Best Dual Fuel Inverter Generators 2022 | EPA-certified | Complete Buyer’s Guide
What is the best dual fuel inverter generator? Make sure that the product is equipped with an engine with varying speeds. When choosing between a 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine, opt for the latter because it is more fuel-efficient. Four-stroke engines take 4 strokes of the piston and 2 revolutions of the crankshaft to complete a power cycle. Another thing to consider is a power that ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 Watts. We recommend models that produce more than 3,000 Watts as they are powerful enough while being portable.
Consider the type of cooling system of your inverter generator. A more versatile option is the air-cooled engine that circulates air directly over the engine’s hot areas and out through metal fins. Also, consider the type of cooling system of your inverter generator. A more versatile option is the air-cooled engine that circulates air directly over the engine’s hot areas and out through metal fins. As for the tank volume, you will not need a large fuel tank because inverter generators should be lightweight and compact. We believe that the Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator meets these criteria best.
Why have we chosen it? The machine is made by Champion Power Equipment, which is a leader in the industry of power generation equipment. Founded in California in 2003, the company manufactures all kinds of generators, engines, and log splitters. Its engineers have developed a range of products with the use of innovative technologies, including dual fuel generators and those with remote starting functions.
It is pretty powerful, producing 3,400 starting watts and 3,100 running watts on gasoline fuel. That said, it is portable and weighs only 99 pounds. The unit boasts enhanced safety properties due to its low-oil shut off sensor. It comes with a push-button electric and recoils Touch Start, Smart Charger battery and Cold Start Technology. The product is EPA-certified and CARB-compliant.
Inverter generators are designed to provide a constant current flow to your attached appliance. Advanced electronic circuitry and technologically advanced magnets convert AC current to DC voltage and back into clean AC voltage. These generators are more expensive due to the complexity of their engines, but they provide quiet, efficient and longer running operation. Dual fuel inverter generators may be connected to either a natural gas line or propane tank as well as run on gasoline.
What to Consider When Buying a Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Engine
Inverter-equipped generators have innovative engines that vary speed according to the load they are under.
Two-stroke (two-cycle) engines have few moving parts. They produce power in one up/down piston motion and crankshaft revolution. The start of the compression stroke and ending of the combustion stroke occur simultaneously. Intake and exhaust also occur at the same time.
Four-stroke (four-cycle) internal combustion engines take four “strokes” of the piston and two revolutions of the crankshaft to complete a power cycle. The cycle begins with the piston pulling in air. The air-fuel mixture is compressed and the first crankshaft revolution is completed. The air-fuel mixture is ignited by a spark plug or diesel-generated heat, which creates the power to turn the crankshaft a second revolution.
Phases
Most portable dual fuel inverter generators are small single-phase units. Single-phase generators produce a continuous alternating electrical current, or, voltage. They are used when the loads being driven, such as a single appliance or tool, are light.
Three-phase generators are typically very large and used for power distribution, such as those used in an energy grid or to feed several single-phase loads. They may power stoves or dryers fed by a split-phase 240V system (two of a three-phase system).
Power
An inverter generator is designed to produce electrical power closely equivalent to line power used in homes. The system does not depend on engine speed to produce power. Clean power is generated after raw AC electricity is converted into 12V DC power, and then inverted back into clean 120V AC power at preferred voltage and frequency. The output is typically lower than that from a conventional generator.
Large, heavy (250+ lbs.) inverter generators that can be directly connected to an electrical panel can generate 4,000 - 5,000 watts of power. Mid-sized inverter generators produce 2,500 - 4,500 watts. They are portable (approx. 80 lbs.) and well-suited for running RV appliances. Small recreational units (50-60 lbs.) produce approx. 2,000 watts and are conveniently portable camping or tailgating units.
Cooling System
Most of the engine’s heat is dissipated through its exhaust. Air-cooled engines circulate air directly over the engine’s hot areas and out through metal fins. Air-cooled systems are used where liquid cooling is unsuitable.
Fuel Consumption Rate
Inverter generators are more fuel efficient because they do not need to constantly run at full throttle. They are designed to vary their engine speed according to the power load. Fuel consumption and emissions are reduced as much as 40 percent.
Tank Volume
Since inverter generators are designed to be lightweight, compact and efficient, they do not need large fuel tanks. Their limited fuel capacity reduces run times to approx. 10 hours.
Operational Continuity
An inverter generator can be connected to another identically sized unit in parallel to double the power output and capacity. No new transfer switch connection is necessary and you can increase an average 4,000W inverter generator to wattage and amperage of one very large-sized conventional generator.
Who Makes the Best Dual Fuel Inverter Generator | Trusted Brands
Champion dual fuel inverter generators
Champion (Power Equipment) is a market leader in work, home and recreation power generation equipment that is designed and engineered in the US. Their generators are EPA-certified and CARB compliant. Champion offers its customers a nationwide service center network and lifetime technical support.
DuroMax dual fuel inverter generators
DuroMax is a leader in the US power equipment market with a strong, evolving, EPA emissions-certified engine line. It boasts its generators are built with all copper windings guaranteed to last for years.
Westinghouse dual fuel inverter generators
Westinghouse has offered high quality, human-focused product design and technologies for more than 130 years. It is a leader in manufacturing reliable and power-driven portable generators. Westinghouse also offers its customers a nationwide service center network and lifetime technical support.
Honda dual fuel inverter generators
Honda has manufactured power equipment products globally since 1953. It is a leader in developing fuel efficient, low-emission, 4-stroke engines for generators and other power equipment.
Advantages of Dual Fuel Inverter Generators
Dual fuel inverter generators are quiet, clean, more efficient and reliable. They also tend to be more portable and run longer. Their size, weight, portability and reliability make them attractive units for RVing, tailgating, boating, home power emergencies and more. A major advantage is the “clean” power inverter generators produce to safely run a variety of today’s sensitive electronic devices and gadgets.
You want to be able to count on your backup when the power goes out or you are far away from any power source. A dual fuel inverter generator gives you the option of fuel sources to ensure a continuous power supply: gasoline, propane or natural gas connection. Gas may be a natural first choice, but propane is safer to store and lasts longer.
Inverter generators are also more fuel efficient. The engine is designed to adjust to the power load needed, so it does not continually run at full speed or use as much fuel. Inverter generator engines are also quieter than standard generators’. Their mufflered, sound-dampened engines that run quieter when they throttle down for lighter loads are typically encased in acoustic cabinets. Most emit noise between 50 dB and 65 dB.
Dual Fuel Inverter Generators Reviews | Champion vs Westinghouse
Below, you will find a review of the best dual fuel inverter generator at a price ranging from $570 to $1200. You may choose a model with a Smart Economy Mode, with a 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine or a powerful, fuel-efficient unit with a remote start. There is also a budget option that boasts a lightweight and compact design.
1. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator | Best Under 5000 Watts | Smart Technology
The portable Champion 100263 dual fuel inverter generator is a lightweight 99lbs. encased in a durable cast iron sleeve. It produces less than 3% THD clean power to run your LCD/plasma TV, laptop, mobile devices and other sensitive electronics. Its Smart Economy Mode enhances fuel efficiency and reduces noise to 59dBA (at a distance of 23 ft.).
This parallel-ready inverter generator has a 4-stroke, single-cylinder, 192cc, air-cooled engine that runs on gasoline or propane fuel “right out of the box.” The Champion 100263 produces 3,400 starting watts and 3,100 running watts on gasoline fuel. It can run up to 7½ hours (at 25% load) on a full tank of gas. It also produces 3,060 starting watts and 2,790 running watts up to 14½ hours on a 20lb. propane tank. A low-oil shut off sensor is included for safety.
The Champion 100263 dual fuel inverter generator also features a push-button electric and recoil Touch Start, Smart Charger battery and Cold Start Technology. It has a 120V, 30A RV Ready (TT-30R) / standard 50A RV outlet, 12V, DC outlet with a dual USB adapter and two 120V, 20A household outlets. A folding handle and never-flat tires make for easy transport. A propane hose w/built-in regulator is included. Inverter cover and Parallel Kit are sold separately.
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Champion Power Equipment 100263: Check the current price
2. Champion Power Equipment 100402 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator | Best Small for the Money
The compact and versatile Champion Power Equipment 100402 is an affordable, lightweight, 50-pound, dual fuel inverter generator. It produces less than 3% THD clean power to run your LCD/plasma TV, laptop, mobile devices and other sensitive electronics. It operates efficiently at an ultra-quiet 53dBA (at a distance of 23 ft.) in Economy Mode, making it ideal for campsites, RVs, power outage, outdoor activities and more.
This parallel-ready inverter generator has an 88cc engine that runs on gasoline or propane fuel “right out of the box.” The Champion 100402 produces 2,000 starting watts and 1,600 running watts, and runs up to 11 hours on a full 1.1 gal. tank of gas or up to 24 hours on a 20lb. propane tank. A low-oil shut off sensor is included for safety.
The Champion 100402 dual fuel inverter generator also features an EZ Start Dial, Cold Start Technology, Low-Oil indicator, Maintenance and illuminated Fuel Fill Assist LED Control display. It has a 120V, 30A RV Ready (TT-30R) outlet, 12V, DC outlet and two 120V, 20A household outlets. A propane hose w/built-in regulator and dual USB adapter are included. The optional ParaLINK Parallel Kit is sold separately.
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Champion Power Equipment 100402: Check the current price
3. Westinghouse Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator | Best Fuel-Efficient
The compact Westinghouse iGen4500DF is a portable, lightweight, dual fuel digital inverter generator. It produces less than 3% THD clean power to run your LCD/plasma TV, laptop, mobile devices and other sensitive electronics. It operates at a low 52dBA noise level making it conducive to neighborhoods, campsites, and outdoor activities.
Its powerful, fuel-efficient, 224cc, 73 hp Westinghouse OHV variable speed engine runs on your choice of gasoline or propane fuel. The iGen4500DF has a 3.4 gal. gas tank. It generates 3,700 running watts / 4,500 peak watts operating on gasoline fuel. It generates 3,330 rated watts / 4,050 peak watts operating on propane fuel. The iGen4500DF inverter generator is CARB compliant and can run up to 18 hours at 25% load.
The Westinghouse iGen4500DF dual fuel inverter generator also features a push-button electric start, key fob remote start (up to 109 yds. away) and an LED fuel, power output, time remaining data center. It has a 120V, 30 A TT-30R RV Ready Outlet, 5V, DC USB ports and two 120V, 20A household outlets. A convenient telescoping handle and wheels aids portability.
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Westinghouse Dual Fuel: Check the current price
10 Best-Selling Dual Fuel Inverter Generators | Comparative Table
FAQ
How do dual fuel inverter generators work?
They can run on two different types of fuel (i.e.: gasoline, propane, or a natural gas connection). They have a built-in inverter that converts DC current into high frequency clean AC power to safely run your electronic devices.
