Written by Timothy Dale | Published 12:12 PM, October 12, 2020

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Buying a generator is one of the household investments that is easy to postpone. But once you have it, you may want to know how you live without it. When you want to power campsites, light up workplaces without electricity, or put your house back in operation during a power outage, generators can save a day.

But standard generators are not fail-safe. Consider investing in a dual fuel model. A dual-fuel generator works the same as a single-fuel generator, but it runs on propane or gasoline. You can choose the fuel according to your needs, such as power output requirements, noise limits, and available fuel.

The best dual-fuel generator models have features such as power outlets, multiple power outputs, and wheels for increased portability. This article explains some of the key characteristics of high-quality generators and will help you find the right model for your home. The products listed below represent some of the best dual-fuel generator options in a range of categories:

Before buying a dual-fuel generator, you need to consider a few things to ensure that the investment can meet your needs.

First of all, remember that you cannot run dual fuel generators indoors. They produce toxic fumes. Instead, you must install them in a concealed location outdoors in order to power the device through an extension cord.

Dual fuel generators use gasoline and propane to power your home, campground or workplace. Compared with single-fuel generators, these generators are more skewed and less portable. It may also be troublesome if you decide to transport two different types of fuel. If portability is important to you, consider using a gasoline or diesel-powered portable generator.

If the noise level is different, the dual-fuel generator will run quietly in propane mode. However, if the propane is used up and you have to switch to gasoline, the generator will make more noise. If you really want a generator that runs silently, an inverter generator may be a better choice. This model has a closed body and uses a computer-controlled inverter instead of a noisier alternator.

However, if you find that you often use two types of fuel and can withstand some extra weight and noise, read on to find the best dual fuel generator for your home.

To find the best dual-fuel generator for your home, campground, or workplace, keep these important considerations in mind, including fuel efficiency, fuel tank capacity, power output, control panel configuration, and several other factors detailed below .

The dual-fuel generator has an independent fuel tank with a fuel capacity ranging from 2 gallons to more than 10 gallons. The larger the fuel tank on the generator, the longer the generator will provide gasoline power. However, as the size of the fuel tank increases, the size of the generator itself will also increase.

The fuel capacity has nothing to do with how much propane the dual-fuel generator can use. Propane gas is stored under pressure in a tank, which is connected to the generator through a hose and a pressure regulator for direct fuel consumption.

The output power of a dual-fuel generator is measured in watts (W). The manufacturer's specifications include peak power output and operating power output. Peak power output refers to the maximum wattage that the generator can provide at any time. The operating power output is equal to the average wattage produced during use.

Depending on the size and function of the generator, the power output produced by the dual-fuel generator ranges from 1,000 watts to more than 12,000 watts. Some manufacturers may further decompose these figures into propane peak and operating power output and gasoline peak and operating power output.

The breakdown of these numbers is important because gasoline produces higher wattage than propane. Nevertheless, many dual-fuel generator manufacturers do not distinguish between the two fuels when reporting peak and operating power output. Instead, they report the highest number using gasoline, which allows you to estimate the range of propane.

You can start the dual fuel generator using an electric start switch or a recoil cord.

The electric starter generator stores the extra power in the internal battery, and then when you press a button or toggle the switch, it will start automatically. Electric starting is easier to ignite than recoil, but it requires electricity to be stored in a generator. If you don't have a fully charged built-in battery, you will not be able to use electric startup.

The recoil line is an ancient but reliable technology that has been a feature of generators, lawn mowers, chain saws, and many other fuel-powered tools for many years. This method of starting the generator requires you to quickly and steadily pull the reverse Okinawa to start the engine.

Although starting the generator requires some effort and may require multiple pulls to start, you don't have to rely on electricity. This allows you to start the generator at any time, even if it has been stored in a garage or shed for several years.

Operating any power tool or accessory will produce some sound, but some of the best dual-fuel generators have very low noise output and still produce enough electricity to meet your needs. The operating noise level is measured in decibels (dB). To understand the range of sounds produced by the generator, consider the following common sounds and their equivalent operating dB levels:

Dual fuel generators can produce 50 to 90 dB of noise, depending on the size of the generator, the type of fuel (remember, gasoline is louder than propane), and the power output of the device. Most generators will drop between 65 decibels and 75 decibels, which is compared to the low noise output of hair dryers.

The quietest dual-fuel generators belong to a relatively small product group that uses dual-fuel technology and inverter technology to manufacture dual-fuel inverter generators.

Dual fuel generators are heavy and wide, and may include hoses or fuel tanks, making them difficult to carry and move. Recognizing this shortcoming of portability, some dual-fuel portable generators (and generators in general) now include wheel kits in their products so that you can tilt the generator back and roll it to the desired position.

You can also purchase a wheel kit separately to add to your existing generator or replace an old wheel kit that is no longer working properly. Either way, the wheel kit makes the transportation of the portable dual-fuel generator easier.

Hook rods are the most convenient on the job site. Workers use them to connect the generator to the hook pulley system and raise or lower it from one floor to another instead of lifting it up or down stairs or ladders. In an industrial environment, this feature helps to lift the generator onto a walkway or platform.

The lifting hook bar will increase the weight of the generator (and possibly the price), so unless you really intend to use it, don't look for a generator with this feature.

The overall dimensions of dual-fuel generators can be measured in inches, usually including the length, width, and height of the generator. Most models are between 22 x 22 x 22 inches and 35 x 30 x 30 inches. They usually weigh between 100 and 250 pounds.

If you plan to move the generator frequently, size and weight should be important factors in your decision. Make sure it fits your car or truck, and the weight and size allow you to take it where you need it. Don't be too big to move it, and don't be so small that the generator can't provide the power you need. Remember: bigger and heavier motors are also the most powerful.

The following products received the highest scores in terms of quality, price and user satisfaction. Let them take a look to help you find the best dual-fuel generator for your home.

The Westinghouse dual-fuel portable generator uses gasoline to provide 7,500 watts of operating power and 9,500 watts of peak power, and propane to provide 6,750 and 8,550 watts of operating power, respectively. It provides fail-safe ignition through an electric start on the keyboard, a remote control key with a remote start button, and a backup reverse Okinawa start.

The generator has an operating power of only 74 dB and can run for up to 12 hours in a 6.6 gallon gasoline tank. It has two GFCI 120 volt standard household sockets, one 120 volt switch socket and one 120/240 volt RV socket. Each includes a rubber cover for added safety, wheel kits and lifting brackets for added mobility. The dual-fuel generator measures 27 inches x 24 inches x 3 inches and weighs 230 pounds.

In a full 4-gallon gasoline tank, WEN’s dual-fuel generator runs uninterrupted for up to 11 hours at approximately 75 decibels. Press the electric start button and it will generate 3,800 watts of operating power or 4,750 watts of peak power or surge power on gasoline. On propane, the operating wattage is reduced to 3,500, and the surge wattage is reduced to 4,350. It includes two 120 volt standard household sockets, one 120/240 volt twist lock socket and one 12 volt DC port.

WEN’s dual-fuel generator weighs about 100 pounds, which may not seem like a portable option, but the large rear wheels make it relatively easy to move on flat surfaces, while the heavy-duty frame helps move bulky products in and out of trucks, Cars, or other vehicles.

DuroStar's electrically-started dual-fuel generators provide an economical choice for motorhomes or campgrounds. It produces 4,500 watts of operating power and 5,500 watts of peak gasoline power. The manufacturer's specifications do not include its power output on propane. The generator operates at a noise level of 69 decibels.

This dual-fuel generator weighs 129 pounds, measures 25 x 22 x 22 inches, and has a fuel capacity of 3.96 gallons. The metal frame and wheel kit increase maneuverability. Durostar's generator is activated by pressing an electric button or pulling a few times on the back-up reverse Okinawa. It includes two 120 volt standard household sockets, one 120/240 volt twist lock socket and one 12 volt DC charging port.

The features of this high-quality dual-fuel generator guarantee a higher price tag. The DuroMax portable dual-fuel generator is filled with 8.3 gallons of gasoline and can produce 9,500 watts of operating power and 12,000 watts of peak power at a noise level of 72 decibels. (The manufacturer's specifications do not include the power output of propane.)

DuroMax's generator is activated by electric ignition or a backup recoil line. In order to increase safety, it will automatically shut down when the oil level is insufficient. The 234-pound generator measures 30 x 29 x 26 inches. It is mounted on a steel frame and equipped with two heavy-duty wheels to aid transportation in camps, construction sites, or homes. It includes two 120-volt standard household sockets, one 120-volt twist-lock socket, one 240-volt twist-lock socket and one 240-volt heavy-duty socket.

Champion's compact size is easy to transport and store. The device weighs 122 pounds, measures only 26 x 25 x 23 inches, and includes wheel kits and lifting rods to increase maneuverability. When filled with 3.4 gallons of gasoline, the generator can run for up to 9 hours while generating only 68 dB of noise.

This small device contains 3,800 watts of operating power and 4,750 watts of peak gasoline power or 3,420 watts and 4,275 watts of peak propane power. When the amount of oil is insufficient, the machine will automatically shut down. The device provides power or pull cord start, including two 120V standard household sockets, a 120V twist lock socket and a 120V RV socket.

Pulsar's dual-fuel generators are an excellent choice for heavy-duty use at home or on the job site. Its operating power is 9,500 watts, gasoline peak power is 12,000 watts, and propane is 8,550 and 10,800 watts. In a fuel tank full of 8 gallons of gasoline, it can run continuously for up to 12 hours.

It weighs 209 pounds and measures 28.5 x 26 x 25.5 inches, but the thick steel lifting frame, folding front handle and rear wheel kit are easy to transport. The dual-fuel generator includes four 120-volt standard household sockets, one 120-volt twist-lock socket, one 12-volt DC port, and one 120/240-volt industrial-grade socket.

For a generator that runs efficiently on its fuel source and provides a constant power flow for multiple devices, consider the Westinghouse dual-fuel portable generator.

If your electricity needs are above average, then the Pulsar heavy-duty portable dual-fuel generator can provide all the electricity needed for the entire family.

The best dual-fuel generators use gasoline or propane to provide reliable back-up power to the home and ensure that your home can continue to operate if nearby power is interrupted. Our list of recommendations pay close attention to fuel efficiency, fuel tank capacity, noise level and power output in order to provide the best dual fuel generator selection for your specific needs. We make sure to provide a range of options suitable for specific situations, such as high-capacity generators for high power requirements, portable and compact generators suitable for camping trips, and generators for minor power outages and emergencies.

In addition to reliability, our preferred products stand out from the competition in terms of efficiency and safety features. We know that most households cannot operate without electricity: if there is no electricity for a long time, the food stored in refrigerators and freezers will begin to thaw. If there is no air conditioner or at least one fan to help cool down, the summer heat may make people feel bad. It's unbearable.

Gasoline and propane have their own advantages and disadvantages as generator fuels. Gasoline is easier to find, but propane costs less. In the hot summer, propane is a better fuel source, while natural gas burns better in cold weather. Dual fuel generators allow you to weigh some of the pros and cons and choose the fuel according to your current situation.

When you use two fuel sources one after the other, the running time of your generator may be doubled. This allows you to go to the gas station to refuel, while the generator continues to provide propane power.

To recap, with a dual-fuel generator, you can:

Before buying, please consider these frequently asked questions about dual-fuel generators.

The dual-fuel generator works in the same way as the single-fuel generator, except that it can burn propane and gasoline to generate electricity. The generator converts the mechanical energy generated by burning fuel into forced electric movement and generates electrical energy.

Although some single-fuel generators can be applied to natural gas, dual-fuel generators are not. Unless specifically designed, dual-fuel generators cannot be operated on natural gas and therefore cannot be used for this purpose.

Propane gas is cheaper than gasoline, it is almost impossible to overflow, burns more cleanly, and reduces engine wear over time. Try to save some money in the short and long term by investing in propane gas as much as possible.

The type of fuel does not determine the operating time; it is the fuel efficiency and tank capacity of the specific product. However, on average, standard dual-fuel generators run on propane for approximately 8 to 10 hours.

If electricity is the goal, then the Pulsar heavy duty dual-fuel generator is one of the best options to help ensure that the camp or home lasts for hours.

Bob Vila has been an American handyman since 1979. As the host of the beloved groundbreaking TV series, including "The Old House" and "Bob Villa's House", he is popular and has become synonymous with "do it yourself" home improvement.

Throughout his decades-long professional career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair and live better every day-a tradition that continues to this day, providing professional and easy-to-use home advice. The Bob Vila team distilled the information they need to know into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101, etc. Then, these home and garden experts thoroughly research, review, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.

Timothy Dale is a freelance writer specializing in home repair and construction. While completing a degree in English Literature and Psychology, he worked in the plumbing industry during his university years, and then held a project management position for 10 years. During his tenure as a project manager, Mr. Dale worked in residential plumbing and carpentry, and spent a year in the commercial and industrial fields.

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