5 Best Propane Dual-Fuel Generators Buying Guide and Reviews

Here’s the deal:

If you are new to the world of dual-fuel generators, or you are looking for an easy-road resource to guide when selecting the best dual fuel generators.

Tap yourself on the shoulder because you are in the right place.

In this article, we will walk you through the ins and out of choosing a dual fuel generator-What it is, how they differ from a single fuel generator, and where to pay attention to when choosing one.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s first define what a dual fuel generator is? Are you ready? Let’s jump in.

Best Dual Fuel Generators Comparison Table

What is Dual Fuel Generator?

Let’s first define what a single fuel generator is. It is a generator using natural gas, propane, gasoline, diesel as their primary source of fuel.

A dual fuel generator has two sources of fuel types. That means, when you are out of the primary source of fuel, you can still use the secondary source of fuel.

In the case of a Tri-fuel generator, you will have a generator that uses three primary sources of fuel.

When it comes to dual fuel generator, you have a generator using propane as its primary source of fuel and gasoline as it’s the second source.

A question most people ask is:

Is Dual Fuel Generator Efficient than One Fuel Generator?

Before you buy a dual fuel generator, it is only fair, to know whether it is efficient or not.

Speaking on the question of efficiency. The best way to know this starts with understanding the different types of fuel first.

That way, you will know if it is efficient in operation or not. Let me give you a crash course on the fuel type:

Diesel fuel- this type of fuel has a high energy density and life expectancy. You can expect it to run for a long time compared to other sources of fuel.

The limitation of diesel fuel is, most generators using it are expensive. They cost two or three times more than other generators.

You need to consider this type of fuel if you want your generator to run on full capacity for a long time.

If you want a generator to serve as a workhorse, then choosing a dual fuel generator with diesel as the primary source would be perfect.

Gasoline- it is the second-best. If you compare propane gas and gasoline, you will notice gasoline provides more BTUs per gallon.

The biggest problem with gasoline is, it doesn’t burn clean. Most importantly, it leaves lots of carbon deposits behind. That’s why most people have a problem using gasoline as their primary source of fuel in a dual fuel generator.

Propane fuel- it is the third most efficient in this list. One cubic foot of propane equals 2, 517 BTUs, one cubic of natural gas equals 1,030 BTUs. That means, propane fuel is more efficient than natural gas. Apart from that, propane has a longer shelf life.

The answer to the question:

Why is the dual fuel generator efficient than one fuel generator?

BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit whichever fuel type that delivers more BTUs per gallon is the most efficient generator.

In other words:

You have to look at the fuel type, and then judge if the generator is efficient or not. You can have a dual fuel generator, but it’s not that efficient to power things that matter most to you.

Is the Fuel Cost Efficient in a Dual Fuel Generator?

I get it.

Fuel is expensive. You need to find a way to conserve it while enjoying the benefit of having a dual fuel generator.

Fuel cost and conversation depend on the kind of fuel you are using.

You see, diesel has a higher energy density than other sources of fuel because it offers more per gallon.

In other words:

Diesel is the least expensive fuel to operate in a generator. You will save on the running cost and enjoy using the generator.

When it comes to gasoline and propane, you know their prices fluctuate.

Picture this example:

Champion dual fuel generator can run 9 hours on 6 gallons of gasoline and 9 hours on 5 gallons of propane at 50% load. To get the full benefit of fuel efficiency, you will need to compare the prices and run time.

That’s the benefit of owning a dual fuel generator. You can decide to run the least expensive fuel when both are available.

Natural gas is the least efficient fuel because it has 30% less BTUs. That means, the energy density is low and it burns for a few hours before you have to order another Natural gas.

If you are looking at Natural gas fuel cost, it is the cheapest. But when you run the math, you will find you are paying more in fuel cost.

Are They Available and How Long Can They Be Stored

Fuel availability and storage affect the kind of dual fuel generator you will buy. Once you know the fuel types, you need a dual fuel generator.

The next step is finding out if the fuel types are available next to you. Or, you will have to store them somewhere in case of an emergency.

Let’s find out:

You can find gasoline, propane, and diesel in your local gas station. In the event of power outages, you won’t find gasoline because of electricity powers it.

Propane is available in case of power outages because you can get it cans and bottles. Natural gas is available in the case of outages, but the gas is not available in some areas.

On fuel storage, You can store diesel or propane at home. You can also create a fuel station at home, although it is expensive in the long run.

Like we’ve said before, gasoline has a short shelf life. It evaporates when stored unless you have fuel stabilizers.

Diesel has a 24-month shelf life. Propane has the longest shelf life because you can store 5 to 10 gallons of tanks. And most of these propane storage tanks are expensive. Natural gas does not need storage, but it has to be available in your location.

If you have to choose a dual fuel generator, understand first the fuel type, then select the generator.

Can A Dual Fuel Generator Run an Entire Home

A dual fuel generator provides lots of power to run most homes. If you are looking for a generator to power your entire home, then you need one rated for 5000 watts.

For those having an electric furnace or heat pump, a dual fuel generator may not be efficient in this case.

You will need a generator that can emit at least 15,000 watts or more. If you are going to use a gas or forced air heating system, you will be fine.

Okay, what about if you have a water pump?

Well, it would take a bit of your generator’s load of 3800 watts or more if you are looking for something to power an entire home.

Then you need to calculate the total wattage of all the appliances you have. Those calculations will help you know the duel fuel generator you need.

Is A Dual Fuel Generator Better? Reasons to Buy Dual Fuel Generators

A dual fuel generator has a great benefit which most people overlook. Benefits that make it better than a single fuel generator. Let me share with you some.

1. Versatile and Efficient: A dual fuel generator has two fuels. You can decide to use the cheapest available fuel source when your primary fuel is expensive or scarce.

1. Enables secondary fuel option: A dual fuel generator is efficient at supplying power to all your home’s electrical appliances for an extended time. In case, the primary source of fuel is not available. You can always use the secondary source as an alternative fuel.

A dual fuel generator offers you longevity in electrical supply. Because they run on two fuel, you can operate your generator on one fuel.

Then when it is over, you can switch to another. That way you have your systems running uninterrupted for a long time.

With dual fuel generators, you will switch from one fuel to another,  providing you the convenience. For instance, you can start with gasoline, and then switch to propane.

That convenience helps you use the fuel that operates under certain weather conditions.

The versatility of the dual fuel generators keeps you ahead of business competitors who use single fuel generators.

When one type of fuel become scarce because of certain weather conditions.  You will always have an alternative source at your disposal to power your home or business.

In other words:

If you are looking for readability, versatility, and efficiency, the dual fuel generator is the best for you.

Review of the Best Dual Fuel Generators 2019

1. Champion 7500W Dual Fuel

Champion 7500w sets the gold standard for dual fuel generators. When it comes to ignition, you have an electric push-button that starts the generator.

You can either run on gasoline or liquid propane depending on the cost and availability. On the downside, you will find Champion 7500W to be heavy, but it comes with a wheel kit to aid its movement from one place to another.

Let’s talk about the construction of Champion 7500w. You will notice it is robust and sturdy. A clear indicator you are buying a durable dual fuel generator working well in most conditions without technical hitches.

With its 439cc champion engine, you have a dependable workhorse you can always count on in the event of power outages.

And if that’s not enough. You will be happy to know Champion stands behind this generator with a 3-year warranty covering all technical aspects.

Even when you decide to maximize the load, you will run this generator for 8 hours on a full tank and 6 hours on liquid propane.

One advantage of this generator is the cold-starting ability. If you live in cold areas, where it gets cold, you will have a problem getting most generators to start.

But Champion 7500w will start without any issue. The second plus is the surge protector. It will prevent all your electrical devices in the event of a spike.

Pros

• Sturdy construction
• Auto-shutoff low oil
• Volt guard surge protector

Cons

• Loud at 74 dBa
• Expensive

 

2. Duramax XP10000EH

Duramax is quiet when you compare it to other dual-fuel generators having the same power capabilities.

For this amount of energy and power capabilities, the 72 dBa is super quiet. Duramax is EPA-approved, but it does not meet the California CARB standards.

Like the Champion 7500w, it has an easy electric start. In this case, all you need is turning the key, and the generator is on.

In case the electric battery start is low, you have a backup pull cable recoil starter to start the generator at any time.

At only 265 pounds, we can say this generator is massive, and the solid-fill tires and handles make moving around with this generator easy.

It has a peak power of 10,000 watts and 8,000 running watts. In other words, its power capacity is enough for most homes in the event of a blackout.

The 18hp 0HV 4-stroke engine air-cooled engine delivers this incredible power and keeps more of it to use when you need it.

Besides that, the generator has 6 outlets such as:

• 2 x 120v 2o amp 3-prong outlet
• 1 x 120v 30 amp twist lock
• 1 x 120v/240 v 30 amp twist lock
• 1 x 120v/240v 50 amp heavy duty outlets
• 1 x 1-10 a-12 v outlets

The generator can work with either gasoline or propane.

Pros

• Has a powerful engine
• Wheel kit included
• Sturdy construction

Cons

• No surge protector

Full Review

3. DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Most generators stop during adverse weather conditions. And this can affect your convenience at home or in your business.

It’s only fair to find a generator that can work in all weather conditions. That’s where DuroMax XP12000EH dual fuel generator comes into the picture.

The generator uses available and affordable fuel to work at its best, making it an ideal unit for homes, workplaces, and outdoor events.

Its 457cc engine from DuroMax plays a crucial role in ensuring your home or office receives  12000 watts of power to run all your appliances.

But that’s not all.

The generator allows you to maximize its power and run it on full capacity. In case you need to moderate loads, there are individual breakers on the generators you can use.

That way, you will ensure the safety of everything using the generator.

On noise, the generator comes with a noise-reducing muffler and spark arrestor that meets the standard of EPA.

That means you can moderate the noise level when the generator is overworking.

Thanks to its spark arrestor, you will not burn up your plugged appliances.

When it comes to run time, the generator can run for 10 hours on a 50% output on gasoline while on propane, the run time is 20 hours on the same production.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Lots of sockets
• Good value

Cons

• Heavy
• Noisy despite having a sound muffler

Full Review

4. Sportsman GEN4000DF

Do you have a small budget for a dual fuel generator? Then sportsman GEN4000DF is a generator you should consider.

Despite its low price, there are essential features you need to know.

With its seven hp engine, you have 3500 running watts for decent use. You can power all your electrical appliances that consume less energy.

Unlike other dual-fuel generators, the GEN4000DF doesn’t have an electric start. It has a pull cable recoil starter to start the generator.

The front panel has a voltage motor, an on-off switch, and a circuit breaker. Thanks to its six outlets, you can power appliances at home. Here is what you have:

• Four 120v outlets,
• One 120v outlet,
• One 1-12 DC outlet.

At only 90 pounds, this is one of the lightest dual fuel generators on this list.

That said, this generator does not have a wheel, and it quite heavy to carry it using your hands.

You can buy a separate wheel kit, or you will need a helping hand to move around with it.

At 69dBa, this is a quiet dual fuel generator for its power. You can hold a conversation nearby, and you won’t feel any distraction from the generator noise.

And because of that, it is the perfect dual fuel generator if you are into camping or tailgating.

Pros

• Low oil shut-off
• CARB-compliant
• The easy fuel source switch

Cons

• No electric start
• No wheels
• Not much power

 

5. Sportsman GEN7500DF, 7500 Portable Generator

We couldn’t leave out the Sportsman GEN7500DF because it is ideal for camping trips and mountain climbing.

It delivers enough power to make sure you have lights and feel safe in the wilderness. The generator utilizes both liquid propane and unleaded gas. You can go with whichever gas is cheap and available to you.

The generator uses pure gases, but that does not mean its power potential is low.

It’s sturdy and delivers lots of power to run essential business operations in a company. Its high wattage production ranges from 6000 to 7500 watts.

If you want to use it to its capacity, you will have four outlets each producing 120 volts.

Apart from that you also have a 120 volt DC to use on the battery charging. And the 120-volt outlets will connect to any lighting source you have when you are camping.

Apart from its quiet operation, you get a free 5-foot propane fuel hose with its regulator.  You can use this fuel hose for anything you want if you wish to cook or do anything,

On 50% load capacity, the run time is 9 hours while on propane it is 6.2 hours. To start the generator, you have a recoil or an electric start. During its operation, the generator will always warn you of low fuel thanks to its light signal.

Pros

• 9 hours run time
• Convenient engine shut off switch

Cons

• A bit noisy

 

Our Top Pick for The Best Dual Fuel Generator

If you find yourself still figuring out what dual fuel generator to buy, we understand you. Generators are a huge investment, and it’s only fair you choose one.

We did our best to share with you the dual-fuel generators we thought are the best, and it will only be fair to you if we told you the best one from our list.

From our experience and research, we find that the Champion 7500w dual fuel generator is an excellent choice for many homeowners, workplaces, and many other things.

We say so because of its top-notch performance and the fact that you can use it even cold climate without any technical hitch. The manufacturer has also extended its warranty to three years.

That means the Champion company has confidence in this dual fuel generator. If you experience any technical hitches within the three years, you can get a replacement. I see this as a great deal given how much most generators cost.