Life can happen at any moment and modern living is dependent on electrical power. When life does strike, being prepared can make the difference between a minor inconvenience or a catastrophe.
Check out the best dual and tri fuel generators here
Therefore to be fully prepared it is a great idea to have on hand a generator to supply you and your family with the power you need to keep modern life going. Multi fuel generators offer the versatility of being able to have more options for fueling the generator, so you don’t have to worry about having enough fuel to keep the power flowing.
More Power For Your Dollar
While it is true that dual fuel generators are slightly more expensive than standard portable generators, the trade-off is significant. One major advantage, besides the obvious choice of having multiple fuel options, is that propane, for example, does not degrade in storage. Gasoline, when stored for a year will begin to break down and thus become less useful and more damaging to your engine.
Propane is stored under pressure as a liquid and thus does not “decay” and therefore can be stored for longer periods. This allows you to maintain propane on hand for emergencies while using gasoline to power your generator for short runs, preserving both the generator and power when you really need it. There is a difference in per unit power output but this difference is not significant enough and thus is mostly academic when it comes to running a generator.
Size Counts
When it comes to any generator, size counts. To know your power demand, add the voltage from all your devices and appliances you need to run during an outage, multiple by the amperage of same devices to get the total wattage required. Be sure to add a couple of hundred watts to cover any surge capacity needed.
Five Great Home Use Multi-Fuel Generators
Best Hybrid Portable Dual Fuel Genset
Producing 3500 Watts of continuous power and 4400 Watts for surge capacity, this generator can easily handle a moderately sized home. The Fortress Hybrid Series 4400 Generator has dual, standard three prong outlets, a 12V DC connection and a twist lock connection for transfer switches.
The unit is electric start and has a low oil shutdown to protect the generator when the oil is low. Wheeled for mobility, this unit can run on either gas or propane with an easy switch over. People who have this unit love how easy it is to move where needed and the stable power output of this generator.
Best Multi Fuel Generator for Home
Another generator for home use, this one – DuroMax Model #XP4400EH Generator produces 4400 Watts of surge capacity and 3500 Watts of continuous generation, enough for a medium size home or less. It has three, standard three prong outlets, a 12 V connection and a twist lock for transfer switches.
It has a main circuit breaker and an easy to read analog volt meter so you can check the output at a glance. The engine is electric start and there is a low oil shutoff for protection. This generator is also wheeled and it capable of being lifted by one person. People who have this generator love how well it is to assemble and how easy it is to operate.
Top Propane/Gasoline Generator under $1000
This electric start generator – Smarter Tools Model #ST-GP7500DEB Generator has 7500 Watts of surge capacity and 6200 Watts of continuous generation, slightly less with propane. Four standard three prong outlets, a 12V plug-in, as well as two twist locks for transfer switches and RV use, complete the connection package.
It is fully EPA and CARB compliant and the unit is designed to run quiet. Circuits are reset protected and there is a main breaker for overload protection. There is an LCD display that will provide you information at a glance. People who have purchased and used this generator enjoy the stable power and long running capability of the generator.
Best 10,000 Watt Tri-Fuel 16 HP Gas/Propane/Natural Generator
This model – Powerland Model #PD3G10000E Generator is actually a tri-fuel model, running on natural gas, propane or gasoline. Designed to work with a home transfer switch, this unit has a generous amount of power. It produces a continuous generation of 8K Watts and a surge capacity of 10K Watts, enough to handle freezers, sump pumps, and AC units.
It has multiple transfer connections and one small, standard three prong outlet. It also has an analog volt meter for easy reading of the output and all circuits are protected and the unit is overload protected as well. People who have this generator love the fact it can easily be hooked into the home via a transfer switch and the fact that it can use more than two fuels.
Best Multifuel Generator for Power Outages
Another high-powered, electric start generator, this model – DuroMax Model #XP10000EH Generator produces a surge capacity of 10,000 Watts and a continuous generation of 8000 Watts. It has three twist lock connections for connection to a transfer switch, RV or other capable cables.
In addition, it has dual standard three prong outlets and all circuits are breaker protected and are able to be push button reset. The unit has overload protection, easy to use controls and a 12V charging station for batteries. People who have this generator love the clean and stable power generation, as well as the long running time on both gasoline and propane.
More of the best multi fuel generators for your house from Amazon.com here
For longevity and safety, be sure to read your operations manual for the proper functioning of your generator. Do not use a generator in a garage, even with the door open or any enclosed area. Do not attempt to fuel a hot or running generator, be sure to allow at least thirty minutes to cool down.