Best Dual Fuel Generators Reviewed

It’s common for anyone in the market for a home generator to wonder, single or dual-fuel? Dual fuel generators are quickly gaining popularity, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right choice for you. There are advantages and drawbacks to each type, so it’s impossible to say that one is always the better choice.

When comparing the two, dual fuel generators are much more versatile, but single fuel is the cheaper option of the two. However, dual fuel models are more efficient, so they tend to cost less in the long run. Machines that use just one type of fuel are less complex and more portable, but dual fuel generators aren't difficult to use by any means.

If you're looking for a simple and cheap alternative power source, a traditional single-fuel generator will get the job done. But for more power, more versatility, and more eco-friendliness, dual fuel generators are worth the extra cost. 

The first and most important buying consideration for choosing a high-quality dual fuel generator is power. Properly sizing a generator can be tricky, but it’s all about comparing your power needs to the exact generator size. Think about what you plan on powering with this alternative power source - small electronics for tailgating, a camper van or RV, or the entire house?

It’s possible to figure out your exact power needs by adding up the wattages of the devices you’ll be powering with the generator. Once you’ve done the math, you can choose the exact generator size that is suitable for your power needs. Consumer Reports says that when sizing a generator, “keep in mind that some appliances—air conditioners, refrigerators, and sump pumps, for instance—draw more wattage momentarily when they're cycling on.” So always take into account power surges.

Before purchasing a dual fuel generator, you should always look into the fossil fuel regulations of your area. Some US states have stricter policies on generator use, like California. If you reside in California, you MUST purchase a generator that is CARB compliant. Purchasing a non-CARB generator in California can land you into trouble, so always be mindful of state and local regulations - no matter where you live.

This is even more important if you intend to use your new dual fuel generator for an RV or mobile home. If you plan on moving around (which is the entire point of owning an RV), you’ll need to check the regulations of each place you plan to visit. And we’re not just talking about crossing state lines, but also specific campsites, national parks, etc.

The best dual fuel generators reviewed have a wide range of power outputs. The higher the power output, the more watts the generator can handle. Every generator comes with two values for power output: starting wattage and running wattage. According to LCEC, this is the difference between the two:

A common misconception about generators is that they always produce lots of noise. Sure, this is the case some of the time, but it doesn’t have to be this way. The best quiet generators use inversion technology for the lowest possible noise level.

If noise is a concern of yours, pay special attention to each generator’s decibel (or dBA) rating. The higher the dBA, the greater the noise output. The good news is that dual fuel generators are generally quiet that gas-only models. You can easily find a dual fuel power source with a dBA 58 or lower.

Our top pick is the Champion dual fuel inverter generator with electric start. The Champion dual fuel generator uses inversion technology to create clean, stable energy, keeping your sensitive electronics (phones, tablets, laptops) protected from energy dips and spikes. The dual fuel model operates at 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts. It's completely RV-ready with a 120V 30A RV plug, plus it comes with two 20A standard household outlets.

Any Champion dual fuel generator review will tell you that this generator is easy to use, convenient, and ultra-quiet. Since this is an inverter machine, Champion 100263 is much quieter than your average generator, and “operates at 59 dBA from 23 feet – about the same noise level as normal conversation.” This means you never have to worry about disturbing your neighbors, even in close campsite quarters.

The Champion’s convenient electric start includes a battery and smart charger, and the cold start technology means that you won’t have any trouble getting the machine up and running in cold climates. The thing we love most, though, is that switching from gasoline to propane has never been easier; all you have to do is turn the fuel selector dial.

If 3400 watts isn’t enough for you, the Champion inverter is parallel-capable, which means that two identical inverters can be connected for twice the power output.  The generator comes fully assembled and ready to go right out of the box - just add fuel, make your connections, and enjoy clean energy. The only downside of the Champion is its high cost, but users feel that it’s worth every penny.

If you’re looking for power but still concerned about portability, you’ll love the Firman dual fuel generator. It has a starting wattage of 10000, a running wattage of 8000, and it’s even suitable for residents of California thanks to its CARB certification. Even though it's mighty and quite heavy at about 235 lbs, the mobility kit design makes this the best dual fuel portable generator on the market.

According to Firman dual fuel generator reviews, this machine offers power on demand. It's best used for emergency power, but it can also be used for powering job sites, farms/ranches, large RVs, and buses. This dual fuel portable generator has an 8-gallon fuel tank and a 12-hour run time with gasoline, but you can enjoy an even longer runtime with its propane operation.

The multi-feature control panel comes with a variety of covered outlets, including (2) 5-20R 20A-120V GFCI, (1) 14-50R 50A-120/240V, (1) L14-30R 30A-120V/240V Twistlock, and (1) L5-30R 30A 120V Twistlock. Even with a massive 439cc engine, this machine has a noise level rating of 74 dBA. This is a bit loud for some, especially if you plan on camping with this generator, but for the size, 74 decibels is still relatively quiet.

The only other drawback of the Firman H08051 is the high price tag. Similar to the Champion, this machine doesn't come cheap, but the good news is that it comes with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. Out of all the amazing Firman features, the thing we love most is that it's surprisingly portable with its 10" heavy-duty wheels and high-folding handle. 

The Westinghouse iGen is another great choice for portability. Still, when compared to the Firman, this is the better choice if you’re looking for the best dual fuel portable inverter generator. The inversion technology means that this portable model is much quieter with a noise level as low as 52 dBA. It has a starting wattage of 4500 and a running wattage of 3700, so it’s the perfect size for camping and tailgates.

We’ve dubbed this the best dual fuel inverter, mainly because of its convenience. "Conveniently built with Push-Button Electric Start and wireless remote start, the key fob starts up from up to 109 yds. away for easy ignition," says Westinghouse. “At less than 3% THD, the iGen4500 is perfect for running sensitive electronics like LCD/plasma televisions, laptops, tablets, or mobile devices that require clean, stable power.”

This is one of the most fuel-efficient dual fuel models we've come across. It can run for up to 18 hours on a full 3.4-gallon fuel tank, and even longer with a large propane tank attached. There's also an "Efficiency Mode" feature for even better fuel efficiency. The LED Data Centre is another nice touch; this control panel keeps users up-to-date on maintenance requirements and real-time info, like how much fuel is left in the tank and the load percentage.

The iGen4500 is another excellent alternative power solution for powering sensitive electronics, but if you plan on powering large appliances, like an AC or refrigerator, you might want to look elsewhere. The iGen is capable of powering large appliances, but it's more commonly used for electronics like LCD/plasma televisions, laptops, tablets, or mobile devices that require clean, stable power.

We’ve covered some great dual fuel options so far, but the main disadvantage of the Champion, Firman, and Westinghouse models was their high price tags. This Sportsman dual fuel generator review is all about affordability, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on power and performance. With its 4000 surge wattage and optimal convenience, the GEN4000DF Sportsman dual fuel generator is the best value-for-cost dual fuel generator on this list.

The Sportsman is built with a 212cc OHV engine, it’s 100% EPA approved, and it runs for up to 10 hours on a full tank of gas (at a 50% load). The noise level is a bit high for our liking - 69 dBA - but this is to be expected from any non-inverter generator. It’s lightweight and compact, weighing just 90 pounds, so it’s the perfect solution for power on the go.

According to the Amazon listing of the GEN4000DF, here's what you can expect from the Sportmand generator:

In our guide to the best generators for RVs, we named the Champion 3500W model as one of our top picks for RV generators, and we’re sticking by that claim. The Champion 100307 is the best dual fuel RV generator, and not just because it has enough power to start a 15000 BTU RV air conditioner. The 224cc engine starts at 4375 watts and can run continuously at 3500 watts, which is plenty of power even for the largest RVs.

The three features we love most about the 100307 are the Intelligauge, Volt Guard, and Cold Start technology. With Intelligauge, you’ll be able to “keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to monitor power output easily and track maintenance intervals." The trademarked Volt Guard technology uses a built-in surge protector to prevent overloaded circuits and keep your equipment safe. Cold start generators have no trouble operating in cold-weather climates, and the 100307 is no exception.

One thing we love about using the 100307 for RVs and mobile homes is its variety of outlet options. It comes with a 120V 30A RV (TT-30R) outlet, a 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R), and two 120V 20A standard household outlets. It’s EPA certified, CARB compliant, and comes with a 3-year warranty as well as free lifetime technical support.

The only complaint we have about the Champion 100307 is a minor design flaw. The placement of the oil tank is not ideal, and changing the oil can be a bit of a hassle. If Champion were to design this dual fuel generator with an easy-to-access oil reservoir, there would be no complaints whatsoever.

If budget is no concern, you might consider investing in a top of the range dual fuel generator like the WEN DF1100T. The WEN company has been in business since 1951, so they know what they're doing when it comes to alternative power. They offer a wide range of generator products, but the DF1100T is one of our favorites. 

This high-end generator comes with a powerful 11000-watt operation, so it's the go-to choice for powering large appliances. Switching from gasoline to propane is easy with the WEN Fuel Selector dial, and the same goes for switching between 120 and 240 voltages. This is an amazing solution for emergency backup, but it can also be used for RVs, camping, and tailgating.

One thing we love about the DF1100T is its large 6.6-gallon fuel tank. The larger the tank, the longer the generator’s runtime, and this one can run up to 8.5 hours on a half-load capacity. The control panel is equipped with all the outlets you could ever need, including four 120V GFCI outlets (5-20R), a 120V 30A twist lock outlet (L5-30R), a 120V/240V 50A outlet (NEMA 14-50R), and a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug.

The main drawback of the WEN generator is its heavy design (it weighs over 210 pounds), but the company says that "the wheel and handle kit makes transportation easier than ever while the included 47-inch LPG hose allows for immediate connection to propane tanks." It's not the most fuel-efficient generator on the list, but it's our top pick for those in need of high power output.

Shopping around for the best 10000W generators, but not sure where to even begin? The Pulsar Dual Fuel Switch & Go is a great starting point for anyone in need of a strong and mighty alternative power source. This 10000-watt dual fuel generator allows users to easily "switch and go" between gasoline and propane operation without missing a beat.

 A durable powder-coated steel frame protects the 420cc 4-stroke engine, and the heavy-duty transport wheels are just as durable. Even with so much power, this machine is easy to handle and convenient to use. It comes with an electric push start to make generator start-up quick and easy, and you can even change fuel sources while the generator is running.