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When the lights go out at dinner time, the question behind tri fuel generator vs inverter generator is simple: what keeps the fridge, the lamps and the evening plan running? That moment frames the choice as a practical one: fuel flexibility from tri fuel listings, and stated quiet running with cleaner power for sensitive electronics from inverter listings. The short verdict is plain: pick the tri fuel side for an extra fuel option when gasoline is unavailable, and pick the inverter side when a stated noise figure and a stated low THD figure matter for the load.
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Tri fuel generator vs inverter generator side by side
| Generator | Solar Score | Fuel options | Watts stated | Runtime at 25% load | Weight stated | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generac 12500W Tri Fuel | 9.7/10 | Gas, propane, natural gas | 12500W; 8550W propane running, 7000W natural gas running | 14 hours gasoline, 6 hours propane | 227 pounds | View on Amazon |
| Westinghouse iGen12000DFc | 9.7/10 | Gas, propane | 12000W peak, 9000W running gasoline; 11000W peak, 8100W running propane | 19 hours | 187.4 pounds | View on Amazon |
| Westinghouse iGen5000DFc | 9.6/10 | Gas, propane | 5000W peak, 3900W running gasoline; 4500W peak, 3500W running propane | 18 hours | 105.8 pounds | View on Amazon |
| DuroMax XP13000HXT | 9.5/10 | Gas, propane, natural gas | 13000W | Not stated | 240 pounds | View on Amazon |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 3 November 2026.
Fuel flexibility
Generac example switches fuel sources with a single dial without shutting the unit down, and it states propane running watts of 8550W and natural gas running watts of 7000W. DuroMax example also states gasoline, propane and natural gas, but it states no running watts figure for any fuel, so its per-fuel output stays unclear. Both Westinghouse listings state gasoline and propane only, so the natural gas option in this group belongs to the tri fuel listings alone.
Power and outlets
Generac example carries a 12500W headline figure; DuroMax example carries a 13000W headline figure. iGen12000DFc example states 12000W peak and 9000W running on gasoline, and 11000W peak and 8100W running on propane. iGen5000DFc example states 5000W peak and 3900W running on gasoline, and 4500W peak and 3500W running on propane. On outlets, Generac lists a 120V 20A GFCI duplex outlet, a 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet and a 120/240V 50A outlet. iGen12000DFc example lists a 120/240V 50A outlet, a 120V/240V 30A twist lock and a 120V 20A duplex outlet. iGen5000DFc example lists an RV ready TT-30R 30A outlet, a 120V 20A duplex outlet and two USBs. DuroMax example states a 50 amp outlet and no further outlet detail.
Noise and runtime
Fuel generators run outdoors only, far from doors and windows, because of carbon monoxide. iGen12000DFc example states noise as low as 64 dBA and runtime up to 19 hours at 25% load on a 7.9 gallon tank. iGen5000DFc example states noise as low as 52 dBA and runtime up to 18 hours at 25% load on a 3.4 gallon tank. Generac example states runtime up to 14 hours at 25% load and 10.5 hours at 50% load on gasoline from a 7.5-gallon tank, and up to 6 hours at 25% load from a 20-pound propane tank. DuroMax example states no noise figure and no runtime figure. The stated noise figures in this group come from the inverter listings only.
The kits we chose
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Generac 12500W Tri Fuel | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  Westinghouse iGen12000DFc | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  Westinghouse iGen5000DFc | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |  DuroMax XP13000HXT | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
Generac 12500W Tri Fuel
A tri fuel generator with electronic fuel injection, electric start with recoil backup, and stated running watts on propane and natural gas.
Pros
- Runs on gas, propane, or natural gas, with a single dial switching fuel sources without shutting the unit down
- Propane running watts of 8550W and natural gas running watts of 7000W stated
- COsense technology triggers an audible alert and shuts the generator down automatically
- Electric start with recoil backup and a 12V 9Ah battery included
Cons
- Gasoline running watts are not stated, only the 12500W headline figure
- Heavier than both Westinghouse listings at 227 pounds
- Propane runtime is up to 6 hours at 25% load on a 20-pound tank
- No noise figure is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 12500W tri fuel generator with electronic fuel injection, a single dial that switches fuel sources without shutting the unit down, propane running watts of 8550W, natural gas running watts of 7000W, electric start with recoil backup, a 12V 9Ah battery, COsense technology with an audible alert and automatic shutdown, runtime up to 14 hours at 25% load and 10.5 hours at 50% load on gasoline from a 7.5-gallon tank, runtime up to 6 hours at 25% load from a 20-pound propane tank, a panel with a 120V 20A GFCI duplex outlet, a 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet and a 120/240V 50A outlet, 9.5-inch never-flat wheels and a 1.25-inch steel-tube cradle. The bullets give a 219-227 pound range, while the spec table lists 227.0 pounds, and the warranty is a 3-year residential and 2-year commercial limited warranty.
Who it's for: buyers who want gas, propane and natural gas options with stated running watts on propane and natural gas. Who should skip it: buyers who need a stated noise figure or a lower weight.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 2/5: 85 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Fuel | Gas, propane, natural gas |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 8550W propane, 7000W natural gas |
| Runtime | 14 hours at 25% load on gasoline |
| Weight | 227 pounds |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 3 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. COsense technology monitors carbon monoxide levels, triggers an audible alert, and shuts the generator down automatically, so safety scores 8 of 10. 3-year residential and 2-year commercial limited warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.
Inverter limits. Stay within the stated continuous watts (surge watts last only a moment), use the cable size and fuse the manual gives, ventilate it, and never connect an inverter to home wiring yourself; that is work for a licensed electrician.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Westinghouse iGen12000DFc
A dual fuel inverter generator with stated low THD, remote electric start, and parallel capability.
Pros
- 12000W peak and 9000W running on gasoline, 11000W peak and 8100W running on propane
- Noise as low as 64 dBA stated
- Runs up to 19 hours at 25% load on a 7.9 gallon fuel tank
- Parallel ready, with remote start and a digital display
Cons
- No natural gas option is stated; fuel options are gas and propane only
- 187.4 pounds, heavier than the smaller Westinghouse inverter generator
- Propane running watts of 8100W sit below the gasoline running watts of 9000W
- No USB outlet is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a dual fuel inverter generator with THD of 3% or less, 12000W peak and 9000W running on gasoline, 11000W peak and 8100W running on propane, a 457cc engine, noise as low as 64 dBA, runtime up to 19 hours at 25% load on a 7.9 gallon fuel tank, low oil shutdown, a CO sensor, a 120/240V 50A outlet, a 120V/240V 30A twist lock, a 120V 20A duplex outlet, parallel readiness, a remote start key fob and a digital display showing fuel level, power output, run time, voltage and lifetime hours. The warranty is a 3 Year Limited Warranty.
Who it's for: buyers who want whole home backup with stated low THD and a 50A outlet. Who should skip it: buyers who want a natural gas option or a lighter unit.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 2/5: 81 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Fuel | Gas, propane |
|---|---|
| Power | 12000W peak, 9000W running on gasoline |
| Noise | As low as 64 dBA |
| Runtime | 19 hours at 25% load |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 3 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. CO sensor and low oil shutdown stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. 3 Year Limited Warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.
Inverter limits. Stay within the stated continuous watts (surge watts last only a moment), use the cable size and fuse the manual gives, ventilate it, and never connect an inverter to home wiring yourself; that is work for a licensed electrician.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Westinghouse iGen5000DFc
A dual fuel inverter generator with remote electric start, an RV ready outlet, and parallel capability.
Pros
- 5000W peak and 3900W running on gasoline, 4500W peak and 3500W running on propane
- Noise as low as 52 dBA stated, the lowest stated noise figure here
- Runs up to 18 hours at 25% load on a 3.4 gallon gas tank
- 105.8 pounds, the lowest weight stated here
Cons
- Lowest stated running watts here at 3900W on gasoline
- No natural gas option is stated
- Parallel kit is sold separately
- Propane running watts of 3500W sit below the gasoline running watts of 3900W
Detailed Review
The listing states a dual fuel inverter generator with 5000W peak and 3900W running on gasoline, 4500W peak and 3500W running on propane, runtime up to 18 hours at 25% load on a 3.4 gallon gas tank, a 224cc engine, noise as low as 52 dBA, less than 3% THD, an RV ready TT-30R 30A outlet, a 120V 20A duplex outlet, two USBs, a CO sensor, a remote start key fob and a digital display showing fuel level, power output, run time and lifetime hours. Parallel use needs a parallel kit that is sold separately, and the warranty is a 3 Year Limited Warranty.
Who it's for: RV owners and buyers who want the lowest weight and the lowest stated noise figure here. Who should skip it: buyers who need more than 3900W running on gasoline.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 2/5: 77 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Fuel | Gas, propane |
|---|---|
| Power | 5000W peak, 3900W running on gasoline |
| Noise | As low as 52 dBA |
| Runtime | 18 hours at 25% load |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 3 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. CO sensor stated, so safety scores 5 of 10. 3 Year Limited Warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.
Inverter limits. Stay within the stated continuous watts (surge watts last only a moment), use the cable size and fuse the manual gives, ventilate it, and never connect an inverter to home wiring yourself; that is work for a licensed electrician.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
DuroMax XP13000HXT
A tri fuel generator with a 500cc engine, push button start and remote start, and a stated 50 amp outlet.
Pros
- Highest headline figure here at 13000W
- Runs on gasoline, propane, or natural gas
- Push button start and remote start stated
- 500cc OHV engine stated
Cons
- No running watts figure is stated for any fuel
- No runtime figure is stated
- No noise figure is stated
- 240 pounds, the heaviest listing here
Detailed Review
The listing states a 13000W tri fuel generator with a 500cc OHV engine, push button start, remote start, a front facing fuel-type interface, a 50 amp outlet, CO Alert, a weight of 240 pounds, dimensions of 30.0 x 29.0 x 26.0 inches, and a 3-Year Limited Factory Warranty. Running watts, runtime and noise stay unstated, with no outlet detail beyond the 50 amp outlet.
Who it's for: buyers who want the highest headline watts and tri fuel choice with push button and remote start. Who should skip it: buyers who need stated running watts, runtime or noise figures.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 27/35, build 20/25, value 19/25, safety 4/10 and warranty 2/5: 72 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Engine | 500cc OHV |
|---|---|
| Watts | 13000W |
| Weight | 240 pounds |
| Size | 30.0 x 29.0 x 26.0 inches |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 3 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. CO Alert stated, so safety scores 4 of 10. 3-Year Limited Factory Warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.
Inverter limits. Stay within the stated continuous watts (surge watts last only a moment), use the cable size and fuse the manual gives, ventilate it, and never connect an inverter to home wiring yourself; that is work for a licensed electrician.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Where the points went
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For generators, safety means a stated carbon monoxide feature and low oil shutdown where stated. All four listings state a carbon monoxide feature, and iGen12000DFc example also states low oil shutdown. All four state a 3-year warranty term. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generac 12500W Tri Fuel | 9.7 | 32 | 22 | 21 | 8 | 2 |
| Westinghouse iGen12000DFc | 9.7 | 30 | 21 | 21 | 7 | 2 |
| Westinghouse iGen5000DFc | 9.6 | 29 | 21 | 20 | 5 | 2 |
| DuroMax XP13000HXT | 9.5 | 27 | 20 | 19 | 4 | 2 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
How to choose the best tri fuel generator vs inverter generator
Start from the load, then the fuel on hand. A licensed electrician should install any connection to home wiring. For cabin use, the inverter vs generator for cabin guide frames the same questions.
Match running watts to the load
Running watts decide what stays on, so compare running watts, not headline figures alone. Generac example states 8550W running on propane and 7000W running on natural gas. iGen12000DFc example states 9000W running on gasoline and 8100W running on propane. iGen5000DFc example states 3900W running on gasoline and 3500W running on propane. DuroMax example states no running watts figure, so a buyer who needs one should treat that listing as unclear.
Weigh fuel choice against stated noise
Fuel flexibility and stated noise pull in different directions here. Generac example offers gas, propane and natural gas, but states no noise figure. iGen5000DFc example states noise as low as 52 dBA, and iGen12000DFc example states noise as low as 64 dBA. For quiet running, the best quiet inverter generator guide collects more listings that state noise figures. A buyer who values an extra fuel option over a stated noise figure will lean tri fuel, while a buyer who values a stated noise figure will lean inverter.
Check weight, outlets and parallel capability
Weight and outlets decide how the unit fits. Generac example weighs 227 pounds, DuroMax example weighs 240 pounds, iGen12000DFc example weighs 187.4 pounds, and iGen5000DFc example weighs 105.8 pounds. Both Westinghouse listings state parallel capability, with iGen5000DFc example noting that its parallel kit is sold separately. The Generac and DuroMax listings state no parallel capability, so a buyer planning to pair units should rely on the Westinghouse listings.
| If you need | Look at |
|---|---|
| An extra fuel option | Generac 12500W Tri Fuel, with natural gas stated |
| Lowest stated noise figure | iGen5000DFc, 52 dBA |
| Highest headline watts | DuroMax XP13000HXT, 13000W |
| Largest stated propane running watts | Generac 12500W Tri Fuel, 8550W on propane |
Sizing Notes
- Match running watts to the loads planned: 8550W on propane and 7000W on natural gas for Generac, and 9000W on gasoline for iGen12000DFc example.
- Match the outlet to the load: Generac and iGen12000DFc example each state a 50A outlet, and iGen5000DFc example states an RV ready TT-30R 30A outlet.
- Check runtime at 25% load before planning an outage: 14 hours on gasoline for Generac, 19 hours for iGen12000DFc example, and 18 hours for iGen5000DFc example.
- Check weight and size for moving: 227 pounds for Generac, 240 pounds for DuroMax, 187.4 pounds for iGen12000DFc example, and 105.8 pounds for iGen5000DFc example.
FAQ: power away from the grid
Can a tri fuel generator run on natural gas?
Yes. Generac states gas, propane and natural gas, with 7000W running on natural gas, and DuroMax states gasoline, propane and natural gas. The Westinghouse listings state gasoline and propane only.
Which listing here states the lowest noise figure?
iGen5000DFc example, at as low as 52 dBA. iGen12000DFc example states as low as 64 dBA, and Generac and DuroMax state no noise figure.
Do these listings state a carbon monoxide feature?
Yes. Generac states COsense technology with an audible alert and automatic shutdown, DuroMax states CO Alert, and both Westinghouse listings state a CO sensor. iGen12000DFc example also states low oil shutdown.
What runtime figures do the listings state at 25% load?
Generac states up to 14 hours on gasoline and up to 6 hours from a 20-pound propane tank. iGen12000DFc example states up to 19 hours, and iGen5000DFc example states up to 18 hours. DuroMax states no runtime figure.
Can these inverter generators run in parallel?
Both Westinghouse listings state parallel capability. iGen5000DFc example notes that its parallel kit is sold separately. Generac and DuroMax state no parallel capability.
Related solar guides
See every Inverter and Dual Fuel Generators guide and all Power Stations and Generators guides.
More picks: best inverter generator, dual fuel vs tri fuel generator, best tri fuel home backup portable generator.
