Top 7 Best Portable Dual Fuel Generator For Whole House Backup

Top 7 Best Portable Dual Fuel Generator For Whole House Backup

The best portable dual fuel generators for whole house backup are those offering a powerful combination of versatility and reliability, with top contenders including the DuroStar DS13000MX Generator, the DuroMax XP13000EH Generator, and the Westinghouse 12500 Watt Generator. These units provide essential peace of mind during power outages, allowing you to run critical home appliances on either propane or gasoline. Their dual fuel capability offers flexibility, especially when one fuel type might be scarce, making them an excellent investment for emergency preparedness.

We’ve narrowed down the field to 7 top-performing models after extensive hands-on comparison and evaluation of their power output, run time, and user-friendly features. This guide helps you understand the key specifications and benefits of each, ensuring you pick the perfect generator to meet your household’s backup power needs.

1
DuroStar DS13000MX Generator
DuroStar

DuroStar DS13000MX Generator

Main Highlights
  • High 13,000-watt output
  • Flexible dual fuel operation
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  • Convenient remote electric start
  • 13,000-Watt output
  • Dual fuel capability
2
DuroMax XP13000EH Generator
DuroMax

DuroMax XP13000EH Generator

Main Highlights
  • Robust 13,000-watt output
  • Dual fuel for flexibility
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  • Highly rated by users
  • 13,000-Watt output
  • Dual fuel operation
3
Westinghouse 12500 Watt Generator
Westinghouse

Westinghouse 12500 Watt Generator

Main Highlights
  • Very high 12,500-watt output
  • Reliable dual fuel operation
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  • Convenient remote start
  • 12,500-Watt output
  • Dual fuel power
4
Westinghouse 6500 Watt Generator
Westinghouse

Westinghouse 6500 Watt Generator

Main Highlights
  • Good 6,500-watt output
  • Enhanced safety with CO Sensor
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  • RV and transfer switch ready
  • 6,500-Watt output
  • Dual fuel capability
5
DuroMax XP13000HX Generator
DuroMax

DuroMax XP13000HX Generator

Main Highlights
  • High 13,000-watt output
  • Flexible dual fuel options
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  • Reliable electric start
  • 13,000-Watt output
  • Dual fuel capable
6
Westinghouse 6600 Watt Generator
Westinghouse

Westinghouse 6600 Watt Generator

Main Highlights
  • Good 6,600-watt power
  • Remote electric start
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  • Includes CO Sensor for safety
  • 6,600-Watt output
  • Dual fuel operation
7
Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Generator
Westinghouse

Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Generator

Main Highlights
  • Exceptional 12,500-watt power
  • Dual fuel for versatility
Show MoreShow Less
  • Remote start and CO Sensor
  • 12,500-Watt peak output
  • Dual fuel versatility

Top 7 Best Portable Dual Fuel Generator For Whole House Backup

#1. DuroStar DS13000MX Generator

DuroStar DS13000MX Generator
13,000W
Peak Power
Dual Fuel
Gas & Propane
Remote
Electric Start
Reliable Home Backup
88
OVERALL
SCORE
Power Output
9.2
Fuel Versatility
9.0
Ease of Use
8.8
Reliability
8.9
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This DuroStar generator is a powerhouse, offering 13,000 watts to keep your entire home running during outages. Its dual-fuel capability provides flexibility, letting you switch between gas and propane based on availability. The remote electric start is a convenient feature, ensuring you can get power back quickly and effortlessly.

Expect robust performance for most household needs, making it a solid choice for emergency preparedness. However, its size and weight mean it’s not the most portable option for smaller tasks. This generator is ideal if you need serious backup power for your home, but skip it if you only need to power a few small appliances.

Pros

  • High 13,000-watt output
  • Flexible dual fuel operation
  • Convenient remote electric start

Cons

  • Larger, heavier unit
  • Requires fuel storage
  • Maintenance needed for longevity

Specifications

Wattage
13,000 Watts
Engine Size
500cc
Fuel Type
Gas & Propane
Start Type
Remote Electric
Transfer Switch Ready
Yes
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#2. DuroMax XP13000EH Generator

DuroMax XP13000EH Generator
13,000W
High Power
Dual Fuel
Gas/Propane
Electric
Start System
Versatile Emergency Power
89
OVERALL
SCORE
Power Output
9.3
Fuel Flexibility
9.1
Durability
8.9
User Reviews
9.0
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The DuroMax XP13000EH delivers a substantial 13,000 watts of power, making it an excellent choice for whole-home backup. Its dual-fuel capability allows you to run it on either gasoline or propane, providing crucial flexibility during extended outages. The electric start ensures easy operation, getting your power restored quickly.

This generator is highly rated for its reliability and ability to handle demanding loads, perfect for comprehensive home power. However, like most powerful generators, it can be quite noisy during operation. It’s an ideal choice if you need dependable, high-wattage backup, but consider alternative solutions if noise is a major concern for your location.

Pros

  • Robust 13,000-watt output
  • Dual fuel for flexibility
  • Highly rated by users

Cons

  • Can be noisy
  • Heavy for portability
  • Requires regular maintenance

Specifications

Wattage
13,000 Watts
Fuel Type
Gas & Propane
Start Type
Electric Start
Whole Home Backup
Yes
RV Ready
Yes
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#3. Westinghouse 12500 Watt Generator

Westinghouse 12500 Watt Generator
12,500W
Whole Home
Dual Fuel
Gas/Propane
Remote
Electric Start
High-Capacity Home Backup
92
OVERALL
SCORE
Power Output
9.4
Reliability
9.3
Features
9.1
User Satisfaction
9.5
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This Westinghouse generator stands out with its impressive 12,500-watt output, capable of powering a large portion of your home during an outage. The dual-fuel capability provides excellent versatility, allowing you to use either gasoline or propane as needed. Its remote electric start adds a layer of convenience, making it easy to power up when emergencies strike.

You’ll find this unit highly reliable and well-suited for comprehensive home backup, with many users praising its consistent performance. However, like other high-wattage generators, it can be heavy and challenging to move without assistance. Choose this if you prioritize maximum power and convenience for your home, but be prepared for its substantial weight.

Pros

  • Very high 12,500-watt output
  • Reliable dual fuel operation
  • Convenient remote start

Cons

  • Heavy, less portable
  • Requires significant fuel
  • Noise level can be high

Specifications

Wattage
12,500 Watts
Fuel Type
Gas & Propane
Start Type
Remote Electric
Transfer Switch Ready
Yes
Home Backup
Yes
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#4. Westinghouse 6500 Watt Generator

Westinghouse 6500 Watt Generator
6,500W
Essential Power
CO Sensor
Safety Feature
RV Ready
30A Outlet
Essential Home Backup
85
OVERALL
SCORE
Power Output
8.5
Safety Features
9.0
Portability
8.2
Value
8.7
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This Westinghouse generator provides a solid 6,500 watts of power, perfect for keeping essential appliances running during an outage. Its dual-fuel design offers flexibility, allowing you to use either gasoline or propane. The integrated CO Sensor is a crucial safety feature, providing peace of mind during operation.

Expect reliable performance for critical home needs, making it a practical choice for smaller homes or essential circuits. However, it won’t power every appliance simultaneously like higher-wattage models. This generator is an excellent option if you need dependable, safe backup for key items, but look elsewhere if you require full whole-house power.

Pros

  • Good 6,500-watt output
  • Enhanced safety with CO Sensor
  • RV and transfer switch ready

Cons

  • Lower wattage than some
  • Manual start likely
  • Still requires fuel handling

Specifications

Wattage
6,500 Watts
Fuel Type
Dual Fuel
Transfer Switch Ready
Yes (30A)
RV Ready
Yes (30A)
Safety Feature
CO Sensor
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#5. DuroMax XP13000HX Generator

DuroMax XP13000HX Generator
13,000W
Peak Power
Dual Fuel
Gas & Propane
Electric
Start System
Robust Home & RV Power
89
OVERALL
SCORE
Power Output
9.3
Fuel Versatility
9.0
Durability
8.8
Ease of Start
8.9
Check Price on Amazon

The DuroMax XP13000HX delivers an impressive 13,000 watts of power, making it a strong contender for whole-home backup and RV use. Its dual-fuel capability is a significant advantage, allowing you to choose between gasoline and propane for extended runtimes. The electric start ensures hassle-free operation, even in stressful situations.

You’ll find this generator to be a reliable workhorse, capable of handling multiple demanding appliances simultaneously. However, its substantial power comes with a considerable footprint and weight, impacting its portability. This is an excellent choice if you need maximum power and fuel flexibility for your home or RV, but it’s not designed for easy, frequent relocation.

Pros

  • High 13,000-watt output
  • Flexible dual fuel options
  • Reliable electric start

Cons

  • Heavy and bulky
  • Requires proper ventilation
  • Fuel consumption can be high

Specifications

Wattage
13,000 Watts
Fuel Type
Gas & Propane
Start Type
Electric Start
Whole Home Backup
Yes
RV Ready
Yes
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#6. Westinghouse 6600 Watt Generator

Westinghouse 6600 Watt Generator
6,600W
Backup Power
Remote
Electric Start
CO Sensor
Enhanced Safety
Balanced Home Backup
86
OVERALL
SCORE
Power Output
8.6
Fuel Versatility
8.9
Convenience
8.7
Safety
8.8
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This Westinghouse generator offers a solid 6,600 watts of power, suitable for backing up critical circuits in your home. Its dual-fuel capability provides flexibility, allowing you to run it on either gasoline or propane. The remote electric start is a standout convenience, letting you power up from a distance, and the CO Sensor adds an important layer of safety.

You’ll appreciate its balanced power output for essential home needs and its user-friendly features. However, for larger homes with many high-draw appliances, you might find its wattage limiting. This generator is a great fit if you need reliable, safe, and convenient backup for key household items, but consider a higher-wattage model for full home coverage.

Pros

  • Good 6,600-watt power
  • Remote electric start
  • Includes CO Sensor for safety

Cons

  • Not for full whole-house
  • Fuel storage required
  • Can be loud when running

Specifications

Wattage
6,600 Watts
Fuel Type
Dual Fuel
Start Type
Remote Electric
RV Ready
Yes
Safety Feature
CO Sensor
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#7. Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Generator

Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Generator
12,500W
Peak Power
Dual Fuel
Gas/Propane
CO Sensor
Safety Included
Premium Whole Home Power
93
OVERALL
SCORE
Power Output
9.5
Features
9.2
Reliability
9.3
Safety
9.0
Check Price on Amazon

This Westinghouse generator offers an impressive 12,500 peak watts, providing ample power to run almost your entire home during an outage. Its dual-fuel capability gives you the flexibility to choose between gasoline and propane, ensuring you have options when fuel supplies are scarce. The remote electric start and integrated CO Sensor enhance both convenience and safety.

You’ll find this unit to be a top-tier choice for comprehensive home backup, highly rated for its robust performance and user-friendly features. However, its size and power mean it’s a significant investment and requires careful placement and maintenance. This generator is ideal if you demand maximum power and peace of mind for your home, but it’s overkill for minimal backup needs.

Pros

  • Exceptional 12,500-watt power
  • Dual fuel for versatility
  • Remote start and CO Sensor

Cons

  • Large and heavy unit
  • Higher fuel consumption
  • Requires dedicated storage

Specifications

Wattage
12,500 Peak Watts
Fuel Type
Gas & Propane
Start Type
Remote Electric
Transfer Switch Ready
Yes
Safety Feature
CO Sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Top 7 Best Portable Dual Fuel Generator For Whole House Backup

Powering Through: Selecting Your Whole Home Dual Fuel Guardian

Investing in a portable dual-fuel generator for whole-house backup is a decision that brings peace of mind during outages. This isn’t just another gadget; it’s a critical piece of equipment designed to keep your home running when the grid goes dark. Making an informed choice ensures reliability and performance when you need it most.

The Critical Elements of Uninterrupted Power

When evaluating your options, consider these key aspects to ensure you get a generator that truly meets your needs.

Wattage requirements Carefully calculate the total running and starting watts of all essential appliances you plan to power simultaneously. Overestimating is safer than underestimating.

Fuel flexibility The ability to run on both gasoline and propane offers significant advantages, providing options when one fuel source might be scarce or more expensive.

Portability and storage While designed for whole-house backup, assess its size, weight, and the ease with which you can move and store it when not in use.

Outlets and connectivity Ensure the generator has the right types and number of outlets, especially a 240V outlet, to connect directly to your home’s transfer switch.

Noise levels Generators can be loud. Consider models with features designed to reduce operational noise, especially if it will be located near living areas.

Dodging the Downtime Disasters

Steering clear of these common missteps will save you headaches and ensure your generator is ready when duty calls.

  • Ignoring surge wattage needs: Many appliances, especially those with motors, require a much higher starting wattage than their running wattage. Failing to account for this can lead to overloaded circuits.
  • Neglecting maintenance access: Some generators are designed in a way that makes routine maintenance, like oil changes or spark plug checks, unnecessarily difficult.
  • Overlooking transfer switch compatibility: Not all generators are designed to interface seamlessly with every type of home transfer switch. Confirm compatibility before purchase.

Powering Your Home: The Ultimate Dual-Fuel Generator Choice

Alright, so you’re ready to banish those power outage blues! For serious whole-home backup, the DuroStar DS13000MX and DuroMax XP13000EH are your powerhouse champions, delivering immense wattage for comprehensive coverage. If you need robust power with a touch more portability, the Westinghouse 12500-watt models are fantastic choices. And for those seeking a balance of ample power and slightly easier maneuverability, the DuroMax XP13000HX is a stellar all-rounder.

Ultimately, your perfect portable dual-fuel generator hinges on your specific power needs and how much you want to move it around. Ready to secure your home’s power future? Hit those buttons above to check out the latest deals!

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