Best Dual Fuel Generators
Compare five gasoline-and-propane generators for home backup, RVs, camping and demanding electrical loads. See the actual running watts on each fuel, essential outlet differences and the trade-offs that matter before buying.
The best dual fuel generator is not necessarily the one with the largest advertised wattage. It is the one that supplies enough continuous power on your preferred fuel, provides the correct outlets and fits your operating conditions.
For most buyers, the first decision is between a high-output conventional generator for household backup and a quieter inverter generator for RV use, electronics or smaller electrical loads. Gasoline and propane flexibility is useful in both categories, but each model delivers different power ratings on the two fuels.
Our Top Dual Fuel Generator Picks
Best for substantial home backup: Westinghouse WGen9500DFc. Its 9,500W gasoline / 8,500W propane continuous ratings and 120/240V outlets make it a practical starting point for larger emergency-power plans.
Best high-output inverter: Champion 201175. It combines 7,000W gasoline / 6,300W propane continuous output with an enclosed inverter design and 120/240V connections.
Best RV-oriented inverter: Westinghouse iGen5000DFc. It offers 120V TT-30R output, inverter technology and a more manageable power class than large open-frame home-backup units.
Best smaller Champion alternative: Champion 201319, for buyers who need a 120V dual fuel inverter and do not require 240V output.
Best for especially high output: DuroMax XP13000HX, for buyers whose verified electrical loads justify a 10,500W gasoline / 10,000W propane continuous-output generator.
Westinghouse WGen9500DFc
Running watts on gasoline / propane. A strong fit when 120/240V home-backup connections are important.
Check PriceChampion 201175
Enclosed dual fuel inverter with 120/240V output and CO Shield shutdown technology.
Check PriceWestinghouse iGen5000DFc
120V inverter model with an RV-style TT-30R outlet and remote electric starting.
Check PriceDual Fuel Generator Comparison Table
Running watts matter more than peak watts for continuous loads. The table lists both gasoline and propane ratings because most dual fuel generators produce less continuous power on propane.
| Generator | Gas Running / Starting | Propane Running / Starting | AC Voltage | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse WGen9500DFc | 9,500W / 12,500W | 8,500W / 11,200W | 120/240V | Home backup |
| Champion 201175 | 7,000W / 8,500W | 6,300W / 8,500W | 120/240V | High-output inverter |
| DuroMax XP13000HX | 10,500W / 13,000W | 10,000W / 12,500W | 120/240V | Higher-demand backup |
| Westinghouse iGen5000DFc | 3,900W / 5,000W | 3,500W / 4,500W | 120V | RV and portable inverter use |
| Champion 201319 | 3,500W / 4,500W | 3,150W / 4,500W | 120V | Smaller RV and essentials loads |
How to read the table: A 9,500W gasoline rating does not mean 9,500W is available when operating on propane. Also, 120V-only inverter models cannot directly supply a 240V appliance simply because their total wattage seems sufficient.
These are manufacturer-published model specifications, not independently measured results. Verify the exact model suffix and regional version before ordering.
Detailed Reviews: Strengths, Limitations and Ideal Buyers
1. Westinghouse WGen9500DFc
The WGen9500DFc is a conventional open-frame dual fuel generator intended for substantial electrical loads. Westinghouse publishes 9,500 running watts on gasoline and 8,500 on propane, with 120/240V output.
Its L14-30R and 14-50R connections make it relevant to home-backup arrangements that require a professionally selected transfer switch or approved interlock. Those outlets do not mean the unit can power every circuit in a house at once.
- High continuous power on either fuel.
- 120/240V connections for appropriate backup setups.
- Electric, remote and recoil starting.
- Built-in CO sensor and low-oil shutdown.
- Heavy: manufacturer lists 212.1 lb dry.
- Open-frame design with a published 74 dBA noise figure.
- Propane continuous output is 1,000W below gasoline.
- Not a low-distortion inverter generator.
Choose it if: You need meaningful 120/240V backup capacity and can accommodate a large, outdoor-only generator.
Avoid it if: You need a lightweight camping unit, particularly quiet operation or a 120V inverter designed around low total harmonic distortion.
Check Price2. Champion 201175
Champion's 201175 is an enclosed dual fuel inverter with 8,500 starting watts on both fuels, 7,000 gasoline running watts and 6,300 propane running watts. It offers 120/240V connections, including L14-30R and 14-50R outlets.
Champion lists a 64 dBA noise figure and up to 14 hours of gasoline runtime at one-quarter load. This makes it an interesting alternative when buyers want inverter technology but require more power than typical compact RV units provide.
- High-output inverter design.
- 120/240V electrical connections.
- CO Shield automatic shutdown system.
- Electric and recoil starting.
- Less continuous power than larger conventional models.
- Substantial size and weight for portable use.
- Not parallel-capable according to the model specifications.
- Runtime claims depend on light-load conditions.
Choose it if: You need a relatively high-output dual fuel inverter with 120/240V capability.
Avoid it if: Your priority is the highest possible continuous wattage per dollar or the smallest equipment footprint.
Check Price3. DuroMax XP13000HX
The XP13000HX is a large gasoline-and-propane generator. DuroMax publishes 10,500 running watts and 13,000 peak watts on gasoline, compared with 10,000 running watts and 12,500 peak watts on propane.
Its advantage is straightforward: higher continuous output than the other models in this comparison. That can be useful when a properly planned backup arrangement includes multiple substantial loads.
- 10,500W continuous output on gasoline.
- 10,000W continuous output on propane.
- 120/240V power for appropriate applications.
- Electric start and CO Alert safety feature.
- Very heavy and not suited to casual transport.
- Large fuel demand at sustained higher loads.
- Conventional generator rather than enclosed inverter.
- Requires substantial outdoor operating space.
Choose it if: Your calculated loads genuinely justify this output class and you have a safe, suitable installation and fuel plan.
Avoid it if: You need only a refrigerator, lights and a few electronics. Oversizing can increase equipment cost, noise and fuel use.
Check Price4. Westinghouse iGen5000DFc
The iGen5000DFc is a 120V dual fuel inverter with 3,900 running watts on gasoline and 3,500 on propane. Westinghouse specifies a TT-30R RV outlet, household outlets and USB connections.
It is a more logical choice than a large open-frame home-backup generator for many RV owners, provided their combined running and starting loads fit the model's ratings. Westinghouse lists total harmonic distortion of 3% or less.
- RV-style 120V TT-30R outlet.
- Inverter output with published low THD.
- Remote and electric starting.
- CO sensor and parallel capability.
- No native 240V output.
- 3,500W propane running limit.
- Still over 100 lb dry.
- Manufacturer states it is not CARB compliant.
Choose it if: You need an inverter for a compatible 120V RV system or moderate portable power loads.
Avoid it if: You require 240V backup power or cannot meet local emissions requirements.
Check Price5. Champion 201319
Champion's 201319 produces 3,500 running watts on gasoline and 3,150 on propane. It has 120V output, a TT-30R outlet, electric starting and the company's CO Shield shutdown system.
Champion publishes a 61 dBA noise figure and up to 14 hours on gasoline or 21 hours on a 20-pound propane cylinder at one-quarter load. Those are light-load conditions, not full-output runtimes.
- 120V RV-ready outlet.
- Inverter technology with low published THD.
- Electric starting and CO Shield.
- Parallel-ready with compatible equipment.
- Lower continuous output than the iGen5000DFc.
- 120V only.
- Published operating weight is substantial.
- Parallel kit is an additional purchase.
Choose it if: You need a smaller 120V inverter with propane capability and suitable RV connections.
Avoid it if: Your propane load exceeds 3,150 continuous watts or requires a 240V circuit.
Check PriceGasoline vs Propane: The Trade-Off Most Buyers Miss
Dual fuel generators are valuable because they provide two fuel options. But the choice of fuel changes the generator's available power, storage needs and operating costs.
Higher Output on Many Models
Gasoline typically delivers the generator's higher published continuous wattage. It can be convenient for heavy loads, but stored gasoline ages and requires approved containers and safe handling.
Flexible Fuel Storage
Propane does not degrade in storage like gasoline, but cylinders and regulators must be maintained correctly. Continuous output is commonly lower, and cylinder runtime varies greatly with load.
How Much Running Power Do You Lose on Propane?
| Model | Gasoline Running | Propane Running | Reduction on Propane |
|---|---|---|---|
| WGen9500DFc | 9,500W | 8,500W | 10.5% |
| Champion 201175 | 7,000W | 6,300W | 10.0% |
| DuroMax XP13000HX | 10,500W | 10,000W | 4.8% |
| iGen5000DFc | 3,900W | 3,500W | 10.3% |
| Champion 201319 | 3,500W | 3,150W | 10.0% |
The percentages are calculated from each manufacturer's published running-watt ratings. The exact reduction is model-specific; do not assume a universal 10% difference.
Which Fuel Is Cheaper?
Fuel cost depends on local gasoline and propane prices, the generator's consumption at your actual load and how efficiently it operates. A lower price per gallon does not automatically mean a lower cost per kilowatt-hour.
For a meaningful comparison, use the manufacturer's fuel consumption data at a representative load, calculate total fuel cost and divide by the electrical energy produced. Remember that fuel consumption at one-quarter load cannot be directly extrapolated to full output.
How Long Will a Propane Cylinder Last?
A standard 20-pound propane cylinder contains roughly 4.7 gallons of propane when filled to its normal safe limit. Runtime depends on the generator and electrical demand.
For example, Champion publishes up to 21 hours for model 201319 on a 20-pound propane cylinder at one-quarter load. That does not mean it will run 21 hours near its 3,150W propane output limit.
For extended outages, plan for multiple cylinders or an appropriately installed larger supply, with fuel storage and connections compliant with applicable requirements.
How to Size a Dual Fuel Generator Correctly
The safest buying approach is to calculate what must run simultaneously, then check the largest motor startup requirement and the generator's available output on the intended fuel.
Identify Essential Loads
Separate necessities such as refrigeration, lighting and communication from high-demand optional appliances. Use nameplate ratings or reliable power measurements rather than assuming every household device uses the same watts.
Add Simultaneous Running Watts
Include only devices that will operate at the same time. Do not add every appliance in the house if your plan involves rotating loads.
Account for Motor Starting Demand
Refrigerators, pumps and air conditioners may briefly need more power when starting. Check manufacturer requirements, especially for larger motors and compressor equipment.
Check Propane Ratings and Outlet Limits
Make sure the selected generator supports the required total output, individual outlet amperage and voltage. A 120V-only generator cannot directly supply a 240V load.
Illustrative Sizing Example
Suppose the following appliances will run at the same time:
| Load | Running Watts | Additional Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 200W | 600W |
| Lights | 100W | 0W |
| Internet equipment | 40W | 0W |
| Portable fan | 60W | 100W |
| Total running | 400W | Largest additional surge: 600W |
In this example, a modest generator could potentially meet the electrical demand, assuming its outlet ratings and startup behavior are compatible. Buying a 13,000W generator for these loads alone would be unnecessary.
For a larger home with a well pump, multiple refrigerators, air conditioning or other major equipment, the calculation changes substantially. A qualified electrician can help determine which circuits and loads should be included.
Use the generator size calculator for a more detailed load estimate.
What to Check Before Buying
120V vs 120/240V
Many RV-oriented inverters provide only 120V. Larger backup generators often offer 120/240V. Choose based on your actual electrical loads and the intended connection arrangement.
Inverter vs Conventional
Inverter generators can provide low-distortion output and variable engine speed. Conventional generators often provide more power for the size and price, but output characteristics and noise vary.
Starting Method
Electric and remote starting are convenient, but starter batteries require maintenance. A recoil backup can be valuable when the starting battery is discharged.
Fuel Availability
Dual fuel flexibility matters only if you can safely obtain and store both fuels. Consider cylinder availability and gasoline supply during widespread emergencies.
Noise and Placement
Manufacturer dBA ratings are measured under specified conditions and should not be compared without checking distance and load. Even a relatively quiet generator must remain safely outdoors.
Emissions Compliance
Check EPA and applicable state requirements for the exact model. A generator sold for one market may not be approved for sale or use in another.
Do Not Confuse Dual Fuel and Tri-Fuel
Dual fuel normally means gasoline and propane. Tri-fuel adds natural gas capability. A dual fuel generator cannot be assumed to run on household natural gas without manufacturer-approved equipment.
If natural gas is essential to your backup plan, compare purpose-built models in our tri-fuel generator guide.
Dual Fuel Generator Safety: Non-Negotiable Rules
Carbon monoxide, electric shock, fuel ignition and improper home wiring are serious hazards. Switching from gasoline to propane does not eliminate exhaust risks.
- Never backfeed: Do not plug a generator into a household receptacle to energize home circuits.
- Use approved transfer equipment: A qualified electrician should design and install the correct transfer switch or permitted interlock for the electrical system.
- Keep equipment dry: Follow manufacturer instructions for protection from rain and flooding without enclosing the generator or restricting ventilation.
- Shut down before refueling: Allow hot components to cool, and follow the manual's fuel-switching procedures.
- Inspect propane connections: Use the specified regulator and hose, and check connections for leaks using the manufacturer's recommended method.
- Use correctly rated cords: Outdoor-rated extension cords must support the load, distance and connector configuration.
- Respect neutral and grounding requirements: Floating-neutral and bonded-neutral arrangements are not interchangeable for every transfer switch or RV installation.
For further safety guidance, see the CDC power-outage safety guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dual fuel generators worth buying?
They can be worthwhile if having both gasoline and propane options improves your emergency fuel plan or convenience. However, dual fuel models may cost more than comparable gasoline-only units, and propane output is often lower.
Is propane safer than gasoline for generator operation?
Each fuel has different storage and handling considerations. Propane avoids some gasoline storage issues, but both fuels are flammable and both produce dangerous carbon monoxide when burned in a generator.
Can a dual fuel generator power a whole house?
Some large models can supply substantial household loads through a properly installed connection, but this does not mean every circuit can operate simultaneously. A whole-house plan requires load calculations, voltage compatibility and suitable transfer equipment.
Do dual fuel generators produce less power on propane?
Usually, yes. The exact difference varies. In this comparison, manufacturer-published continuous-output reductions range from about 4.8% to 10.5%.
Can I use a dual fuel generator indoors if it runs on propane?
No. Portable propane generators still produce carbon monoxide. They must be operated outdoors, far from occupied buildings and openings, in accordance with manufacturer and CDC safety guidance.
Do I need an inverter generator for electronics?
An inverter generator with low published total harmonic distortion can be attractive for sensitive electronics. However, suitability also depends on the connected device, voltage stability, grounding and power quality requirements.
Can I connect a dual fuel generator to an RV?
Yes, if the generator has the appropriate voltage, outlet, grounding arrangement and enough power for the RV's loads. A TT-30R outlet supplies 120V service, not 240V.
Research Sources and Editorial Methodology
These recommendations are based on published manufacturer specifications, intended use cases, electrical compatibility and documented limitations. They are not presented as firsthand field tests or independent measurements of noise, runtime or long-term reliability.
Official Product Documentation
- Westinghouse WGen9500DFc — Specifications
- Champion 201175 — Official Product Details
- DuroMax XP13000HX — Official Specifications
- Westinghouse iGen5000DFc — Official Product Details
- Champion 201319 — Official Product Details
- Champion 201319 — Operator's Manual
Safety Reference
Important: Product generations, regulatory approvals, seller availability and warranty terms may change. Verify the exact model number and current manual before buying or connecting equipment.
Which Dual Fuel Generator Should You Choose?
For substantial home backup, the Westinghouse WGen9500DFc is a strong starting point thanks to its output and 120/240V connections. If inverter technology is important at a higher output level, consider the Champion 201175.
For RV use and smaller loads, the Westinghouse iGen5000DFc and Champion 201319 are more appropriate categories to investigate. If you genuinely require over 10,000 running watts on gasoline, the DuroMax XP13000HX deserves consideration.
Final buying rule: Calculate your loads, size the generator for the fuel you will actually use, verify the required outlets and plan safe outdoor operation before choosing a model.
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