Our top pick: WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt Dual Fuel Generator (11,000-watt dual fuel)
Choosing a home emergency generator mostly comes down to fuel choice, outlet layout, carbon monoxide shutdown and how easily the unit can be moved.
On this page
- Our Top Picks
- WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt Dual Fuel Generator
- DuroMax XP13000HX Dual Fuel Generator
- WEN DF475T Compact Dual Fuel Generator
- Westinghouse 4650 Dual Fuel Portable Generator
- DuroStar DS13000MX Dual Fuel Generator
- DuroStar Tri-Fuel Whole-Home Generator
- Westinghouse 6600 Watt Home Backup Generator
- Generac Tri-Fuel Portable Generator with COsense
- Start with the loads you need to run
- Match the fuel to your supply
- Check outlets before you buy
- Carbon monoxide shutdown
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Category verdict
More Details on Our Top Picks
Browse top pick on eBay: WEN 11,000-Watt Dual Fuel Generator with Wheel Kit
WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt Dual Fuel Generator
Gasoline is listed at 8,300 running watts and propane at 7,500.
The title lists a wheel kit and electric start.
Half-load run time is listed at up to 8.5 hours from a 6.6-gallon tank.
DuroMax XP13000HX Dual Fuel Generator
A front-facing interface changes the fuel type in seconds.
The fully loaded power panel adds four household GFCI outlets alongside the 30 amp and 50 amp outlets.
The catalog data gives no run-time figure for a tank of fuel.
WEN DF475T Compact Dual Fuel Generator
Gasoline is listed at 3800 running watts and propane at 3500.
Output goes from 120V to 240V.
Household outlets are limited to two GFCI receptacles.
Westinghouse 4650 Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Gasoline is rated at 3600 watts and propane at 3240 watts.
It ships with oil, an oil funnel, a tool kit and a user's manual.
Only one household duplex receptacle is listed beside the two 30 amp receptacles.
DuroStar DS13000MX Dual Fuel Generator
Gasoline is described for maximum power and propane for longer run times.
The 50A outlet connects directly to a transfer switch.
The title names remote electric start, while the feature text describes only a push-button start.
DuroStar Tri-Fuel Whole-Home Generator
A fuel selection knob and push button start sit on the power panel.
The title also names remote electric start.
The catalog data gives no run-time figure, so tank life is unconfirmed.
Westinghouse 6600 Watt Home Backup Generator
The listing names 6600 peak watts and 5300 running watts.
All outlets have rubber covers.
The listing names no propane or natural gas operation.
Generac Tri-Fuel Portable Generator with COsense
A simple dial selects gasoline, liquid propane or natural gas.
Connecting to a natural gas line is described as giving virtually unlimited runtime.
The listing names Generac HomeLink manual transfer switches as compatible.
The listing gives its weight as 219 lbs, so relocating it still takes effort.
Gasoline run time is listed at up to 9.5 hours at 50% load from a 7.5-gallon tank.
Browse top pick on eBay: WEN 11,000-Watt Dual Fuel Generator with Wheel Kit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rated portable home generator?
The Generac tri-fuel model lists CO shutdown, a 50A outlet, tri-fuel operation and wheels.
What size generator do I need for my house in an emergency?
Add up the running watts of the essential items you want powered at the same time, then include the extra starting demand of motor-driven appliances.
Choosing only the circuits you truly need keeps the required generator size manageable.
Is it better to have an inverter or a generator?
The answer depends on your loads, since large household circuits and transfer switch connections call for a high-output open-frame unit.
If you only need to run small electronics, a much smaller power source may be enough.
Category verdict
The Generac tri-fuel model pairs CO shutdown, a 50A outlet and wheels.
Buyers wanting a smaller RV-oriented unit can look at the Westinghouse dual fuel model with its TT-30R outlet.
Whichever you choose, match the fuel type, outlets and CO features to how you plan to connect the generator.