Best Dual-Fuel Portable Generators: Champion, Westinghouse, DuroMax, WEN & FIRMAN (2026)

We compare 22 open-frame portable generators from 3,500 to 9,500 running watts from Champion, Westinghouse, DuroMax, WEN and FIRMAN, most of them dual or tri fuel. Every figure comes from the maker's product page: running and starting watts, runtime at half and quarter load, noise, weight, outlets (including transfer-switch-ready L14-30R and 14-50R), CO shutoff, fuel type and CARB status. A figure the maker doesn't publish shows as "Not listed" and scores as the weakest published value in the category. We don't test generators or use prices or reviews.

Updated 2026-11-1222 products compared10 scored criteriaHow this ranking works

Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings, which come from the published scoring formula. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

Top pick

DuroMax DS10000EH

Score 7.5/10 · Check price

Why it wins: 8,000 W CARB-certified dual fuel. .

Also great: FIRMAN H08052 (7.5) · Champion 8500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator (201493) (7.3)

7.5/10

Check price at Amazon See pros, cons & specs

Side-by-side comparison

Swipe sideways on mobile. Green marks the best figure in each column.

Product	Score	Running watts (gasoline)	Runtime at 50% load	Noise	Transfer-switch ready	Best for	Price	Buy
1 D DuroMax DS10000EH	7.5/10	8000 W	10 h	72 dBA	Yes	8,000 W CARB-certified dual fuel	Check price	View deal
2 F FIRMAN H08052	7.5/10	8000 W	12 h	74 dBA	Yes	8,000 W dual fuel with 12 h at half load	Check price	View deal
3 C Champion 8500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator (201493)	7.3/10	8500 W	10 h	74 dBA	Yes	8,500 W dual fuel with CO Shield	Check price	View deal
4 C Champion 9500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator (201508)	7.3/10	9500 W	8 h	74 dBA	Yes	Most running watts here: 9,500 W with an L14-30R and 14-50R	Check price	View deal
5 C Champion 8000W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator (201568)	7.1/10	8000 W	10 h	74 dBA	Yes	8,000 W dual fuel with a 14-50R	Check price	View deal
6 F FIRMAN T08073	7.1/10	8000 W	10.5 h	74 dBA	Yes	Tri-fuel 8,000 W with L14-30R and 14-50R	Check price	View deal
7 C Champion 7500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator (201281)	6.9/10	7500 W	10 h	74 dBA	Yes	7,500 W dual fuel with electric start	Check price	View deal
8 F FIRMAN T04472	6.8/10	4400 W	13 h	67 dBA	Not listed	Tri-fuel 4,400 W with 13 h at half load	Check price	View deal
9 C Champion 6250W Dual Fuel Generator (201463)	6.7/10	6250 W	11 h	74 dBA	Yes	6,250 W dual fuel with CO Shield	Check price	View deal
10 D DuroMax XP10000X	6.6/10	8500 W	10 h	72 dBA	Yes	8,500 W gas with 22 h at quarter load	Check price	View deal
11 F FIRMAN H07553	6.4/10	7500 W	Not listed	75 dBA	Yes	7,500 W dual fuel with CO alert	Check price	View deal
12 W WEN DF8000X	6.4/10	6500 W	10.5 h	Not listed	Yes	6,500 W dual fuel with Watchdog CO shutdown	Check price	View deal
13 C Champion 5500W Dual Fuel Generator (201505)	6.3/10	5500 W	11 h	74 dBA	Yes	5,500 W dual fuel, 11 h at half load	Check price	View deal
14 D DuroMax XP4850EH	6.2/10	3850 W	10 h	69 dBA	Yes	3,850 W dual fuel with 23 h at quarter load	Check price	View deal
15 D DuroMax DS4500DX	6.1/10	3500 W	10 h	69 dBA	Yes	CARB-certified dual fuel with 25 h at quarter load	Check price	View deal
16 W Westinghouse WGen5300DFv	5.8/10	5300 W	11 h	68 dBA	Yes	CARB-compliant dual fuel, transfer-switch ready	Check price	View deal
17 C Champion 6500W Dual Fuel Generator (201077)	5.8/10	6500 W	11 h	74 dBA	Yes	6,500 W dual fuel, 11 h at half load	Check price	View deal
18 D DuroMax XP5500HX	5.7/10	4500 W	9 h	69 dBA	Yes	4,500 W dual fuel with CO alert and 19 h at quarter load	Check price	View deal
19 C Champion 3650W Dual Fuel Generator (201280)	5.7/10	3650 W	14 h	68 dBA	No	RV-ready 3,650 W dual fuel with 14 h at half load	Check price	View deal
20 W WEN GN8000M	5.4/10	6500 W	10.5 h	Not listed	Yes	6,500 W gas, transfer-switch ready	Check price	View deal
21 W Westinghouse WGen7500s	4.2/10	7500 W	Not listed	72 dBA	Yes	7,500 W gas with an L14-30R	Check price	View deal
22 W Westinghouse WGen3600DFv	4.1/10	3600 W	10.5 h	68 dBA	No	CARB-compliant RV-ready dual fuel	Check price	View deal

"Not listed" means the manufacturer page we used does not publish that figure. Prices show "Check price" until a retailer feed provides a current price.

Every portable generator, ranked

#1 · Top pick

DuroMax DS10000EH

Best for: 8,000 W CARB-certified dual fuel

7.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff * 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant 5%

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	8000 W
Starting watts	10000 W
Runtime at 50% load	10 h
Runtime at 25% load	22 h
Noise	72 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Not listed
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	220 lb
CARB compliant	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	10,000 W
Running watts on propane	7,600 W
Fuel tank	8.3 gal
Outlets	(1) L14-30R, (1) 14-50R
CO shutoff	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

DuroMax: DS10000EH

FIRMAN H08052

Best for: 8,000 W dual fuel with 12 h at half load

7.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by Firman

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load * 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	8000 W
Starting watts	10000 W
Runtime at 50% load	12 h
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Noise	74 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	212 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	10,000 W
Fuel tank	8 gal
Outlets	Includes 120/240V L14-30R
Noise basis	74 dB at quarter load
CO shutoff	FIRMAN CO Alert
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

FIRMAN: H08052

Champion 8500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator (201493)

Best for: 8,500 W dual fuel with CO Shield

7.3/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load * 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	8500 W
Starting watts	10000 W
Runtime at 50% load	10 h
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Noise	74 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	206 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	10,000 W
Running watts on propane	7,650 W
Fuel tank	7.7 gal
Outlets	(1) 120/240V 30A Locking (L14-30R), (1) 120/240V 35A (14-50R), (2) 120V 20A GFCI Duplex (5-20R)
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 8500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator

Champion 9500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator (201508)

Best for: Most running watts here: 9,500 W with an L14-30R and 14-50R

7.3/10

What we like

Top running watts (gasoline) in this comparison (9500 W)
Top starting watts in this comparison (12000 W)

Watch out for

Lowest runtime at 50% load in this comparison (8 h)
Runtime at 25% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load * 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	9500 W
Starting watts	12000 W
Runtime at 50% load	8 h
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Noise	74 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	216 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	12,000 W
Running watts on propane	8,550 W
Fuel tank	7.7 gal
Outlets	(1) 120/240V 30A Locking (L14-30R), (1) 120/240V 39.5A (14-50R), (2) 120V 20A GFCI Duplex (5-20R)
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 9500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator

Champion 8000W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator (201568)

Best for: 8,000 W dual fuel with a 14-50R

7.1/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load * 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	8000 W
Starting watts	10000 W
Runtime at 50% load	10 h
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Noise	74 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	202 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	10,000 W
Running watts on propane	7,200 W
Fuel tank	7.7 gal
Outlets	(2) 120V 20A GFCI Duplex (5-20R), (1) 120/240V 30A Locking (L14-30R), (1) 120/240V 33A (14-50R)
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 8000W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator

FIRMAN T08073

Best for: Tri-fuel 8,000 W with L14-30R and 14-50R

7.1/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by Firman
Highest weight in this comparison (225 lb)

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load * 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	8000 W
Starting watts	10000 W
Runtime at 50% load	10.5 h
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Noise	74 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	225 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	10,000 W
Running watts on propane	7,250 W
Running watts on natural gas	5,500 W
Fuel tank	8 gal
Outlets	Includes 120/240V L14-30R and 14-50R
Noise basis	74 dB at half load
CO shutoff	FIRMAN CO Alert
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

FIRMAN: T08073

Champion 7500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator (201281)

Best for: 7,500 W dual fuel with electric start

6.9/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load * 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	7500 W
Starting watts	9375 W
Runtime at 50% load	10 h
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Noise	74 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	205 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	9,375 W
Running watts on propane	6,750 W
Fuel tank	7.7 gal
Outlets	(2) GFCI 120V Duplex (5-20R), (1) 120V Locking (L5-30R), (1) 120/240V Locking (L14-30R)
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 7500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator

FIRMAN T04472

Best for: Tri-fuel 4,400 W with 13 h at half load

6.8/10

What we like

Lowest noise in this comparison (67 dBA)

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by Firman

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load * 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready * 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	4400 W
Starting watts	5500 W
Runtime at 50% load	13 h
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Noise	67 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Not listed
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	116 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	5,500 W
Running watts on propane	3,950 W
Running watts on natural gas	3,200 W
Fuel tank	5 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
Noise basis	67 dB at quarter load
CO shutoff	FIRMAN CO Alert
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

FIRMAN: T04472

Champion 6250W Dual Fuel Generator (201463)

Best for: 6,250 W dual fuel with CO Shield

6.7/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load * 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	6250 W
Starting watts	7850 W
Runtime at 50% load	11 h
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Noise	74 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	171 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	7,850 W
Running watts on propane	5,600 W
Fuel tank	7.7 gal
Outlets	(2) 120V 20A GFCI Duplex (5-20R); (1) 120/240V Locking (L14-30R)
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 6250W Dual Fuel Generator

#10

DuroMax XP10000X

Best for: 8,500 W gas with 22 h at quarter load

6.6/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	8500 W
Starting watts	10000 W
Runtime at 50% load	10 h
Runtime at 25% load	22 h
Noise	72 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	No
Weight	220 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	10,000 W
Fuel tank	8.3 gal
Outlets	(1) L14-30R, (1) 14-50R
CO shutoff	CO Alert shutdown
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

DuroMax: XP10000X

#11

FIRMAN H07553

Best for: 7,500 W dual fuel with CO alert

6.4/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Firman
Lowest runtime at 25% load in this comparison (12 h)
Highest noise in this comparison (75 dBA)

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load * 15%

Runtime at 25% load 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	7500 W
Starting watts	9400 W
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Runtime at 25% load	12 h
Noise	75 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	212 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	9,400 W
Running watts on propane	6,750 W
Fuel tank	8 gal
Outlets	Includes 120/240V L14-30R and 14-50R
Noise basis	75 dB at 3/4 load
CO shutoff	FIRMAN CO Alert
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

FIRMAN: H07553

#12

WEN DF8000X

Best for: 6,500 W dual fuel with Watchdog CO shutdown

6.4/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by WEN
Noise not published by WEN
Weight not published by WEN

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load * 5%

Noise * 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight * 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	6500 W
Starting watts	8000 W
Runtime at 50% load	10.5 h
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Noise	Not listed
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	Not listed
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	8,000 W
Running watts on propane	5,850 W
Fuel tank	Not published by the maker
Outlets	Includes a 120/240V 30A L14-30R (transfer-switch ready per maker)
CO shutoff	WEN Watchdog CO shutdown sensor
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

WEN: DF8000X

#13

Champion 5500W Dual Fuel Generator (201505)

Best for: 5,500 W dual fuel, 11 h at half load

6.3/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load * 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	5500 W
Starting watts	6875 W
Runtime at 50% load	11 h
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Noise	74 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	170 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	6,875 W
Running watts on propane	5,000 W
Fuel tank	7.7 gal
Outlets	(1) 120/240V 23A Locking (L14-30R), (2) 120V 20A GFCI Duplex (5-20R)
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Champion: 5500W Dual Fuel Generator

#14

DuroMax XP4850EH

Best for: 3,850 W dual fuel with 23 h at quarter load

6.2/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff * 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	3850 W
Starting watts	4850 W
Runtime at 50% load	10 h
Runtime at 25% load	23 h
Noise	69 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Not listed
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	122 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,850 W
Running watts on propane	3,658 W
Fuel tank	4 gal
Outlets	(1) L14-30R
CO shutoff	Not published by the maker
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

DuroMax: XP4850EH

#15

DuroMax DS4500DX

Best for: CARB-certified dual fuel with 25 h at quarter load

6.1/10

What we like

Top runtime at 25% load in this comparison (25 h)

Watch out for

Lowest running watts (gasoline) in this comparison (3500 W)
Lowest starting watts in this comparison (4500 W)

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant 5%

Running watts (gasoline)	3500 W
Starting watts	4500 W
Runtime at 50% load	10 h
Runtime at 25% load	25 h
Noise	69 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	126 lb
CARB compliant	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,500 W
Running watts on propane	3,325 W
Fuel tank	4 gal
Outlets	(1) L14-30R
CO shutoff	CO Alert shutdown
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

DuroMax: DS4500DX

#16

Westinghouse WGen5300DFv

Best for: CARB-compliant dual fuel, transfer-switch ready

5.8/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant 5%

Running watts (gasoline)	5300 W
Starting watts	6500 W
Runtime at 50% load	11 h
Runtime at 25% load	14.5 h
Noise	68 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	No
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	134.5 lb
CARB compliant	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	6,500 W
Running watts on propane	4,800 W
Fuel tank	4.7 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
CO shutoff	No
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Westinghouse: WGen5300DFv

#17

Champion 6500W Dual Fuel Generator (201077)

Best for: 6,500 W dual fuel, 11 h at half load

5.8/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load * 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	6500 W
Starting watts	8125 W
Runtime at 50% load	11 h
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Noise	74 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	No
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	171.5 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	8,125 W
Running watts on propane	5,850 W
Fuel tank	7.7 gal
Outlets	120/240V 30A (L14-30R), 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R) (2)
CO shutoff	Not listed
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 6500W Dual Fuel Generator

#18

DuroMax XP5500HX

Best for: 4,500 W dual fuel with CO alert and 19 h at quarter load

5.7/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant 5%

Running watts (gasoline)	4500 W
Starting watts	5500 W
Runtime at 50% load	9 h
Runtime at 25% load	19 h
Noise	69 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	128 lb
CARB compliant	No
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	5,500 W
Running watts on propane	4,275 W
Fuel tank	4 gal
Outlets	(1) L14-30R
CO shutoff	CO Alert shutdown
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

DuroMax: XP5500HX

#19

Champion 3650W Dual Fuel Generator (201280)

Best for: RV-ready 3,650 W dual fuel with 14 h at half load

5.7/10

What we like

Top runtime at 50% load in this comparison (14 h)

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load * 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	3650 W
Starting watts	4550 W
Runtime at 50% load	14 h
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Noise	68 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	No
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	110 lb
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,550 W
Running watts on propane	3,825 W
Fuel tank	4.7 gal
Outlets	120V 30A (TT-30R) RV Outlet; 120V 30A Locking Outlet (L5-30R); 120V 20A Household Duplex Outlet
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 3650W Dual Fuel Generator

#20

WEN GN8000M

Best for: 6,500 W gas, transfer-switch ready

5.4/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by WEN
Noise not published by WEN
Weight not published by WEN

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load * 5%

Noise * 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff * 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight * 5%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	6500 W
Starting watts	8000 W
Runtime at 50% load	10.5 h
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Noise	Not listed
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Not listed
Runs on propane	No
Weight	Not listed
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	8,000 W
Fuel tank	Not published by the maker
Outlets	Includes a 120/240V 30A L14-30R (transfer-switch ready per maker)
CO shutoff	Not published by the maker
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

WEN: GN8000M

#21

Westinghouse WGen7500s

Best for: 7,500 W gas with an L14-30R

4.2/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Westinghouse

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load * 15%

Runtime at 25% load 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Running watts (gasoline)	7500 W
Starting watts	9500 W
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Runtime at 25% load	13 h
Noise	72 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	No
Runs on propane	No
Weight	197.3 lb
CARB compliant	No
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	9,500 W
Fuel tank	6.6 gal
Outlets	2 Duplex 120V
CO shutoff	No
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Westinghouse: WGen7500s

#22

Westinghouse WGen3600DFv

Best for: CARB-compliant RV-ready dual fuel

4.1/10

What we like

Lowest weight in this comparison (104 lb)

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Starting watts 5%

Runtime at 50% load 15%

Runtime at 25% load 5%

Noise 10%

Transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

Weight 5%

CARB compliant 5%

Running watts (gasoline)	3600 W
Starting watts	4650 W
Runtime at 50% load	10.5 h
Runtime at 25% load	14 h
Noise	68 dBA
Transfer-switch ready	No
CO shutoff	No
Runs on propane	Yes
Weight	104 lb
CARB compliant	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,650 W
Running watts on propane	3,240 W
Fuel tank	4 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
CO shutoff	No
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Westinghouse: WGen3600DFv

Buying guide: how to choose the right portable generator

Transfer-switch-ready outlets

To run home circuits safely you need a transfer switch or interlock installed by an electrician, fed from a 120/240V L14-30R (30 A) or 14-50R (50 A) outlet on the generator. Generators with only 120V outlets can't feed 240V loads like well pumps.

Dual fuel and propane output

Propane stores indefinitely and is easier to keep on hand, but it makes about 10% less power. Each dual-fuel model's propane running watts are in its notes.

Open frame vs inverter

Open-frame generators are cheaper per watt and suit home backup, but they're louder (68–75 dBA here) and their power is less clean (Westinghouse lists ≤23% THD for the WGen7500s). For sensitive electronics, use an inverter model.

Carbon monoxide safety (not legal advice)

Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that can kill in minutes. Never run a portable generator indoors, in a garage (even with the door open), a basement, crawlspace or shed. The CDC and CPSC advise keeping it at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents. Install battery or battery-backup CO alarms inside your home. Automatic CO shutoff (Champion CO Shield, Westinghouse CO sensor, WEN Watchdog, DuroMax and Firman CO alerts) shuts the engine off when CO builds up around the generator, but it doesn't replace safe placement or CO alarms in the house. If you feel dizzy, sick or weak, get to fresh air right away and call 911.

Connecting to your home

Never plug a generator into a wall outlet (backfeeding). It can electrocute utility workers and neighbors. Use a transfer switch or interlock installed by a licensed electrician, or run appliances directly from the generator with outdoor-rated cords. Home standby generators must be installed to code with permits where required. Check local rules on emissions (CARB in California), noise and fuel storage. This is general information, not legal advice.

How this ranking is calculated

Score = weighted average of normalised specs, out of 10. Full method

Running watts (gasoline)Continuous (rated) output on gasoline as the maker lists it. Scale: 3000 → 10000 W.

25%

Starting wattsPeak (surge) output on gasoline for starting motors. Scale: 4000 → 12500 W.

Runtime at 50% loadHours on a full gasoline tank at half load, as the maker states. Scale: 6 → 14 h.

15%

Runtime at 25% loadHours on a full gasoline tank at quarter load, as the maker states. Scale: 8 → 25 h.

NoiseThe maker's noise figure in decibels. Load and distance differ by maker; the basis is in each product's notes where stated. Scale: 82 → 65 dBA.

10%

Transfer-switch readyYes when the generator has a 120/240V L14-30R or 14-50R outlet, or the maker calls it transfer-switch ready, so an electrician can connect it to your home through a transfer switch or interlock.

10%

CO shutoffYes when the maker lists automatic carbon monoxide shutoff.

10%

Runs on propaneYes for dual- or tri-fuel models.

10%

WeightThe maker's listed (dry) weight. Scale: 240 → 100 lb.

CARB compliantYes when the maker lists CARB compliance. Not listed counts as no.

Frequently asked questions

Which brands weren't covered?

We didn't fetch Honda (its site blocked our requests), Generac (its product pages didn't load for us), Predator or Pulsar. They aren't ranked here.

Why is noise Not listed for some models?

DuroMax, WEN and Champion publish noise for most but not all models. A missing figure scores as the loudest published value.

Is CARB compliance required?

Only for sale and use under California rules. Elsewhere it's a sign of a cleaner-running engine but not required. Many makers don't state CARB status; that shows as Not listed and counts as no.

Top pick · 7.5/10DuroMax DS10000EH

Check price

DuroMax DS10000EH

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Buying guide: how to choose the right portable generator

Transfer-switch-ready outlets

Dual fuel and propane output

Open frame vs inverter

Carbon monoxide safety (not legal advice)

Connecting to your home

How this ranking is calculated

Buying guides

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Frequently asked questions