These dual fuel generator reviews compare fifteen current models on the two numbers that define a dual fuel generator: what it delivers on gasoline and what it delivers on propane. The gap between those two figures is usually about 10%, but not always, and it is the first thing to check before you buy.
We have not run these generators ourselves. This is a review of published specifications, laid out so you can compare like with like. You will find two comparison tables, six picks for different jobs, and an honest note on what each one does well and where it gives ground.
All figures come from the makers’ own Amazon listings and websites, checked in October 2026.
Dual fuel generators at a glance
One engine, two fuels, and a propane rating worth reading
Specs come from current Amazon listings and manufacturer websites for Champion, Generac, Westinghouse, WEN, Pulsar and DuroMax models, checked in October 2026.
Quick answer
For camping and light use, the 49-pound WEN DF360iX is the easy pick. For RVs, the Generac iQ5200 Dual Fuel gives the same 3,900 running watts on either fuel. For value, the Champion 4250-Watt Dual Fuel Open Frame Inverter offers inverter power and long run times at 79 pounds. For home backup, the Champion 11,500-Watt Dual Fuel keeps 8,280 running watts on propane. Whatever you choose, size it on the propane rating if propane is your emergency fuel.
How we reviewed these generators
We did not test these generators. We compared the specifications each maker publishes on its Amazon listing and website: running and surge watts on both fuels, engine size, weight, noise where stated, outlets, starting method and warranty. Our picks are judgments based on those published figures, not on hands-on use. We do not show prices or star ratings, because both change constantly.
In this guide
- What Makes a Good Dual Fuel Generator?
- Comparison: Dual Fuel Inverters
- Comparison: Open-Frame Dual Fuel Generators
- Six Dual Fuel Generators Reviewed
- What the Reviews Show
- Run Time on Propane: Read the Load
- Which Fuel Should You Actually Run?
- How to Choose From These Reviews
- Common Mistakes When Reading Dual Fuel Reviews (and the Fix)
- Pro Tips for Buyers
- Real-Life Scenarios: Which Pick Fits?
- Dual Fuel Generator Reviews: FAQ
- Your Dual Fuel Buying Checklist
What Makes a Good Dual Fuel Generator?
A dual fuel generator burns gasoline or propane in the same engine. You pick the fuel with a dial or a switch. Our guide to dual-fuel generators explains how that works. This review is about choosing between real models.
We compared them on seven points.
- Running watts on propane. This is what you get on the fuel that stores for years.
- Running watts on gasoline. This is the generator’s full strength.
- Type. Inverter for quiet, clean power. Open frame for more watts per dollar.
- Weight. It decides whether one person can move it.
- Outlets. A 30-amp RV outlet, a 240-volt outlet for a transfer switch, or both.
- Starting. Pull cord, electric start or remote start.
- Warranty. The length stated on the listing.
Comparison: Dual Fuel Inverters
Inverters are the quiet, clean end of the market. They suit RVs, camping and homes with close neighbors.
| Model | Gasoline | Propane | Weight | Electric start | Stand-out feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN DF360iX | 2,900 | 2,600 | 49 lb | Not listed | Lightest here |
| Generac iQ3800 Dual Fuel | 3,000 | 2,700 | 107 lb | Yes | Up to 20 hours at 25% load |
| Champion 4250-Watt Open Frame Inverter | 3,500 | 3,150 | 79 lb | Not listed | Up to 22 hours at 25% load |
| Champion 4500-Watt Dual Fuel inverter | 3,500 | 3,150 | 99.2 lb | Yes | 61 dBA |
| Generac iQ5200 Dual Fuel | 3,900 | 3,900 | 111 lb | Yes | Same output on both fuels |
| WEN DF480iX | 4,000 | 4,000 | 78.5 lb | Yes | Same rated output on both fuels |
| WEN DF680iX | 5,100 | 4,500 | 99.2 lb | Yes | 120/240-volt outlet |
Comparison: Open-Frame Dual Fuel Generators
Open-frame generators are louder and heavier, but they deliver more power for the money. Several have 240-volt outlets for home backup.
| Model | Gasoline | Propane | Weight | Electric start | Stand-out feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 4375-Watt Wireless Start | 3,500 | 3,150 | 126 lb | Yes, with remote | Starts from 80 feet away |
| Westinghouse 4650 Dual Fuel | 3,600 | 3,240 | 108 lb | Not listed | 14 hours per tank |
| WEN DF475T | 3,800 | 3,500 | 105.8 lb | Yes | 120/240-volt switch |
| Westinghouse 6500 Dual Fuel | 5,300 | 4,800 | 135.6 lb | Not listed | 120/240-volt selector |
| Champion 9375-Watt Dual Fuel | 7,500 | 6,750 | 205 lb | Yes | 439 cc engine |
| Champion 11,500-Watt Dual Fuel | 9,200 | 8,280 | 209 lb | Yes | 459 cc engine |
| Pulsar G12KBN | 9,500 | 8,550 | Not listed | Yes | 50-amp outlet |
| DuroMax XP13000HX | 10,500 | Not stated in listing highlights | 245 lb | Yes, push button | 50-amp outlet |
Key insight: a dual fuel generator is really two generators with two ratings. Buy the one whose propane rating covers your needs, and treat the extra gasoline power as a bonus.
Six Dual Fuel Generators Reviewed
Each of these had an active Amazon listing when we checked in October 2026. For each one we explain why it works, who it suits and what to watch for.
Best for camping
WEN DF360iX 3600-Watt Dual Fuel RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator
The lightest generator in this review by a wide margin. It is a small inverter that one person can carry.
- On gasoline2,900 rated, 3,600 surge
- On propane2,600 rated, 3,500 surge
- TypeInverter
- RV outletTT-30R
- Weight49 lb
- Warranty3-year
- Why it works: at 49 pounds it goes where heavier generators stay home, and it still has a 30-amp RV outlet.
- Who it is best for: campers, tailgaters and owners of small trailers.
- What it solves: carrying fuel. A propane quick-connector lets it share the cylinder you already bring for cooking.
- Handy extras: a carbon monoxide shutdown sensor, a fuel shut-off, two USB ports and clean power for electronics.
- Keep in mind: 2,600 rated watts on propane is modest. Check your air conditioner’s starting watts before relying on it.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Specs come from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Best for RVs
Generac iQ5200 Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
An enclosed inverter on wheels with push-button start. Unusually, it lists the same output on propane as on gasoline.
- On gasoline3,900 running, 5,200 starting
- On propane3,900 running, 5,200 starting
- Power qualityLess than 3% THD
- Run timeUp to 9 hours at 50% load
- Weight111 lb
- Warranty3-year residential limited
- Why it works: there is no propane penalty to plan around. The listing says it handles the starting surge of a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner on gasoline.
- Who it is best for: RV owners who want quiet power and carry propane anyway.
- What it solves: California rules. This listing is the 50-state version, certified for sale in all states.
- Handy extras: COsense shutdown, Economy Mode, USB-A and USB-C ports, a 30-amp locking outlet and a parallel-ready design.
- Keep in mind: every outlet is 120 volts, so it will not run 240-volt equipment. At 111 pounds you roll it, you do not carry it.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Specs come from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Best value for the power
Champion 4250-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Open Frame Inverter Generator
An inverter without the full enclosure. It gives clean power and long run times at a weight most people can manage.
- On gasoline3,500 running, 4,250 starting
- On propane3,150 running
- Noise64 dBA
- Run timeUp to 22 hours at 25% load
- Weight79 lb
- Warranty3-year limited
- Why it works: Champion says it is 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional Champion 3500-watt generator.
- Who it is best for: RV owners and homeowners who want inverter power without the cost of a fully enclosed unit.
- What it solves: overnight refueling. Champion’s site lists 22 hours on gasoline and 21 hours on a 20-pound propane cylinder, both at 25% load.
- Handy extras: a 30-amp RV outlet, two 20-amp household outlets, Economy Mode and a parallel-ready design.
- Keep in mind: the long run times are at a light quarter load. Every outlet is 120 volts.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Specs come from the Amazon listing and Champion’s website, checked October 2026.
Best with remote start
Champion 4375-Watt Wireless Remote Start Dual Fuel Portable Generator
An open-frame generator you can start from indoors. It is a practical choice for RVs and for a home’s essentials.
- On gasoline3,500 running, 4,375 starting
- On propane3,150 running, 3,950 starting
- Engine224 cc
- Run time on gasoline14 hours at 50% load
- Run time on propane10.5 hours at 50% load
- Weight126 lb
- Why it works: the key fob starts and stops it from up to 80 feet away, and Champion gives its run times at a realistic half load.
- Who it is best for: RV owners, and homeowners who do not want to go outside in a storm to start a generator.
- What it solves: guesswork on propane. Ten and a half hours from one 20-pound cylinder is a figure you can plan around.
- Handy extras: CO Shield, Volt Guard, a 30-amp RV outlet, a 30-amp locking outlet and a 3-year limited warranty.
- Keep in mind: it is an open-frame generator, so it is louder than the inverters above. Every outlet is 120 volts.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Specs come from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Best inverter with 240 volts
WEN DF680iX 6800-Watt Dual Fuel RV-Ready Inverter Generator
An unusual combination: an inverter that weighs under 100 pounds and still has a 120/240-volt outlet for a transfer switch.
- On gasoline5,100 rated, 6,800 surge
- On propane4,500 rated, 6,000 surge
- Engine224 cc
- 240-volt outletL14-30R
- Weight99.2 lb
- StartElectric
- Why it works: it brings inverter power to 240-volt jobs, which most small inverters cannot do.
- Who it is best for: homeowners who want clean power for electronics and a way to feed a transfer switch.
- What it solves: emergency charging. The listing says its bonded-neutral 240-volt output can give low-power Level 2 charging to an electric vehicle.
- Handy extras: a carbon monoxide shutdown sensor, a fuel shut-off, a 30-amp RV outlet, wheels and a telescoping handle.
- Keep in mind: 4,500 rated watts on propane covers essentials, not central air. Check the listing for the current warranty terms.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Specs come from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Best for home backup
Champion 11,500-Watt Electric Start Dual Fuel Portable Generator
A large open-frame generator for whole-home backup. It keeps more than 8,000 running watts on propane.
- On gasoline9,200 running, 11,500 starting
- On propane8,280 running, 10,350 starting
- Engine459 cc
- StartElectric, battery included
- Weight209 lb
- Warranty3-year limited
- Why it works: it has the propane output to carry many household loads together, so you juggle appliances less.
- Who it is best for: homeowners with a transfer switch and a large propane cylinder or home tank.
- What it solves: stale fuel. A generator that waits a year between storms starts more reliably on propane.
- Handy extras: CO Shield, Volt Guard and a meter for voltage, hertz and run-time hours.
- Keep in mind: it weighs 209 pounds and is far louder than an inverter. Champion’s site lists 74 dB(A) for its 9200-watt models.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Specs come from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Four more worth a look
- Generac iQ3800 Dual Fuel: a 107-pound inverter with electric start, listed at up to 20 hours on gasoline at 25% load.
- WEN DF475T: an electric-start open-frame model with a 120/240-volt L14-30R outlet. Its listing gives a 2-year warranty.
- Westinghouse 6500 Dual Fuel: 4,800 running watts on propane, with a 120/240-volt selector switch and a propane hose included.
- Pulsar G12KBN: the highest propane rating here at 8,550 watts, with a 50-amp outlet. Its listing gives a 1-year warranty.
What the Reviews Show
Put the fifteen models side by side and four patterns appear.
- Most lose about a tenth on propane. Twelve of the fourteen models with both figures drop 8 to 12% of their running watts on propane.
- Two inverters lose nothing. The Generac iQ5200 and the WEN DF480iX list the same running output on both fuels.
- Weight climbs fast with power. You can carry 2,600 watts of propane power at 49 pounds. For 8,000 watts you are moving more than 200 pounds.
- 240 volts is not a given. Most inverters here are 120 volts only. If you need 240 volts, check the outlet list before anything else.
Run Time on Propane: Read the Load
Makers quote propane run times in different ways, so check the load before you compare.
| Model | Run time on a 20 lb cylinder | Load |
|---|---|---|
| Champion 4250-Watt Open Frame Inverter | 21 hours | 25% |
| Champion 4500-Watt Dual Fuel inverter | Up to 21 hours | Not stated in listing |
| Generac iQ5200 Dual Fuel | 11 hours | 50% |
| Champion 4375-Watt Wireless Start | 10.5 hours | 50% |
A half-load figure is the more useful one. Generac’s listings give both for several models, and the half-load run time is about two thirds of the quarter-load one. So if a listing only gives a quarter-load number, expect noticeably less once the generator is working harder.
Which Fuel Should You Actually Run?
Owning a dual fuel generator means making this choice every time. A simple rule works for most people.
- Use propane for storage and for emergencies. It does not go stale, and it leaves the carburetor clean. If the generator sits for months, start it on propane.
- Use gasoline when you need every watt. The gasoline rating is higher, and so is the surge for starting motors.
- Use gasoline in deep cold. Propane turns to gas more slowly as the cylinder gets colder, especially on a small cylinder under a heavy load.
- Use whatever you can get in a long outage. That flexibility is the whole reason to buy dual fuel.
One habit protects the engine whichever fuel you favor. If you mostly run propane, do not leave gasoline sitting in the tank and carburetor. Run the carburetor dry, or keep the gasoline fresh with a stabilizer. Our guide on how long gasoline lasts explains the timing.
How to Choose From These Reviews
- Decide where it will work. Campsite, RV or home.
- Add up your loads. Our Generator Size Calculator gives you running watts and the biggest starting surge.
- Match that to the propane rating, not the gasoline one.
- Check the voltage. Well pumps and many home backup setups need 120/240 volts.
- Choose inverter or open frame. Quiet and clean, or more watts for the money.
- Check the weight against who will move it.
- Look at the start type and the warranty.
For home use, remember the connection. To power circuits in your panel you need a transfer switch or interlock fitted by an electrician. Our guide on how to connect a generator to your house explains the options.
Safety applies to both fuels
Run a generator outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointing away. A carbon monoxide shutdown sensor is a backup, so fit carbon monoxide alarms indoors as well. Store propane cylinders outdoors and upright. Let the engine cool before you add gasoline. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
Common Mistakes When Reading Dual Fuel Reviews (and the Fix)
Pro Tips for Buyers
- Write down three numbers for each model: running watts on propane, weight and warranty. They settle most choices.
- Buy the propane cylinders with the generator. Two cylinders mean you can swap and keep running.
- Test it on both fuels in the first week, while returns are still easy.
- Keep the gasoline side clean. Run the carburetor dry if you mostly use propane.
- Think about noise early. If neighbors are close, an inverter is worth the extra cost.
- Check stock on the day. Listings change quickly, and a similar model from the same maker is often a fair substitute.
Real-Life Scenarios: Which Pick Fits?
These are typical situations that buyers describe in forums and reviews. They are examples to help you choose, not quotes from real people.
🏕️ The tent camper
You want lights, a fan and phone charging, and you carry the generator from the car.
You need the lightest quiet generator that can share your stove’s propane.
Best fit: WEN DF360iX
🚐 The RV family
You run one air conditioner, a microwave and chargers, and the rig carries two propane cylinders.
You need quiet 120-volt power with no drop on propane.
Best fit: Generac iQ5200 Dual Fuel
🏠 The storm-season homeowner
The generator sits for most of the year, then has to run a well pump and the essentials for days.
You need 240 volts, strong propane output and fuel that stores.
Best fit: Champion 11,500-Watt Dual Fuel with a transfer switch
Dual Fuel Generator Reviews: FAQ
What is the best dual fuel generator?
It depends on the job. On published specs, the WEN DF360iX is the best light option, the Generac iQ5200 suits RVs, the Champion 4250-Watt Open Frame Inverter is strong value, and the Champion 11,500-Watt Dual Fuel suits home backup.
How much power does a dual fuel generator lose on propane?
Most of the models in these reviews lose 8 to 12% of their running watts on propane. Two inverters, the Generac iQ5200 and the WEN DF480iX, list the same running output on both fuels.
Are dual fuel generators worth the extra cost?
They are if the generator will sit for long periods or if you want a backup when gasoline is scarce. Propane stores for years. If you run a generator every week on fresh gasoline, a single-fuel model does the job for less.
Can a dual fuel generator switch fuels while running?
Some can. Generac's listings for its dual fuel and tri fuel portables describe a selector dial that changes fuel without shutting the unit down. Always follow the procedure in your own manual.
Do dual fuel generators have 240-volt outlets?
The larger open-frame models usually do. Among the inverters reviewed here, only the WEN DF680iX lists a 120/240-volt outlet. Check the outlet list if you need to feed a transfer switch or a well pump.
How long does a dual fuel generator run on propane?
Champion lists 10.5 hours at half load on a 20-pound cylinder for its 3,500-watt class model, and Generac lists 11 hours at half load for the iQ5200. Larger generators empty a 20-pound cylinder much faster.
Your Dual Fuel Buying Checklist
- Decide where you will use it: camping, RV or home.
- Add up your running watts and largest starting surge.
- Compare models on running watts on propane.
- Check whether you need a 120/240-volt outlet.
- Choose inverter or open frame.
- Check the weight and the start type.
- Read the warranty length on the listing.
- See whether the propane hose is included.
- Buy two propane cylinders and store them outdoors.
- Test both fuels before you need the generator.
The bottom line
Read a dual fuel generator by its propane rating. For RVs and essentials, the Generac iQ5200 and the Champion 4250-Watt Open Frame Inverter are the standouts on paper. For home backup, the Champion 11,500-Watt Dual Fuel gives you more than 8,000 running watts on the fuel that keeps.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Sources: Current Amazon listings for the Champion, Generac, Westinghouse, WEN, Pulsar and DuroMax dual fuel generators named in these reviews; Champion Power Equipment’s official website for run-time and noise figures; Generac’s official website. All checked October 2026.
