Portable Dual-Fuel Generator Buying Guide

When facing an emergency, the challenge isn't just generating power; it's ensuring you have reliable fuel. Dual-fuel portable generators are an essential tool that transforms a moment of vulnerability into an opportunity for resilient, uninterrupted power. These units offer the flexibility to run on both gasoline and propane (LP), maximizing your options in an emergency.

What are dual-fuel portable generators?

As you've already guessed, dual-fuel portable generators can switch from running on gasoline to your barbecue propane tank. On most models, it’s as simple as using a fuel selector knob to switch between the two fuel types.

There are also tri-fuel generators that can switch between propane, gasoline, and natural gas for incredible versatility. These don't have a fuel selector knob, but switching between fuel types is still relatively simple.

Whether you are switching on a dual-fuel or tri-fuel generator, make sure you clear the engine of the old fuel first.

Benefits of Dual-Fuel Generators

It’s always good to keep your options open. Why commit to only one fuel type if you don’t need to?

Peace of Mind

A dual-fuel generator offers peace of mind that you can have power no matter how bad things get out there. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, can disrupt gasoline supply. If you’re dependent on that one type of fuel, you could be limited to what you have stored at home.

With a dual-fuel portable generator, you can just plug in your propane tank. Most units come with a connector that conveniently lets you use the same tank (20-30 Ib) as your grill.

Even if you don't have a propane tank on hand in an emergency, you can likely get one at gas stations, hardware stores, grocery stores, etc. Plus, propane can be stored for a much longer time than gasoline, years in fact.

Reliability

Having two usable fuel types means you are unlikely to run out of options. Gasoline might be your handy go-to, but propane can be stored longer and acts as a great backup. In fact, the tank holding the propane will deteriorate before the actual gas does.

Propane is also safer to store than gasoline, which is more flammable and more prone to spill in your garage. Sealed in its tank, propane poses little to no risk under ordinary conditions. The tanks can also easily be refilled or exchanged.

Watts Rating

The first step in choosing a portable generator is determining how much power you need and the corresponding wattage, before selecting a unit that can provide that level of power.

With dual-fuel generators, however, the wattage output changes depending on whether you’re running on propane or gasoline. You’ll notice that each dual-fuel model has two wattage ratings, a higher one for gasoline and a lower one for propane.

Dual-Fuel Generators vs. Conversion Kits

Some third-party manufacturers offer fuel conversion kits that, for example, allow you to convert a dedicated gasoline portable generator into a propane one using a generator propane conversion kit.

Since these kits are typically not designed by the generator manufacturer, they may not work properly with your generator and could void your warranty or pose safety hazards.

If you want to switch back and forth between gasoline and propane, it's best to opt for dual fuel. The price difference between non-dual fuel and dual fuel may not be that much more than the cost of a conversion kit, so it makes financial sense, too.

The Best of Both Worlds

You may remember VCR/DVD combo players. Instead of having to decide which technology they wanted, people could get both in one package. The same principle applies to dual-fuel generators. Why have only one fuel type if you can have both?