The Best Dual Fuel Generators
The best dual-fuel (gas/propane) generators compared — run on either fuel, with picks by running watts, runtime, inverter vs conventional, and price.
A dual-fuel generator runs on either gasoline or propane, which is exactly what you want for home backup: store propane for years without it going stale, switch fuels in a shortage, and run cleaner and quieter on gas. The best-value dual-fuel units come from Westinghouse and Champion, with DuroMax and Firman as strong alternatives. Here’s how the leaders compare.
| Model | Best for | Watts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse WGen9500DF | Best for home backup | 9,500 running / 12,500 peak (gas) | Transfer-switch-ready, remote start, runs a home’s essentials on gas or propane. |
| Champion 100519 (201157) | Best value | 8,000–9,375 running | Reliable dual-fuel at a lower price, backed by Champion’s US support network. |
| DuroMax XP13000EH | Best high-output | 10,500 running / 13,000 peak | Big output for a large home or job site; heavy, but powerful on gas or propane. |
| Champion 2500-watt dual-fuel inverter | Best quiet/portable | 1,850–2,500 running | Light, quiet inverter for camping or a fridge, on gas or propane. |
How to choose a dual-fuel generator
- Watts first. Home essentials need ~5,000–7,500 running watts; add a window AC and you want 9,500 W+. Size it with the sizing calculator.
- Gas vs propane. Gas gives ~10% more watts; propane stores for years and runs cleaner. Dual-fuel lets you keep both.
- Connection. To power household circuits, pair it with a transfer switch or interlock installed by an electrician.
- Inverter or conventional. A dual-fuel inverter is quieter and cleaner for electronics; conventional gives more watts per dollar.
Prefer a permanent, hands-off setup? Compare whole house standby generators. Want the quietest option? See the best inverter generators.
Estimates and specs change — confirm current watts and price on the retailer’s page. Never run a generator indoors or in a garage; the exhaust contains carbon monoxide. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best dual fuel generator?
For home backup, the best-value dual-fuel generators come from Champion and Westinghouse — models like the Westinghouse WGen9500DF and Champion 100519 run about 9,500 watts on gas or propane and cover a home’s essentials. DuroMax and Firman are strong budget alternatives. The best one for you depends on the watts you need and whether you want a quiet inverter — size it first with the sizing calculator.
Are dual fuel generators worth it?
For most home-backup buyers, yes. A dual-fuel generator runs on either gasoline or propane, so you can store propane long-term (it doesn’t go stale like gas), switch fuels during a shortage, and get cleaner, quieter running on propane. The trade-offs are a small wattage drop on propane and a slightly higher price. For occasional-use home backup, the fuel flexibility is usually worth it.
Does a dual fuel generator run better on gas or propane?
Gasoline gives you a bit more power — typically about 10% more watts than propane — so if you need maximum output, run gas. Propane runs cleaner and quieter, stores for years without going stale, and is easier to keep on hand for emergencies. Many owners keep propane for standby readiness and switch to gas only when they need the extra watts.
How big a dual fuel generator do I need?
For a home’s essentials — fridge, furnace blower, a well or sump pump, lights and Wi-Fi — most people need about 5,000–7,500 running watts, so a 7,500–9,500 watt dual-fuel unit is the common choice. Add a window AC and step toward 9,500–12,500 watts. Use the generator sizing calculator to add up your exact running and starting watts.