running power and 4275W of peak power.
With a full fill, you can get up to 9 hours of gasoline-run time and 10.5 hours of propane run time.
The fuel tank capacity of this Champion dual-fuel power generator is 3.4 gallons, which is adequate for most purposes.
One 120V 30A RV (TT-30R) outlet, one 120V 30A locking (L5-30R) outlet, and two 120V 20A standard household outlets are available.
As previously stated, it is one of the most dependable options on our list, with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty period.
DuroStar’s twin fuel generator is next on our list.
DuroStar specializes in developing dual fuel and gas-powered generators to fulfill consumers’ emergency power needs.
DuroStar’s dual fuel generator is powered by a 439CC OHV engine, which delivers enough power to run several devices such as heavy-duty appliances and power equipment.
The generator has a starting power capacity of 10,000W and an operating power capacity of 8000W.
The generator, as the name implies, runs on dual fuel and has a fuel capacity of 8.3 gallons.
This generator can be powered by either propane or gasoline.
The MX2 technology in the dual fuel generator allows you to tailor the power dependent on your needs.
You can run the generator at both 120V and 240V at the same time, or switch to simply 120V for maximum power output.
The power panel includes numerous outlets to accommodate various household appliances.
A 12V DC charging port is also included for powering external batteries.
DuroStar offers a 3-year warranty on this dual fuel generator from the date of purchase.
Firman is a well-known brand that creates reliable power generation equipment that is steady, efficient, and clean.
The brand operates and distributes its products in over 100 countries.
Firman’s dual fuel generator is powered by a 439CC Firman engine capable of providing 8000W of running power and 10000W of surge power to suit your emergency power needs.
The generator has a big fuel tank capacity of 8 gallons and can run various appliances for up to 14 hours on a single charge.
It has an operating power of 7250W and a peak output of 9050W when powered by propane.
For longevity, the dual fuel generator has a tubular roll cage frame construction.
The generator is carried with ease thanks to an ergonomically designed padded handle.
Furthermore, the two wheels allow for optimum portability.
To power this generator with an external propane tank, you get a 5.5-foot propane pipe.
Firman offers a 3-year limited guarantee from the date of purchase on this dual fuel generator.
It’s difficult to find a really portable dual-fuel generator, but A-tiny iPower’s guy manages to give excellent output in a surprisingly small package.
The A-iPower SUA2000iD, which is roughly the size of two stacked shoe boxes, will easily fit into a van or RV.
While 55 pounds isn’t exactly light, it is the lightest dual-fuel generator I’ve come across thus far.
It’s also approximately the same volume as an electric toothbrush, so… not that loud.
You won’t get the same power as a full-sized generation (1,600-2,000 watts), but it will keep your small appliances running and your devices charged.
Owners have noted that their generators are still functioning well after more than 5 years,
indicating that the construction is of high quality.
Again, the tiny size of the gas tank is a benefit in this scenario.
It’s not uncommon for a dual-fuel generator to include an electric start switch—all of the suggestions on this list have one, either alone or in conjunction with a pull cord.
The Wen DF1100X distinguishes itself with an automated shut-off system that may reduce electricity in an emergency.
The Wen DF1100X is available in a variety of configurations, but we recommend the model with a built-in CO2 shutdown sensor if you want to use the generator in a garage or other poorly ventilated area.
The Wen DF1100X is a powerful generator with a massive 8,300-11,000W output, above-average gas capacity, and a low operating volume.
It’s both pricey and heavy, but if you want an easy-on, safety-off choice, it’s a good buy.
Buying Guide for the Best Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
You must know a lot about dual fuel generators now that you’ve read about all of our recommendations for the finest dual fuel generators. You may perhaps have explored a few alternatives. However, while selecting a dual fuel generator, you must properly investigate its qualities and weigh their significance in relation to your application.
There is a good probability that some features provided in a particular product will not be required in your circumstance. This comprehensive shopping guidance is provided to avoid such a scenario. You can learn about each of the qualities in detail here and select which ones you require the most in your dual fuel generator. For an accurate selection, make sure you read the buying guide completely.
What to Consider When Buying a Dual Fuel Generator
Fuel Capacity
Dual fuel generators feature specialized fuel tanks to store fuel because they are fueled by gasoline and propane. Each fuel tank has its unique capacity, thus they are not all the same.
This capacity is expressed in gallons. A 10-gallon tank, for example, can only carry 10 gallons of fuel at a time.
Having a large-capacity tank will benefit you in a variety of ways. You won’t have to bother about recharging the generator every now and then if you have a large fuel tank, and you’ll be able to enjoy uninterrupted power output. Remember that huge fuel tanks are only available as a premium option.
Power Output
Watts are used to measuring the power output of dual fuel generators (W). Peak power output and operating power output are specified by manufacturers. The maximum amount of watts that a generator can supply at any given time is referred to as its peak power output. The average number of watts produced while use is the running power output.
Dual fuel generators range in power output from 1,000 watts to over 12,000 watts, depending on size and function. Some manufacturers may divide these figures further into propane peak and running power outputs and gasoline peak and running power outputs.
The breakdown of these figures is important since gasoline produces more watts than propane. Nonetheless, many dual fuel generator manufacturers do not differentiate between the two fuels when reporting peak and operating power output. Instead, they report the greatest statistics for gasoline, leaving you to guess the range for propane.
Rated and Peak Output
When purchasing a generator for backup power, you must consider the power available at the generator’s output. On each dual fuel generator, there are two separate output ratings: rated and peak output. However, these figures differ for gasoline and propane. As a result, each generator will produce four distinct output values.
This can be perplexing, but don’t be concerned. When purchasing a generator, if you only examine the peak capacity for both fuels, you will automatically receive a greater running watts output. For example, if you select a high peak value for gasoline, you will also receive a higher peak value for propane as well as higher running watts.
Starting type
Dual-fuel generators start with one of two methods: a recoil cord or an electric starter. Using a cord, you pull the handle hard and quickly to provide the rotation required to start the generator. It needs more physical work but is more dependable. An electric starter is a one-button option that requires no effort to use, but it only works when its internal battery is charged.
Operating noise
Generators are quite noisy, which can be annoying if you maintain one (or several) in or near your home.
Generators become noisier as they produce greater power. (There are several exceptions.)
If you’re planning to keep your generator near your house or use it while camping in a quiet area, you’ll want to keep the noise down.
Higher-quality generators can typically (but not always) reduce the volume by utilizing thick shielding and other design factors. If pure power is your objective, you may have to live with the noise or find another means to reduce it.
Dual-fuel generators allow you to use propane, which generators process more silently than gas. Most dual-fuel generators produce between 50 and 90 decibels (about the same as a refrigerator) (about the same as a small-engine motorcycle).
Generator Size
This is an important consideration if you want to move the generator around for different purposes. If you are considering a heavy-duty generator, make sure you evaluate the size and weight of the generator.
Heavy-duty generators are often larger and heavier than low-powered generators. As a result, moving a heavy-duty dual fuel generator, especially while the fuel tank is full, might be difficult. On the other hand, if the generator is small in size, you will observe that the power capacity and fuel capacity are both reduced.
Engine Efficiency
Each dual fuel generator contains an engine that uses gasoline or propane to generate energy. While various power output numbers may appear identical, fuel consumption will vary due to engine efficiency. Engine efficiency essentially shows how efficiently fuel may be spent to generate energy.
If the engine is inefficient, you will run out of fuel quickly. You will also be exposed to a large number of hazardous exhaust gases as a result of faulty fuel combustion. As a result, even if you choose a low-power engine, be sure it is economical in terms of fuel consumption.
FAQs
Are dual-fuel generators worth it?
While dual-fuel generators are slightly more expensive than regular generators, they are more fuel-efficient, which reduces long-term expenditures. They’re also noticeably quieter when powered by propane rather than gas, which is ideal if you intend to keep it within earshot.
Dual-fuel generators are also particularly useful in situations where fuel is scarce. If you’re planning for a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, you should be able to use any fuel you can get your hands on.
What is the most powerful dual-fuel generator?
In terms of power, the sky is the limit in theory. In reality, the most powerful consumer-grade dual-fuel generators have a power output of roughly 12,000W.
Is it better to run a dual-fuel generator on gas or propane?
While gas produces more power, propane makes less noise and is less harmful to the environment. Having a dual-fuel generator allows you to select, or at least have access to, both fuel types.
How long will a dual-fuel generator run on propane?
That is entirely dependent on the size of your propane tank, the generator’s engine, and the amount of power it produces.
Our “best overall” pick, for example, can run for around seven hours at 25% power output capacity on a common 20-pound propane tank.
What is the difference between an inverter and a generator?
The electricity is generated by a generator, and the energy is stored and reconverted for usage by a power inverter. Inverters are built into almost all consumer-grade generators.
Conclusion
When camping or preparing for an emergency, a dual-fuel generator can be extremely useful. However, it is a significant investment, so make certain you choose the appropriate size generator for your needs. Bigger is clearly preferable when it comes to powering an entire house. However, for powering an RV or as a backup during a power outage, you might be better off with something more portable. Consider whether a more environmentally friendly power alternative, such as a solar generator, could provide you with the electricity you require while leaving a reduced carbon imprint.