When the power goes out, a reliable generator can keep your home running smoothly. Dual fuel generators offer the flexibility to switch between gasoline and propane, giving you more options during an emergency. Whether you need whole-home backup or a portable unit for camping, this guide covers the top models to help you choose the right one.
We’ve reviewed ten of the best dual fuel generators on the market, focusing on power output, run time, safety features, and ease of use. By the end, you’ll know exactly which generator fits your needs and budget.
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DuroMax XP13000EH 13,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator – Gas & Propane,…
Best forWhole-home emergency backup
- 13,000 watts of power
- Electric start
ConsiderLarge and heavy
Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote El…
Best forRemote start home backup
- Remote start key fob
- Multiple outlets
ConsiderNo CO sensor
DuroStar DS13000MX 13,000-Watt 500cc Dual Fuel Portable Generator – Gas and…
Best forSafety-conscious home backup
- CO alert shutdown
- Dual fuel flexibility
ConsiderNo remote start
WEN 4,750-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Wheel Kit and El…
Best forCompact home backup
- Electric start
- 120V/240V output
ConsiderLower wattage
Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remo…
Best forHome backup with CO safety
- CO sensor included
- Remote start
ConsiderHeavy
WEN 6800-Watt Dual Fuel RV-Ready Electric Start Portable Inverter Generator…
Best forEV charging backup
- EV charging capable
- CO watchdog
ConsiderNo remote start
Westinghouse 6500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Transfer S…
Best forRV and home dual use
- RV-ready outlet
- CO sensor
ConsiderNo remote start
WEN Quiet and Lightweight 3600-Watt Dual Fuel RV-Ready Portable Inverter Ge…
Best forQuiet camping power
- Extremely quiet
- Clean power
ConsiderLower wattage
PowerSmart 3800 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator for Camping or Home Use
Best forEco-friendly camping
- Super quiet
- Long propane run time
ConsiderSmall tank
Westinghouse 4650 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator, RV Ready 30A Outl…
Best forCompact RV power
- RV-ready outlet
- CO sensor
ConsiderNo electric start
DuroMax XP13000EH – Heavy-Duty Whole Home Power
Brand: DuroMax
A powerful, reliable choice for whole-home backup during outages.
The DuroMax XP13000EH is a beast, delivering 13,000 watts to keep your entire home running during a storm. Its push-button electric start makes it easy to get going, and the front-facing interface lets you switch between gas and propane in seconds. This generator is transfer switch ready, so you can connect it directly to your home’s electrical panel.
DuroMax is known for robust engines, and this model lives up to that reputation. The heavy-duty build is designed to last, making it a solid investment for emergency backup. If you need serious power and reliability, this is a top contender.
- 13,000 watts of power
- Electric start
- Transfer switch ready
- Large and heavy
- No CO sensor
Westinghouse 12500 Watt – Remote Start Convenience
Brand: Westinghouse
A convenient and powerful generator with remote start for easy operation.
The Westinghouse 12500 Watt generator offers 9,500 running watts on gasoline and 8,500 on propane, making it perfect for home backup. The standout feature is the remote start key fob, so you can start it from inside your home. It also has electric and recoil start options for flexibility.
With a heavy-duty 457cc engine and cast iron sleeve, this generator is built to last. It includes multiple outlets, including a transfer switch-ready 30A and an RV-ready 50A, all with rubber covers. The VFT display tracks power output and maintenance alerts, keeping you informed.
- Remote start key fob
- Multiple outlets
- Cast iron sleeve
- No CO sensor
- Heavy unit
DuroStar DS13000MX – Safety-Focused Powerhouse
Brand: DuroStar
A powerful generator with essential CO safety for peace of mind.
The DuroStar DS13000MX delivers 13,000 watts of reliable power for home backup, job sites, or RVs. Its dual fuel capability lets you choose gasoline for maximum power or propane for longer run times and cleaner emissions. The push-button electric start and intuitive control panel make it user-friendly.
What sets this model apart is the CO Alert system, which automatically shuts down the generator if dangerous carbon monoxide levels are detected. This added safety feature protects your family during extended outages. With a heavy-duty build, it’s designed to handle tough conditions.
- CO alert shutdown
- Dual fuel flexibility
- Electric start
- No remote start
- Large footprint
WEN DF475T – Compact and Versatile
The WEN DF475T is a compact dual fuel generator that’s perfect for smaller homes or RVs. It delivers 4,750 surge watts on gasoline and 4,350 on propane, with 3,800 running watts. The electric start powers the 224cc engine with the turn of a key, and the selection dial makes switching fuels simple.
This generator can output 120V or 240V, making it ideal for transfer switches and emergency backup. The 4-gallon tank provides up to 11 hours of run time at half load. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features.
- Electric start
- 120V/240V output
- 11-hour run time
- Lower wattage
- No CO sensor
Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt – CO Sensor Included
Brand: Westinghouse
A safe and powerful generator with remote start and CO protection.
This Westinghouse model offers the same power as the previous one—9,500 running watts on gas and 8,500 on propane—but adds a carbon monoxide sensor. The CO sensor automatically shuts down the generator if unsafe levels are detected, providing extra safety for your family.
It also features remote start with a key fob, along with electric and recoil start. The heavy-duty 457cc engine with cast iron sleeve ensures durability. All outlets have rubber covers, and the VFT display gives you real-time data on power usage.
- CO sensor included
- Remote start
- Durable engine
- Heavy
- Expensive
WEN DF680iX – EV Charging Ready
The WEN DF680iX is a dual fuel inverter generator that’s perfect for electric vehicle owners. It delivers 6,800 surge watts on gasoline and 6,000 on propane, with a bonded-neutral 240V configuration for low-power Level 2 charging. This makes it ideal for charging your EV during outages or road trips.
It also features the WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor for safety, and a fuel shutoff that uses up remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down, extending the generator’s lifespan. The inverter technology provides clean power for sensitive electronics.
- EV charging capable
- CO watchdog
- Fuel shutoff
- No remote start
- Moderate power
Westinghouse 6500 Watt – RV and Home Ready
Brand: Westinghouse
A versatile generator with everything you need for RV and home backup.
The Westinghouse 6500 Watt generator offers 5,300 running watts on gasoline and 4,800 on propane, making it a solid choice for home backup or RV trips. It includes a 4.7-gallon fuel tank with a fuel gauge, providing up to 14.5 hours of run time. The 274cc engine with cast iron sleeve ensures longevity.
This model comes with multiple outlets, including an RV-ready 30A and a transfer switch-ready 30A, all with rubber covers. It also has a CO sensor for safety. The plug-and-play package includes oil, a funnel, a propane hose, and a wheel kit, so you’re ready to go out of the box.
- RV-ready outlet
- CO sensor
- Wheel kit included
- No remote start
- Moderate power
WEN DF360iX – Quiet and Lightweight
Brand: WEN
A quiet, portable generator perfect for camping and sensitive electronics.
The WEN DF360iX is a quiet and lightweight inverter generator, perfect for camping or tailgating. It runs on gasoline (3,600 surge watts) or propane (3,500 surge watts) and operates at a noise level comparable to a normal conversation. This makes it ideal for use in quiet environments.
It produces clean power, protecting sensitive electronics like smartphones and laptops. The WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor adds safety, and the fuel shutoff feature extends the engine’s life. It’s an excellent portable option for those who prioritize quiet operation.
- Extremely quiet
- Clean power
- CO watchdog
- Lower wattage
- No electric start
PowerSmart 3800 Watt – Eco-Friendly and Quiet
Brand: PowerSmart
A quiet, efficient generator for camping and light home use.
The PowerSmart 3800 Watt inverter generator is designed for camping and home use. It delivers 3,800 starting watts on gasoline and 3,500 on propane, with a super quiet operation at just 59 dBA in Eco Mode. This won’t disturb your neighbors or campsite.
It runs up to 8 hours on a 1.3-gallon gas tank at 25% load, or up to 24 hours with a standard 20-lb propane tank. Safety features include overload, short-circuit, and CO sensor protection, plus low-oil shutoff. It meets ANSI/PGMA G300 standards, ensuring quality.
- Super quiet
- Long propane run time
- CO sensor
- Small tank
- No electric start
Westinghouse 4650 Peak Watt – Compact RV Companion
Brand: Westinghouse
A reliable, compact generator for RV enthusiasts who need dependable power.
The Westinghouse 4650 Peak Watt generator is a compact option for RV trips. It offers 3,600 running watts on gasoline and 3,240 on propane, with a 4-gallon fuel tank providing up to 14 hours of run time. The 212cc engine with cast iron sleeve is durable and reliable.
It features an RV-ready 30A outlet, along with a household duplex and L5-30R receptacle, all with rubber covers. The CO sensor and low-oil shutdown add safety. The package includes oil, a funnel, and a tool kit, so you can start using it immediately.
- RV-ready outlet
- CO sensor
- 14-hour run time
- No electric start
- Lower wattage
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right dual fuel generator depends on your power needs, fuel availability, and portability. Here are key factors to consider before making a purchase.
- Power Output: Consider your essential appliances and their wattage. Running watts indicate continuous power, while surge watts cover startup spikes. Choose a generator that exceeds your needs by 20-30%.
- Fuel Type: Dual fuel generators run on gasoline and propane. Gasoline offers higher power, while propane is cleaner and has longer shelf life. Decide which fuel is more accessible for you.
- Run Time: Longer run times mean fewer refuels during outages. Check the tank size and consumption rate. Some models run up to 14 hours on a full tank, while others can last days with propane.
- Portability: If you plan to move the generator, consider weight and wheel kits. Inverter models are lighter and quieter, while larger units may have wheels but are still heavy.
- Safety Features: Look for CO sensors, low-oil shutdown, and overload protection. These features prevent accidents and extend the generator's lifespan. CO sensors are especially important for indoor use.
Conclusion
Dual fuel generators offer the flexibility and reliability you need for emergencies, camping, or job sites. From the powerful DuroMax XP13000EH for whole-home backup to the quiet WEN DF360iX for camping, there’s a model for every situation. Consider your power requirements, safety features, and portability to make the best choice.
For most homeowners, the Westinghouse 12500 Watt with remote start and CO sensor is an excellent all-around option. If you need EV charging capability, the WEN DF680iX stands out. Whichever you choose, investing in a quality dual fuel generator ensures you’re prepared for any outage.
Erica Steven is the founder and lead writer of WorstBrands, a site dedicated to providing honest and trustworthy reviews about outdoor gear and fashion products.
With a passion for exploring the great outdoors and staying up to date on the latest fashion trends, Erica uses her expertise to provide valuable insights into the products that matter most to her readers.
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