When the power goes out, a tri fuel generator can be your lifeline. These versatile machines run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, giving you the flexibility to use whatever fuel is available. Whether you’re facing a storm, an outage, or just want peace of mind, having a reliable backup power source is essential.
This guide reviews the best tri fuel generators on the market, focusing on power output, fuel efficiency, and safety features. We’ll help you choose the right one for your home backup needs, so you can stay comfortable and connected no matter what.
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WEN 14,500-Watt 120V/240V Tri-Fuel Generator for Gas, Propane, and Natural …
Best forWhole-home emergency backup
- High surge wattage
- CO shutdown sensor
ConsiderHeavy to move
DuroStar DS13000MXT 13,000-Watt 500cc Tri Fuel Portable Generator – Gas, Pr…
Best forStorm and outage protection
- Push button start
- CO Alert safety
ConsiderNo remote start
Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remot…
Best forLong-duration home backup
- 19-hour runtime
- Low THD for electronics
ConsiderHeavy unit
Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remot…
Best forRV and home backup
- Remote start key fob
- RV ready outlet
ConsiderNo natural gas peak watts
Generac 12,500 Starting Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator, Electric Start
Best forHigh-surge appliance support
- AVR for stable power
- COSense safety
ConsiderLower running watts
WEN 14,500-Watt 120V/240V Tri-Fuel Generator for Gas, Propane, and Natural …
Best forBudget-conscious home backup
- High power output
- Electric start
ConsiderNo CO sensor
DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000-Watt 500cc Tri Fuel Gas Propane Natural Gas Porta…
Best forQuick fuel switching
- Easy fuel change
- Push button start
ConsiderNo remote start
Westinghouse 8200 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Remote El…
Best forQuiet, efficient home backup
- Low THD (
- Fuel-saving inverter
ConsiderLower peak watts
Westinghouse 12000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Remote S…
Best forQuiet whole-home backup
- Very quiet (64 dBA)
- Fuel savings up to 50%
ConsiderHeavy
Westinghouse 18000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remot…
Best forLarge home and jobsite power
- Highest peak watts
- V-Twin engine
ConsiderVery heavy
WEN TF-1450X – Powerful Tri Fuel with CO Watchdog
The WEN TF-1450X delivers impressive power across all three fuels, with 14,500 surge watts on gasoline and 10,500 surge watts on natural gas. It operates at both 120V and 240V, making it perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup. The electric start fires up the 500cc engine with a turn of the key, and the 8.2-gallon tank provides up to 12 hours of half-load runtime.
Safety is a priority with the WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor, which automatically turns off the generator if dangerous carbon monoxide levels are detected. This feature gives you peace of mind during long outages. With its robust power and safety features, this generator is a solid choice for whole-home backup.
- High surge wattage
- CO shutdown sensor
- 12-hour runtime
- Heavy to move
- No remote start
DuroStar DS13000MXT – Reliable Power for Your Home
The DuroStar DS13000MXT provides 13,000 watts of power to keep your entire home running during a storm or outage. Its tri fuel technology lets you switch between gasoline, propane, and natural gas, offering flexibility and freedom. The push button start and fuel selection knob make operation simple, and the 50 amp outlet is transfer switch ready.
Safety is enhanced with CO Alert, which automatically shuts down the generator if carbon monoxide reaches dangerous levels. This generator is designed for whole-home backup, protecting your family and appliances. With its robust power and safety features, the DS13000MXT is a dependable choice for emergency power.
- Push button start
- CO Alert safety
- 50 amp outlet
- No remote start
- Large footprint
Westinghouse 14500 – High Power with Low THD
Brand: Westinghouse
A high-capacity tri fuel generator with excellent runtime and safety.
The Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator offers 14,500 peak watts on gasoline and 12,000 peak watts on natural gas. It’s powered by a heavy-duty 550cc engine with a cast iron sleeve for durability. With a 9.5-gallon tank, it runs up to 19 hours, keeping your home powered for extended outages.
Engineered with low THD, it’s safe for sensitive electronics like phones, computers, and TVs. The remote electric start adds convenience, and the transfer switch ready outlet ensures easy connection to your home’s electrical system. This generator combines power, efficiency, and safety, making it a top choice for home backup.
- 19-hour runtime
- Low THD for electronics
- Remote start
- Heavy unit
- Pricey
Westinghouse 13500 – Versatile and Reliable
Brand: Westinghouse
A versatile tri fuel generator with convenient remote start.
The Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator delivers 13,500 peak watts on gasoline and 10,000 peak watts on natural gas. It features a remote start with an included key fob, making it easy to start from a distance. The generator includes multiple outlets, including a transfer switch ready 30A and an RV ready 50A, all with rubber covers for safety.
Powered by a heavy-duty 500cc engine with a cast iron sleeve, it includes automatic low oil and CO shutdown for peace of mind. The digital hour meter helps you track maintenance. This generator is plug-and-play, coming with oil and a funnel, so you can set it up quickly.
- Remote start key fob
- RV ready outlet
- Low oil shutdown
- No natural gas peak watts
- Battery charger included
Generac 12500 – Stable Power with COsense
The Generac 12,500 Starting Watt Tri-Fuel Generator offers 9,500 running watts and 12,500 starting watts on gasoline. Its tri fuel dial lets you switch between gasoline, propane, and natural gas easily. The built-in AVR stabilizes output voltage, protecting your equipment from fluctuations.
The 500cc OHV engine delivers 32% more surge capacity than running output, handling simultaneous high-surge loads. COsense technology automatically detects rising carbon monoxide levels and shuts down the generator for safety. With electric start, this generator is convenient and reliable for home backup.
- AVR for stable power
- COSense safety
- Electric start
- Lower running watts
- No remote start
WEN TF-1450 – Solid Performance Without CO Sensor
Brand: WEN
A cost-effective tri fuel generator with strong power, minus CO sensor.
The WEN TF-1450 offers the same powerful performance as the TF-1450X but without the CO Watchdog sensor. It still delivers 14,500 surge watts on gasoline and 10,500 surge watts on natural gas, operating at 120V and 240V. The electric start and 8.2-gallon tank provide up to 12 hours of runtime.
This generator is transfer switch ready, making it easy to connect to your home’s electrical system. It’s a great option if you already have CO detectors in your home and want a high-power generator at a lower price. The wheel kit makes it easier to move around your property.
- High power output
- Electric start
- Wheel kit included
- No CO sensor
- Shorter runtime
DuroMax XP13000HXT – Powerful and Flexible
Brand: DuroMax
A powerful tri fuel generator with user-friendly fuel switching.
The DuroMax XP13000HXT provides 13,000 watts of power to keep your home running during outages. Its tri fuel capability lets you run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, giving you ultimate fuel flexibility. The front-facing interface allows you to change fuel types in seconds, and the push button start adds convenience.
Powered by a robust 500cc OHV engine, this generator includes a CO Alert for safety. It offers a wide variety of outlets, including a transfer switch ready 50A outlet. This generator is designed for whole-home backup, ensuring your family stays safe and comfortable.
- Easy fuel change
- Push button start
- CO Alert
- No remote start
- Heavy
Westinghouse iGen8200TFc – Quiet Inverter Power
Brand: Westinghouse
A quiet, efficient tri fuel inverter generator for home and electronics.
The Westinghouse iGen8200TFc is a tri fuel inverter generator that combines the benefits of inverter technology with home backup power. It has a 50A outlet for home backup, capable of running your air conditioner, refrigerator, and sump pump simultaneously. The inverter adjusts engine speed to meet power demand, significantly cutting fuel use and noise.
With less than 3% THD, it’s safe for sensitive electronics like phones and computers. The copper windings enhance durability and efficiency. This generator is transfer switch ready and offers parallel capability for increased power. It’s an excellent choice for those who want quiet, efficient backup power.
- Low THD (<3%)
- Fuel-saving inverter
- Parallel capable
- Lower peak watts
- Pricey
Westinghouse iGen12000TFc – High Power Inverter
Brand: Westinghouse
A high-powered, quiet tri fuel inverter generator with excellent fuel economy.
The Westinghouse iGen12000TFc tri fuel inverter generator provides whole home backup power with ≤3% THD, making it safe for sensitive electronics. It features a 50A outlet for home backup and an RV ready outlet. The heavy-duty 457cc engine operates quietly, with Eco Mode and insulation keeping noise as low as 64 dBA.
Inverter technology matches engine speed to power demand, saving up to 50% in fuel costs compared to traditional generators. This generator is transfer switch ready and parallel capable. It’s an ideal choice for those who want high power with quiet operation and fuel efficiency.
- Very quiet (64 dBA)
- Fuel savings up to 50%
- Low THD
- Heavy
- Expensive
Westinghouse 18000 – Massive Power for Large Homes
Brand: Westinghouse
A massive tri fuel generator for the most demanding backup needs.
The Westinghouse 18000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator is a powerhouse, delivering 18,000 peak watts on gasoline and 14,500 peak watts on natural gas. It’s powered by a heavy-duty 713cc V-Twin OHV engine, ensuring reliable performance. With a 10.5-gallon tank, it runs up to 16 hours at 25% load, keeping your home powered for extended periods.
With less than 5% THD, it’s safe for sensitive electronics. The CO sensor adds an extra layer of safety. This generator is engineered for larger homes and jobsites, with a 50A outlet for easy connection to your transfer switch. If you need massive power, this is the one.
- Highest peak watts
- V-Twin engine
- CO sensor
- Very heavy
- High fuel consumption
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right tri fuel generator involves balancing power, fuel flexibility, and safety. This guide highlights key factors to consider, helping you make an informed decision for your home backup needs.
- Power Output: Consider your essential appliances and their starting wattage. Add up the running watts and the highest surge watts to determine the generator size you need. A 10,000-watt generator can handle most homes, but larger homes may need 14,000 watts or more.
- Fuel Type Flexibility: Tri fuel generators run on gasoline, propane, and natural gas. Gasoline is widely available but has a shorter shelf life. Propane stores well and burns cleaner. Natural gas is convenient if you have a gas line, but it limits portability. Choose based on your fuel availability.
- Safety Features: Look for CO sensors or shutdown systems to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Automatic low oil shutdown prevents engine damage. These features are crucial for safe operation, especially during long outages when you might be sleeping.
- Noise Level: Generators can be loud. Inverter models are quieter and more fuel-efficient, but they cost more. If noise is a concern, check the dBA rating. Traditional generators are louder but often cheaper. Consider your neighbors and local noise regulations.
- Outlets and Connectivity: Ensure the generator has the outlets you need: 120V household, 240V for transfer switches, and 50A for RVs. Transfer switch ready outlets make connecting to your home's electrical system easier. Also, check for remote start and parallel capability for added convenience.
Conclusion
Tri fuel generators offer unmatched flexibility and reliability for home backup. From the powerful Westinghouse 18000 to the quiet inverter models, there’s a generator for every need and budget. Prioritize safety features like CO sensors and consider your power requirements to find the perfect match.
For most homes, the Westinghouse 14500 or DuroStar DS13000MXT provide excellent power and safety. If you value quiet operation, the Westinghouse iGen12000TFc is a top pick. Ultimately, the best tri fuel generator is one that meets your specific power needs and gives you peace of mind during outages.
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.
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