Best Gasoline and Natural Gas Generators for Home Backups
When outages hit, a reliable gasoline and natural gas generator can keep essentials powered without interrupting daily life. The following hand-picked options cover tri-fuel capabilities, robust running watts, and features like remote start, CO sensors, and transfer-switch readiness. This guide highlights five strong choices, compares their core specs, and provides practical buying tips to help you select the right unit for your home or job site.
| Product | Fuel Options | Peak Watts / Running Watts | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel | Gasoline, Propane, Natural Gas | 14,500 / 11,500 (Gas); 13,500 / 10,500 (Propane); 12,000 / 9,500 (Natural Gas) | Remote start, 550cc engine, up to 19 hours runtime |
| Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel | Gasoline, Propane, Natural Gas | 12,500 / 9,500 (Gas); 11,200 / 8,500 (Propane); 9,500 / 7,500 (Natural Gas) | Remote start, 12+ hour runtime, multiple outlets |
| Westinghouse 18000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel | Gasoline, Propane, Natural Gas | 18,000 / 14,500 (Gas); 16,000 / 13,000 (Propane); 14,400 / 11,600 (Natural Gas) | CO sensor, large fuel capacity, heavy-duty engine |
| Generac 12,500 Starting Watt Tri-Fuel | Gasoline, Propane, Natural Gas | 12,500 / 9,500 (Gas); 9,500 / 7,500 (Propane); 9,500 / 7,500 (Natural Gas) | COsense and electric start option |
| WEN 14,500-Watt Tri-Fuel | Gasoline, Propane, Natural Gas | 14,500 / 11,500 (Gas); 12,500 / 10,300 (Propane); 10,500 / 8,750 (Natural Gas) | Transfer-switch readiness; CO watchdog |
Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel
The Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel generator delivers substantial power with three fueling options: gasoline, propane, and natural gas. It is driven by a heavy-duty 550cc 4-Stroke OHV engine with a durable cast iron sleeve, enabling long runtimes. Features include a built-in fuel gauge and the ability to run up to 19 hours on a 9.5-gallon tank when using gasoline, or about 7 hours with a 20-pound propane tank. Remote electric start adds convenience for emergency situations and transfer switch readiness supports whole-home backup when connected to the right panel.
Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel
This compact tri-fuel model provides 12,500 peak watts with 9,500 running watts on gasoline, and strong performance on propane and natural gas. It features remote start with a key fob, dual GFCI outlets, and transfer switch readiness. The 457cc Westinghouse four-stroke engine includes a long-lasting cast iron sleeve and an automatic low-oil and CO shutdown for safety. A digital hour meter helps with maintenance planning, while the built-in fuel gauge aids in monitoring reserves during outages.
Westinghouse 18000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel
The WGen18000TFc tri-fuel generator is designed for large homes and job sites, offering 18,000 peak watts (gas), 16,000 (propane), and 14,400 (natural gas). It includes a CO sensor and a heavy-duty 713cc V-Twin OHV engine. With up to 16 hours of runtime at 25% load on a 10.5-gallon tank, it provides extended operation between refills. The unit features automatic low oil shutdown and a data center that tracks voltage, frequency, and running hours for maintenance awareness. It is suitable for serious backup power needs where stability matters.
Generac 12,500 Starting Watt Tri-Fuel
Generac’s 12,500-watt tri-fuel option provides flexible fuel choices with COsense carbon monoxide detection for safety. It offers a push-button electric start with a rechargeable battery and up to 9.5 hours runtime on gasoline with a 7.5-gallon tank. The generator is designed for home backup with strong surge capability, ensuring essential circuits stay powered during outages. Its fuel selector allows easy switching among gasoline, propane, and natural gas, making it a versatile choice for households relying on different fuel sources.
WEN 14,500-Watt Tri-Fuel
The WEN TF-1450X is a versatile tri-fuel generator featuring 14,500 surge watts and 11,500 running watts on gasoline, with propane and natural gas options providing solid power. It is transfer-switch ready and includes a built-in CO watchdog to protect against carbon monoxide. The generator supports both 120V and 240V outputs, making it a practical choice for homes that require flexible connection to transfer switches and backup panels. Its design focuses on reliable power delivery with safety features for family use.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations And Comparisons
- Fuel flexibility: Tri-fuel models offer the option to switch between gasoline, propane, and natural gas. This can be critical during extended outages when one fuel may become scarce. Consider your access to natural gas lines and propane availability in your area.
- Power needs: Match peak watts to the appliances you must run during an outage. For full-home support, prioritize higher peak and running watts, plus a large fuel tank. If you only need essential circuits, a mid-range model may suffice.
- Engine type and durability: Look for engines with cast iron sleeves and OHV design for longevity. Heavy-duty engines typically deliver more stable output under load and longer service intervals.
- Safety features: Automatic low-oil shutdown, CO sensors, and robust overload protection help prevent damage to the generator and protect occupants. Ensure the unit has a clear power-off procedure and accessible shutdown controls.
- Starting and operation: Remote start or electric start is beneficial for difficult weather or hazardous conditions. A digital hour meter or maintenance tracker can simplify service scheduling and reliability planning.
- Transfer switch readiness: If you plan to connect to a home backup panel, verify that the generator includes or is compatible with a transfer switch or interlock kit. This enables safe, seamless switching between utility power and generator power.
- Noise and footprint: Inverter-based tri-fuel options can run quieter and produce cleaner power suited for electronics, but some traditional open-frame models may be louder. Consider enclosure, noise ratings, and your yard or garage constraints.
- Maintenance and safety checks: Regular CO alarm checks, air filter cleaning, and oil changes are essential. The availability of service centers and spare parts impacts long-term ownership satisfaction.
- Warranty and support: Longer warranties and reputable brand support reduce risk. Review what is covered and whether extended warranties are offered for tri-fuel systems.
All five units above deliver multi-fuel flexibility, substantial power, and safety features suitable for American homes facing power interruptions. When evaluating, prioritize the combination of peak wattage, runtime, and fuel availability in your region, along with transfer switch compatibility and safety sensors to ensure a dependable home backup solution.