Why Choose a Dual Fuel Generator
Fuel Flexibility for Emergencies
The core advantage of dual-fuel is simple: you're never dependent on a single fuel source. During normal use, run on gasoline, which is convenient and energy-dense. However, during a regional emergency — a hurricane or ice storm — gas stations typically sell out within 24–48 hours. With dual-fuel, you switch to propane, which propane dealers stock in larger reserves and which stores indefinitely.
Propane's Storage Advantage
Gasoline degrades within 30 days unless treated with stabilizer, and even then it has a limited shelf life. Propane, by contrast, stores indefinitely in sealed tanks with no degradation. Consequently, a homeowner can keep several 20- or 100-pound propane tanks on hand for years, ready for the next outage — something simply not possible with gasoline.
Cold-Weather Starting
Propane also starts more reliably than gasoline in cold weather, which matters because generators are most needed during winter storms. Furthermore, propane burns cleaner, producing fewer deposits and less engine wear over time.
How to Size a Dual Fuel Generator
Size your dual-fuel generator the same way as any generator — but remember to use the propane wattage rating if you plan to run primarily on propane, since it's 5–10% lower than the gasoline rating. Use our generator size calculator to determine your exact load, then choose a model whose propane output exceeds it.