Best Dual Fuel Generator Reviews for 2022

Our lives revolve around electricity. When the power goes down it is more than the lights that go out. Air-conditioners, refrigerators and heat all depend upon electricity for power. That is why a backup generator is so important. In this article we are going into details about the best dual fuel generator on the market this year.

These power supplies use motors to generate electricity. Those motors need fuel to run. A dual fuel generator is capable of running on either gasoline or propane. There are a variety of features to look for and we will examine them more closely.

A general review of currently available generators will follow and one of them may be the best dual fuel generator for you!

Why would you need a dual fuel generator?

Most of us prefer a particular type of fuel to burn, so the major reason for needing a dual fuel generator will be its versatility. Most property owners will have gasoline and liquid propane on their premises to run various outdoor equipment (gas grills, lawnmowers, etc.).

With a choice between fuels, a user is able to switch from one type of fuel to another type if the first fuel runs out. The ability to switch can save a person from taking unnecessary trips away from home during an outage, especially if it happens during extreme weather events.

Gasoline is the most popular fuel used in a generator’s engine and it is readily available under most circumstances. During a power outage, however, getting extra gas from the filling station may prove impossible if it is also suffering from the outage.

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, obtaining petrol may prove to be impossible. Even if a station’s pumps are running, they may soon run out of gas as everyone rushes to buy it up.

Fuel storage is another consideration that favors a dual fuel generator. While gasoline is a cheaper fuel source, it will not store as long as other fuels. Petrol will evaporate in the heat which makes it less cost-effective when storing it in quantity. It can also be more dangerous to store and gives off harmful vapors too.

Having an additional stock of propane offers extra fuel that can be stored nearly indefinitely. The propane tanks provide safer storage for the generator’s extra fuel than gas-cans do. When the gasoline runs out, a propane tank can be attached to fuel the motor. This versatility gives a homeowner more control over their storage and consumption of generator fuels.

Dual fuel generator features to consider

Wattage

The most important feature of a generator is its size. The power of a generator is indicated by the wattage rating it has. The power that a generator produces while it is operating is listed as the Running Rating. The Surge Rating lists the power burst a generator is capable of for appliance and tool start-ups for a short time.

A homeowner needs to calculate their wattage requirements that will be needed for the generator. The wattage for each appliance or tool that needs to be powered should be added together. Next, the highest surge wattage from the list should be added to this total. The sum of the two numbers will indicate the total watts required.

For example, a list contains five appliances that will require 1,200-watts of power to run. The highest surge rating for a single appliance on the list is 650-watts. The sum of both numbers is 1,850-watts. This represents the total watts required from the generator.

If the required wattage is unknown, it can be calculated using the amperage and voltage. Multiply amps x volts to determine the wattage needed. For example, a device rates for six amps and 110-volts. Multiplying 6 x 110 will give a rating of 660-watts.

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Generator portability

A feature that is sometimes overlooked is the portability of the unit. Generators can be surprisingly heavy. If the generator weighs too much, it may be limited in the places it can be set up.

That could be a problem if the location becomes compromised or it is needed at another location on the property. A lighter generator can be taken on the road, to be used on a job site or while camping and traveling in an RV.

Spacial dimensions also factor into the portability of a generator. Larger units cannot be stored as easily and may be hard to move around by an individual. Smaller generators can be stored until they are needed. They can also be transported by a larger variety of vehicles.

The generator should have at least two wheels that allow it to be moved without lifting. Wheels that provide greater clearance from the ground allow the unit to moved across rough terrain.

Handles should be located in a position that provides a good hold for lifting and pulling. Multiple handles allow two individuals to carry a smaller generator.

Dual fuel

A generator is only as effective as its fuel storage. If the unit is not fuel efficient then it will require constant filling. A larger gas capacity will also allow more petrol to be stored onboard for the motor to run off of. 

A good generator is capable of running for eight-hours on either gas or propane at half-power.

Many features are available on most generators that promote less fuel consumption. Manufacturers will include energy saving modes of operation on their engines that cut fuel usage when they are not running at full power. 

An engine that is easy to clean and maintain will run more efficiently than one that is hard for the owner to service.

Liquid propane burns cleaner than gasoline does. On the other hand, a full tank of gas will tend to power the generator longer than a full tank of propane. 

Propane stores cleanly in pre-filled tanks, while gasoline must be purchased and stored in approved containers that do not seal. Fuel prices constantly fluctuate, so an observant owner will be able to purchase both fuels at cheaper prices over time.

Noise

Generators can produce a lot of noise. Manufacturers may list the decibel level their generators will generate during use. This measure of sound amplitude is often listed as a dBA rating. It should be remembered that these ratings are often taken from a distance of at least 25-feet, so the sound will be louder at the generator. The sound that a generator produces will increase when it is running a full load as well.

Ease of use

A final consideration is the features that make the dual fuel generator easy to operate. 

This will include how easy the break-in cycle of the motor is to perform. 

Additional features will also make the generator safer to for the operator to use.

Best dual fuel generator reviews

Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator

The smaller 22 x 22.8 x 30.7 unit weighs only 122-pounds, a reasonable size that would allow it be taken on the road. The electric start allows this generator to be started easily. The gas storage system holds 3.4 gallons, providing fuel for nearly nine hours at half-power.

A 20-gallon propane tank can be attached that will run it for a longer time at that same power level.

There are four total surge protected outlets including two 120v at 20a, a 120v at 30a (RV), and a 120v at 30a locking. It is EPA and CARB certified and comes with Champion support.

DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator

This workhorse measures 28 x 30 x 40 and weighs 269 pounds. It could be a good generator for those needing to run power-hungry appliances. The fuel capacity is 8.3-gallons, and it can run for 10 hours on a full tank at half-power. The time doubles if running at that level with a 20-gallon propane tank.

The unit offers two household outlets as well as a 120v 30a twist lock, a 120v/240v 30a twist lock, and a 120v/240v 50a heavy duty port. Each motor mount is isolated to help reduce noise. The generator has a spark arrestor, providing safe use in forests.

Pulsar Products PG10000B16 Dual-Fuel Generator 10,000W

This long-running generator measures 28.5 x 22.2 x 21.8 and weighs

209 pounds. This would be a great unit for someone looking for a long run time. The eight gallon tank can provide 12-hours or power at a half rating. The ability to switch from gas to propane while it is running means there will be no downtime.

This generator provides seven outlets, a great feature for those needing to plug multiple things in at once. This includes four household outlets, a 120v/240v twist-lock, a 120v/240v 50a RV, and a 12v DC outlet. These are protected by circuit breakers.

Conclusion – The best dual fuel generator

A generator needs to be able to supply the proper levels of wattage when called upon, and each of the units reviewed above is capable of doing that. Each product offers household outlets to plug in standard devices as well as heavier outlets for heavier appliances. Each of these is smaller than the non-mobile household generators, providing mobility.

So which is the best dual fuel generator? That will depend on needs. By calculating the wattage required for all necessary appliance and tool power, a homeowner will be able to determine the Running and Surge ratings needed. The need for portability is then considered to help narrow the field of potential products.

It is important that any generator we select for emergency purposes is capable of running for at least eight hours, and it should be fuel efficient. We hope this article generated the answers you needed!