Best Dual Fuel Generators for Home Backup Power
Answering your search for reliable home backup power, these dual fuel generators offer flexibility with gasoline and propane. They’re suited for different homes and budgets, from small apartments to larger houses with transfer switches. This guide highlights five top options, explains who each is best for, and why they were selected. Use the buying guide to compare features, run times, and safety considerations before you decide.
| Product | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel | Medium to large homes with transfer switch readiness | Remote start and multiple outlets |
| WEN 4,750-Watt DF475T | Emergency backup for small loads | Compact, affordable, good for essential circuits |
| Westinghouse 6500 Watt Dual Fuel | Home with regular outages | CO sensor, transfer switch and RV outlets |
| DuroMax XP13000EH | Whole-home backup or job-site power | High wattage, dual fuel, strong for bigger loads |
| Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel | Large homes or contractors seeking peak capacity | High peak and running watts, CO/low-oil features |
Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel
This model delivers 9500 running watts on gasoline and 8500 running watts on propane with a peak capacity of 12500 watts (gas) and 11200 watts (propane). It features remote start with a key fob, electric and recoil options, and a long-run fuel capacity of up to 12 hours on a 6.6-gallon tank. The unit includes two 120V outlets with GFCI protection, a 30A transfer switch outlet, and a 50A RV outlet. A durable 457cc Westinghouse engine powers the system, with automatic low oil shutdown and a digital hour meter for maintenance tracking.
Best for: homeowners needing substantial backup power with transfer switch readiness and multiple outlet configurations. Better for: households that want remote start convenience and clear real-time readouts from the VFT display. Choose this if: you prioritize a larger fuel tank and robust output for essential home circuits during outages.
Caution: Run time and output depend on fuel type and loads; heavy usage may require external fuel or buffering for long outages.
WEN 4,750-Watt DF475T
This dual-fuel generator switches between gasoline (4750 surge / 3800 running) and propane (4350 surge / 3500 running) with a simple dial. It offers 120V and 240V options, making it suitable for transfer switches and medium backup loads. The 224cc engine is electric-start enabled for quick startup. It’s a compact option for small homes or apartments where space and budget are considerations.
Best for: users who need a capable but compact unit for essential circuits. Better for: small homes, apartments, or cabins where a reliable backup on a limited budget is key. Choose this if: you want standard 120/240V flexibility without heavy fuel demands.
Caution: Lower overall wattage means you should avoid powering large central loads simultaneously.
Westinghouse 6500 Watt Dual Fuel
Gasoline mode provides 5300 running watts and 6500 peak watts; propane mode yields 4800 running watts and 5800 peak watts. It rides on a 4.7-gallon tank with up to 14.5 hours of run time and includes a 120V duplex outlet, RV-Ready TT-30R, and a transfer switch ready L14-30R. Rubber-covered outlets increase safety; wheel kit and tool set help with setup. The unit ships with essential oils and hoses to start quickly.
Best for: households seeking a balanced, mid-size backup with transfer switch compatibility. Better for: garages or sheds where regular outages occur but space is moderate. Choose this if: you want a CO sensor and purpose-built RV outlet for flexible power during outages.
Caution: Ensure proper ventilation when running on gasoline; propane performance can vary with ambient temperature and tank conditions.
DuroMax XP13000EH
The XP13000EH delivers high wattage with 13,000 watts on gasoline and dual-fuel capability for propane. It is designed for whole-home backup power and transfer-switch readiness. DuroMax emphasizes a robust engine engineered for power and durability, making it a strong option for larger homes or heavy-duty use. It is positioned as a dependable option among dual-fuel offerings.
Best for: large homes or contractors needing substantial load capacity. Better for: those who require higher peak power and reliable dual-fuel performance. Choose this if: you need a heavy-duty unit that can handle significant simultaneous loads.
Caution: Higher power output can demand larger fuel supply and more maintenance; ensure you have adequate ventilation and proper wiring for transfer switches.
Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel
This model offers 10500 running watts on gasoline and 12500 peak watts on propane, with width dual-fuel flexibility for larger outages. It includes a 9.5-gallon fuel tank with gauge, two GFCI 120V outlets, a 30A transfer switch outlet, and a 50A RV-ready outlet. The engine is a 500cc Westinghouse OHV with automatic low-oil shutdown and CO protection, plus a digital hour meter for monitoring.
Best for: large homes needing substantial peak capacity and extended run time. Better for: users who want longer operation between fills and clear digital monitoring. Choose this if: you require robust CO and oil shutdown features for safer operation.
Caution: Very high power output requires careful placement and adequate ventilation; heavier portable units can be challenging to move.
Buying Guide
What to consider before buying a dual fuel generator
Power needs: List essential circuits and total wattage to determine starting and running watts. If you plan to power HVAC, sump pumps, or well pumps, aim for models with higher peak watts and stable running watts.
Fuel and run time: Propane offers easy storage but may reduce overall runtime per gallon. Gasoline provides longer run times per gallon but requires proper storage safety. Tanks sized between 4–9 gallons impact runtime significantly.
Transfer switch compatibility: A transfer switch can simplify switching from utility power to generator power. Verify the unit’s outlets align with your transfer switch or plan to install a compatible L14-30R and 14-50R outlets.
Outlets and safety: Look for GFCI outlets, rubber outlet covers, CO sensors, and automatic low-oil shutdown. These features improve safety and usability during emergencies.
Portability and noise: Consider wheel kits, weight, and noise levels. Heavier units offer greater continuous power but require more space and effort to move. If you need a portable option for a small property, smaller dual-fuel units may be preferable.
Maintenance and service: Check the availability of parts, ease of starting, and built-in hour meters. A digital hour meter helps track maintenance intervals and oil changes.
How to compare models quickly
- Best for large homes: prioritize higher running watts and robust peak watts (e.g., 10,000+ running watts).
- Best for emergencies with transfer switches: ensure compatibility with common L14-30R and 14-50R outlets.
- Best for safety: CO sensors and automatic shutdown features should be non-negotiable.
- Best for budget-conscious buyers: look at smaller units with essential features and gradual upgrade options.
FAQ
- What is dual fuel compatibility good for?
It provides flexibility to use either gasoline or propane, accommodating fuel availability and storage preferences. - Can I run a whole home on a portable generator?
Yes, with a transfer switch and sufficient wattage, but plan for the highest load you expect and ensure proper installation. - Do these generators require regular maintenance?
Yes, routine oil changes, spark plug checks, and air filter maintenance help reliability during outages. - What safety features should I expect?
Automatic low-oil shutdown, CO sensors, and properly wired outlets with protective covers enhance safety. - Is propane a good long-term fuel option?
Propane stores well and is readily available, but inspect hoses and seals and consider fuel line stability in extreme temperatures.