Introduction
When buying a generator, people consider many factors to ensure they get their preferred choice. One of these factors is fuel technology. With modern-day technology, there are dual fuel portable generators. These are generators designed to use two types of fuel. They are available and coupled with other factors that vary from each other.
Knowing the right one to select can be a real challenge for someone who does not have enough knowledge of generators. When you know the right generator to select, the advantages are good value for your money, good performance, and meeting your needs. Here you will find a review of the top 5 best dual fuel portable generators in the market.
1. WEN DF475T
Best medium powerful dual fuel portable generator.
Specifications
- Brand: WEN
- Wattage: 4750 watts
- Fuel type: Liquefied petroleum gas and gasoline
- Weight: 105.8 pounds
Features
The WEN DF475T is a modern dual fuel portable generator designed to use both liquefied petroleum gas and gasoline, allowing convenience to the user. The generator can produce a maximum of 3800 watts when using propane and 4750 watts when using gasoline.
It is a generator with a four-stroke engine capacity of 224 cc hence offering fast and smooth power delivery. The generator's power ranges between 120V and 240V, making it easy to transfer between switches and handle emergencies.
The WEN DF475T is a durable and robust generator with a strong frame. It is also fitted with two-wheel wheels, making it easy to move it from one location to another.
The generator comes with two ports of 120V GFCI, a 240V/120V NEMA twist lock, and a 12V DC cigarette lighter plug. To enable easy connection even at a distance, it comes with a 47-inch LPG connection hose.
Pros
- Provides a run time of 7hrs on propane and 11 hrs on gasoline
- It has a 2-year warranty
- It comes with a handle kit and wheels for easy movement
Cons
- It is heavy
- It has an open design; hence high noise level
Bestseller (lists)
WEN DF475T Dual Fuel 120V/240V Portable Generator with Electric Start Transfer Switch Ready, 4750-Watt, CARB Compliant Patio, Lawn & Garden
2. DuroMax XP5500EH
Best solid built dual fuel generator.
Specifications
- Brand: DuroMax
- Wattage: 5000 watts
- Fuel type: Propane and gasoline
- Weight: 142 pounds
Features
The DuroMax XP5500EH is a dual fuel portable generator making 5,500 watts, suitable for several emergency power needs such as refrigerators and air conditioners. The generator is designed with a 224cc engine that can provide high power and a smooth manner, making it safe for appliances and heavy-duty tools.
The generator is made with dual-fuel technology that uses propane and gasoline, giving users flexibility. The generator is also fitted with a low oil shutoff mechanism.
The DuroMax XP5000EH has two power use mechanisms, allowing you to choose between a 240V or 120V. These features make it easy to use the generator, even for low-consumption machines.
The generator is easy to use on various equipment with several power outlets, including a 120/240V twist lock, 12V DC charging port, and two 120V household GFCI ports.
Pros
- It comes with a voltmeter
- Allows charging of external batteries
- It uses a four-stroke engine offering smooth power delivery
Cons
- It is loud
- It has a small fuel tank
Bestseller (lists)
DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Portable Generator-5500 Watt Gas or Propane Powered, Blue/Black Patio, Lawn & Garden
3. Champion Power Equipment 201052
Best low power dual fuel portable generator
Specifications
- Brand: Champion Power Equipment
- Wattage: 3800 watts
- Fuel type: Propane and Gasoline
- Weight: 119 pounds
Features
Champion Power Equipment 201052 is a dual fuel portable generator with a 4.7-gallon tank capacity allowing reliable storage for extended use. The generator fitted with wheels makes it possible to move it from one place to another.
The generator is powerful enough to provide for household powerful emergencies as it provides a maximum power of 3800 watts. It is powered by a 224cc engine, ensuring smooth power delivery. With the generator using propane and gasoline, it offers convenience.
The Champion Power Equipment 201052 has an electric start and comes with an intelligent system to track run hours, hertz, voltage, and monitor power output, making it safe to use.
The generator has a 120V locking outlet, a 120V 30A RV outlet, and two 120V household outlets. It also comes with a Volt guard to prevent overloads. It is a generator that provides high power, making it ideal for job sites, RV, power outages, and events.
Pros
- The generator comes with a powerhouse for a distant connection
- High fuel tank capacity
- Overload monitor
Cons
- Large in size
- Heavy generator
Bestseller (lists)
Champion Power Equipment 201052 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Electric Start, Wheel Kit Everything Else
4. Westinghouse
Best powerful dual fuel generator
Specifications
- Brand: Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment
- Wattage 9500 watts
- Fuel type: Gasoline and Propane
- Weight: 211 pounds
Features
The Westinghouse is a powerful generator powered by a 457cc engine that makes a peak power of 12500 watts for gasoline and 8500 watts for propane. With the generator making high power output, it is ideal for household emergency power needs, job sites, and powering heavy appliances.
The generator also has an electric start mechanism, a key fob, and a run time of 12 hours, making it reliable for long hours of power needs. With a tank capacity of 6.6 gallons, the generator offers you a good range. It has a fuel tank.
The Westinghouse comes with a digital hour meter and a low oil shutdown mechanism for the safety of its users. The VFT display on this generator provides vital information such as lifetime hours, voltage output, and frequency. The generator has a tool kit, propane regulator, and a remote start for added safety making it a great dual fuel portable generator.
The generator is designed to improve use on various appliances with an RV-ready 120/240V port, the transfer switch for 120V, and all outlets equipped with rubber covers for safety.
Pros
- It comes with a 12V battery charger
- It has a remote start function and key fob
- High power output.
Cons
- It lacks a CO sensor
- It is heavy
Bestseller (lists)
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator-9500 Rated 12500 Peak Watts Gas or Propane Powered-Electric Start-Transfer Switch & RV Ready, CARB Compliant, Blue Everything Else
5. Durostar DS4850EH
Best lightweight dual fuel generator.
Specifications
- Brand: DuroStar
- Wattage: 4850 watts
- Fuel type: Propane and gasoline
- Weight: 122 pounds
Features
Durostar is a small-sized dual fuel portable generator that makes 4,859 peak power sufficient to power a small refrigerator, air conditioner, lights, and other power tools. With the generator having duel fuel technology, using both propane and gasoline, it provides fuel flexibility to users.
The DuroStar has a 210cc OHV engine that quickly provides smooth power and is convenient for high-power demanding appliances. The generator is fitted with a 120V receptacle and can operate between 120 and 240V, ensuring versatility in its use.
It also provides an easy power connection to other devices using two 120V household GFCI ports, a 120V twist lock port, and charging 12V DC external batteries.
It has a metal construction giving it a durable body that can serve you for a long time and work in different environments. The generator comes with two wheels and a long adjustable handle, allowing easy movement from one place to another.
Pros
- It is lightweight
- Made of copper windings
- It has a small body making it portable
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy power use
- It lacks a digital display screen
Bestseller (lists)
Duro Max Duro Star DS4850EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator-4850 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready, 50 State Approved, Red/Blac Patio, Lawn & Garden
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Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Dual fuel portable generators are a good option as they offer you flexibility when choosing the type of fuel to use. However, with many types of these generators in the market, it isn't easy to decide on one without making a good comparison. As a result, this guide is based on thorough research on the market and dual generators. Always make sure you consider the below factors before buying.
- Fuel Capacity
Although you are getting a dual fuel portable generator, the size of the fuel tank is a crucial factor to consider before buying. This is because the size of the fuel tank will determine how long you can run the generator on gasoline fuel.
Make sure that your considerations are in line with your use. When you are looking for a generator to use in events or job sites, you know that you will need one with a big tank to enable you to run it for a long time without needing a refill.
- Power Output
The amount of power a generator produces is a factor to consider to meet your needs. It is essential to check the power output in terms of watts to avoid buying a generator that is less powerful or more powerful than your needs. Always remember that a more powerful generator will be bigger.
The best way to do this is to look at your power demands and find a generator to match those figures. For dual fuel generators, you will find an output of 1,000 watts, and others can go to as high as 12,000 watts. Also, consider how much the generator can produce on either propane or gasoline to avoid less power when using alternative fuel.
- Noise Level
Fuel generators use engines and produce noise. However, the noise level varies from one generator to the other depending on the type of equipment used and the engine inside. When using a generator as a power source, it is not ideal to have too much noise, depending on where you are.
Make sure you read the features to identify the amount of noise a generator produces before buying. Generators with low noise levels are always the best as they do not cause noise pollution even at night.
- Size
Weight and size are a must consider if you want to get the best dual fuel portable generator. You do not want to get a generator that is too heavy to carry from one place to the other, and you want to use it while traveling. Also, ensure that you consider the size. Some generators have a large size which makes it difficult to store them.
When a generator weighs more than 250 pounds, it is considered too heavy.
- Lift Hook Bar
When you get a powerful generator, there are high chances that it will be on the heavier side. As a result, ensure you consider its life bars as they come in handy when you want to move it upstairs into a car on a ladder. Such handling mechanisms are important for people looking for generators to use on the job site since you will be moving the generator often.
Also, ensure the handle system is strong enough and durable.
- Start Mechanism
Fuel generators come with either a recoil cord or an electric start. Both mechanisms are different in use and how easy they make your work. The recoil cord is an old technology that requires one to pull a recoil cord and kick-start the generator's engine. This is a method that requires energy and is time-consuming.
The electric start mechanism is a modern and easy one to use. You have to press a switch, and the ignition switch will start the engine. For this method, the generator stator uses an internal battery with a charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dual fuel portable generators a better option?
Yes. When considering the type of fuel use available for you, a dual fuel generator is better since you will be able to select between two options. In terms of power, it depends on the capacity of the generator.
Is a dual fuel generator quieter than others?
It depends on the noise reduction fitted. Different generators vary in terms of their noise depending on the muffler fitted on their engines.
Which is cheaper using propane or gasoline?
Gasoline is cheaper when compared to propane. However, this highly depends on the local prices of both fuels in your area.
Conclusion
To get the best dual fuel portable generator that will fit your needs and give you value for money, you have to consider the factors listed above. Make sure that you look at various generators and consider their different features before buying. You should also consider your budget and pricing to avoid overpaying.
