Discover the best tri fuel generators so you do not depend on gasoline or propane for your power needs.
Best tri fuel generators top picks
One thing to note first is that most of the best tri fuel generators offer high THD power.
If you want to run sensitive electronics, you likely want a way to “clean up” the power you get from these top picks too.
- Champion 201169 – Best tri fuel generator (8125 peak watts)
- Firman T04073 – Quietest tri fuel generator (5000 peak watts)
- Champion 201176 – Best tri fuel inverter generator (9000 peak watts)
- DuroMax XP13000HXT – Largest tri fuel generator (13,000 peak watts)
- Westinghouse wGen9500TFC – Most popular tri fuel generator (12,500 peak watts)
- Winco HPS9000VE – Low THD tri fuel generator (9000 peak watts, <6% THD)
Depending on your preferences and needs, tri fuel generators lower on the list can still be the best options for your situation.
How we selected our top picks
Our experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of the best tri fuel generators.
Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:
- Run time, power capacity, outlets, portability, noise levels, etc.
- User reviews
- Anecdotal reviews from experts
- Price
- Brand trustability and reputation
- The performance categories below
If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201169 | 8 | 9.5 | 6.5 | High THD | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | $ | Check Price |
| Firman T04073 | 5.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 11% To 14% | 8.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7 | $ | Check Price |
| Champion 201176 | 8.5 | 8 | 7 | <3% | 8.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 6.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
| DuroMax XP13000HXT | 10 | 8.5 | 6.5 | High THD | 8 | 9 | 8 | 5 | $$$$ | Check Price |
| Westinghouse wGen9500TFC | 9.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | <23% | 9 | 7.5 | 8 | 5.5 | $$ | Check Price |
| Winco HPS9000VE | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6 | <6% | 8.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 5 | $$$$$$ | Check Price |
*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input
6 Best tri fuel generators reviewed in-depth
People who know more or less what they want could be able to choose the best tri fuel generator for their situation with the list of top picks and the performance table.
On the other hand, it is likely that the more in-depth reviews of all of the options can make your decision easier.
1. Champion 201169 – Best tri fuel generator
Our top pick for the best tri fuel generator is the Champion 201169 thanks to the combination of solid features, reliability, and reasonable price.
Whether you actually want to invest in this multi fuel generator will also depend on your power needs.
You can power a lot with a 8000 watt generator but in some cases, more or less energy makes sense too.
Something else you want to know is that there are a few exceptional cases where customers got a Champion 201169 that did not function as desired at first.
Pros
- Champion 201169 offers 8125 starting watts, 6500 running watts, 30 amps, and 240 volts (gasoline)
- Noise levels of 74 dBA
- Good run time of 12 hours at 50% load
- Weight of 197 lb (89.4 kg)
- Has electric start
- Four GFCI outlets
- CO sensor
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- High THD is not suited for sensitive electronics
- Very exceptional cases where customers got a suboptimal first model
These issues do tend to get resolved and the Champion 201169 is still the most reliable generator on the list.
However, this also means you may want to try out your Champion 201169 a few times before putting it in storage for home backup power or something similar.
Something that positively stands out in this tri fuel generator is the long run time of 12 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline.
At least if you did not plan to mainly use propane and natural gas anyway (which come with different “run times”).
The electric start of the Champion 201169 is definitely not unique but makes operating the generator more convenient anyway.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201169 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | <23% | 9 | 7.5 | 8 | 5.5 | $$ | Check Price |
2. Firman T04073 – Quietest tri fuel generator
The power and fuel flexibility that typically come with good tri fuel generators are great. However, this type of generator also tends to come with high noise levels.
For people who want to avoid as many decibels as possible, the Firman T04073 which is the quietest tri fuel generator could be the right choice.
67 dB at 50% load is not ideal but welcome if you only need a relatively small tri fuel generator for your situation anyway.
Additionally, the Firman T04073 has other solid aspects like the good 12-hour run time at 50% load and relatively budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Firman T04073 offers 5000 starting watts, 4000 running watts, 30 amps, and 240 volts gasoline)
- Quietest tri fuel generator with noise levels of 67 dB at half load
- Good run time of 12 hours at 50% load
- Weight of 123.4 lb (56 kg)
- Has electric start
- Two GFCI outlets
- CO sensor
- 3 years limited warranty
- Relatively budget-friendly
Cons
- Not that many customers yet
- You may want more power
- Less than 11% to 14% THD at full load is not suited for sensitive electronics
One thing to note is that this small tri fuel generator does not have that many customers yet.
Firman generators, including this model, tend to get positive reviews so far but more customers would give an extra sense of security.
That being said, this detail will likely not be enough to stop you if you are interested in a relatively small and quiet tri fuel generator at a budget-friendly price.
Whether you want to rely on the Firman T04073 for backup power for essential appliances and tools is another question.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firman T04073 | 5.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 11% To 14% | 8.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7 | $ | Check Price |
3. Champion 201176 – Best tri fuel inverter generator
The Champion 201176 is the best (and only) tri fuel inverter generator available.
There are a few very large inverter generators but these do not have a tri fuel feature.
This low THD inverter power is necessary to run sensitive electronics like TVs, microwaves, and even many refrigerators safely.
There are other ways to clean up the power from the other tri fuel generators. Among other things, with your own inverter.
However, the Champion 201176 makes this process more convenient.
One potential downside is that the Champion 201176 is relatively new at the time of writing.
Pros
- Champion 201176 offers 9000 starting watts, 7250 running watts, 30.2 amps, and 240 volts
- Noise levels of 72 dBA
- Nice run time of 14 hours at 25% load
- Great fuel efficiency
- Less than 3% THD
- Weight of 156.6 lb (71 kg)
- Has electric start
- Four GFCI outlets
- CO sensor
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
Cons
- Not that many customers yet
- “Only” offers 30.2 amps through one outlet
That means it is not as proven by customers as many of the other options.
However, since Champion generators tend to be very reliable, you would expect something similar from this tri fuel inverter generator.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the Champion 201176 seemingly only offers 30.2 amps.
This puts a limit on how much power you can get through one outlet.
In turn, it is harder to get the full potential of the Champion 201176 when using it for home backup power with 120 volt devices.
That being said, if you don’t mind the lack of 50 amp capacity too much, the Champion 201176 can still be a great (and the only) tri fuel inverter generator.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201176 | 8.5 | 8 | 7 | <3% | 8.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 6.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
4. DuroMax XP13000HXT – Largest tri fuel generator
This DuroMax XP13000HXT is the largest portable tri fuel generator which can be helpful for individuals who want to be able to get a lot of power from multiple fuel sources.
The amounts of watts you can get from propane and natural gas are different but with the 13000 peak watts and 10500 running watts from gasoline, it should become clear the DuroMax XP13000HXT is a beast.
Its run time of 17 hours at 25% load may look “just good” at first.
However, in combination with the huge watt capacities, the DuroMax XP13000HXT actually gets the most kWh out of a gallon of gasoline (compared to models on this list).
Pros
- DuroMax XP13000HXT offers 13,000 starting watts, 10,500 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts (gasoline)
- Noise levels of 74 dB
- Good run time of 17 hours at 25% load
- Good fuel efficiency
- Weight of 240 lb (108.9 kg)
- Has electric start
- Four GFCI outlets
- CO sensor
- 5 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- High THD is not suited for sensitive electronics
- Not many people need this much power
- A few exceptional cases of technical issues
Something else that positively stands out in this large tri fuel generator is its five years limited residential warranty.
This gives more confidence that even if you happen to be one of the exceptional cases where technical issues happen, support should make things right.
The electric start, GFCI outlets, and CO sensor of the DuroMax XP13000HXT are not the most unique but do add some convenience and safety.
In short, while many people will not need this much power, the DuroMax XP13000HXT could be a good choice if you want large amounts of energy.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuroMax XP13000HXT | 10 | 8.5 | 6.5 | High THD | 8 | 9 | 8 | 5 | $$$$ | Check Price |
5. Westinghouse wGen9500TFC – Most popular tri fuel generator
The Westinghouse wGen9500TFC is a great tri fuel generator but the Champion 201169 is just a bit better overall for the average person.
That being said, this Westinghouse model is still worth considering for people who want more power than the Champion model at a relatively budget-friendly price.
With 12,500 starting watts, 9500 running watts, and a 50 amp outlet, the Westinghouse wGen9500TFC definitely has the advantage in terms of power capacity.
One thing to note is that there are a few exceptional cases where customers had initial shipping and technical issues.
Pros
- Westinghouse WGen9500TFC offers 12500 starting watts, 9500 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts (gasoline)
- Noise levels of 74 dBA
- Run time of 12 hours at 25% load
- Weight of 215 lb (97.5 kg)
- Has electric and remote start
- Four GFCI outlets
- CO sensor
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
- Relatively budget-friendly
Cons
- THD of less than 23% is not suited for sensitive electronics
- A few exceptional cases of initial shipping and technical issues
- You may not need this much power
That being said, the Westinghouse wGen9500TFC is still one of the most reliable tri fuel generators on this list.
The remote start can also make your life more convenient if you don’t want to go to your multi fuel generator to turn it off.
This can be especially helpful in suboptimal weather conditions.
In combination with the many positive customer reviews and a relatively budget-friendly price, the Westinghouse wGen9500TFC is another solid option for people who want a lot of power.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse wGen9500TFC | 8 | 9.5 | 6.5 | High THD | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | $ | Check Price |
6. Winco HPS9000VE – Low THD tri fuel generator
The Winco HPS9000VE originally got a spot on the list of the best tri fuel generators due to the lack of inverter models.
However, since the Champion 201176 came out, you will likely prefer this option over the Winco HPS9000VE due to its expensive price tag.
I decided to leave this option in the list so you have another option with a relatively low THD rating (<6%).
At the same time, it still applies that you may even prefer combining a more budget-friendly tri fuel generator with a smaller dual fuel inverter generator.
There are also other ways to “clean up” the power from the other tri fuel generators.
Pros
- Winco HPS9000VE offers 9000 starting watts, 8000 running watts, 30 amps, and 240 volts (gasoline)
- Noise levels of 77 dBA
- Run time of 7 hours at 50% load
- Less than 6% THD
- Weight of 237 lb (107.5 kg)
- 2 years limited residential warranty
Cons
- Not that many customers yet
- Expensive compared to other tri fuel generators
- Does not have a 50 amp outlet
Another potential downside of the Winco HPS9000VE is that it does not have a 50 amp outlet.
This makes it so you have to use multiple outlets to get all the running watts out of the multi fuel generator.
At least if you are running on gasoline and not propane or natural gas.
Lastly, Winco is not the most well-known generator brand although reviews of the HPS9000VE and similar generators look good (for now).
In short, the Winco HPS9000VE is typically not worth it due to its high price tag.
However, some people may like the made in the USA tag enough to give it a try anyway.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winco HPS9000VE | 8.5 | 8 | 6 | <6% | 8.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 5 | $$$$$$ | Check Price |
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FAQ
Are tri fuel generators worth it?
Tri fuel generators can be worth it if you like their specifications enough and want to stay flexible in terms of the fuel types you can use.
Who makes tri fuel generators?
Some examples of generator brands that make tri fuel generators are Westinghouse, Firman, and DuroMax.
What is the biggest tri fuel generator?
The biggest portable tri fuel generator on this list is the DuroMax XP13000HXT with 13,000 peak watts and 10,500 running watts while using gasoline.
Is there a tri fuel inverter generator on the market?
According to my research, there is currently one tri fuel inverter generator on the market which is the Champion 201176.
There are also a few other models with low THD ratings.
Who makes the best tri fuel generator?
It is possible that you are still unsure about what the best tri fuel generator would be.
If you don’t have any specific preference, our top pick, the Champion 201169 is often a good choice.
This tri fuel generator from Champion is the best combination of good features, reliability, and a reasonable price.
