Best Natural Gas Powered Generators for Home Backup
If you need reliable power during outages, a natural gas powered generator can be a smart choice for steady fuel access and low maintenance. These units often offer tri-fuel flexibility, enabling gasoline or propane as backups. The top picks shown here are best for homeowners facing storms, rural outages, or off-grid living where natural gas is readily available. They vary in running watts, fuel flexibility, and convenience features like remote start and CO sensors. The table below highlights five strong options and their core specs to help you compare quickly.
| Product | Best For | Running Watts | Fuel Options | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuroMax XP13000HXT | Large homes, whole-house backup | Up to 13,000 | Gas, Propane, Natural Gas | CO Alert |
| Westinghouse 14500 | Heavy-duty portable backup | 11,500 (gas) | Gas, Propane, Natural Gas | Long runtime on tank |
| Generac 12,500 | Emergency power with easy start | 9,500 (gas) | Gas, Propane, Natural Gas | Electric start |
| Westinghouse 13500 | Balanced all-around power | 10,500 (gas) | Gas, Propane, Natural Gas | Remote start |
| Westinghouse 12500 | Compact tri-fuel option | 9,500 (gas) | Gas, Propane | Dual fuel versatility |
DuroMax XP13000HXT Tri Fuel 13k Generator
Best for: large homes and comprehensive outages where fuel flexibility and CO safety matter. The XP13000HXT provides 13,000 watts and runs on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. Its CO Alert helps monitor fumes in occupied spaces, and the Tri Fuel design offers freedom during fuel shortages. The 500cc OHV engine supports powerful operation across fuel types.
Why chosen: It combines strong power output with flexible fuel options and family safety features. Use this if you need robust backup power with multiple fuel sources available on-site.
Caution: Performance varies by fuel type; Natural gas supply pressure can affect full-load output. Ensure proper installation for natural gas use and CO safety clearance.
Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel
Best for: larger homes needing extended runtime with multi-fuel capability. This model delivers 11,500 running watts on gas and up to 19 hours of operation on a sizable fuel tank, with 13,500 peak watts on propane and strong natural gas performance.
Why chosen: It offers substantial continuous power with long run time, making it a solid backup for critical circuits and data equipment. Remote start adds convenience in adverse weather.
Caution: Heavier unit with a larger footprint; ensure adequate space for safe operation and ventilation.
Generac 12,500 Starting Watt Tri-Fuel
Best for: home emergency power with easy operation and multi-fuel flexibility. This Generac unit provides 9,500 running watts on gasoline and 12,500 starting watts, with propane and natural gas options and a CO safety feature on some models.
Why chosen: The durable Generac OHV engine and generous runtime on gasoline make it reliable for essential circuits during outages. The tri-fuel design supports fuel versatility in a pinch.
Caution: Pricing and model variations can affect included features; verify the exact fuel options and CO sensing for your purchase.
DuroStar DS13000MXT Tri Fuel
Best for: users who want a well-equipped tri-fuel generator with heavy load capacity. The DS13000MXT mirrors the XP line with 13,000 watts and a full power panel, plus fuel selection and transfer-capable outlets.
Why chosen: It provides a strong balance of power and control, making it suitable for whole-home backup, especially when you need a switch-ready setup.
Caution: Ensure you have the proper transfer switch capability for 50-amp outlets and that your natural gas line can sustain sustained high output.
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel
Best for: households that want dual-fuel flexibility (gasoline and propane) with a focus on total home backup. The XP13000EH emphasizes the industry-leading dual-fuel capability and strong engine design.
Why chosen: The dual-fuel setup provides resilience if one fuel source is unavailable, while the model’s design targets reliability for long outages.
Caution: When using natural gas, verify compatibility and installation requirements for stable operation at full load and CO safety considerations.
Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel
Best for: versatile tri-fuel performance with a focus on safety and monitoring. This Westinghouse model offers 9,500 running watts on gasoline and robust peak output across fuel types, with digital hour meter and CO shutdown features.
Why chosen: It balances power, safety, and ease of use, making it a strong option for homeowners seeking a flexible, mid-sized generator for outages.
Caution: Some variants emphasize different runtime figures; confirm the exact fuel performance and CO safety settings for your installation.
Buying Guide
What to look for when choosing a natural gas powered generator:
- Fuel flexibility: Tri-fuel or dual-fuel models allow backup options beyond natural gas and can be essential during fuel shortages.
- Power needs: Calculate essential circuits or whole-home load. Choose a generator with enough running watts and a suitable starting watt rating for startup surges.
- Fuel supply and pressure: Natural gas availability varies by home. Confirm local gas pressure requirements and ensure proper dedicated connections if required.
- Safety features: CO sensors, automatic shutdown, and proper exhaust placement help protect occupants during operation.
- Reliability features: Electric start vs. recoil, runtime on tank, transfer switch compatibility, and engine durability (OHV design) affect long-term performance.
- Portability and setup: Weight, wheels, and noise levels influence where you can place the unit and how often you’ll move or store it.
How to compare models efficiently:
- Match wattage to your critical loads (refrigeration, heating, medical devices) and plan for startup surges.
- Check the availability of natural gas connections and required installation work for safe operation with a home backup system.
- Evaluate runtime on gasoline or propane to estimate how long you can run during outages if the natural gas supply is interrupted.
FAQ
- What is a tri-fuel generator?
A tri-fuel generator can run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, offering flexibility during fuel shortages or convenience when gas access varies.
- Why is CO protection important in generators?
CO sensors detect dangerous carbon monoxide levels and shut the unit down to prevent poisoning in enclosed spaces.
- Can a natural gas generator power an entire home?
Some models can power major circuits but may require a transfer switch and careful load planning to cover the whole house during outages.
- What maintenance is needed for natural gas generators?
Regular checks include oil level, filter status, gas line connections, battery health for electric start, and exhaust clearance from structures.
- How do I choose between a 12,000W and 14,000W unit?
Consider your essential loads and plan for startup surges; higher wattage supports more circuits but may be less fuel-efficient for small loads.