2024 Reviews – Best Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator / Top Rated Models

Choosing the best dual-fuel inverter generator is a little more difficult today than it was only a year ago as many new, high-quality models have entered the market. The Genmax GM9000iED, seen above, is fresh on the scene and represents a new breed of powerful dual-fuel inverter generators. This model basically has it all. For starters you get 7600W of running power (9000W Peak), making it tied with the most powerful dual-fuel inverter — the Duromax XP9000iH.

In addition, the engineers at Genmax have made this the ultimate dual fuel inverter by adding unique features, such as, a 50A and two 30A outlets, forced air engine cooling, carbon monoxide monitoring, push button/remote start, quiet design, and more. It can power your entire home, including your 240V appliances an central AC. If you need a lot of clean power, then this is an excellent buy.

It’s great to have options, and in 2023, whether you need a small compact dual-fuel inverter or a heavy-duty model, there’s something here for you. There’s never been a better time to purchase a dual fuel inverter generator.

Quick Picks : Best Dual Fuel Inverter Generators

Best RV Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator

Westinghouse iGen4500DFc / 4500W

Westinghouse has established themselves as one of the best generator brands on the market, as they offer quality and excellent pricing. Their 4500W igen4500DFc is an excellent dual-fuel inverter, with an established history of reliability. 4500W series and have integrated carbon monoxide monitoring, as in the new Westinghouse iGen4500DFc, on display in the above image.

It has 4500W of clean starting power and 3700W for running your electrical devices. Not only is it quiet, as you’d expect, but it has a 30A outlet making it RV Ready, a telescoping handle, digital display, among many other great features. Personally, the Westinghouse iGen4500DFc has my vote for the most versatile dual-fuel inverter generator for 2023. But don’t worry if this won’t meet your needs, there are several more good options.

Super Lightweight or Heavy-Duty?

The Champion 200961 (2500W) is an excellent choice if portability is your top priority.It weighs only 39 lbs., which is about 4-7 lbs. lighter than the competition. In contrast, the DuroMax XP9000iH (9000W) is on the other end of the spectrum, capable of powering your entire home. These are both two of the best dual-fuel inverter generators money can buy.

The WEN DF250i is a brand new dual Fuel inverter, released in August 2023. For the price, it can’t be beat.

WEN DF250i – 2500W/2250W

Best Cheap Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator

Why it’s Worth Buying —

I love WEN generators and so do the majority of homeowners who have purchased their products. They always manage to create good quality products at a price cheaper than comparable products.The DF250i is ideal for someone looking for a compact, lightweight, and light-duty, generator. It weighs 48.5 lbs. making it easy to take camping. You can also safely run your tools on the jobsite, use it tailgating, etc. In general, this is a good generator to have around when the power goes out. It will keep your fridge running, and more.

You get 2250W of steady power, and for a lot of people, that’s all they need. One of the unique features it has is Automatic Fuel Selection — when one fuel source is depleted it will automatically shift to the secondary fuel source and continue running. This allows you to run it much longer without having to do be hands on.

Its THD is under 1.2% at full load, which is far less than every other brand. I’ve never heard of a lower THD, even from the biggest brands. This will ensure you sensitive electronics will never be damaged. This is an excellent buy if you need a light-duty dual-fuel inverter.

Why Dual-Fuel Inverter Generators are Better

A few years ago, you wouldn’t have been able to find a dual-fuel inverter generator. This segment has grown quickly as prices have dropped considerably. It was not very long ago when Honda and Yamaha were the dominant manufacturers of inverter generators and because their prices were so high, they weren’t affordable to the majority.

Yes, this market segment has changed considerably and we should all feel optimistic about the future of portable power. Honestly, these are the ideal generators because they produce pure sine wave energy and you have the option to run them with gas or propane, among many other advantages which you can read below.

Inverters have many advantages over traditional gas generators, such as :

Best VALUE / Open Frame Inverter — WOW!

NEW — WEN DF1100X / 7000w Continuous

WEN has another likely hit on their hands with the newly released (August 2023) DF1100X as it has incredible power at 7000W of running power and 7800W of starting power. It’s power is cleaner than any other inverter on the market with 1.2% THD rating, and that’s under full load. It also has the WEN proprietary carbon monoxide monitoring system that they call “Watchdog.” I love almost everything about this dual-fuel inverter, I just wish they included a 50A outlet like the new 9000W GenMax. It would have made this perfect.

Either way, this is close to perfect and it’s quite cheap compared to everything else on the market, in fact, you won’t find a better value inverter generator, unless you buy something else on sale. It represents a tectonic shift taking place in the generator industry, alongside the new 9000W Genmax (you’ll see next). Exceptional buy!

Features :

• 420cc Engine Gives You —  8750W Peak /  7000W Continuous (GAS) or   7800W Peak / 6300W Continuous (PROPANE)
• Ultra-Clean power : Under 1.2% (full load) Total Harmonic Distortion
• WEN Watchdog : CO Shutdown Sensor monitors carbon monoxide levels
• up to 6.7 hours of half-load run time
• Remote (includes FOB) electric start — up to 160 feet away
• OUTLETS: four 120V NEMA 5-20R receptacles, two 5V USB ports, one 120V/240V transfer-switch-ready NEMA L14-30R twist lock receptacle, and one 120V RV-ready TT-30R receptacle
• Economy mode runs more efficiently, giving you optimal run times
• Monitors the voltage, frequency, total run-time, and session runtime.
• Low-oil shutdown, combined with the built-in overload protection and indicator lights
• Two Year Warranty

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Best 50A Home Backup Dual-Fuel Inverter

Genmax GM9000iED / 7600W

As far as value goes, you won’t find a better option for the money, and you won’t find one with better features overall. The inclusion of a 50A (120/240V) sets this apart from the competition.

OVERVIEW —

The GM9000iED is an impressive generator by any standards, but especially because it’s a 9000W dual-fuel inverter generator and the first ultra-powerful model with a 50A outlet. You don’t even get a 50A outlet on Honda’s EU7000iS — and that costs $6000. So, when you step back and look at the entire market it quickly becomes obvious at how much you get for under $2500 with this Genmax.

The target audience for this is for anyone who wants to power their entire home with pure sine wave power. Thanks to its 50A outlet, it can output 12,000W, which is more power than the generator actually has. Did you know that with a 30A 240V outlet you can output 7200W and, with the more common 120V 30A you get 3600W. The point being, not all generators are created equally.

Control Panel / Genmax GM9000iED

The GM9000iED Genmax will be able to run your 240V appliances and your central air conditioning. In other words, we’ve finally reached the point where an inverter generator can replace a traditional gas generator for home backup and that’s a pivotal marker for where technology is moving. In all fairness, battery home backup is the ideal source of power because you can charge it with solar panels, making it truly sustainable. As prices come down, homeowners will switch from gas inverter generators to solar battery backup.

Another advantage of inverter generators is if you buy two of these Genmax, you can connect them directly (run in parallel) to get 15,200W of steady power and 18,000W to start your devices. These are impressive numbers. Yes, it can be expensive. Not everyone can afford to even buy one powerful dual fuel inverter generator, which is the reason why traditional gas generators are so popular — because of price. Price drives our decisions, especially during these tough economic times and ultimately everyone has to do what they can afford.

Having any type of home backup power is a wise decision, especially because the power grid is becoming less reliable depending on where you live. Power infrastructure is getting old and was build decades ago for smaller populations, which is why in some regions, they intentionally perform rolling blackouts during a heatwave, to prevent everyone from turning on their AC at the same time. It’s a little scary that when you need power the most it might not be there.

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These are two excellent value generators which serve different functions. The Champion 200961 is a great quality but lacks some key features, as it does not have a 30A outlet, unless you intend to buy the parallel kit and run two in parallel. Nor does it have a CO sensor. But, it’s very lightweight, and great for camping or for having at home when the power goes out. On the other hand, the Westinghouse iGen4500DFc has everything you need built-in, and if you want more power you can also run two in parallel to get close to 9000W of starting power. Choose based on your needs and budget.

VIDEO | A Closer Look — Westinghouse iGen4500DFc

For indepth details about the iGen4500 series from Westinghouse I recommend reading our buying guide to this excellent line of inverter generators, available in a variety of features.

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Top Rated : Best Dual-Fuel Inverter Generators

There are a few dual-fuel inverter portable generators available on the market. They’re extremely versatile but quite rare, even in 2023.  The DuroMax XP9000iH was released in 2021 and is one of the most powerful dual-fuel inverter generators available. It’s not perfect, but still a great option if you need a lot of clean power, and the price is very reasonable considering all the features you get.

9000W Dual-Fuel Inverter | DuroMax XP9000iH

For a detailed review of this DuroMax dual-fuel, read our full review to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

A dual fuel inverter generator offers you best of both worlds. A portable generator is, in itself, valuable. For backup power during a power outage, camping, on a jobsite, a farm, or for off-grid living, countless people rely on generator power. When you add the versatility of dual fuel operation to the equation, it becomes all the more beneficial. You can use either gas or propane as a fuel source. I’ll discuss the pros and cons of propane vs gas generators later in the article, after reviewing the products.

If you then consider the benefits of clean, low HD inverter power to this, already versatile, portable generator, you have a winning combination. If you need to know more about inverter generators, I’ll also provide more details on the topic after the review. Because this is not a common combination, both dual fuel and an inverter, your choices are limited. There are several generator manufacturers who have embraced dual fuel technology. Just as many utilize inverter technology. Though few do both. Even then, the models aren’t as comprehensive. So you need to do some research if you’re looking for the best dual fuel generator that has the wattage output you’re looking for.

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If you’re in the market for a small to mid-sized portable dual fuel inverter generator (3500W – 4500W), we’ve done our homework and have two excellent options for you to choose from: the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, with a peak output of 4500W, and the Champion 100263, which has a lower peak output of 3400W. Because these two generators cost roughly the same, my first choice would be the Westinghouse iGen4500DF. It’s the more powerful of the two, which makes it better value. Though this is my opinion, not everyone will agree. Only after reading the review of these two dual fuel generators, will you be able to decide which is going to be the best for you.

When it comes to price, these are both very reasonably priced models in the greater scheme of things. Inverter generators are always more expensive than standard models. Dual fuel also comes at a slight premium. So one would expect any generator that offers both of these advantages to be outrageously expensive. In this regard, neither the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, nor the Champion 100263 are all that expensive. In addition to the points I’ve mentioned, both are quiet generators with a sound insulating enclosure. So they will never be as noisy as open frame generators.

Excellent Quality : 2000W : Champion 100402

Best Lightweight Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator. Quiet and portable.

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So it goes without saying that both generators tick all the boxes. As far as affordable, dual fuel inverter generators go, you won’t easily find a better deal. By comparing them side by side, you’ll know what sets them apart. It’s about buying with confidence and this is my aim for the review. Present you with the facts and leave you to decide which is the best dual fuel inverter generator.

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Westinghouse iGen4500DF / iGen4500DFc Review

Best Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator for the money. Now available with CO monitoring & auto shutdown.

✓ Also available as a straight gas portable generator : Read our review of the Westinghouse iGen4500.

Features :

• Dual Fuel Inverter Generator. Runs on either Gasoline or Propane
  • Gasoline : 4,500 Peak Watts, 3,700 Running Watts
  • Propane : 4,050 Peak Watts, 3,330 Running Watts
• RV and Camper Ready : Has a 120V – 30A Outlet (TT-30R)
• LED Display – Remaining Run Time, Output, Fuel Level, Volts, Lifetime Hours
• Fuel efficient – Up to 18 Hour Run Time (3.4 gal)
• Remote Start and Push Button Start
• EPA and CARB Compliant
• Remote start, operated by a key fob. You can start it from inside your home or RV.
• Can easily handle air conditioners up to 15,000 BTU and everything else in your RV.
• Telescoping handle with rear wheels making it easy to move.
• Clean power allowing safe operation of sensitive electronics such as computers, televisions, tablets, and mobile phones.
• LED panel shows : Remaining Run Time, Power Output, Fuel Level, Voltage, and Lifetime Hours.
• Additional Indicators : Fuel Level, Electric Output, Output Ready Indicator, Overload Indicator, and Low Oil Indicator.
• Outlets : One 5-20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle, and One TT-30R RV Receptacle.
• Fuel efficient :
  • Runs up to 18 hrs on a full tank of gas.
  • Runs up to 14 hours on a 20 lb tank of propane (LPG).
• Whisper Quiet – as low as 52 dBA. Less Noise than a Normal Conversation.
  • The iGen4500DF Dual Fuel inverter generator won’t bother your neighbors. Perfect for camping, tailgating and emergencies.
• Includes wheels and telescoping handle.
• Dual USB Charging Ports : Charge your personal devices such as : Smartphones, tablet, and Kindle, etc.
• Safety Features : Circuit protected, Low-Oil Shutoff, and more
• Double-insulated acoustic enclosure and low tone mufflers to reduce operating noise
• Parallel capable with another iGen using a Westinghouse parallel cord (additional iGen and cord sold separately)
• 3-Year Limited Warranty : All Westinghouse Portable Generators come with a 3-Year Limited Residential Warranty and Lifetime Technical Support.
• New iGen4500DFc has a carbon monoxide sensor and automatic shutdown if CO levels get too high.

Includes : Propane Hose, Remote Start Key Fob, Battery, Charger, Oil, Funnel, Tool Kit, Manual, and Quick Start Guide.

Documents (Westinghouse iGen4500DF) :

• View or download the MANUAL
• View or download the SPEC SHEET
• View or download the QUICK START GUIDE

Overview

As much as I want to provide a purely objective review of these two dual fuel inverter generators, I have to admit from the offset, that I’m a huge fan of the Westinghouse brand. Even though their generators can compete with the more expensive brands, they don’t cost all that much. It’s hard to argue with that kind of value for money combination. None the less, compare the stats and specs, and see whether you agree with this.

Like most modern inverter generators, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF is a compact, lightweight inverter in a very sleek enclosed body. It weighs 98-pounds which, for a 4500W generator, isn’t heavy at all. Conveniently placed handles, and a wheel kit, certainly make it a very portable generator. I like the telescopic front handle, this makes it exceptionally easy to lug around. Though, like all similar enclosed inverter generators, it’s not built for moving across rough terrain. Small plastic wheels glide easily on a paved surface, but won’t fare too well on gravel.

Westinghouse iGen4500DF — CONTROL PANEL

The power output is ideal for the RV owner and I would think that this is the main target market for this generator. With 3700W continuous running power and a peak (surge) output of 4500W, you can run most RV air conditioners with enough power to spare for all your basic camping power needs. As a basic power backup generator for home use during an outage, the iGen4500DF is quite up to the task. You’ll be able to power your refrigerator and quite a few other appliances, as well as all your lights. Power output, when using propane, is always lower for any dual fuel generator.

In the case of the iGen4500DF, you’re looking at 4050 peak watts and 3330 running watts. This is roughly a 10% variation between the performances for gas vs propane and is within the normal range for a dual fuel generator. When I discuss the pros and cons of gas vs propane, I’ll explain the reason for this difference in the wattage when using the two different types of fuel.

The befit of an inverter speaks for itself. None of your sensitive electronic equipment will be harmed by high THD levels. Even when you push this generator to its limits, the power output will remain stable and safe. According the specs provided, THD is less than 3%. This is in line with international best practices for inverters used for domestic and commercial purposes. Parallel connection ports are a common feature on most inverter generators, this allows you to connect two generators of the same type in parallel, doubling your power output. The Westinghouse iGen4500DF is no different in this regard. You can purchase the parallel kit as an optional extra.

iGen4500DFc : Excellent RV Inverter Generator

The 224cc, 4-stroke engine has quite a few benefits. It is a fuel efficient, clean burning power plant, meeting CARB, EPA, and Canadian requirements for safe emissions (CSA). It has an electric starter and a recoil starter for those times when the battery runs low. It also has an automatic choke for simpler starting. A great plus is the wireless remote control, which can be a real convenience in bad weather. Who wants to venture out into the cold and rain or snow to start their generator? Like most inverter generators, it has a variable engine speed. So when the power demand is high, it will run at the required 3600 RPM. In the economy, or silent mode, the iGen4500DF will reduce the engine speed when the power demand is low (around 25% or less of the total output). This reduces the noise levels to a barely audible 52dBA and saves on fuel, as well as reducing wear on the engine.

I take fuel consumption as an important aspect when reviewing a generator, this is a cost that you’ll have to deal with for its lifetime. Here, I find the iGen4500DF to be pretty average for this type of generator. It has a reasonably sized, 3.4-gallon gas tank. I’m happy to report that this is a durable, steel tank. When running at 25% load, the rated runtime is 18-hours on a tank of gas. I’m assuming that this is with the economy mode engaged. This works out at 4.9 kilowatt-hours per gallon.

The Westinghouse iGen4500DF has a fantastic user panel. It’s perfectly positioned for easy access and has a bunch of user-friendly features. I’m going to start with digital display, something that doesn’t usually make a big difference to me. Sure, it’s handy to check your voltage and frequency to know that everything’s working fine. But how many people actually take note of this? The iGen4500DF does give you the option of a voltage readout, but offers a lot more than just this. You have information that makes a big difference to the daily use of the generator.

The numeric digital display is flanked on either side by a digital fuel gauge and an output percentage display.  These are easy to check at a glance and give a good estimate of the fuel level (full, three-quarters, half, quarter, or empty). Similar LED indicators show the percentage of available watts that you’re consuming, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%. If you want a more precise reading of your fuel level, you can toggle through the numeric display options and check the fuel level in liters, to within one decimal point. It also has a digital readout for hours remaining. This gives you the estimated runtime left before the gas tank reaches empty. You can also check your exact power usage in watts, to within two decimal points, and the total running hours, so that you log your service intervals. That’s a digital data center that actually makes sense – providing you with useful information.

The outlets are perfect for the size of this generator. It doesn’t have the large 50A outlet that one would use for a transfer switch. It doesn’t need one, the maximum peak current is 37.5A. The normal running power will never exceed 30.8A. So the 30A, RV-style (TT-30R) is exactly what one wants. It also has duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) outlets, and 2 X 5V USB outlets and a handy battery charger port. This is not used to charge external batteries when the generator is running, like most 12V DC battery charging ports. It allows you to charge the onboard battery, using a battery charger, when the generator is not in use. All the electrical outlets have protective plastic covers – something I greatly appreciate.

VIDEO | 360° View of the Westinghouse iGen4500DF

The duplex outlet is protected by a 20A circuit breaker, the larger RV outlet has a 30A breaker and there’s a main protection breaker. These are all of the push to reset type breakers. The Propane inlet is conveniently placed on the front panel, with a fuel selector switch directly next to it. This keeps everything logical, simple, and easy. There are indicator lights for output ready, overload, and low oil (the engine will also cut out if the oil is too low). A simple switch allows you to select Efficiency Mode, this controls the RPM relative to the load requirement to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce noise levels.

The Westinghouse iGen4500DF has absolutely everything I’d look for in a 4500W generator and much more. It is, in my opinion, the best dual fuel inverter generator in the 4500W class. Despite being very reasonably priced, the iGen4500DF is packed with great user features and is of a quality standard that I’d expect only to find on much more expensive generators. The warranty is certainly on a par with the high-end machines: 3-years for residential use and 1-year for commercial use.

Read more reviews about Westinghouse generators or visit the Westinghouse site to learn more about the brand.

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How They Work : Inverter Generators

Modern electric appliances usually have electronic controls and may also have computerized CPU. In the past, we may have only thought of computers, TVs, and stereos as being electronic appliances. Though just about everything from washing machines to microwaves, even many vacuum cleaners, now make use of electronics. If it has a screen, digital numeric display, or touch pad controls, it utilizes electronics. This is why inverter generators have become so important.

You may have heard of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and how it can harm sensitive electronic circuits. But how many people actually know what THD is, and how an inverter prevents this. This is what I’m going to explain in this section of the article.

Alternating current (AC) moves in waves, in exactly the same way as sound does. This is known as a sine wave, with an amplitude (voltage) and a frequency (Hz). If a generator is designed to produce 120V at 60Hz, it has to maintain this on a constant basis. This is done by controlling the engine RPM. Generators usually run at a constant 3300 or 3600 RPM. The alternator spins at the same speed. They may often use an Automatic Voltage Regulator to prevent a voltage spike. In other words, a short period where the voltage reaches a high level. However, this does little to control the harmonic distortion. If the frequency or voltage changes, even slightly, the sine wave becomes distorted. Instead of resembling a smooth curve, it has sharp spikes in it.

Diagram : Modified vs Pure Sine Wave

In order to understand how precisely a sine wave needs to be controlled, you need to take the AC frequency into account. In the US, this is 60Hz, meaning that there is an electron pulse 60 times every second. So to maintain this, the current has to have split second timing. An electronic device, like an inverter can react fast enough. But a mechanical device, like a generator, can’t.

The generator uses gas to fuel the engine and this passes through a carburetor that has a throttle to control the flow as gas. As more energy is required at the electrical outlets, so more gas has to be combusted by the engine. When you switch on an appliance, the electricity is supplied within one sixtieth of a second (0.1 seconds). The reaction of the generator throttle and the flow of gas to the engine takes about a second or more. During this time, the engine is not getting enough fuel to maintain the constant RPM and the voltage and/or frequency will be erratic. You can hear the engine pitch change for a short period, every time the load changes. This causes Harmonic Distortion (HD). Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is the sine wave distortion measured over any continuous time period.

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The Honda EU7000iS has been the gold standard for inverter generators for many years. Up until 2021 it was the biggest inverter on the market, but that statement is no longer true now that Duromax and Genmax have their 7600W dual fuel models available. Incidentally, this 7000W Honda costs twice as much.

Heavy-Duty Inverter Generator | Honda Eu7000is (full review)

A generator that does not use an inverter can have THD readings as high as 25%, sometimes more. The closer a generator is to its maximum power output, the higher the THD will be. To ensure that electronic circuits function correctly, the recommended THD level is less than 5%. Most inverter generators have a THD rating of less than 3%. This means that even when the generator is running at its maximum peak load, the THD will never exceed 3%.

The inverter achieves this by using transistors and capacitors to create an AC sine wave from a direct current (DC). This is monitored by a Central Processing Unit (CPU). It monitors the current entering the inverter and the load required, as well as the output voltage and frequency. Any variations in these factors are immediately detected by the onboard computer and is adjusted within 0.1 second. So the frequency and voltage remains constant, regardless of external factors. Of course, less than 3% THD does mean that it is not 100% perfect. When a generator reaches peak load, there may be a slight distortion of the sine wave. But this is not enough to harm electronic circuits.

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Dual Fuel Generators

Hybrid, or dual fuel generators are designed to run on both gasoline and propane (LPG). This is not to be confused with natural gas. Although propane and natural gas are very similar, they do not have the same combustion properties. A generator that can run on propane, cannot use natural gas as a substitute. Some large standby generators use natural gas. Though portable dual fuel generators can only use gas or propane.

The main benefit to using propane is that it burns cleaner with lower emissions. This has obvious environmental benefits, but it also affects the maintenance and life of the engine. Propane burns almost entirely free of carbon and other harmful elements. This results in lower levels of contaminants in the carburetor, combustion chamber and, ultimately, the exhaust gasses. The carburetor will not experience the same residue buildup as it does with gas, nor will the spark plug. Abrasive elements that remain when gas is burnt, are not present when using propane. This means that there is less wear on the cylinder wall, valves and combustion chamber. An engine that runs on propane will, therefore, last longer.

Westinghouse Makes A 7500W Dual-Fuel | WGen7500DF (Review)

The benefit of using a dual fuel generator, instead of one that runs on only gas or propane, is the versatility that it offers. In some areas gas may be cheaper, and it is often more readily available. So the cost and availability may be a deciding factor as to which fuel will be the preferable option. Furthermore, there may external factors affecting the availability of one fuel type vs another. When a hurricane, snowstorm, or earthquake is pending, people may flock to gas stations to stock up on emergency supplies. This often results in the supply running out and it may difficult for supply trucks to reach these gas stations when the roads are obstructed as a result of the natural disaster. This is a compelling reason why many prefer propane as an emergency fuel supply for their generators.

Propane can also be stored indefinitely. Whereas gas has a limited shelf life. Propane can be used for other purposes as well, like heating and cooking. So it is a more versatile fuel, making it beneficial to store in larger quantities for emergency and off-grid use. There are safety considerations that need to be adhered to when using or storing either gas or propane. But most feel that propane is the safer option. This is generally because no flammable fumes are released into the surrounding atmosphere.

The only real downside to using propane is that it has a lower calorific value than gas. This means that propane does not provide as much energy, which results in a lower power output from the engine. Less power from the engine, results in less kilowatts at the electric outlets. Generally, a generator will produce around 10% less power when using propane compared to the same engine running on gas.

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Review : Champion 100263 / Discontinued

2nd Best Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator

No longer recommended in 2023. This is still a great buy if you can find it for a cheap price.

Features :

• Dual Fuel – Runs on GAS or PROPANE straight out of the box
• Quiet, Lightweight and Portable – Operates at 59 dBA and weighs less than 99 lb. with wheel kit, great for RVs, campsites, cabins and more
• Touch Start – Push-button electric start and battery maintenance Smart Charger (battery included)
• Parallel Ready – Connect with another Champion inverter for increased power
• Clean Power (<3% THD) – Clean electricity for powering sensitive electronics
• Runs up to 7.5 hrs. on a full tank of gas or 14.5 hrs. on a 20 lb. propane tank
• Economy Mode – Quieter operation, more fuel savings, longer engine life
• Quick Touch Panel – Easily access all controls in one convenient area
• Propane hose included

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Champion 100263.

Overview

I’ve already made my position clear, I feel that the Westinghouse iGen4500DF is the best dual fuel inverter generator in its class. Though, if you take a look at all the customer reviews that rate the Champion 100263 as a really fantastic dual fuel inverter generator, it cannot be overlooked. They have many similarities. Both are quiet, hybrid generators with the advantages of an inverter. So the Champion 100263 will also provide pure sine wave, low HD power which is safe for electronic equipment. It also has the option of a parallel kit, so you can use more than one champion inverter generator simultaneously, thereby increasing your power output.

There are a few reasons why I feel the Champion doesn’t quite match up to the Westinghouse. Firstly, the Champion doesn’t produce the same wattage. Running on gas, the Champion 100263 provides a constant 3100W running power and a peak startup current of 3400W. As is to be expected, the power output when using propane is somewhat lower (2790 running watts and 3060 starting watts). This makes it an entry level RV dual fuel inverter generator. You should be able to run most RV air conditioners, if you’re using gas, but won’t be able to use as many additional appliance as you could if you were using the Westinghouse iGen4500DF. Using propane, you may even find yourself limited as to what AC you’re able to use. This would be the most notable difference between the two generators.

I also prefer the Westinghouse because it has a remote control. The champion only has a recoil and electric starter, which is still better than only having a recoil starter. The choke is manual, but this doesn’t make much difference. It is an easy generator to start and use. The Champion 100263 does not have plastic covers for the outlets. Although, this too, is a minor issue. Though personally, I really like covered outlets. They protect them from dirt and moisture, which means they are susceptible to wear and damage. So these are the more basic reasons why I prefer the Westinghouse iGen4500DF when compared to the Champion 100263.

Though there is another, very important reason why many may not prefer the Champion 100263. This would be fuel economy. The Champion has a smaller 192cc 4-stroke engine. Like the Westinghouse, it has an economy mode, allowing the engine to run at a lower RPM when the power demand isn’t too high. This engine also has low emissions and is both CARB and EPA certified. Though, when we compare their fuel consumption, the Champion is not that great. This means higher running costs.

Connect two and run in parallel | Champion 100263

The Champion has a really small gas tank, only 1.6 gallons. This provides 7.5 hours runtime at 25% load. Because these generators don’t have the same output in watts, and the size of the gas tank differs greatly. It’s not easy to make a real assessment as to what you’re actually paying for gas. That’s why I like to calculate the kilowatt-hours per gallon (KWH/G) rate for each generator. This provides the same type of comparison as you would make with a car when looking at their miles per gallon stats. The more miles you get per gallon of gas the better your savings. Similarly, the more kilowatt hours you get from a gallon of gas, the more economical a generator is to use.

Calculating the KWH/G rate for these two generators, using the specified hours at 25% load, gives a definitive answer as to which one gives the most power per gallon of gas. The Champion 100263 has a fuel consumption rate of 3.6 KWH/G. When compared to 4.9 KWH/G for the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, this figure is a little disappointing. The Westinghouse is about 25% more fuel efficient.

Okay, so far the Champion 100263 isn’t faring too well when compared to the Westinghouse iGen4500DF. So does the Champion have any redeeming features? Well, it is a little lighter, if only by a small margin. The Champion weighs 95.7 pounds, a little under 3-pounds lighter than the Westinghouse. That’s not enough to sway my opinion as to which of these generators is the best. The Champion has similar wheels and really great handles at the top, this should make it a little more comfortable to lift.

As for the rest, there isn’t much to separate the two. The Champion has the same 120V outlets: 2 X 20A household power outlets and a 30A RV-style 120V outlet. It doesn’t have USB ports, but does have a 12V DC battery charging outlet. The circuit breakers are the same and the Champion is also protected by low oil shut off. Noise levels are about the same. At low revs, the Champion has a noise reading of 59dBA. The Champion also has a convenient propane/gas fuel selector on the front panel and a propane inlet that’s easy to access.

I’m sure there are many who are loyal to the Champion brand and that would count for something. Westinghouse has not been in the retail generator market very long and this would be my only real concern when buying a Westinghouse generator. If you need dealership service or spare parts, it’s going be a lot easier to find these for the Champion generator. This is an established brand.

So, even though the Westinghouse has the technical specifications to beat the Champion. The latter may win on a purely practical level. After sales service is going to be much easier to find. I think that the general quality of the Champion 100263 cannot be disputed and it also has a 3-year warranty. So, depending on your priorities, both the Westinghouse iGen4500DF and the Champion 100263 have their merits, making these two dual-fuel inverter generators among the best dual fuel inverter generators and certainly great value for money.

Learn more about the Champion brand by visiting their site.