Dual Fuel Generators Compared: Fuel, Output, Run Time
A dual fuel generator runs on gasoline or propane, so you can use whichever you have on hand or can store. This guide compares the dual fuel models in our generator comparison tool using manufacturer figures, retrieved on 4 November 2026, and explains what you give up when you switch to propane. It covers portable and inverter models. Home standby units are covered in portable vs standby generators.
What changes when you switch to propane
On every model below the maker publishes a lower propane rating. Propane output is roughly 90% of the gasoline figure on most of them, and about 95% on the DuroMax XP13000EH.
- The Westinghouse WGen3600DF drops from 3,600 W to 3,240 W.
- The Champion 201278 drops from 3,500 W to 3,150 W.
- The DuroMax XP13000EH drops from 10,500 W to 10,000 W.
Size the generator for the propane figure if propane is the fuel you expect to use during an outage. The load calculator shows how many watts you need.
Dual fuel models compared
| Specification | WestinghouseWGen3600DFPortable | Champion201278 4500W Electric Start Dual Fuel InverterInverter | WestinghouseWGen7500DFPortable | DuroMaxXP13000EHPortable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price and ownership cost | ||||
| Listed price (USD, estimate) | $629.00Westinghouse MSRP | Not publishedChampion's product page does not state a price | $1,149.00Westinghouse MSRP; retailer links showed out of stock | $1,299.00DuroMax listed price; shown against 1,699 USD compare-at price |
| Price per rated watt (derived) | $0.17per watt, first fuel listed | n/a | $0.15per watt, first fuel listed | $0.12per watt, first fuel listed |
| Warranty | 3 years residential, 1 year commercial | 3 years limited, free lifetime technical support | 3 years residential, 1 year commercial | 3 years |
| Maintenance | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Oil capacity | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Power | ||||
| Rated output by fuel |
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| Starting or surge watts | 4,650 W | 4,500 W | 9,500 W | 13,000 W |
| Fuel types | Gasoline / Propane | Gasoline / Propane | Gasoline / Propane | Gasoline / Propane |
| Engine | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Displacement (cc) | 212 cc | 212 cc | 420 cc | 500 cc |
| Runtime, fuel use and running cost | ||||
| Fuel tank (gal) | 4 gal | 2.3 gal | 6.6 gal | 8.3 gal |
| Runtime on a tank, as stated |
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| Fuel use, as stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Fuel per kWh (derived) | 0.212 galgasoline at 50% load, from tank size and stated runtime | 0.187 galgasoline at 25% load, from tank size and stated runtime | 0.32 galgasoline at 25% load, from tank size and stated runtime | 0.198 galgasoline at 50% load, from tank size and stated runtime |
| Fuel cost per kWh at your price (derived) | ||||
| Fuel cost per hour at that load (derived) | ||||
| Size and comfort | ||||
| Weight (lb) | 120 lb | 99.2 lb | 201 lb | 234 lb |
| Dimensions | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Noise (as stated) | 68 dBA | 61 dB(A) at 23 ft | 72 dBA | 74 dB |
| Starting method | Electric, Remote, Recoil | Electric, Recoil | Not stated | Electric, Recoil |
| Features | ||||
| Inverter output | No | Yes | No | No |
| Total harmonic distortion | 23% or less | under 3% | ≤23% | Not stated |
| Automatic voltage regulation (AVR) | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Yes |
| CO sensor shutdown | No | Not stated | Not stated | Yes |
| Transfer switch ready | No | Not stated | Yes | Not stated |
| Parallel capable | No | Yes | No | No |
| Outlets and connections | 5-20R duplex, L5-30R, TT-30R | 5-20R duplex, TT-30R, two USB, parallel port | Two 5-20R duplex, L14-30R 120/240V, two USB, transfer switch ready | Two 5-20R, L5-30R, L14-30R, 14-50R, 12V; GFCI |
| Fit | ||||
| Suited to | Essential circuits, Construction and jobsite, Camping and outdoors | Camping and outdoors, RV and travel trailer, Essential circuits | Home backup, Construction and jobsite | Home backup, Construction and jobsite, Heavy duty |
| Also worth knowing | Key fob start, 30A breaker | Dual fuel; two USB ports; parallel port | Dual fuel; two USB ports; transfer switch ready (ST switch) | AVR, CO sensor shutdown, GFCI outlets |
| Honest take | ||||
| Advantages |
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| Drawbacks |
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| Source | ||||
| Where the figures come from | Westinghouse product pageRetrieved 2026-11-02 | Champion Power Equipment product pageRetrieved 2026-11-04 | Westinghouse product pageRetrieved 2026-11-04 | DuroMax product pageRetrieved 2026-11-02 |
The table shows four of the nine dual fuel models we track. Use the comparison tool to pick any four and see the others.
Which one for which job
| Job | Models to look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Clean power for electronics, camping, RV | Dual fuel inverters | Stated THD of 3% or less on the Champion 201278 and Westinghouse iGen5000DF. |
| Home backup through a transfer switch | WGen7500DF, WGen9500DF, XP13000EH | Large outputs with a 120/240 V twist-lock outlet. |
| The biggest output | 12,000-watt class | WGen14500DF at 14,500 W on gasoline and 13,000 W on propane. |
| An RV or trailer | RV dual fuel | TT-30R outlets on several models. |
Run time on each fuel
Westinghouse states the WGen3600DF runs 14 hours on gasoline and 16.5 hours on propane at 25% load, and 10.5 hours on gasoline against 14 hours on propane at 50% load. The WGen14500DF is the opposite: 16 hours on gasoline against 6 hours on propane at 25% load, on a 20 lb tank. Propane run time depends on tank size, so compare the tank the maker used. Our fuel consumption calculator and gas vs propane vs diesel guide cover the cost side.
What we could not verify
- Prices. Westinghouse and DuroMax publish prices; Champion does not, so we show none for its models.
- Natural gas. The models above are rated for gasoline and propane. See can a dual fuel generator run on natural gas? and check the manual before converting anything.
- Reliability. We have no failure or service data for any brand, so we do not rank for durability.
Related guides
- Propane generator vs dual fuel generator
- Generator fuels explained
- Generator comparison tool
- Westinghouse generators compared
Frequently asked questions
Is a dual fuel generator worth it?
It is worth it if you want to store propane, which keeps far longer than gasoline, or you want a second fuel during a shortage. You pay a small output drop on propane and, usually, a higher price than the gasoline-only version. The Westinghouse WGen7500DF is listed at $100 more than the gasoline-only WGen7500.
Do dual fuel generators run as well on propane?
They run, at a lower rating. Each maker publishes a separate propane figure, typically around 90% of the gasoline figure.
Can I switch fuels while it is running?
The procedure differs by model, so follow the manual for yours. We do not give a general rule.
