When a major storm hits and the power goes out for days, gas stations either run dry or have lines stretching around the block. Propane doesn't have that problem — it stores indefinitely in tanks you can stock in advance, and dual fuel generators let you run on whichever fuel you have available. Here are the best options we've tested.
Top Dual Fuel Generators
Champion 8750W Dual Fuel
The Champion 8750 is the dual fuel generator most homeowners should buy. At 7,500W on gas and 6,250W on propane, it handles whole-home essential loads on either fuel. The electric start is standard, the voltage regulation keeps power clean for electronics, and Champion's customer support has improved dramatically over recent years.
The built-in fuel gauge, hour meter, and low-oil shutoff are the practical features that make a generator easier to live with long-term. Switching between fuels takes about 30 seconds — just close the gas petcock and open the propane valve.
Pros
- 7,500W gas / 6,250W propane
- Electric start
- Clean power output for electronics
- Fuel gauge and hour meter built in
- Low-oil shutoff protection
- Champion support has improved significantly
Cons
- Propane output 17% lower than gas
- Loud at full load
- Heavy — wheel kit essential
Westinghouse iGen4500DF
The iGen4500DF brings dual fuel capability to Westinghouse's excellent inverter platform — meaning you get the quieter operation (52 dB) and cleaner power output of inverter technology with the propane flexibility of dual fuel. At 3,700W on gas and 3,380W on propane, it won't power central AC — but for most household essentials with sensitive electronics, it's the cleanest-running dual fuel option available.
Pros
- 52 dB — dramatically quieter than conventional generators
- Clean inverter power — safe for CPAP, laptops, medical devices
- Dual fuel flexibility
- Remote start key fob included
- Fuel efficient at partial loads
Cons
- 3,700W — won't run central AC
- Higher cost per watt than conventional generators
- Propane reduces output by ~9%
DuroMax XP13000EH
If you need maximum wattage in a dual fuel package, the DuroMax XP13000EH delivers 10,000W running on gas and 8,500W on propane — enough to run a central AC, well pump, and a full household simultaneously. It's a serious machine for serious situations: larger properties, larger homes, or anyone running a home office plus medical equipment plus comfort loads through a multi-day outage.
Pros
- 10,000W on gas — highest in class
- Dual fuel flexibility at full wattage
- Transfer switch ready
- Electric start
- Strong build quality for the price
Cons
- Heavy and large — requires permanent positioning
- Very loud at high loads
- Burns significant fuel at full load
- Overkill for most residential needs
Propane Storage Guide for Generator Use
The strategic value of dual fuel is propane's ability to be stored long-term. Here's how to plan your propane reserve:
- 20-lb tank (5 gal) — roughly 8–10 hours of run time at moderate load for a 7,500W generator. Good for short outages.
- 100-lb tank (23.6 gal) — 40–50 hours of run time at moderate load. Covers most multi-day outages. Can be refilled at any propane supplier.
- 250-gallon buried tank — serious emergency preparedness. Requires professional installation but provides weeks of fuel supply.