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10 Best Fuel Efficient Generator 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,217
Fuel Type
Wattage
Fuel Efficiency

Most important from
26539 reviews

Fuel Type
True dual fuel capability, with seamless propane operation.
Wattage
Plentiful power that's more than enough to power an entire home.
Fuel Efficiency
Outstanding fuel efficiency with hours of runtime without frequent refueling.
Noise Level
Surprisingly quiet compared to other generators.
Portability
Compact design makes it easy to store when not in use.

The Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is a powerful and versatile option for home backup power needs. It supports both gasoline and propane, offering flexibility depending on fuel availability. With 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts on gasoline (8500 running watts and 11200 peak watts on propane), it's capable of handling substantial loads, making it suitable for residential use during power outages or emergencies.

The generator features a remote electric start and a transfer switch ready design, adding convenience for users who want easy operations and seamless power transitions. It also comes with multiple protected outlets, including standard household receptacles and RV-ready outlets, enhancing its usability for various applications. The runtime of up to 12 hours on a 6.6-gallon fuel tank is quite practical, though fuel efficiency might vary depending on the load.

The built-in VFT display provides real-time updates on voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours, which is helpful for monitoring performance. However, the generator's weight of 210 pounds could be a drawback for those seeking high portability, despite being labeled as portable. Additionally, the noise level is not specified, but generators of this size typically produce a considerable amount of noise, which could be a concern for some users. While it doesn’t include inverter technology, which is essential for sensitive electronics, it’s an excellent choice for general home backup with robust power output and dual fuel capability.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,217
Fuel Type
Wattage
Fuel Efficiency

Most important from
26539 reviews

Fuel Type
True dual fuel capability, with seamless propane operation.
Wattage
Plentiful power that's more than enough to power an entire home.
Fuel Efficiency
Outstanding fuel efficiency with hours of runtime without frequent refueling.
Noise Level
Surprisingly quiet compared to other generators.
Portability
Compact design makes it easy to store when not in use.
#2

Generac 9,400/7,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator - Electric Start - Gas or Propane Powered - Home Backup or Jobsite - Quiet, Long Runtime, Emergency Power - 49-State Compliant

Rating
9.7
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
188 reviews

Fuel Type
Easy to use and maintain with non-ethanol fuel and regular oil changes.
Portability
Starts easily and is simple to move around thanks to large wheels.

The Generac 8011 GP7500E is a robust dual-fuel generator capable of running on both gasoline and propane, offering flexibility in fuel choice. With a running wattage of 7500 Watts and a starting wattage of 9400 Watts, it is powerful enough to handle heavy electrical loads, making it suitable for both emergency power and recreational use. The PowerRush Advanced Technology enhances its starting capacity, which is a significant advantage for demanding applications.

Additionally, the COsense technology ensures safety by detecting carbon monoxide and alerting users, which is a crucial feature for long operation times or indoor use. The generator boasts an extended runtime with up to 110 hours at 50% load on gasoline, though propane offers only 5 hours at the same load, which may require more frequent refueling when using propane. The unit's portability is somewhat hampered by its substantial weight of 204 pounds, though the built-in wheels and handle do provide some mobility.

The generator includes an electric start, making it user-friendly, and features like the hour meter and low-oil shutdown help to maintain the engine's longevity. While its size and weight could be challenging for some users, the Generac 8011 GP7500E stands out for its power, dual-fuel capability, and extended runtime, making it a reliable option for both residential and commercial use.

Rating
9.7
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
188 reviews

Fuel Type
Easy to use and maintain with non-ethanol fuel and regular oil changes.
Portability
Starts easily and is simple to move around thanks to large wheels.
#3

Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas, Propane, and Natural Gas Powered

Rating
9.4
Fuel Type
Wattage
Fuel Efficiency

Most important from
213 reviews

Fuel Type
Its tri-fuel capability offers great flexibility, allowing seamless switching between gasoline, propane, and natural gas depending on availability.
Wattage
This generator is a powerhouse that can handle an entire home effortlessly, including heavy loads like a 5-ton AC and 220-volt appliances.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is promising, especially when using propane or natural gas to avoid carbon buildup and extend engine life.
Noise Level
While it’s somewhat loud, the noise level is acceptable given the massive power output it provides.
Portability
Built with a sturdy frame and equipped with solid never-flat wheels, it’s heavy but still manageable with proper preparation or assistance.

The Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator is a powerful option designed mainly for larger homes needing reliable backup power. Its standout feature is the tri-fuel capability, meaning it can run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, giving you flexibility depending on fuel availability or cost. It delivers substantial power, with 28,000 peak watts on gas and solid running watts across all fuels, which is enough to keep your essential home systems and many appliances running during outages.

In terms of fuel efficiency, it can run up to 13 hours at 25% load on a full gasoline tank, which is decent for its size and power. It also has an automatic idle control that helps save fuel when power demands are low, improving efficiency. The generator includes modern features like remote electric start, a digital display for monitoring, and built-in safety sensors, making it user-friendly and safer to operate. It also produces clean power with low total harmonic distortion, so your sensitive electronics like phones and computers are protected.

Portability is addressed with large never-flat wheels and foldable handles, but the unit is quite heavy at 557 pounds, so it’s best thought of as a semi-portable solution rather than something you’d move frequently or alone. This generator offers excellent power and flexibility, making it more suitable for residential whole-home backup rather than smaller, budget-conscious users looking for a quiet or lightweight model. If you want a robust, flexible, and feature-rich generator that can handle large power needs and multiple fuel types, this Westinghouse model is a solid choice. Just be prepared for the weight and consider noise and fuel cost details based on your priorities.

Rating
9.4
Fuel Type
Wattage
Fuel Efficiency

Most important from
213 reviews

Fuel Type
Its tri-fuel capability offers great flexibility, allowing seamless switching between gasoline, propane, and natural gas depending on availability.
Wattage
This generator is a powerhouse that can handle an entire home effortlessly, including heavy loads like a 5-ton AC and 220-volt appliances.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is promising, especially when using propane or natural gas to avoid carbon buildup and extend engine life.
Noise Level
While it’s somewhat loud, the noise level is acceptable given the massive power output it provides.
Portability
Built with a sturdy frame and equipped with solid never-flat wheels, it’s heavy but still manageable with proper preparation or assistance.

Buying Guide for the Best Fuel Efficient Generator

Choosing a fuel-efficient generator can be a great investment, especially if you need a reliable power source for emergencies, outdoor activities, or even for your home or business. The key to selecting the right generator is understanding the various specifications and how they align with your specific needs. Here are some important specs to consider when choosing a fuel-efficient generator.
Fuel TypeGenerators can run on different types of fuel such as gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas. The type of fuel affects the generator's efficiency, cost of operation, and availability. Gasoline is widely available but less efficient and has a shorter shelf life. Diesel is more efficient and has a longer shelf life but can be more expensive. Propane is clean-burning and has an indefinite shelf life but requires a storage tank. Natural gas is convenient if you have a gas line but is less portable. Choose the fuel type based on availability, cost, and your specific needs.
WattageWattage indicates the amount of power a generator can produce. It's important to determine your power needs by adding up the wattage of all the devices you plan to run simultaneously. Generators are rated by starting (surge) watts and running (continuous) watts. Starting watts are higher and account for the initial power surge needed to start appliances. Running watts are the continuous power the generator can supply. Choose a generator with a wattage rating that exceeds your total power needs to ensure reliable performance.
Fuel EfficiencyFuel efficiency measures how long a generator can run on a specific amount of fuel. This is usually expressed in terms of run time at a certain load (e.g., half load). A more fuel-efficient generator will run longer on the same amount of fuel, saving you money and reducing the frequency of refueling. Look for generators with features like eco-mode or variable engine speed, which adjust the power output based on the load to improve fuel efficiency. Choose a generator with good fuel efficiency to minimize operational costs and maximize convenience.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a generator is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud the generator will be during operation. Lower noise levels are important for comfort, especially if you plan to use the generator in residential areas or during outdoor activities. Generators with noise levels below 60 dB are considered quiet and are suitable for most applications. Choose a generator with a noise level that won't disturb you or your neighbors, especially if you plan to use it in noise-sensitive environments.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the generator. This is influenced by the generator's weight, size, and design features like wheels and handles. If you need a generator for camping, tailgating, or other outdoor activities, a lightweight and compact model with wheels and handles will be easier to transport. For home or business use, portability may be less critical, but consider how you will move the generator for maintenance or storage. Choose a generator with the right balance of portability and power for your intended use.
RuntimeRuntime indicates how long a generator can operate on a full tank of fuel. This is usually given for a specific load, such as half load. Longer runtimes mean fewer interruptions for refueling, which is especially important during extended power outages or when using the generator for long periods. Consider your typical usage scenarios and choose a generator with a runtime that meets your needs. For example, if you need a generator for overnight use, look for one with a runtime of at least 8-10 hours at half load.
Inverter TechnologyInverter generators produce clean and stable power, making them suitable for sensitive electronics like laptops, smartphones, and medical devices. They are also typically more fuel-efficient and quieter than conventional generators. Inverter technology adjusts the engine speed to match the power demand, improving efficiency and reducing noise. If you need to power sensitive electronics or value quiet operation and fuel efficiency, consider choosing an inverter generator.

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