Top 10 Best Dual Fuel Portable Generators in 2023

Are you contemplating if a dual fuel generator will be good for you or not? If yes, then go for it if you rarely want to extend the running time of your generator. Technically, the propane will stand in the gap while you seek possible ways to refill the gasoline in your tank.

Some people understand the need for a backup generator, and many like portable gas generators for camping trips, tailgate parties, or a day at the park.

But why try to get the best dual fuel portable generator?

The point of having a generator for many is to have a backup, right? The generator is what you trot out when you have a power outage at home.

If you have a portable version, you can bring your generator for your camping trips so you’re sure you have the power to recharge your mobile devices plus you can provide power for lights and a few nice appliances.

But relying on just a single fuel option isn’t always a good thing, especially with gasoline. With a dual fuel generator, though, you always have the option of using propane if you have some.

Propane is often the better choice—it’s a cleaner sour of fuel, it’s more affordable than gasoline, and when you’re using propane the generator isn’t as noisy.

Sometimes you can even use both, so when you run out of gasoline you can switch to propane. This means you can extend the run time of your generator, which is great for extended camping trips or power outages.

What Does Dual Fuel Mean on a Generator?

All generators are powered by fuel, in one way or the other. The portable ones use gasoline and propane, while the permanently placed ones use natural gas, diesel, and liquid fuels. Some generators use a single fueling means, but some use two with interchangeable switches.

The dual-fuel feature is common among portable generators. Such generators are known to use both gasoline and propane. The tank on them is designated for gasoline, while a pipe has to run from the generator to a propane tank to get the right outcome.

Our Picks of Top 10 Best Dual Fuel Generators:

1. Westinghouse WGen7500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator

This uses both gasoline and propane, with gasoline offering 7500 rated watts and 9,000 peak watts. With propane, the reduction isn’t bad with 6750 rated watts and 8550 peak watts.

It’s very easy to use that Westinghouse calls this a “plug and play” generator. You have a push button and even a remote key fob to start it up.

The purchase also comes with all the necessary accessories you need, although you do need to buy your own 6.6-gallon gas fuel tank.

This is compliant with CARB and EPA regulations, and it’s even CSA-compliant. It features a digital hour meter along with a low oil shutdown safety feature.
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2. Champion 3800-Watt RV Ready Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Here’s another nice generator for home power outage emergencies and for camping trips. This has enough watts to power the appliances you need, and maybe some that makes life comfy in camping trips.

This generator consider as one of the best portable generator brand among others. On gasoline you get 3800 rated watts and 4750 peak watts, along with 9 hours of use on half load.

With a 20-pound propane tank, the use time on half load goes up to 10.5 hours. This comes with an ignition switch, along with multiple sockets for your appliances.

There’s a handy selector switch to let you pock either LPG or gasoline to use. A digital gauge shows you if you’re running out of fuel, but you also have automatic low oil shutoff.
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3. DuroMax Hybrid Dual Fuel XP12000EH

Even at a glance you can see how formidable this generator is. With this you can pick either gasoline or propane gas as your fuel source and you’re able to get up to 12,000 watts of power.

That’s enough to have your household running normally when there’s a power outage. Bring this to a camping site, and you can bring with you enough appliances that it can feel like you never left home.

This can run for a long while, as you can get 50% output and expect it to run for 20 hours on gasoline. Switch to propane, and at 50% output you get up to 20 hours of use.

It’s easy enough to use, with a panel showing the volt meter and the oil warning light. You don’t have to watch for the oil warning light like a hawk, since it automatically shuts off when you run out of oil.

It comes with a circuit breaker too to prevent overloading. It’s not even noisy because of its muffler, and it’s quiet enough that the EPA approves it for use in US National Parks. If you want a quiet yet high-capacity generator, then this may be the great dual fuel portable generator you can get.
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4.  Champion 7500-Watt Best Dual Fuel Portable Generator

This actually gives you 9375 starting watts and 7500 running watts on gasoline, while on propane you get 8400 starting watts and 6750 running watts.

That’s enough to power a lot of appliances, or even an entire household of emergency gadgets. Fortunately, you also have wheels on the unit so moving it around won’t be difficult.

There’s a toggle switch to get it started and gauges to show you gauges for voltage, hertz and run-time hours. You won’t have to worry about overloads as this has a built-in surge protector.

Its tubular steel frame measures 1.5 inches, and with its 3-year warranty it’s safe to say that you can expect this to last a long while. The technical support is even available for a lifetime.
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5. PowerSmart 1000 Watts Portable Generator

Here is a gas-powered generator. It’s not a dual-fuel generator, but it’s a distinguished power generator. It has a 5hr running time. The starting wattage is 1000W, while its running time is 900W. It has a 2-stroke 63cc engine that works at a low noise rate.

It weighs 39lb only, and a handle makes lugging it around so easy.

The product comes with a 2-year warranty. 1.1gal of gasoline would fill the tank of this one. Furthermore, this has a 120V AC power outlet and a 12V DC outlet. You can use it to power electronic appliances, RV camping, televisions, electric bulbs, and radios.

6. Durostar DS4850EH Dual Fuel

Gasoline or propane, which one have you preferred? This dual-fuel generator has got you covered. The starting wattage of this generator is 4850W, while its running wattage is 3830W. Its 210cc OHV engine is a durable one.

The frame is made of colored steel and could be used anywhere. This has pneumatic tires with a handle. The functions are visible in the control section of the frame. In fact, there’s a voltmeter close to the receptacles. Just as there are 120V GFCI outlets.

There is a battery on it that you can use to have an electric start. The unit’s dimension is 24 x 17 x 17 inches and weighs 122lb. Buyers have had unforgettable experiences using this; you can likewise have the same experiences. So, buy it if you’ve got the need to power heavy-duty equipment to power.

7. Champion Power Equipment 201052

With propane, you get 3600 watts with a peak of 4500 watts. With gasoline, you get more at 4000 running watts and 5250 starting watts.

This comes with a nice electric start toggle switch, and you’re good to go when you have the fuel. This is a portable unit as the wheels and pull handle can attest to, and you’re able to plug in the appliances to the multiple AC outlets.

You have four 120V 20 Amp AC outlets and one 120/240V 30 Amp AC receptacle.

The control panel is easy to control, and that’s always a good thing. This has indicators for voltage frequency, oil level alerts and DC voltage protection.

You can switch the fuel type simply by turning a dial, and you get more than 9 hours of continuous use. It comes in a robust cage frame too. The wheels are reliable (and never get flat), and there’s a handle you can pull to move the generator to another spot.
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8. Ford 11,050W Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Sometimes you have a power outage at home and you don’t want to be without any of the appliances you’re used to using.

When you’re on a camping site, it may seem like you brought your entire set of home appliances with you.

If that’s how you are, then the Ford 11,050W generator is what you need. This lets you use either gasoline or LPG gas.

With the LPG you get 8,100W rated watts with 10,050 peak watts. It’s even more impressive with gasoline, as you get 9,000 watts and 11,050 peak watts.

Your fuel tank is large enough to provide 10 hours of continuous use. Starting this generator is easy enough, since you just press the electric push start button. It also comes with recoil backup and a battery that doesn’t need maintenance at all.

This also features the “Switch & Go” technology that lets you switch from one fuel source to another while having the generator continue to run.
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9. Pulsar 12,000W Dual Fuel Portable Generator

This is a small portable generator for camping, as it comes with wheels and a handle. But it can give you 12,000 watts of peak power and 9,500 rated watts with gasoline.

With LPG, you still get 8,550 rated watts and 10,800 peak watts. This may be the another best dual fuel portable generator for you if you have lots of appliances to run.

One of the better features here is the large tank. With its 8-gallon capacity, it’s able to give you 12 hours of running time when you’re on half load.

The bigger tank doesn’t make it harder to move around, since it has wheels and a handle.

You have lots of outlets for your appliances with four 120V 20A AC outlets, a 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, (a 120V/240V 50A outlet, and a 12V DC output.

It’s no problem to use since you have a 3-in-1 meter, and features like automatic voltage regulation and automatic low oil shut-off.
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10. WEN 4750-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator

If you’re going to a campsite, you only need to power a few essential appliances.

This means you have more than enough watts with the 3500 running watts when using propane with the WEN DF475.

Use gasoline, and the running watts go up to 3800. This may have only a 4-gallon tank, but it can still give you 11 hours of use at half load with gasoline.

With 20 gallons of LPG, you still get 7 hours of use. It’s easy enough to use with the electric start system, digital LED hour counter, and automatic voltage regulator and overload protection.

It also has multiple sockets for your appliances, plus a voltage selector switch to pick between 120V and 240V. There’s also a simple fuel selector dial to switch from gasoline to propane.
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Is It Worth Getting a Dual Fuel Generator?

Yes, it does. A dual fuel generator expands one’s scope of generator usage. Aside from that, it extends the usage time of the generator. Users can now flexibly use their generators even amid fuel scarcities. No more restraints as long as this feature predominantly overwhelms the value of a generator. In short, it is worth having a dual fuel generator.

How Does a Dual Fuel Generator Work?

This works like any other generator. The generator has its power switch. Its switch power can be in the form of an electric start or a recoil. Identify the fuel-switching button on the control panel. Switch on the ignition power once you set the fueling means to your preferred choice. The engine will start immediately, and all electronic signals will be conveyed to the functions.

Are Dual Fuel Generators a Good Idea?

Yes, buying them is a good idea if you intend to use your generator for hours. When the gasoline fuel finishes, the propane fuel takes over. Invariably, if you need a portable generator that you can use to execute projects on sites, then dual fuel generators are what you should go for any time.

How Long Will a Dual Fuel Generator Run on Propane?

It depends on the engine of the generator. The electricity rate the engine will generate may likely dwindle a bit compared to what gasoline would provide. However, if an engine can run a 1.1gal of gasoline for ten hours, expect the same engine to run propane of the exact measurement for 12hrs. Indeed, that is what you get with the use of a dual fuel generator.

Buying Guide – How to Choose the Dual Fuel Portable Generator?

 

Here are some factors that may help you before buying your best portable emergency generator.

• Power. The more appliances you need to power and the more power-hungry these appliances are, the more watts you need for your generator. The typical dual fuel generators are quite powerful, with many able to offer up to 5,000 watts. The most powerful ones can go up to 10,000 watts. It’s not easy to find one with less than 3,500 watts.
• Size and portability. Unfortunately, you pay a penalty in the size and weight you have to deal with when you opt for the more powerful generators. Still, you may find some units that are light enough for 2 men to carry, while they may also come with sturdy wheels so you’re able to move them from one spot to another.
• Ease of use. This shouldn’t be overly complicated at all. It should be easy enough for an average 10-year old child to understand how to use it. It’s best if your unit has a detailed manual with lots of online videos you can check out, while you also have a screen showing you the generator status and remaining power levels.
• Noise levels. Gasoline-fueled generators can be extremely noisy, and not every manufacturer is absolutely honest about the noise levels of their products. They can be as loud as a vacuum cleaner, and in some cases they can make conversations impossible to hear. So you really need the least noisy unit you can find, so you don’t annoy other people near you.
• It’s great if you have carious safety measures in place, such as automatic shutdown in case of low fuel. You need indicator lights for oil levels, and a circuit breaker can be useful too.
• Local laws. If you’re in California, you need a generator that’s CARB-compliant. Some people also value generators that comply with EPA regulations.

How to Use Dual Fuel Portable Generator?

The best answer to this question is in your owner’s manual. So consult it and keep it handy when you use your dual fuel generator. You can also go online and download the manual in PDF mode if you didn’t get one with your purchase.

Each generator has its own quirks and SOPs, so the manual is your best authority on proper usage. Generators are actually easy to use, and adults should be able to figure it out. In fact, one of the key factors in buying one is ease of use.

If an average child in grade school can’t figure out how to use a particular generator, then it’s just overly complicated. The key steps are simple:

• Fill it up with your chosen fuel.
• Start the generator.
• Plug in your appliances, turn them on, and enjoy.
• If you’re using gasoline, make sure you have proper ventilation.

Why you should get a dual fuel portable generator?

Generators play a very important role in power backup at home or outside at home. Generator runs by fuels such as natural gas and diesel.

There are mainly two types of fuel options in generators. One is, single fuel and another is duel fuel generators. Duel fuel has got much more popularity nowadays. Here is more about the dual fuel generator as well as its advantages.

What is a dual fuel generator?

Dual fuel is a kind of generator that runs on both diesel and gasoline. That uses an advanced fuel system to switch from one fuel to one another. So the user is able to choose which type of fuel is best suited for that day’s circumstances.

The reason you should get a dual fuel portable generator

Dual fuel generators produce optimum amounts of electricity per gallon regarding fuel. The dual fuel burning process is very efficient. So, it generates the most energy through each type of fuel loaded into the tanks.

By maximizing the effectiveness of each fuel type, these kinds of generators provide you using the highest ratio of electricity per gallon of fuel.

No extra fuel tanks

Dual fuel generators have sufficient tanks for each type associated with fuel which they support. So, you do not have to keep more tanks of fuel.

Fuel control and metering at the same time

The dual fuel generators provide metering regarding each kind of fuel of which you load into the unit. If you load two types of fuel like natural gas and diesel in the generator, it provides you information for both types of fuel.

Accept all types of fuels

A great outstanding characteristic of double fuel generators is that they support quite a wide array of fuel types. It may handle diesel, gasoline, liquid propane, sewage gas, and diesel as well.

Automatic fuel switching

Whenever one type of fuel gets lower in the tank, the automatic switching immediately switches to the other. This is really important when being used in buildings.

Have lower emission levels

Dual fuel generators produce very low ranges of emissions and it can control consumption. Furthermore, they have very low levels of carbon dioxide (co2) production. Hence, they are even greener and therefore better regarding the environment.

More reliable than single fuel generators

Dual fuel generator engines have been designed with reliable components. This helps them to last for a long time. Additionally, they produce maximum electrical power. Due to these types of characteristics, dual fuel generators are more reliable than some other types.

Are cost-effective to run

Dual fuel generators produce maximum ranges of electricity per unit. It has been already proved that dual fuel generators are more cost effective to run. So you don’t require much fuel to always keep them running.

Provide longer running times

Dual fuel generators can run for a longer time because it has more fuel capacity. Dual fuel generators slowly burn the fuel. By using the knobs , You can meter the fuel to controls your  generator.

Final Verdict

There are lots of advantages to having the best dual fuel portable generator at your disposal. You’re able to power appliances at home and on camping sites, and you’re not reliant on a single source of fuel.

You can choose between 2 options, or even use both to extend the running time of your generator. Picking a single generator among so many options can be difficult. Hopefully our list as well as our buying guide helped you to make your decision more easily!