Best Home Generators That Run on Natural Gas for Reliable Backup Power
Answering your search for a home generator that runs on natural gas, these tri-fuel units offer natural gas compatibility along with gasoline and propane options. They’re best for homeowners who want flexibility during outages, a scalable power supply for larger electronics, and the convenience of gas hookups without frequent refueling. The top picks below are selected for natural gas readiness, ease of use, and transfer-switch compatibility. A quick summary table follows to help compare at a glance.
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel | Compact backup power for mid-size homes |
| Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel | Higher load kitchens, HVAC, or sump pumps |
| DuroMax XP13000HXT Tri Fuel | Flexible fuel options with solid output |
| Westinghouse 18000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel | Larger homes or jobsite reliability |
| DuroStar DS13000MXT Tri Fuel | Balanced power for whole-home backup |
Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator
Best for mid-size homes needing dependable tri-fuel power. It delivers 13,500 peak watts and 10,500 running watts on gasoline. On propane, it delivers 12,500 peak and 9,500 running watts; on natural gas, 10,000 peak and 8,500 running watts. This model includes remote start, transfer-switch readiness, and a 9.5-gallon tank with a fuel gauge for extended runtimes. It features a heavy-duty 500cc Westinghouse engine with automatic low-oil shutoff and a CO shutdown system, plus a digital hour meter for maintenance tracking. Best for buyers who want remote operation and solid safety features in a portable package.
Who it’s best for: homeowners with medium electrical loads and a natural-gas line, looking for a versatile, remote-start standby option. Caution: Natural gas runtimes may be shorter than gasoline; expect differences in run-time depending on load.
Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator
Best for larger homes or when higher continuous power is needed. It provides 14,500 peak watts and 11,500 running watts on gasoline, with 13,500 peak and 10,500 running watts on propane, and 12,000 peak and 9,500 running watts on natural gas. The engine, a robust 550cc Westinghouse unit, is designed for long runtimes on a 9.5-gallon tank and includes a built-in fuel gauge. It features multiple outlets with safety covers and transfer-switch readiness. Choose this if you need substantial power margins for HVAC, refrigerators, and essential circuits.
Who it’s best for: households with high electricity demand or essential-load resilience. Caution: Heavier and larger than mid-range models; ensure you have a suitable transport option and storage space.
Westinghouse 18000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator
Best for large homes or demanding back-up loads. This model offers 18,000 peak watts and 14,500 running watts on gasoline, 16,000 peak/13,000 running watts on propane, and 14,400 peak/11,600 running watts on natural gas. A 713cc V-Twin OHV engine powers long runtimes, with dual fuel efficiency features and a CO sensor for safety. It includes low-oil shutdown and a digital data center for monitoring voltage, frequency, and runtime hours. The unit is designed to run up to 16 hours on a full tank at quarter load and is best when you need substantial headroom for whole-home operation.
Who it’s best for: homes with elevated power needs, multi-zone HVAC, or frequent outages. Caution: Higher weight and larger footprint may require planning for storage and setup.
DuroStar DS13000MXT Tri Fuel Portable Generator
Best for balanced power with flexible fuel choices and remote start. The DS13000MXT delivers 13,000 watts of power with tri-fuel versatility—gasoline, propane, or natural gas. It includes a CO alert to shut down on dangerous fumes and a full power panel with a transfer-switch-ready 50-amp outlet. This model is suitable for medium to large homes seeking reliable emergency power without being tied to a single fuel source. It’s a strong pick for users who want straightforward operation and a clear power path during outages.
Who it’s best for: families needing flexible fuel options and straightforward installation with transfer-switch compatibility. Caution: The CO alert feature requires battery maintenance to function reliably.
Generac 10kW Whole Home Generator
Best for comprehensive home protection with cellular monitoring. The Generac unit provides whole-house coverage, automatically detecting outages and delivering backup power to essential loads. It emphasizes low total cost of ownership and efficient fuel use via electronic control. Cellular connectivity supports remote monitoring and maintenance alerts through the Mobile Link app. This option suits buyers who prefer remote oversight and long-term efficiency, though it may come with higher upfront integration needs with a standby network and subscription services.
Who it’s best for: homeowners seeking automated, remotely monitored standby power with scalable installation. Caution: Cellular monitoring may require a subscription for premium features.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Natural-Gas Ready Generators
- Fuel flexibility: Tri-fuel models offer gasoline, propane, and natural gas. Consider how you’ll access a natural gas line and your typical load during an outage.
- Output needs: Evaluate peak watts versus running watts for essential circuits. Think about HVAC, refrigeration, sump pumps, and lighting when sizing.
- Transfer switch compatibility: A transfer switch secures safe, automatic power transfer. Verify 120V vs 240V outlets and 50A vs 30A connections for your home.
- Runtime and fuel economy: Larger tanks or efficient engines increase runtime on each fuel type. Check fuel gauge features and expected run times at typical loads.
- Safety features: CO sensors, automatic shutdown on low oil, and rubber outlet covers improve safety during outages. Consider remote start for convenience.
- Portability vs. standby: Portable tri-fuel units are versatile for travel or jobsites, while standby-style systems offer seamless home integration and automatic operation.
- Maintenance and service: Look for engines with durable cast-iron sleeves and easy access to oil changes. Regular maintenance improves reliability during emergencies.
FAQ
- Can a home generator run entirely on natural gas?
- Is a transfer switch required for natural gas generators?
- What size generator do I need for a full household backup?
- How long does a natural gas generator run on a single gas supply?
- Do all tri-fuel generators include CO sensors?
- Do these generators require professional installation?
Yes, tri-fuel generators can operate on natural gas, but running watts and runtime may differ from gasoline or propane, depending on load and gas pressure.
A transfer switch is highly recommended for safe, automatic power transfer to home circuits. It prevents backfeeding and ensures proper switching.
How much power you need depends on your essential loads. A typical home may require 10,000–20,000 running watts, with higher peaks for HVAC and pumps.
Runtime varies by load and gas pressure. Natural gas often provides continuous operation as long as the fuel is supplied and the load is within the unit’s capability.
Many tri-fuel units feature CO sensors or CO shutdown, but verify specific model features to ensure safety based on your environment.
For a permanent standby system with a transfer switch or for natural gas hookups, professional installation is generally recommended to ensure code compliance and safety.