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When the power goes out on a storm night, the house needs backup power that starts on the fuel you already have on hand. The best tri-fuel home backup portable generator runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas, so a fuel shortage does not leave the house dark. Fuel generators run outdoors only, far from doors and windows, because of carbon monoxide. Start with watts and fuel flexibility, then check outlets, tank size and warranty before choosing.
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Quick picks
Best Overall Westinghouse WGen20000TFc: 28000 peak watts on gasoline with remote start and transfer switch readiness. Check price on Amazon
Best for Fuel Flexibility Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI: 12500 peak watts on gasoline with EFI and three fuel choices. Check price on Amazon
Best for Large Loads GENMAX GM15000ET: 15000 peak watts with a 10.56 gallon tank and three start options. Check price on Amazon
12500 Watt Pick Generac 12500: 12500 starting watts in the title, with no further details stated. Check price on Amazon
The kits we chose
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westinghouse WGen20000TFc | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | Generac 12500 Tri-Fuel | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | GENMAX GM15000ET | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |

Westinghouse WGen20000TFc
A 28000-peak-watt tri-fuel portable generator with remote start and transfer switch readiness for home backup.
Pros
- 28,000 peak watts and 20,000 running watts on gasoline
- Gasoline, propane and natural gas fuel flexibility
- Less than 5% THD for sensitive electronics
- Push-button and remote start with a 17.2-gallon gas tank
Cons
- No run time is stated
- 557.0 Pounds is the heaviest weight among the picks
- Automatic transfer switch sold separately
- No EFI is stated
Detailed Review
Westinghouse lists a 28000 peak watt tri-fuel home backup portable generator with 20,000 running watts on gasoline, a 999cc engine and less than 5% THD for phones, computers and TVs. Push-button and remote start simplify startup, a 17.2-gallon gas tank supports extended operation, and 50A and 30A outlets pair with a manual transfer switch or the Westinghouse WATS200 ATS system, sold separately. A CO sensor shuts down the generator when elevated carbon monoxide is detected, automatic low-oil shutdown protects the engine, and the spec table lists 557.0 Pounds with dimensions of 38.0 inches x 35.0 inches x 40.4 inches. The listing states a 3-year limited residential warranty and lifetime technical support.
Who it is for: homeowners who want the largest running watts here with automatic backup pairing. Who should skip it: buyers who need a stated run time or a lighter unit.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 22/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 4/5: 86 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Peak watts | 28000 watts |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 20000 watts |
| Tank | 17.2 gallons |
| Weight | 557.0 Pounds |
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 automatic low-oil shutdown, 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 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.

Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI
A 12500-peak-watt EFI tri-fuel portable generator with remote electric start and up to 15 hours of run time.
Pros
- 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts on gasoline
- Propane and natural gas figures also stated
- Up to 15 hours on a 6.6 gal fuel tank
- Remote, electric and recoil starting with EFI
Cons
- Parallel capability is not stated
- No dual 120V household outlet count beyond the two duplex outlets
- EFI adds complexity over a standard carburetor model
- No weight is stated in the listing
Detailed Review
Westinghouse lists a 12500 peak watt EFI tri-fuel home backup portable generator with 9,500 running watts on gasoline, 11,200 peak watts and 8,500 running watts on propane, and 9,500 peak watts and 7,500 running watts on natural gas. Electronic fuel injection starts the generator with no choke or carburetor to hassle with, and it runs for up to 15 hours on a 6.6 gal fuel tank with a built-in gauge. One 120/240V 14-50R 50A outlet and one 120/240V L14-30R 30A twist lock are transfer switch ready for home backup, with two GFCI 120V 5-20R 20A duplex household outlets included. A CO sensor and automatic low oil shutdown cover safety, the 457cc engine has a durable cast iron sleeve, and the listing states a 3-year limited warranty with CARB compliance in all 50 states.
Who it is for: homeowners who want EFI starting and three-fuel flexibility with a stated run time. Who should skip it: buyers who need the largest running watts or a stated weight.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 4/5: 83 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Peak watts | 12500 watts |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 9500 watts |
| Tank | 6.6 gallons |
| Run time | up to 15 hours |
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 CARB compliance, 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 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 12500 Tri-Fuel
Tri-fuel portable generator stating gasoline, liquid propane, or natural gas operation, 9500 running watts and 12500 starting watts, and push-button electric start.
Pros
- Gasoline, liquid propane, or natural gas operation with a dial turn stated
- 9500 running watts and 12500 starting watts on gas stated
- Automatic voltage regulation stated
- COsense shutdown, 9.5-inch never-flat wheels and a folding handle stated
Cons
- Propane and natural gas watt figures are not stated separately
- 219 pounds stated
- No remote key fob is stated, only push-button electric start
- Warranty terms differ between the bullets and the spec table
Detailed Review
The bullets state a 3-year residential / 2-year commercial limited warranty, while the spec table says 8 Year Limited. The bullets win over the spec table, so compare on the 3-year residential / 2-year commercial terms. The spec table also lists PartNumber G0080632 against Model G0080631, a second mismatch inside the listing. The listing states a 500cc engine, automatic voltage regulation, COsense shutdown, a 7.5-gallon fuel tank, and a digital hour meter.
Who it's for: buyers who want three fuel options with automatic voltage regulation and COsense shutdown. Who should skip it: buyers who need stated propane or natural gas watts, or a remote key fob.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 3/5: 83 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Fuel | Gasoline, liquid propane, natural gas |
|---|---|
| Power on gas | 9500 running / 12500 starting watts |
| Run time | Up to 9.5 hours at 50% load on gasoline |
| Size | 27.5 x 27.1 x 27.6 inches |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 3 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. COsense CO detection shutdown and automatic voltage regulation stated, so safety scores 8 of 10. 3-year residential / 2-year commercial limited warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 3 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.

GENMAX GM15000ET
A 15000-peak-watt tri-fuel portable generator with three start options, a digital display and a 50A output.
Pros
- 15000 peak watts and 11000 running watts
- Gasoline, LPG and natural gas tri-fuel capability
- One-button, remote and recoil start options
- 10.56 gal fuel tank with a multifunctional digital display
Cons
- No run time is stated
- No 120V outlet count is stated
- 242.5 pounds is heavy for one person to move
- No transfer switch model is named
Detailed Review
GENMAX lists a 15000W tri-fuel portable generator with 11000 running watts and a 10.56 gal fuel tank for household electrical requirements. Tri-fuel compatibility covers gasoline, LPG and natural gas, and three start options cover one-button start, remote start and recoil start. A multifunctional digital display presents real-time operational data, a voltage transfer switch switches between 120V and 240V with full power at 120V, and a built-in CO detection function prioritizes safety. An LED flexible rope light stays lit for 30 seconds when the main switch is turned on, and the spec table lists 242.5 pounds with dimensions of 31.57 inches x 27.95 inches x 28.66 inches. The listing states a 3-year warranty with lifetime technical support.
Who it is for: buyers who want a large tri-fuel generator with three start options and a digital display. Who should skip it: buyers who need a stated run time or a named transfer switch model.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 4/5: 80 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Peak watts | 15000 watts |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 11000 watts |
| Tank | 10.56 gallons |
| Weight | 242.5 pounds |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 3 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. CO detection function, so safety scores 7 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.
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.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More picks to compare
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Numbers side by side
| Generator | Solar Score | Peak watts | Running watts | Fuel types | Tank | Warranty | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse WGen20000TFc | 9.7/10 | 28000 | 20000 | Gasoline, propane, natural gas | 17.2 gallons | 3 Year Limited Warranty | View on Amazon |
| Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI | 9.7/10 | 12500 | 9500 | Gasoline, propane, natural gas | 6.6 gallons | 3 Year Limited Warranty | View on Amazon |
| GENMAX GM15000ET | 9.6/10 | 15000 | 11000 | Gasoline, LPG, natural gas | 10.56 gallons | 3 year | View on Amazon |
| Generac 12500 | 9.7/10 | 12500 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 3 November 2026.
Where the points went
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty, as explained on our How we pick page. For tri-fuel generators, safety reflects a CO sensor and automatic low-oil shutdown. All three full-detail picks state a 3-year warranty term, and the title-only pick states none. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse WGen20000TFc | 9.7 | 32 | 21 | 22 | 7 | 4 |
| Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI | 9.7 | 30 | 21 | 21 | 7 | 4 |
| GENMAX GM15000ET | 9.6 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 7 | 4 |
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 home backup portable generator
Starting watts vs running watts
Starting watts cover the surge when a motor starts, while running watts cover the sustained load. The Westinghouse 28000 lists 28,000 peak watts and 20,000 running watts on gasoline, the Westinghouse 12500 lists 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts on gasoline, and the GENMAX lists 15000 peak watts and 11000 running watts. The Generac title gives 12500 starting watts with no running figure stated, so size the sustained load from the running figure where one is given.
Fuel flexibility
Tri-fuel means three fuel choices, and the fuel on hand decides which one runs. The two Westinghouse listings run on gasoline, propane and natural gas, with the 12500 also listing 11,200 peak watts and 8,500 running watts on propane and 9,500 peak watts and 7,500 running watts on natural gas. The GENMAX runs on gasoline, LPG and natural gas. A three-fuel generator keeps running when one fuel is hard to find. See our tri-fuel generator natural gas picks for natural gas options.
Outlets and transfer switch readiness
Outlets decide what connects at once. The Westinghouse 28000 lists 50A and 30A outlets, and the Westinghouse 12500 lists one 120/240V 14-50R 50A outlet, one 120/240V L14-30R 30A twist lock and two GFCI 120V 5-20R 20A duplex household outlets, with both outlets transfer switch ready for home backup. The GENMAX lists a 50A output and ATS in its title. For home backup use, see our inverter generator for home backup picks.
Tank size and run time
Tank size and run time go together, but only one pick states both. The Westinghouse 12500 runs for up to 15 hours on a 6.6 gal fuel tank with a built-in gauge. The Westinghouse 28000 lists a 17.2-gallon gas tank with no run time stated, and the GENMAX lists a 10.56 gal fuel tank with no run time stated. When run time is the deciding factor, the 12500 is the only pick here with both figures stated.
Warranty and safety features
Warranty and safety features separate the full-detail listings from the title-only listing. All three full-detail picks state a 3-year warranty term, and all three state a CO sensor or CO detection function. The two Westinghouse listings add automatic low-oil shutdown. The Generac listing states no warranty term and no safety features. Compare warranty terms in our inverter generator with warranty picks.
Sizing Notes
- Match running watts to the sustained load: the Westinghouse 28000 lists 20,000 running watts on gasoline, the Westinghouse 12500 lists 9,500 running watts on gasoline, and the GENMAX lists 11000 running watts.
- Match fuel to supply: the two Westinghouse listings run on gasoline, propane and natural gas, and the GENMAX runs on gasoline, LPG and natural gas.
- Match outlets to the home: the Westinghouse 12500 lists a 50A outlet, a 30A twist lock and two GFCI duplex household outlets, while the Westinghouse 28000 lists 50A and 30A outlets.
- Match tank size to run time: the Westinghouse 28000 lists a 17.2-gallon gas tank, the Westinghouse 12500 lists a 6.6 gal fuel tank with up to 15 hours of run time, and the GENMAX lists a 10.56 gal fuel tank.
- Match the warranty term to the purchase: all three full-detail picks state a 3-year warranty term.
FAQ: power away from the grid
What is a tri-fuel generator?
A tri-fuel generator runs on three fuels. The two Westinghouse listings run on gasoline, propane and natural gas, and the GENMAX runs on gasoline, LPG and natural gas. Switching fuels keeps the generator running when one fuel is hard to find.
What size generator do I need for home backup?
Size from running watts, which cover the sustained load. The Westinghouse 28000 lists 20,000 running watts on gasoline, the GENMAX lists 11000 running watts, and the Westinghouse 12500 lists 9,500 running watts on gasoline. Add up the loads you plan to run at the same time and compare against the running figure.
Which generators state a warranty?
The Westinghouse 12500 states a 3 Year Limited Warranty, the Westinghouse 28000 states a 3 Year Limited Warranty, and the GENMAX states a 3 year warranty with lifetime technical support. The Generac listing states no warranty term.
Can these generators connect to a home transfer switch?
Both Westinghouse listings state transfer switch readiness for home backup. The GENMAX title states ATS. The Generac listing states no transfer switch readiness.
How long can these generators run?
The Westinghouse 12500 runs for up to 15 hours on a 6.6 gal fuel tank. The Westinghouse 28000 lists a 17.2-gallon gas tank and the GENMAX lists a 10.56 gal fuel tank, with no run time stated for either. The Generac listing states neither figure.
Related solar guides
See every Inverter and Dual Fuel Generators guide and all Power Stations and Generators guides.
More picks: tri-fuel electric start generator, quiet inverter generator and inverter generator for home backup.




