A tri-fuel portable generator has the capability to operate on three distinct types of fuel without any additional modifications: gasoline, propane, or natural gas. It is generally recommended to purchase a tri-fuel portable generator rather than attempting to convert a dual fuel generator to run on natural gas.
The availability of tri-fuel portable power generators in the market has significantly increased in recent years. Several reputable companies, including Champion, DuroMax, and Westinghouse, offer models of tri-fuel portable generators for sale. Considering this, I am now able to evaluate and provide a comprehensive review of the best tri-fuel portable generators for residential home use.
Tri-Fuel Generators That Operate On Gasoline, Propane, Or Natural Gas
A widely used fuel for internal combustion engines, particularly in vehicles, is gasoline. This liquid fuel is created through the fractional distillation of crude oil and petroleum products, resulting in a volatile mixture of hydrogen and carbon molecules.
Propane, on the other hand, is a gas that is typically obtained during natural gas processing and petroleum refining. It is much cleaner and safer than other gases, and is often compressed and stored in its liquid form to make it more transportable. Furthermore, propane is virtually odorless, but a distinct smell is added for easy detection and safety measures.
Natural gas is a popular energy source in the United States, accounting for approximately 30% of the country’s energy consumption. Despite environmental and safety concerns surrounding its production and use, natural gas is a versatile fuel that can be used for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. Composed mainly of methane, natural gas also includes other hydrocarbons like propane and butane. When burned, it produces small amounts of nitrogen oxides and primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor. Its desirable qualities, such as efficiency and relatively clean burning, have made it an economical and popular energy choice.
Right, enough of that, let’s look at a few tri-fuel portable generators, starting with the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc generator.
Westinghouse WGen9500TFc
The Westinghouse WGen9500TFc is a durable tri-fuel generator that is simple to assemble, start, and operate for home backup power during power outages. To set up the generator, attach the feet and wheels, add engine oil, and fill it with gasoline or connect it to a propane tank or natural gas line. A 6-foot propane hose and regulator are included for use with a small portable propane tank, while a longer 25-foot natural gas hose is provided for those who plan to run the generator on natural gas or propane from a large home storage tank.
Although the generator is heavy, the sturdy never-flat wheels make it possible to move it around with some effort. It is recommended to store the generator close to where it will be used regularly. Despite the natural gas running wattage being slightly lower than the recommended 9000 watts for home backup power, the generator should be able to power all essential household appliances, except for the most energy-intensive ones.
The noise level of a portable power generator fueled by natural gas and propane is acceptable for emergency situations. However, generators of this size and wattage are generally loud, and should not be operated near exterior walls.
The Westinghouse WGen9500TFc is a tri-fuel generator with a CO sensor, which is becoming a standard feature on newer models. While there may be concerns about the CO sensor shutting down the generator, this model’s sensor is not overly sensitive.
With a 457cc 4-stroke engine, the WGen9500TFc produces up to 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts when using gasoline. It can also operate on natural gas or propane. The generator features a built-in fuel gauge, automatic low oil shutdown, and push-button electric starter. The control panel includes transfer switch ready outlets to power essential household appliances with a single cord hookup.
Overall, this generator is recommended for those who need backup power for infrequent and unexpected outages (check price on Amazon – paid link).
If you want to read more, then you may read our WGen9500TFc review right here.
DuroMax XP13000HXT
The DuroMax XP13000HXT tri-fuel portable generator operates on three different fuel options: gasoline, propane, and natural gas. Gasoline is the most widely available and commonly used fuel choice, while propane offers the advantages of being a cleaner burning fuel, cost-effective, fuel efficient, and having a long shelf life. On the other hand, natural gas provides the benefit of an almost unlimited fuel supply as it directly connects to your home’s gas line, eliminating the need for fuel can storage or propane tanks.
Equipped with a powerful 500cc OHV engine, the DuroMax XP13000HXT features both push button start and remote start capabilities. With a simple push of a button or the convenience of the remote, you can easily start the generator. When running on gasoline, it produces 10500 running watts and 13000 peak watts. However, the continuous running watts decrease to 9500 watts on propane and further down to only 8500 watts when operating on natural gas.
To provide you with essential information at a glance, this generator is equipped with a large LED display that shows the gas gauge, load gauge, as well as the voltage, frequency, and time. Additionally, it incorporates CO Alert technology, which automatically shuts off the generator when it detects an unsafe level of carbon monoxide. The fuel interface simplifies the process of switching between different fuel types, making it effortless and convenient.
The DuroMax XP13000HXT is a reliable generator that can power your essential household appliances during extended power outages. With a peak starting power output of 10000 watts on natural gas, it is equipped with multiple outlets to meet your needs, including four 120V 20A GFCI outlets, one 120/240V 30A twist lock, one 120/240V 50A outlet, and one 120V 30A twist lock outlet. Additionally, the XP13000HXT features a 50 amp plug that can be connected directly to your home via a transfer switch.
If you are looking for a portable generator that can run on natural gas and power most of your appliances, then the DuroMax XP13000HXT tri-fuel generator is definitely worth considering (check price on Amazon – paid link).
Which is the largest tri-fuel portable generator?
The DuroMax XP15000HXT is possibly the largest portable power generator available on the market today that can run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas (although that might change in the future). While it can generate 15000 peak starting watts when using gasoline, its starting watts and running watts are limited to 12825 and 10260 respectively when using natural gas. It is important to note that this generator uses a 3/4-inch NG hose for natural gas, which is larger than the 1/2-inch hoses used by smaller tri-fuel generators.
Featuring a powerful 670 cc DuroMax engine, the XP15000HXT is equipped with remote and push-button starters, as well as a digital control center for easy monitoring of power output, load, and running hours. Its CO Alert feature ensures safety by automatically shutting down the generator when it detects harmful fumes.
The XP15000HXT has a user-friendly interface that allows for quick selection of fuel type. It also provides a wide range of outlets, including a 50-amp plug, one 120V 30-amp plug, one 120/240V 30-amp plug, and ten standard household outlets.
With its impressive 15,000 watts of power, the DuroMax XP15000HXT tri-fuel generator is a big option for keeping your home powered during power outages or storms. Click here to learn more on Amazon (paid link).
Which is the best tri-fuel portable generator?
If I needed a power generator that could run on natural gas, then I would probably get the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc, even though I cannot say exactly why I prefer that model above the others. Indeed, the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc is not the largest tri-fuel portable power generator on the market.
Nonetheless, I think that the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc is probably the best choice for most people, seeing as it is neither too heavy to handle, nor too expensive to buy. It gets the most points for being easy to assemble and easy to start, even though it can be a little loud. Overall, I think it provides the best value for your money (buy the WGen9500TFc on Amazon – paid link).
Photo by Robert Linder on Unsplash.