Generators are great. They come in many shapes and forms. We’ve covered many different options, such as low-watt ones and high-watt ones. In this article, we’ll explore the best tri-fuel generators that are portable and use a mixture of different fuels. We’ve got models with natural gasoline, but we’ve also got models that use gas and LPG.
Summary
When we tested the best products out there, it was obvious to us that the DuroMax XP13000HXT was the best tri-fuel generator there is. The second best tri-fuel generator we tried was the Champion Power Equipment 100416.
Here are the different category winners:
- Best overall tri-fuel generator: DuroMax XP13000HXT
- Best LPG tri-fuel generator: Champion Power Equipment 100416
- Best low-watt tri-fuel generator: Honda PSTF8500
Why you can trust us & how we picked
With enough experience in generators, we created several articles on this topic. It felt like we couldn’t stop there, and considered tri-fuel ones as well. We reached out to several manufacturers and asked them for more information. After doing our own research, we ordered and tested all the products recommended in this article before reviewing them.
Table of Contents
- Why you can trust us & how we picked
- Best portable tri-fuel generators using natural gasoline, gas, & LPG
- Honda
- Powerland
- What is it?
- Benefits
- Types
- Portable
- Gasoline
- Standby
- Diesel
- Hydrogen
- Inverter
- What to Look For
- How much do the best portable tri-fuel generators cost?
- FAQ
Best portable tri-fuel generators using natural gasoline, gas, & LPG
Honda
When it comes to proven models you can find in the market today, Honda products are among the top you can rely on. Honda is known for its reliable products that deliver great power in an emergency and other situations. Honda offers three types of these machines.
The first one is the Honda PSTF8500, perfect for consumers with a tight budget. It runs on 6,000 watts and 8,500 watts and delivers an 11.7 HP engine. The other type is the Honda TFEU70000 RV Inverter Generator.
It is popular among most RV communities. It comes with a 13 HP engine and provides 7,000 starting watts. This is a perfect backup source in case you run out of propane.
| Name | Honda PSTF8500 |
| AC Frequency | 58-63Hz |
| Engine | HONDA GX390 |
| Fuel Tank | 6.08 Gal |
| Running Watts | 7,000 |
| Special features | Equipped with Automatic Voltage Regulation |
| Starting watts | 8500 |
| Wheels | 9″ Never-flat |
The next type is the Honda SG8400A. It is suitable for home use. It has an engine of 13 HP and runs up to 8,400 watts. Maybe you’re planning to keep your air conditioner running even if there is a total blackout in your area. Then this is the best one for you.
Firman
When it comes to companies that offer portable and standby options, the Firman company is one of the leading companies you can rely on. Firman offers high-quality and reliable devices at an affordable price. Their best-selling models include Firman P01201 and Firman W03083. Firman P08003 and Firman H08051 are also popular.
| Name | Firman P08003 |
| AC Voltage | 120/240 |
| Decibels | 74dB 1/2 load |
| Frequency (Hertz) | 60 |
| Run Time | 12hrs |
| Running Watts | 8000(Gas) |
| Starting Watts | 10000(Gas) |
| THD @ Full Load | 25% |
Firman 7500w running tri-fuel generator is also suitable for homeowners and business owners with a low budget. You may still want to get things going in case of a power outage.
| Name | Firman 7500w |
| AC Voltage | 120/240 |
| Decibels | 74dB 1/2 load |
| Frequency (Hertz) | 60 |
| OUTPUT | 120/240 |
| Run Time | 12hrs |
| Running Watts | 7500(Gas) 6750(LPG) 5500(NG) |
| Starting Watts | 9400(Gas) 8450(LPG) 6900(NG) |
| THD @ Full Load | 11%-14% |
Yamaha
One of the brands that make quality products is Yamaha. The company uses smart throttle technology to automatically adjust its engine speed to match the load. Yamaha also takes pride in its special features, such as maximum power output and longer runtime.
With its minimal noise level and affordability, it’s a sought-after brand. Among their top-selling brands include the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 1600-Watt Portable Inverter model and the Yamaha EF4500iSE 4000-Watt Inverter Generator. The Yamaha EF1000iS 900-watt model. is also great.
Sportsman
Sportsman is included in the top brands that offer the best working models in the market today. They have four models that have their unique features while still carrying the original trademark innovations of their brand. Some of the top brands include Sportsman GEN2000 and Sportsman GEN4000DF. Make sure to check out the Sportsman 1000.
Powerland
Powerland provides high-quality products at reasonable prices. They strive to gain the trust of their customers by providing reliable and high-quality models. Their best-selling brands include Powerland PDL6500E and Powerland PD3G10000E. The Powerland PD4000 is also a force to be reckoned with.
Generac
Generac products give every home and business owner peace of mind, especially during emergencies. Their permanently installed home backup generators run on natural gas or liquid propane fuels. They sit outside just like a central air conditioning unit. It delivers power straight to the home’s electrical system that helps back up essential items in the house.
Winco
Winco generators have provided reliable models for over 90 years now. The company takes pride in giving excellent power sources during emergencies.
Over the years, Winco perfected its generators to suit the taste of every home and business owner. Their leading models include Winco TB7200 PTO and Winco DP3000. Make sure to consider Winco HPS12000HE as well.
What is it?
A tri-fuel generator or a triple-fuel model is a type that runs on propane, gasoline, or natural gas. Unlike dual fuel, a tri-fuel model runs on 3 types of fuel right out of the box. It requires no mechanical alterations to do so.
Typical dual fuel generators run on either propane or natural gas. It can be very useful, especially during emergencies. Commercial or everyday users seek out these options for various reasons. We can also help you find other essential and portable tools you need at your home, such as mini metal lathes and welding machines.
In the same way, you will want the right welding glasses. You also want to find the right power source for those outages. While you’re at it, make sure you read our post on shower versus bathtub value and check out our SAE to metric chart.
When you run this type, you have the option to choose multiple fuel types at just a fraction of the cost of buying three separate ones. This one is a perfect solution for the event of a power failure.
It serves as a backup source for all your furnaces or even while you are outdoors. It can also be used in different commercial applications. The versatility of using these machines stands out among the rest of the more traditional machines.
Aside from their versatility, tri-fuel ones are also portable. It allows us to access electricity anywhere we need it.
Turn on the selector valve above the low-pressure regulator to shift between natural gas and propane. Switching between the sources of fuel is easy and convenient. It will give homeowners peace of mind during a sudden outage.
You’ll need to consider certain things, including the following:
- Wattage
- Model
- Fuel type
- Your budget
- Your needs
Benefits
Portability & Mobility
It can be carried anywhere because it is compact and lightweight. Home and business owners who buy this type usually anticipate varying needs. For instance, a person might want to use an easy-transport propane tank for their RV.
They also want to attach their generator to their home gas lines for easy and convenient home use. Construction workers also have varying fuel needs. Because of their portability, they have become one of the favorite models of many consumers.
Adaptability and Flexibility
You can switch from one fuel to another to adjust to the current weather with this unit. The addition of a natural gas hook-up allows the household gas supply to run it.
It’s especially great when propane cylinder options drop because of the low temperature during the cold season. If the gas supply goes offline, you can easily switch it to gasoline or propane.
Convenience
Carrying multiple units all at one time is considerably troublesome. Therefore, having one with more fuel options is considered more reasonable. Its ability to switch from one fuel to another is incomparable to other portable ones available in the market today.
The power it gives may not be that large. However, it is enough to power most average-sized homes. In addition, you can run it using any fuel available during times of emergencies as well as its aftermath.
Once your gas line or power goes out, you can easily buy any propane LPG from your local supermarket. Aside from this, you can also use spare gas from your car as a substitute for fuel.
Types
In the same way, there are different types of welding gas and lawn tractors. There are also different ways to provide you with that backup power source that you want at home. You can need to find the right one, whether you’re using it for your oxy-acetylene torch or welding with it. Different purposes require different machines.
Portable
A portable model is an excellent electrical source for small cabins. As its name suggests, a portable type comes in handy when giving construction workers on remote sites a lighting solution. Aside from this, portable types are an excellent source of lighting at home in a power outage.
A portable type is known for its combustion engine. It is specifically designed for the production and conduction of electrical power temporarily. It can be powered by either gas or diesel. It is suitable for small electrical appliances that use small off-grid cabins. Portable ones may not produce enough power for long hours straight. However, it perfectly suits necessities such as small freezers and television.
They run their engines by turning a small turbine. By doing so, it creates a limited amount of electrical energy. One of the good things about this type is that it can be installed in two ways. One is by professionally wiring it in the home’s sub-panel. The other way to install it is by plugging all tools directly into the socket.
Pros
- They are convenient and can be moved around.
- They’re usually cheaper.
- There’s a vast selection out there.
Cons
- They may not provide enough power for your home.
Natural Gas
A natural gas model is perfect for those who wish to conserve more energy since this type burns cleanly with a small amount of waste. Natural gas can be found and bought in almost any location, so it is readily available in an outage.
Aside from this, natural gas units are not costly compared to other types. It is also suitable for cold areas since it starts well in cold conditions and runs with little noise.
Generally, it can reduce the operation cost of an off-grid cabin in the long run. If you want a cost-effective type and require minimal maintenance, then a natural gas one is suitable for you.
Pros
- Very powerful
- They are more powerful than gas.
- Less noisy
- Easy to refuel
- Relatively eco-friendly
Cons
- More complex to repair
- Relatively expensive.
Gasoline
A gasoline type is incredibly convenient to use. Readily available fuel resources commonly power it. Aside from the convenience it gives, they are known for their affordability.
This type is budget-friendly. It is also portable and specially designed in manageable sizes. These options are also portable and suitable for long backpacking trips. It is compact and easily carried during weekend trips or while camping out.
If you are searching for one that doesn’t use lots of power, then a gasoline model is great for you. It is considered one of the most popular types among most construction jobs. This type is also hassle-free and easy to set up compared to other off-grid types.
Standby
Standby generators are commonly termed backup generators. They are characterized as electrical systems that work automatically without starting the engine manually. These are commonly used as a source of power during emergencies.
They run quite almost like gasoline ones and run mostly on diesel in terms of mechanism. Depending on the usage, these can provide power for a minimum of 48 hours because of their larger external tank.
They are suitable for safety systems, particularly used in different devices such as elevators and detection systems. They’re great for fire protection and standby lighting. They can even be used for life support machines such as ICUs and ventilators.
Diesel
Diesel ones are also known as diesel Genset. It is a type that runs on diesel, as its name suggests. Although it is best designed to work on diesel alone, it can also run on a combination of diesel engines and electric ones.
For consumers searching for durable ones for off-grid cabins, a diesel type is one of the best options you can have. These models usually last a lifetime because diesel burns much cooler than other natural sources such as gasoline.
It also helps lessen the burden on the engine because of its reduced heat. Aside from their durability, diesel ones require minimal maintenance requirements. If you are looking for an affordable type and an alternative to gasoline, then a diesel one is definitely for you.
Hydrogen
Suppose you’re looking for an eco-friendly way of producing power for your off-grid cabin. In that case, a hydrogen model is a great option for you. Most power companies plan to develop one that runs using hydrogen.
Hydrogen can be found almost anywhere, just like water. It is non-toxic and leaves no emissions behind. Hydrogen options also produce more energy compared to other sources of fuel.
A hydrogen model is specifically designed to power larger homes and other high-powered devices like air conditioners. They are easy to operate and maintain compared to solar-powered ones.
Unlike solar models, a hydrogen one does not depend on its performance in the current weather condition. You can always fuel it up any time of the day you want, and you’re good to go. It is designed to be sturdy enough and can handle a bit of rough use.
Inverter
An inverter generator is one of the most portable and quiet models you can find on the market today. The inverter generator engine has an alternator that produces AC power.
The alternate current is converted into DC using a rectifier installed in the engine. An inverter model generally uses a magnet to output the AC and then convert it into DC after being converted back to AC.
This system helps keep the engine running quietly while working overtime and providing high power output. This is good for homeowners who want peace around their off-grid cabin. An inverter model is 20% more fuel-efficient compared to other gasoline and diesel models. It is safe for sensitive electronic devices like smartphones and tablets.
In addition, its speed can be adjusted automatically depending on the amount of power it needs to be used. We can also help you if you’re looking to buy a garage waste oil burning heater.
What to Look For
Having one of these machines at home or in your office can be beneficial. With so many models available in the market today, purchasing the right one that fits your needs can be difficult. You need to consider the different factors, such as the price and how much wattage it can carry. Worry no more, for we have listed a simple guide that will help you choose the best tri-fuel generator for you.
When buying one, consider these factors:
- Wattage
- Type
- Fuel
- Maintenance
- Special features
It will ensure you’re happy about the choice.
Wattage
If you’re planning to purchase one, you need to determine first the wattage or how much power you need. Whether you’re planning to tailgate or want to have backup power, determining the unit’s wattage should be one of your priorities.
The best way to do this is to hire an electrician, especially if this is your first time buying one. Maybe you don’t want to hire an electrician and are confident that you can do it alone. You may do so by examining the owner’s manual. Find the requirement of each appliance or device you want to power.
Type
Normally when you buy one of your choices, it all boils down to a portable or standby generator. As mentioned in the first part of this article, there are several types. Others include inverter and solar-powered models.
Hydrogen-powered and diesel generators are also great. Each of these can be extremely useful for particular areas. Inverter ones are a perfect source for camping and RV outings. Do we need to mention they’re great for tailgating parties?
Standby and portable ones are perfect for areas where a great source is needed. Portable ones are suitable for emergency use, such as storm power or any instances that require mobility.
Fuel
Different types of fuel can be used in these units. These include natural gas and diesel. Propane and even solar are also popular fuel types. Most consumers prefer to use one that runs on fuel readily available in their area.
Aside from availability, they also look for one that burns cleaner easily. For instance, propane emits 40% less carbon monoxide and carries a much longer shelf life.
Users can always keep some tanks closely available in case of an emergency. On the other hand, solar ones are usually preferred by people who practice eco-friendly living.
Make sure to consider all these types of fuel:
- Hydrogen
- Diesel
- Gasoline
- Natural gas
- Solar
Maintenance
All types require maintenance. However, some need more repairs than others. For instance, AC generators with brushes may require frequent repair. If not properly attended to, it could lead to fire and other hazardous issues. It may be very costly when this happens and brings problems, especially for first-time users.
Maintenance requires the following aspects:
- Test the transfer switch
- Changing spark plugs
- Inspect the electrical system
- Flush the cooling system
- Changing filters
- Changing the oil
Special Features
The feature you’re going to purchase should first be influenced by how you plan to use it. For example, one that will be used for camping should come with noise reduction. There are ones that carry noisy motors, which can disturb certain situations.
Do you find our article useful? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. We can also help you if you want to buy other essentials such as extension cords and mini metal lathes. We’ve also got you covered when it comes to engine-driven welders.
How much do the best portable tri-fuel generators cost?
The average price is $1,000 for such a generator. If you are low on budget, you can look for other options such as dual inverter generators. Keep in mind that additional features will increase the price of your generator, but they are also significantly enhancing its capabilities.
FAQ
Who doesn’t love a little bit of flexibility in their equipment? Especially when it comes to powering your home or factory, you’re going to want something reliable. Tri-fuel generators can do this job since they specialize in running on propane and gasoline. Yes, they even run on natural gas. This investment is worth the money if you’re living in locations where the type of fuel you’ll be using isn’t fixed. This may be the case in remote locations where the gasoline supply can dwindle.
If you’re only going to be using one type of fuel, tri-fuel generators aren’t worth the money for you.
The topmost manufacturers of portable tri-fuel generators include DuroMax and Honda. Yamaha and Firman are high up on the list as well. Some other companies also make dual fuel portable generators, if not tri-fuel.
The 9400/7500W generator is mainly popular on farms and ranches. It can also power large RVs and other big load projects. In emergencies, sound can be dealt with. In places like campsites or near residential areas, you’re going to want to place the generator further away. The noise level is not bearable for a longer duration.
Generac makes several propane, diesel, and natural gas generators but no tri-fuel generators. However, this has not stopped them from being a leading manufacturer of portable generators. Their RS series and IQ series are some of the game-changers to watch out for.
