When it comes to obtaining off-grid power, it’s hard to beat the versatility and reliability of a dual-fuel generator – one that runs on either gasoline or propane. Dual fuel generators can be used to power almost anything from appliances to heating systems in case of an emergency at home. Or, if you’re camping or RVing, a dual-fuel generator allows you to enjoy the outdoors without giving up modern conveniences.

Choosing the best dual fuel generator for your needs can be a challenge, as there are many options on the market, some of which are highly specialized and others designed to fit any situation. In our review of dual fuel generators, one of our main considerations was the starting and operating power on both petrol and propane – the main factor determining how many appliances you can power from the generator simultaneously. We also looked at run time and the number of outlets available, which can have an impact on the generator’s usefulness for your specific needs. To compile a list of our choices for the best dual fuel generator, we reflected on hundreds of customer reviews and spent 38 hours researching.

The table below lists our eight favourite dual fuel generators on the market today and summarizes the features that set them apart. Read on for a detailed review of each generator, including the pros and cons of each model. Our buying guide provides more information on how to choose the right dual fuel generator for your needs. Finally, we present our top picks for dual fuel generators.

Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter, 100263

Although this Champion dual-powered generator does not offer the power output of many of the other generators in our selection, the mechanics of the inverter generator set make this model stand out. It’s significantly smaller and lighter than conventional generators and comes with wheels to help you move it around, making it ideal for those who need a generator that can move frequently between a motorhome and campsites, for example. The generator also operates at 59 dB, which is almost 20 dB quieter than conventional generators.

The output power of this generator, about 3,000 watts, is not enough to run your house, but it is perfect for a motor home. The fact that the output changes relatively little between gasoline and propane makes it a truly dual-fuel unit and allows you to choose the fuel that suits you best. However, it doesn’t offer much extra power for starting engines, which can be problematic if you’re hooking up an air conditioner or mini-fridge. Having only two standard 120V, 20A outlets can also be somewhat limiting, although a power strip can solve this problem.

Westinghouse WGen7500DF

Users are full of praise for this powerful dual fuel generator from Westinghouse, and rightly so. The power output may not compare to some of the more powerful generators in our selection, but 7,500W of continuous power on petrol is more than enough to keep your home running in an emergency, while still retaining power. Battery life is also solid, with about 8 hours on a half charge, whether on gasoline or propane.

The generator includes many user-friendly features, such as a push-button electric ignition like that of modern cars and even a remote start key fob. The front of the generator includes an easy-to-read digital range meter that alerts you to the fuel level. The five included 120V outlets provide plenty of room to plug in devices, and there are even two USB ports for charging small electronics – though they’re unlikely to be used while the generator is outside. The biggest drawback of this generator is that it is quite loud (74dB).

Pulsar G12KBN-SG

There are so many things that make this generator one of the best you can buy right now. First of all, its design is impressive and very functional. It has a good handle and wheels that can move over different types of surfaces with ease. This combination makes for a portable generator that you can move from place to place.

Under the bonnet is one of the best engines at this price. It’s a 457cc engine that produces up to 12,000 peak watts and 9500 watts when running.

Interestingly, it is a dual-fuel generator. Therefore, you can use it with propane and gasoline. When powered by propane, it gives you 10800 peak watts and 8550 operating watts. Either way, you have a generator that can power all the appliances in your home.

The generator also has seven outlets, each of which gives you enough channels to connect the appliances you want. There is an 8-gallon tank, which means excellent autonomy. With this model, you will be able to enjoy a 12-hour runtime. This is the best battery life of all the options we reviewed.

Other features you will appreciate are the safety functions. You have a low oil shutdown and a voltage regulator.

Champion 8000 watt dual fuel generator, 100297

This very powerful generator from Champion has a maximum power output of 10,000W when running on petrol. The generator runs much more efficiently on petrol, which means you will probably want to opt for the more expensive fuel when using this generator. The downside of all this power is that the run times are relatively low – only eight hours at ¼ power with gasoline, and an even more paltry five hours with propane. As such, this generator is best suited to events or work sites where you are powering a lot of high-powered equipment for a relatively short period of time. Importantly, the generator is CARB compliant, so it can be used in most work environments without regulatory issues. Note that Champion also offers less powerful generators, and you can find these in our Champion dual fuel generator reviews.

This generator has several welcome features. The smart display allows you to easily monitor power output and fuel levels to keep track of the generator. The generator includes multiple outlets, including a 240V outlet, and has a built-in surge protector for added safety.

DuroMax XP12000EH

This DuroMax generator is as powerful as it gets, and its 12,000 watts of surge power can come in handy if you plan to run appliances or power tools while powering things like construction lights or your entire household. Unfortunately, DuroMax does not advertise continuous or peak power for use with this propane appliance, although users have found that it is still plenty of energy to power an entire household. Both gasoline and propane offer about eight hours of continuous operation, although a larger propane tank can be used to provide longer run times.

At 72dB, this generator is surprisingly not among the loudest on the market despite its impressive power. It has a voltage selector, electric start motor and a wide range of outlets so you can power almost any appliance with ease. The only drawback is that the voltage display is analog, which can be difficult to read and monitor. The generator is fully EPA and CARB certified.

DuroMax XP4400EH

If you need a generator that doesn’t break the bank, this moderately powerful generator from DuroMax is a solid option. The generator produces 3,500 watts continuously when running on gasoline and up to 2,800 watts on propane, which isn’t enough for most homes, but it is enough for an RV. With a 10-hour runtime at half power on both fuel sources, the generator has the potential to run most of the day.

One drawback to this generator is that it is relatively loud, at 69 dB, and heavy, at 132 pounds, for the amount of power it provides. Also, note that the generator is not CARB certified and therefore cannot be used legally in California. The voltage is displayed using an analog needle, which can make it difficult to gauge how much power your appliances are drawing from the unit and how much run time you will actually get. The two 120V, 20A outlets can be supplemented with a power strip to provide additional outlets, and the twist-lock outlet is rated for 240V for larger appliances.

Champion Power Equipment 200961

This is one of the best reliable backup power solutions you can invest in. The Champion Dual Fuel Generator offers clean power through its 2 covered household outlets. You can also double your power supply by purchasing a parallel kit that allows you to connect this inverter with another Champion 2500 watt inverter.

The generator comes fully assembled, so you can install it without any problems. Moving it from one place to another is child’s play thanks to the integrated handle and its light weight.

Because it produces clean energy, you can confidently connect all your sensitive electronic devices when using the generator.

The generator uses gasoline or propane. With half a charge of gasoline, you’ll get up to 12 hours of runtime, while with an equal amount of propane, you’ll get up to 34 hours. Unlike most generators, it is incredibly quiet, operating at only 53dBA, the same noise level as a dishwasher. This makes it a perfect option for outdoor use, whether camping, hiking or in a van.

In addition, it has 2 handy USB ports that you can use to charge your phone, tablet or laptop.

What’s more, it has been designed with your safety in mind. It automatically shuts off when it detects low oil capacity.

Another great feature is the smart economy mode that reduces the electrical charge.

Sportsman GEN4000DF

The smaller cousin of Sportsman’s GEN7500DF, this model has many of the same design features at a lower cost and an operating power of 3,500W on either gas or propane. Running time on petrol is not significantly increased despite the reduction in power resulting from a smaller gas tank, but the increase in running time on the same propane canister is significant – up to 12 hours compared to 5 on the larger model. Unsurprisingly, the generator is also much quieter, at around 69 dB, than the larger model.

One of the main design flaws of this generator is the lack of wheels. Even if you don’t intend to move the generator frequently, it is extremely difficult to move it without wheels and it is almost impossible to use it with a motor home, despite the included power socket. That said, the generator does offer plenty of power outlet options and a 12V DC outlet for charging a battery.

Why choose a dual fuel generator?

The ability to use both petrol and propane to power your generator is important. As well as giving you the freedom to choose between fuels, as the price of petrol and propane fluctuates, the two fuels have different advantages. Gasoline is readily available at any gas station, which is ideal if you are using your generator for a recreational vehicle or other portable setup. Gasoline is also more efficient and works better at lower temperatures than propane. Propane, on the other hand, has a much longer shelf life than gasoline, making it an ideal backup fuel that you can store at home for a year or more. Propane is also generally much cheaper than gasoline.

How do you plan to use your generator?

How you intend to use your generator largely determines the specifications you should look for when choosing a model. Using a generator to power your home in the event of a power failure is very different, both in terms of power output required and desired runtime, from powering a motorhome or campsite. Also consider, for the application you are considering, how long you will need to run your generator continuously in the most extreme cases – and how much power you will need in those cases.

What are your power requirements?

If you plan to use your generator to power your whole house in an emergency, you’ll want to find a high-powered generator that produces at least 5,000W – more if you have a water pump or energy-intensive heating system. On the other hand, a smaller, less powerful model, such as a 2,000W generator, is easier to transport, but is best used to power a motorhome or campsite. Also, if you know you will be using almost exclusively petrol or propane, you may only need to consider the power of the generator on one fuel rather than how it balances the two fuels. Also consider getting a tri-fuel generator if you need even more versatility and power.

The running time is also important depending on your application. If you plan to power your house and want everything to run almost normally, you will need a generator with a long runtime of 10-12 hours at half power. On the other hand, if you are running a motor home and only need electricity for a few short periods, for example in the morning and evening, the running time is not an important factor.

Conventional or inverter generator

Both conventional and inverter generators produce alternating current – the same type of current that comes from your wall socket – although the mechanism is different enough that there are significant differences in the practical operation of conventional and inverter generators. Inverter generators are generally designed to be more compact and lightweight and much quieter than conventional generators, which can be an advantage if you are transporting your generator from place to place rather than keeping it in a fixed location or using it in a public campground.

Petrol or propane

Both petrol and propane have their advantages and disadvantages. Gasoline is generally much more expensive than propane, but it is more readily available most of the time and burns more efficiently, especially at low temperatures. However, gasoline has a shorter shelf life than propane and can be almost impossible to obtain in an emergency – making propane a better choice for emergency preparedness. Read our reviews of propane generators, if this sounds like a good option.

Conclusion

A dual-powered generator is an ideal way to generate electricity when you’re off the grid, whether it’s on a motorhome trip or in the middle of a power outage. The ability to use petrol or propane to power your generator allows you to choose the right fuel for your needs depending on the situation and offers much more versatility than a traditional petrol generator. Our roundup of the eight best dual-fuel generators on the market and our buying guide make it easy to choose the right dual-fuel generator for your next camping trip, emergency home prep, or other portable power need.