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Inverter and Dual Fuel Generators

Best Small Tri Fuel Generator (2026): 5 Picks Compared

Five tri fuel inverter generators compared on watts per fuel, start methods, outlets and warranty terms, plus a gas powered extra pick.

Best Small Tri Fuel Generator (2026): 5 Picks Compared
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When the lights drop during dinner and the fridge, the router and the porch light all go dark at once, a best small tri fuel generator earns its place by running on gasoline, propane or natural gas, whichever fuel is on hand. We compared what each listing states: starting and running watts per fuel, start methods, outlets, stated safety features and warranty terms. The picks below cover a wide spread of peak watts, and the title-only picks sit at the end because their listings state fewer figures.

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Quick picks

  • Pulsar PGD105TiSCO
    Best Overall Pulsar PGD105TiSCO: 10,500 peak watts on gasoline with remote start stated Check price on Amazon
  • GENMAX GM8000iETC
    Best Start Options GENMAX GM8000iETC: 5 start methods plus a 50A outlet and CO sensor stated Check price on Amazon
  • Anker SOLIX 5500
    Best App Control Anker SOLIX 5500: App control with start, stop and fuel monitoring stated Check price on Amazon
  • Westinghouse 13500 Tri-Fuel
    Large Home Backup Pick Westinghouse 13500W: 13500 peak watts for home backup use Check price on Amazon
  • Generac 12500W Tri Fuel
    EFI Electric Start Pick Generac 12500W: 12500W tri fuel unit with EFI and electric start Check price on Amazon

The kits we chose

Pulsar PGD105TiSCO

Pulsar PGD105TiSCO

Pulsar9.7/10 Solar Score
i
The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 10,500 peak watt tri fuel inverter generator with remote start, GFCI outlets and a 6.9 gallon tank.

Pros

  • 10,500 peak watts on gasoline, with 9,500 on propane and 8,400 on natural gas
  • Remote fob and electric start battery included
  • 4 GFCI 120V 5-20R outlets plus 120V/240V L14-30R and L14-50R outlets
  • 62 dB noise figure stated, with a digital control center for hours, voltage, load and frequency

Cons

  • 247.0 pounds, the heaviest listed weight here
  • 9 hours of run time stated at half load only
  • No fuel consumption figure is stated
  • 22.8 by 29.4 by 31.4 inches needs a large storage spot
Detailed Review

The listing states gasoline at 10,500 peak watts and 8,500 running watts, propane at 9,500 peak watts and 8,000 running watts, and natural gas at 8,400 peak watts and 6,800 running watts, from a 458cc OHV engine that is EPA and CARB compliant. It lists a 6.9 gallon fuel tank with 9 hours of continuous run time at half load, 62 dB noise, a digital control center showing hours, voltage, load and frequency, and outlets covering USB A, USB C, 4 GFCI 120V 5-20R outlets, a 120V/240V L14-30R outlet and a 120V/240V L14-50R outlet. The box includes a remote fob, an electric start battery, a propane and natural gas hose with regulator, 10W-30 motor oil, a spark plug wrench and a screwdriver.

Who it's for: home backup and RV owners who want the highest gasoline watts here with remote start and a full outlet set. Who should skip it: buyers who need a lighter unit, since the listed weight is 247.0 pounds.

Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 9/10 and warranty 4/5: 86 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
Gasoline10,500 peak, 8,500 running watts
Propane9,500 peak, 8,000 running watts
Natural gas8,400 peak, 6,800 running watts
Tank and run time6.9 gallon tank, 9 hours at half load

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 3 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. GFCI outlets, EPA and CARB compliant engine stated, so safety scores 9 of 10. 3 Year. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 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.

GENMAX GM8000iETC

GENMAX GM8000iETC

GENMAX9.7/10 Solar Score
i
The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

An 8000 surge watt tri fuel inverter generator with 5 start methods, a digital display and a 50A outlet.

Pros

  • Separate surge and running watts stated for gasoline, propane and natural gas
  • 5 start methods: push-button electric, remote fob, Bluetooth app, recoil backup and ATS 2-wire auto-start
  • 120V/240V 14-50R outlet, 120V L5-30R outlet and 2 120V 5-20R GFCI outlets
  • CO sensor stated, with EPA certification for sale in the USA

Cons

  • No run time figure is stated
  • No noise figure is stated
  • No weight figure is stated
  • Natural gas running watts of 4800 sit below the Pulsar figure of 6,800
Detailed Review

The listing states gasoline at 8000 surge watts and 6000 running watts, propane at 7250 surge watts and 5500 running watts, and natural gas at 6500 surge watts and 4800 running watts, with no more than 3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) pure sine wave power. Start methods cover push-button electric, remote key fob, Bluetooth app and recoil backup, plus ATS 2-wire auto-start during outages, and the digital display shows total running hours, load level, fuel level and AMPS used, with overload and low oil indicators. The 312cc 4-stroke OHV engine feeds a 120V/240V 14-50R outlet, a 120V L5-30R outlet, 2 120V 5-20R GFCI outlets and USB A/C ports, and the listing states a CO sensor, EPA certification for sale in the USA and a 3-Year Limited Warranty.

Who it's for: buyers who want several start methods and a 50A outlet for home backup, RV travel or job site use. Who should skip it: buyers who need a stated run time or noise figure, since the listing states neither.

Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 4/5: 84 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
Gasoline8000 surge, 6000 running watts
Propane7250 surge, 5500 running watts
Natural gas6500 surge, 4800 running watts
Engine312cc 4-stroke OHV

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 EPA certified stated, so safety scores 8 of 10. 3-Year Limited Warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 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 13500 Tri-Fuel

Westinghouse 13500 Tri-Fuel

Westinghouse9.7/10 Solar Score
i
The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

Tri-fuel portable generator stating gasoline, propane and natural gas operation, 10500 running watts and 13500 peak watts on gasoline, and a 3-year limited residential warranty.

Pros

  • Gasoline, propane and natural gas operation stated
  • 10500 running watts and 13500 peak watts on gasoline stated
  • Runs up to 19 hours at 25% load on a 9.5-gallon gasoline tank stated
  • Push-button start with an included remote key fob, plus recoil starting as backup

Cons

  • Propane and natural gas watt figures are not stated
  • 230.0 pounds stated, the heaviest weight in this group
  • Automatic transfer switch sold separately
  • No noise level is stated
Detailed Review

The title states 13500 peak watts and the bullets agree, stating 10500 running watts and 13500 peak watts on gasoline, while the spec table size line says 13000W. The title and bullets win over the spec table, so compare on the 13500 peak watt figure. The listing also states a 500cc engine with a pressure lubrication system, a reusable oil screen, a built-in fuel gauge, 50A and 30A outlets, automatic low-oil shutdown and a CO sensor.

Who it's for: buyers with a natural gas line available who want gasoline, propane and natural gas in one portable generator. Who should skip it: buyers who need stated propane or natural gas watt figures, or a lighter unit than 230.0 pounds.

Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 4/5: 86 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
FuelGasoline, propane, natural gas
Power on gasoline10500 running / 13500 peak watts
Run timeUp to 19 hours at 25% load
Size27.2 x 26.1 x 26.5 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 sensor shutdown and automatic low-oil shutdown stated, so safety scores 8 of 10. 3-year limited residential warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 of 5. See How We Pick.

Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.

This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

Generac 12500W Tri Fuel

Generac 12500W Tri Fuel

Generac9.7/10 Solar Score
i
The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

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
FuelGas, propane, natural gas
Running watts8550W propane, 7000W natural gas
Runtime14 hours at 25% load on gasoline
Weight227 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.

Anker SOLIX 5500

Anker SOLIX 5500

Anker SOLIX9.6/10 Solar Score
i
The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 5,500 starting watt tri fuel smart generator with app control, a 3m DC charging cable and a built-in starter battery.

Pros

  • App control for start, stop, fuel monitoring and maintenance alerts
  • Works with the SOLIX E10, F3800 Plus, F3800 and F3000
  • 4,500W DC output for battery charging plus 3,600W AC for appliances
  • NEMA 3R enclosure with a stated span of -4°F to 131°F

Cons

  • Not available in CA, per the listing
  • No per-fuel watt figures stated for propane or natural gas
  • No run time figure is stated
Detailed Review

The listing states 5,500W starting power with 4,500W DC for battery charging and 3,600W AC for appliances, tri-fuel switching between gasoline, propane and natural gas, and app control for start, stop, fuel monitoring and maintenance alerts. It lists a NEMA 3R enclosure, a stated span of -4°F to 131°F, compatibility with the SOLIX E10, F3800 Plus, F3800 and F3000, and box contents covering a DC charging cable (3m), maintenance tools, a built-in starter battery and a quick start guide. The warranty lines disagree: the bullets state a 3-year warranty while the spec table lists 5 Years, so trust the bullets for the 3-year term. The listing also states the generator is not available in CA.

Who it's for: Anker SOLIX owners who want app control and DC charging for a battery in the same ecosystem. Who should skip it: buyers in CA, and buyers who need per-fuel watt figures, since the listing states none.

Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 4/5: 79 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
Starting power5,500W starting, 3,600W AC
DC output4,500W DC for battery charging
Size27.91 by 16.53 by 22.24 inches
Weight110.76 pounds

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 3 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. NEMA 3R enclosure stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. 3-year warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 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.

More picks to compare

  • Oxseryn 4400W GeneratorOxseryn 4400W GeneratorGas powered portable unit for RV camping and home backup useCheck on Amazon

Numbers side by side

Generator Solar Score Peak watts Start Weight Warranty Amazon
Pulsar PGD105TiSCO 9.7/10 10,500 Remote fob, electric start 247.0 pounds 3 Year View on Amazon
GENMAX GM8000iETC 9.7/10 8000 Push-button, remote fob, app, recoil, ATS Not stated 3-Year Limited Warranty View on Amazon
Anker SOLIX 5500 9.6/10 5,500 App 110.76 pounds 3-year View on Amazon
Westinghouse 13500W 9.7/10 13500 Not stated Not stated Not stated
Generac 12500W 9.7/10 12500 Electric start Not stated Not stated

We copied each rating from the seller’s listing as the brand states it; data date 3 November 2026.

Where the points went

The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For a tri fuel generator, safety means stated sensors, certifications and outlet protections the listing actually states; a pick that states none scores zero on that line. Three of the five picks state a warranty term, and the two title-only picks state none. How we pick explains the weights.

Product Solar Score Perf. /35 Build /25 Value /25 Safety /10 Warranty /5
Pulsar PGD105TiSCO 9.7 32 21 20 9 4
GENMAX GM8000iETC 9.7 30 21 21 8 4
Anker SOLIX 5500 9.6 28 20 20 7 4

We place weighted points on a scale whose ends are 9.2 and 9.8. Because the mapping is straight, a unit with more points never shows less.

How to choose the best small tri fuel generator

Match watts per fuel, not just the headline figure

Every full-data pick states a different figure per fuel, so the headline figure alone can mislead. The Pulsar lists 10,500 peak watts and 8,500 running watts on gasoline, 9,500 peak watts and 8,000 running watts on propane, and 8,400 peak watts and 6,800 running watts on natural gas. The GENMAX lists 8000 surge watts and 6000 running watts on gasoline, 7250 surge watts and 5500 running watts on propane, and 6500 surge watts and 4800 running watts on natural gas. The Anker lists 5,500W starting power with 3,600W AC for appliances and 4,500W DC for battery charging, but no per-fuel watt figures for propane or natural gas. The title-only picks name a peak figure without a fuel split, so they cannot be ranked on per-fuel watts.

Generator Gasoline Propane Natural gas
Pulsar PGD105TiSCO 10,500 peak, 8,500 running 9,500 peak, 8,000 running 8,400 peak, 6,800 running
GENMAX GM8000iETC 8000 surge, 6000 running 7250 surge, 5500 running 6500 surge, 4800 running
Anker SOLIX 5500 5,500 starting, 3,600 AC Not stated Not stated

Start method and outlets decide daily use

Start methods split the picks clearly. The GENMAX lists push-button electric, remote key fob, Bluetooth app and recoil backup, plus ATS 2-wire auto-start during outages. The Pulsar includes a remote fob and an electric start battery, and the Anker offers app control for start, stop, fuel monitoring and maintenance alerts. Fuel generators run outdoors only, far from doors and windows, because of carbon monoxide. For outlets, the GENMAX lists a 120V/240V 14-50R outlet, a 120V L5-30R outlet and 2 120V 5-20R GFCI outlets, while the Pulsar lists 4 GFCI 120V 5-20R outlets plus 120V/240V L14-30R and L14-50R outlets. Noise is stated for the Pulsar at 62 dB only, so buyers who need a stated noise figure have one pick to compare. See our best inverter generator for home backup guide for home backup use, and our best quiet generator for RV guide for RV use.

Read the warranty lines closely

Coverage splits the picks into two groups. The GENMAX states a 3-Year Limited Warranty, the Pulsar spec table lists 3 Year, and the Anker bullets state a 3-year warranty while its spec table lists 5 Years, so the bullets win for the Anker term. The two title-only picks state no warranty term at all, which is a real gap for a home backup purchase. A warranty term says nothing about run time or noise, so read those lines separately before ordering.

Sizing Notes

  • Match gasoline, propane and natural gas watts to the loads you plan: the Pulsar lists 8,500 running watts on gasoline, 8,000 on propane and 6,800 on natural gas.
  • Match outlet types to your loads: the GENMAX lists a 120V/240V 14-50R outlet, an L5-30R outlet and GFCI outlets.
  • Match the stated size to your storage space: the Pulsar lists 22.8 by 29.4 by 31.4 inches and the Anker lists 27.91 by 16.53 by 22.24 inches.
  • Match fuel tank and run time claims: the Pulsar lists a 6.9 gallon tank with 9 hours at half load.
  • Any connection to home wiring is a job for a licensed electrician.

FAQ: power away from the grid

Are tri fuel generators good?

They suit buyers who want fuel choice during an outage, since the three full-data picks here switch between gasoline, propane and natural gas. Their value depends on watts per fuel, so compare the per-fuel figures rather than the headline figure alone.

How do tri fuel generators work?

The GENMAX listing describes a dedicated selector that switches between gasoline, propane and natural gas. Each fuel then delivers its own stated starting and running watts, as shown in the comparison table.

Are tri fuel generators reliable?

The listings state no reliability figures, so judge them on what is stated: CO sensors, GFCI outlets, EPA and CARB compliance, and warranty terms. The GENMAX and Pulsar picks state a 3-year term, and the Anker bullets state a 3-year term.

How long can you run a tri fuel generator?

Only the Pulsar states a run time: 9 hours at half load from a 6.9 gallon tank. The other full-data picks state no run time figure, so their endurance cannot be compared from the listings.

Which pick here lists remote start?

The Pulsar includes a remote fob, the GENMAX lists a remote key fob and Bluetooth app control, and the Anker offers app control for start and stop. The two title-only picks state no start method except the Generac electric start named in its title.

Pulsar PGD105TiSCO
Still deciding? Our top pickPulsar PGD105TiSCO
Check price on Amazon

See every Inverter and Dual Fuel Generators guide and all Power Stations and Generators guides. Also see our best small inverter generator. Also see our best gas generator for camping.

More picks: remote start inverter generators, portable inverter generators with wheels, inverter generator parallel kits.