The Best Dual Fuel Generator Options – best portable generators of 2022

A review of the best dual-fuel gas-to-gas generators – All about building, tools and products for the home

Dual-fuel generators, also called hybrids, can run on two fuels, usually gasoline and propane sometimes natural gas. Having both options provides more flexibility in terms of operating costs and storage.

What are dual-fuel generators and which one is best to buy

Gasoline is the standard type of fuel for generators, but it has certain drawbacks – it’s more expensive. Propane is often cheaper, which lowers operating costs, it can be stored indefinitely, and it even reduces noise levels.

For some, a longer total run time is already enough to buy a dual-fuel generator. Depending on the model, you can seamlessly switch between fuel supplies, which greatly increases the amount of time you can keep the generator running before you need to turn it off for refueling.

Here are the ten best hybrid generators, ranging from lower output inverters to more powerful models. Which one meets your power needs?

Buying Guide For The Best Dual Fuel Generator

 

1. Champion 7500-watt dual-fuel portable generator with electric start

Champion generators are popular in general, but this mid-sized model, has earned many positive reviews. It has 7,500 watts continuously on gasoline and 6,750 watts on propane.

This is a user-friendly model with an electric starter as well as cold start technology so it doesn’t fail in cold climates. The smart sensor on the control panel also makes it easy to monitor, as it shows run time, voltage, output, and even maintenance reminders.

The run time is decent, but it’s less than many other models available on the market.

It contains 1.2 liters of oil (included) and a low oil level shut-off sensor.

Electric start with a handy toggle switch.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Smart sensor

Easy start

Cons:

Loud

Average run time

2. Pulsar 10000W with Switch & Go technology

This Pulsar model offers great performance with long run times and even instant fuel change without having to turn off the engine first thanks to Switch & Go technology. Whenever one of the fuel tanks runs out, you can simply turn the knob and switch to alternative fuel.

This is a great source if you need a stable power source for long periods of time, as this Pulsar can run for 12 hours on gasoline or propane at half load. There are also 4 120V outlets, so you can plug in many appliances at once.

This product comes at a reasonable price for its capacity and technology features, making it one of the best value for money options on this list.

10,000W peak power 8,000W (gas) / 9,000W peak power 7,000W (gasoline)

Powerful 420cc air-cooled, 4-stroke engine is protected by a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame

Pros and cons

Pros:

Good fuel economy and run time

Good value for money

Cons:

Unstable voltage output

Faulty electric start possible

3. DuroMax XP1200EH with forced starting

This “beast” is designed for heavy-duty use with a rugged steel frame, all-terrain tires, high power and an MX2 switch that can double the 120-volt amperage for heavy loads. If you need a portable generator that’s powerful enough as a whole-house solution or reliable enough for a construction site, this model is for you.

This machine delivers a peak output of 12,000 watts on gasoline, and not far behind is a peak output of 11,400 watts on propane. Considering its high output, the run times are quite decent at nearly 9 hours and over 7 hours respectively.

The downside is that you’d expect more outlets for that amount of power, but there’s the advantage of being able to run on both 120V and 240V at the same time.

Pros and cons

Pros:

High performance.

Can run 120 volts and 240 at the same time

Cons:

Volume

     4. Firman H03651 CARB & CETL.

For a lesser known brand, this is a product you should definitely consider for its value for money. It has one of the smaller fuel tanks, yet is capable of running for 14 hours at 25% load and over 10 hours on propane.

There are a few extra safety features, such as enclosed outlets and automatic oil shutoff. It’s also more portable than some other models because it weighs less, has a folding U-shaped handle for easy moving and storage.

All in all, it’s a great alternative to the big brands.

Ready for any task, the H03651 Portable Hybrid Dual Fuel Generator provides power on demand. Great for , emergency power, work and outdoor recreation.

208cc dual fuel engine

Pros and cons

Pros:

Nice portable design

Affordable

Good running time

Cons:

Few outlets

Bad packaging

       5. Westinghouse WGen3600DF Portable dual fuel (gas and propane) generator with electric start – rated 3,600 watts and peak power of 4,650 watts

It has incredible fuel efficiency that provides 18 hours of gasoline and 11 hours of propane.

This is also a very convenient model with Switch & Go technology, electric start, and easy maintenance. If you prefer even more convenience, you can upgrade to the wireless remote start version.

It may not be the most powerful power source, but it’s more than enough to keep it running through the night.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Affordable

Long working time

Cons:

Large size.

Possible battery malfunction

   6. Champion 3400-watt dual-fuel portable inverter generator with electric start

Another extremely popular Champion generator is larger in size than a regular inverter generator, but with more power and the ability to run on propane.

Dual-fuel inverter generators aren’t common, but they’re great for transportation and noise reduction, so this model is worth considering if you can afford it. With over 3,000 watts of power, this model is very close to much larger generators.

Despite the small fuel tank, this inverter still has a decent run time of over 7 hours on gasoline and, even more impressively, over 14 hours on a propane tank. You can also get double the power by hooking up a second inverter.

Convenient electric start with 3-position ignition switch – battery included, plus a quick access panel lets you access all the controls in one place. Noise level: 59 dBA . Frequency 60 Hz.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Compact design with good capacity

Relatively quiet

Long working time on propane gas

Possibility to connect in parallel

Cons:

High cost

    7. WEN DF475T 4750-watt dual-fuel portable 120V / 240V generator with electric start.

WEN delivers quality inexpensive generators all the time, and this model is no different. It has decent power for a good run time of 11 hours on gasoline and 7 hours on propane.

Relatively inexpensive with the fact that it has an electric starter, folding handles, fuel type switch. It all comes with a 2-year warranty and affordable service.

The voltage easily changes from 120V to 240V, perfect for power tools and emergency backup power.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Low cost

Easy to move.

Cons:

Outlets with limited power

    8. DuroMax XP2000EH.

This lightweight machine weighs only 21 pounds, so you can easily carry it wherever you go. It’s a small capacity generator, so it’s more suitable for charging sensitive electronics such as laptops, cell phones and DSLR cameras or drones.

Gasoline run time is below average, which is understandable for a small tank, but when connected to a propane tank it offers 21 hours of run time. The engine is quite quiet at 61 decibels, which is about the same noise level as a normal conversation between two people.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Low weight.

Very long run time on propane

Quiet

Cons:

Low capacity

Small gasoline fuel tank

   9. DuroStar Hybrid Dual Fuel DS10000EH 10,000-watt portable generator

The DuroStar case was designed for heavy use, but it can also be used as a standby generator for the whole house. It provides plenty of power on any type of fuel, and it’s also quite economical for a long time, with more than 10 hours on gasoline and more than 8 hours on propane.

This model has an MX2 switch that doubles as a 120-volt outlet for larger loads and allows you to run at 120 and 240 volts simultaneously. This is great for high power requirements or when you need to plug in a lot of devices.

The disadvantage is that it is quite heavy, even with the tires and handle, so it is not the most portable option.

The powerful 18 hp engine is capable of taking high-powered loads with ease. Full power panel with oil warning light, voltmeter, circuit breaker and outlets.

When the idle control is on, it automatically lowers the rpm to idle.

Pros and cons

Pros:

High capacity.

Fuel efficient

Cons:

Heavy

Loud

Types of generators.Advantage and their difference.

Generators

A generator is a type of device that generates electricity or converts one type of energy into another. A generator is designed to provide autonomous electricity.

There are several kinds of generators and each of them works on a different kind of fuel, and they all have their differences and their advantages.

The gasoline generator

The gasoline generator (so-called mini power station) is a small unit used to generate electricity. It is used when there is a need for electricity. The work is based on the conversion of fuel energy into electricity. It is used for supplying electricity to objects that do not have a connection to the central power grid. If necessary it can be used in facilities where the central power supply is frequently and for long periods. Type models are designed with comfort and compactness in mind, if necessary, the delivery of the unit in the right place the location will not be very difficult, since the gasoline generator is not heavyweight it is not difficult to move from object to object.

Mini power plant (gasoline generator) is widely used in such facilities as an agricultural farm, construction sites. To provide electricity to a private home with an unstable supply of electricity, a garden plot without connection to the mains, garage, street market stall, you’ll need a not large portable unit with a working capacity of 5 – 6 kW, which will provide the work of the refrigerator, cash register and lighting. Quite often began to use and when traveling on vacation in auto camping (vacation in a tent), in this form of recreation of his work allows the fan to work, a small refrigerator and is even possible to watch TV.

Before you buy a gasoline generator it is important to determine how much power you need and for what purpose you will use this unit. There are two types of electric generators: two-stroke and four-stroke.

A two-stroke gasoline generator

A two-stroke gasoline generator is not a large capacity unit designed for use in domestic conditions, its comfortable model will not take up much space. But this power is not enough to provide electricity to your entire country house and all the appliances that you want to use or to use in the work of the small carpentry workshop. For these purposes, you will not circumvent the Four-stroke Generator – this model of power station will suit you completely as it has a capacity above 6.5 kW and will provide you with stable operation of the power grid.

You will not need any special engineering knowledge to start using such equipment. It has a simple design and is easy to use. Refueling the engine will not be a big problem, and gasoline for its uninterrupted operation is always on sale.

The price of the generator, working on gasoline is not high, an inexpensive unit, which can afford to buy, everyone who wants to buy a similar technique.

And yet it is worth recalling that it is important for what purposes you will use a particular type of gasoline generator. If you want to use the generator as the main electric power supply. Then it is better and more convenient for you to buy a diesel generator.

Diesel generator

A diesel generator is also designed for constant electric power generation. This unit has a high level of operation, while it is bulky and heavy. Such a generator should be installed where it will work long, much and almost continuously. The type of such a generator is capable of working in an autonomous mode, producing electricity.

The purchase of a diesel generator is necessary for those, who own a small shop for the production of any products, it is also useful in a carpentry workshop, a sawmill, at construction sites, where all the construction tools that need to be connected to electricity will be running on this generator. In general, such equipment is needed wherever there is no connection to the electricity grid. It is very convenient to transport it to any place.

 To work such a unit in the room, you need to have a separate angle with good ventilation output, because the generator needs the supply of cold air and diversion of hot air flow, which will come from the running apparatus, as well as ventilation is needed to ventilate the exhaust gases.

Diesel generators, as well as gasoline generators have their power.It is important to determine how much power you need electricity, and for what purpose you will use this unit. With not a high output of electricity you need a single-phase, it is for household networks, where the load is not great, the output gives 220W. But for production purposes, you will need a three-phase power source. They have a cooling system, it helps them to work uninterruptedly for a long time.

Diesel generators do not need a large amount of fuel, they are economical.

They run for a long time.