Best Electric Start Dual Fuel Generators for 2023

Dual fuel generators are a great alternative to traditional generators. They can run on two different fuels, so you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel in an emergency. These types of generators also are more economical than their counterparts, so they are really worth considering if you want peace of mind for your electricity needs during power outages or storms. In this article, we will answer some common questions about dual-fuel generators and provide product reviews and tips that will help decide process easier for you!

Comparsion Table

#1. Champion 200988 - Quiet 4,500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Introducing the New Champion Dual Fuel Generator, model 200988. This one's an enclosed inverter generator with an electric start. It's 4,500 watts starting (up to 37.5 Amps) and then 3,500 running watts (up to 26.3 Amps). It's got the Champion branded engine (model R210N-VP, four-stroke, 212cc). Run-on regular unleaded gasoline (I always run 91 non-oxy) or propane.

Note that when operating on propane, the running power is 3,150 watts.

Of course, for camping, portability is a big issue. And I'm already a little bit concerned at the 103-pound weight of this thing. But I don't think you can get a 4,500 watt or 3,500-watt generator that weighs much less than 100 pounds. So I'm going to have to just deal with it, and I'm sure that that won't be a problem.

Also, at the front of the generator, you have this flip-up carry handle. It's got an aluminum handle, not just plastic. This thing wheels around very easily, and it's super easy to do one-handed. There are all also two handles on the top here. These are powder coated. They just feel super robust.

It comes with:

• Two NEMA 5-20R Duplex Outlets
• One NEMA TT-30R RV Outlet
• One 12-volt DC Outlet
• One Parallel Port

Verified Customer Review

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#2. Pulsar G12KBN - 9,500 Running Watts Dual Fuel Generator

Introducing Pulsar G12KBN 9500-watt electric start generator. Great for using on the job or providing emergency backup power around the house. This unit comes equipped with a 50-amp outlet and with a reliable champion 459 cc engine. This unit is powerful enough to run everything you need in your home during a power outage.

The Pulsar 9500W engine is 15 horses and runs at 3,600 RPMs. It can produce both 120 and 240V, which makes it perfect for both commercial and residential applications.

The Pulsar G12KBN produces 12,000 peak watts/9,500 rated watts (gasoline) and 10,800 peak watts/8,550 rated watts (propane). It's a dual fuel, which means you can run it with both propane and gasoline. This generator comes with low oil shut-off as well.

On a full 8-gallon fuel tank, it can run about 12 hours at 50 percent capacity. As far as its run time using propane, there is little to no information on that. The Pulsar G12KBN dual fuel generator comes with an easy-to-use electric start, so no pulling is needed.

This is a very heavy portable unit weighing in at 209 pounds dry. But it does come with two large wheels for moving it around. Despite its size, it runs with less noise than some of the other models (74Db). And as expected, the Pulsar is CARB and EPA compliant.

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#3. Westinghouse WGen9500DF - Portable Dual Fuel Generator

Introducing the revolutionary WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator. A game-changer in a portable generator, it comes with both gasoline and propane tanks for flexibility to power your home during any emergency—and makes switching fuel sources as easy as flipping a switch.

And when that’s not enough? You can also start up this little powerhouse from an electric outlet–or even your car battery! And if changing oil has never been your thing: we have a simpler solution for you. Simply drain the old one and fill it up with fresh engine oils without ever needing to change out the filters.

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#4. Champion Power Equipment 100891 - 7500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Why Champion 100891 (7500 Watt)

Durability: the unit is built to last; it has a tubular steel frame.

Capacity: this unit can run on gasoline which gives an output of 7500 running watts, while when using propane will give 6750 running watts.

And with a 439-cc engine providing up to 7 500 running watts, this unit can power all your major household appliances during a power outage. It can produce both 120 and 240V, which makes it perfect for both commercial and residential applications.

Lots of outlets: the model comes with four 120V 20A (NEMA 5-20R) household outlets, one 120V 30A Locking (NEMA L5-30R) outlet, and one 120/240 30A Locking (NEMA L14-30R). This gives users plenty of options.

The Intelligauge is a digital display that shows the generator's hours of use (run time for the current session and total run time), voltage, frequency, and output power.

Ease of use: this generator is not complicated, it has an electric start, therefore, can be operated by any person.

Efficiency: It can run for up to 10 hours on just 7.7 gallons of gasoline at 50% load and up to 5.5 hours on a 20-pound propane tank.

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#5. Westinghouse WGen3600DF - Portable Dual Fuel Generator for Home & RV

The Westinghouse WGen3600DF Portable Generator is a real powerhouse, with more than enough watts to power just about anything you need.

This generator provides more than enough power to run an off-grid cabin, a tailgate party, or your RV air conditioner and microwave. It will also provide your home with the essential backup power you need in case of a prolonged blackout or natural disaster.

Why Westinghouse WGen3600DF

This generator is easy to unbox and comes “plug and play” with minimal assembly required. It has everything you need to get it up and running right away.

The Westinghouse WGen3600DF is an optional wireless remote control, which enables you to operate it from 80 feet away.

The 120v house receptacles, as well as 30 amps receptacles, have weatherproof rubber covers. It has an easy-to-read gas gauge, as well as an automatic low oil shut-off.

The generator is powered by a reliable 212cc Westinghouse engine which provides users with plenty of power.

Potential Problem

If you intend to use this with an RV, it may not be suitable for a motorhome due to limited storage. But it would be perfect for use with a toy hauler. It could also be used with a trailer if you can transport it in the truck bed.

It's a 4-stroke engine, so it can be noisy. However, it's not as noisy as some 4 strokes.

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#6. Champion 201052 Dual Fuel (Gasoline+Propane) Generator

Champion - 201052 is a 3800 rated watt portable generator used as a backup or standby power source. It produces enough power for most appliances. Because of the dual-fuel source, this champion generator is very diversified in terms of usage. You can either use propane gas or just regular gasoline to power this generator.

The generator is quite big, but you do not have to worry about how to start it because the electric push-button start makes things easier. And if the battery of the generator is low, well, you have to fall back to the use of the pull start. And for people who are concerned about the noise this generator produces, well, the generator creates so little sound that you'd almost think it's just a lawnmower.

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#7. DuroMax XP5500EH Dual Fuel Generator 5,500 Watt with Electric Start

The induction of innovative dual-fuel generators on the market today seemingly rubs on the market value flop of traditional gas-fueled generators. And for good reason!

Are you taking your family out into the wilderness for a weekend? Better yet, are you and family friends looking to tailgate at the kids’ football game? Well, it might be hard for you to find a portable generator with a better bargain and one that beats the wattage of the DuroMax XP5500EH.

At a glance, this model is enfolded in heavy-duty tubular-like frame constructs, four-point separate motor mounts, a wheel kit, and flip-up stow away handles. But as the rule clearly stipulates, it is sensible for you to do some due diligence before buying any piece of machinery. Here’s a closer scrutiny as to why the XP5500EH might be the perfect dual fuel unit geared towards your preferences:

What is in the Package?

Here’s what the manufacturer includes in the packaging:

• DuroMax XP5550EH Dual Fuel Generator
• Flip-Up, Stow-Away Handles
• 8 Pneumatic Knobby-Style, Solid-Fill Tires
• Generator Maintenance Tool Kit
• User Manual

Operation & Ease of Use

The DuroMax XP5500EH is a compact generator that is fairly easy to use for experienced generator operators. To get it up and running, you just have to flick its ignition switch. Even though it doesn’t have a remote start feature, the good thing is that it still rocks the standard recoil starter; for use as backup in case the battery is low on charge.

The power panel of the XP5500EH features 3 AC outlets – (1) 120/240V 30A (L14-30R), Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI. It also features a DC outlet – a 12V 8A receptacle that allows you to easily charge up your batteries. Note that the twist-lock L14-30R receptacle ensures that the DuroMax XP5500EH is transfer switch ready – you can connect it to a breaker box to power your RV.

You’ll find this portable generator’s data center on the control panel. Here, all the information you need of the lifetime run-time hours is displayed for your convenience. A voltmeter lets you monitor this DuroMax’s power yield at any one moment; a handy feature especially when you want to be hands-on with the unit’s status and activity.

A built-in fuel gauge ensures that you conveniently keep an eye on its gas-level. Additionally, this unit comes with a light indicator that lets you know when the oil level gets too low.

There are additional built-in safety features to keep this portable generator safe when you’re away. In case the oil level gets too low, or if this generator is somehow overloaded, it is designed to automatically switch off.

Even though the XP5500EH may be technically movable, you might want to keep in mind that it weighs in at 127lbs and therefore, any attempts to manipulate and transport it without using special equipment might be too far-fetched. That being said, its wheel kit and stoke-away, flip-up handles should compensate for this lack of maneuverability.

Noise Level & Power

All thanks to the dual fuel capability of this model, the versatile XP5500EH presents you with 120/240V of power. When the XP5500EH is gasoline-powered, it provides a power yield of about 4500 running watts and 5500 surge watts. On the flip side, when it’s propane-powered, it provides a power yield of about 4275 running watts and 5225 surge watts.

Case in point – if you are going camping or tailgating, this unit might allow you to simultaneously power a number of appliances, for example – a coffee maker, rice cooker, blender, toaster oven, slow cooker, mixer, satellite receiver, and a RV refrigerator.

*You might want to be advised that this DuroMax model is unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices because of its relatively high THD (<12%).

With this model’s 4-gallon fuel tank, you can expect it to present you with a run-time of about 9hrs at 50% Load when running on gasoline at a fuel consumption rate of about 0.44GPH. However, when the generator is running on propane, you can expect it to present you a run-time of about 8hrs at 50% Load at 0.56GPH.

For a portable dual fuel generator with its weight and wattage, it is rather silent in operation. Enjoying a noise rating of about 69dBA, the XP5500EH doesn’t trade off on noise generation for wattage.

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

All things considered, the DuroMax XP5500EH is an affordable and durable portable dual-fuel generator that presents you with a relatively good run-time. And – it’s not only reliable; the versatility that this DuroMax poses is a cut above its conventional gas-powered counterparts.

If you are an RV traveler looking to buy a dual fuel generator because of its ease of use, quiet operation, and impeccable safety features – then, the DuroMax XP5500EH might just be a good buy for you. Nonetheless, if power is what you are out for, why not have a look at the DuroMax Hybrid Dual Fuel XP12000EH?

Do you have experience with this generator? What are your thoughts or tips? Please take a moment to let us know in the comments!

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#8. Duromax XP4850EH Dual Fuel Generator with Electric Start

The Duromax XP4850EH is a relatively powerful advanced generator. Its manufacturing process considered absolute service delivery for it user. This explains the high quality of this dual-fuel generator which is an improvement from the previous version DuroStar DS4400EHF Fortress Hybrid.

Consequently, the DuroMax XP4850EH model offer improved its functional performance and has a longer lifespan. This generator is designed for running household appliances or at a jobsite. Just as its name suggests, this dual fuel generator offers variety of choice on the fuel to use between gasoline and propane.

It is clear that the manufacturers wanted to provide a reliable generator for their consumers when designing this product. Honestly speaking, Honda and Yamaha make quite impressive generators but the Duromax brand is prevalently used in many household because not only its functional qualities but also its amicable product pricing.

You may be wondering about what other special features the DuroMax XP4850EH has.

Features

Purchasing a generator is not as cheap; hence, it is imperative to be certain that the kind of product purchased offers optimal efficiency. Duromax manufacturers are minimalistic but objective. Duromax generators have rigid solid steel frames with four-point mounting systems. It is has minimal extras but is strong and reliable. This feature makes this generator relatively cheap as compared to others.

It has a dual generator that can use both propane and gasoline if one is unavailable.

Minimal sound: it has quite a large muffler with a spark arrestor hence does need additional sound insulation.

It has a powerful 7HP engine. The generator’s engine is well protected with an indicator that automatically turns it off in case of low oil levels

The amount of energy produced by this generator ranges between 3,850 to 4,850 watts. It is sufficient for people with heavy household appliances.

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