Best Tri-Fuel Generators in 2026

A tri-fuel generator gives you something a conventional portable generator cannot: the ability to choose between gasoline, propane, and natural gas. That flexibility can be especially valuable for home backup, where the fuel that is easiest to find on an ordinary day may not be the fuel you want to depend on during a multi-day outage.

But choosing the best tri-fuel generator is not simply a matter of buying the model with the biggest number printed on the box. Generator output changes depending on the fuel you use, inverter and open-frame models serve different priorities, and a generator that looks powerful on gasoline may produce considerably less power when connected to natural gas.

Below, we compare our top tri-fuel generator picks for 2026, including their actual running output on all three fuels, noise ratings where published, carbon monoxide protection, portability, and the applications each model is best suited for.

Quick Comparison: Best Tri-Fuel Generators of 2026

The table below lists running watts rather than peak watts because running output is the more useful figure when determining how much equipment a generator can continuously support. We also list output separately for gasoline, propane, and natural gas because the difference can be significant.

*Outbound Power prices checked October 14, 2026. Prices and availability can change.

What Is a Tri-Fuel Generator?

A tri-fuel generator is a generator designed to operate on three different fuels: gasoline, propane, and natural gas. Instead of buying separate generators for different situations, you can choose the fuel that makes the most sense based on availability, storage, runtime, and the way you intend to use the generator.

For home backup, natural gas is often the feature that separates a tri-fuel generator from a conventional dual-fuel generator. If your home already has natural gas service and the gas supply remains available during an outage, you do not have to continually refill a gasoline tank or swap propane cylinders.

The tradeoff is power. Most portable generators produce their maximum rated output on gasoline and less power on propane or natural gas. That makes the fuel-specific running-watt ratings far more important than the largest wattage number in the product name.

Gasoline vs. Propane vs. Natural Gas

There is no single best generator fuel for every situation. One of the main advantages of buying a tri-fuel generator is that you do not have to choose only one.

Why Natural Gas Derating Matters

If natural gas will be your primary backup fuel, size the generator using its natural gas rating rather than its gasoline rating.

For example, the Generac GP9500E produces 9,500 running watts on gasoline but 7,000 running watts on natural gas. That is a meaningful difference when you are deciding whether the generator can start an air conditioner, well pump, sump pump, refrigerator, furnace blower, or other important loads.

Among most of the larger generators in this guide, natural gas output is roughly 14% to 27% lower than gasoline output. The Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 is an unusual case because its AC output is rated at 3,600W on all three fuels.

The Best Tri-Fuel Generators of 2026

1. DuroMax XP11000iHT: Best Overall

The DuroMax XP11000iHT offers one of the best combinations of usable home-backup output, inverter power, noise control, fuel flexibility, and price in the tri-fuel category.

Unlike a conventional open-frame generator, the XP11000iHT is an inverter generator. That makes it an especially appealing choice for homeowners who want to run modern electronics, appliance controls, networking equipment, and other sensitive loads while also keeping generator noise more manageable.

Most importantly for home backup, it retains 7,700 running watts on natural gas. That is enough capacity to build a substantial essential-load backup plan without moving into the size, weight, and cost of the largest generators in this guide.

Advantages: Lowest published noise rating among the generators in this comparison, inverter design, strong natural gas output, 50A connection and a long warranty.

Watch-outs: It costs considerably more than a comparable open-frame generator and is not currently available for sale in California.

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2. DuroStar DS13000MXT: Best Value

If getting the most usable power for your money is the priority, the DuroStar DS13000MXT stands out.

Its current fuel-specific specifications list 10,500 running watts on gasoline, 10,000 on propane, and 9,000 on natural gas. That natural gas rating is particularly impressive at its price point and competes with inverter generators costing thousands of dollars more.

The tradeoff is refinement. This is a conventional open-frame generator with a published noise rating of 74 dB at 25% load. If quiet operation and inverter power matter more than price, the XP11000iHT or XP13500iHT is likely the better fit.

Advantages: Exceptional output for the price, 9,000 running watts on natural gas, remote start and both 30A and 50A 120/240V connections.

Watch-outs: Louder than an inverter generator and not currently available for sale in California.

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3. Generac GP9500E: Best 50-State Pick

The Generac GP9500E is a strong choice for buyers who want substantial tri-fuel home-backup capability from a widely recognized generator brand, particularly in states where emissions compliance limits the available choices.

It produces 9,500 running watts on gasoline, 8,550 on propane, and 7,000 on natural gas. Generac's COsense system automatically shuts the generator down if unsafe carbon monoxide levels are detected around the unit.

Its current 50-state configuration is an important distinction because several DuroMax and DuroStar models in this comparison cannot currently be shipped to California.

Advantages: 50-state configuration, strong gasoline output, automatic CO shutdown and established Generac support.

Watch-outs: Natural gas output drops to 7,000 running watts, and Generac does not publish a directly comparable noise rating for this model.

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4. DuroMax XP13000HXT: Most Power Under $1,500

The DuroMax XP13000HXT is built for buyers who need serious output but do not necessarily need an inverter generator.

It delivers 10,500 running watts on gasoline, 9,500 on propane, and 8,500 on natural gas. It also provides a 14-50R 50A outlet, making it well suited to larger manual home-backup configurations when properly connected through approved electrical equipment.

At its current price, it sits in an attractive middle ground between lower-output open-frame generators and premium inverter models.

Advantages: High output for the money, 8,500 running watts on natural gas and a wide selection of 120V and 240V outlets.

Watch-outs: It is heavy, noticeably louder than the inverter models in this guide, and not our first choice when low-noise operation is important.

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5. DuroMax XP13500iHT: Best 9,000W Natural Gas Inverter

The DuroMax XP13500iHT is one of the most compelling options for homeowners who want the output of a large conventional generator without giving up inverter technology.

It produces 9,000 running watts on natural gas, which gives it considerably more usable NG capacity than the XP11000iHT. Its inverter system is rated below 3% total harmonic distortion, and its published noise level is approximately 66 dB at 25% load.

For a home with higher electrical demand, the XP13500iHT can be a useful step up without moving all the way to a 350-plus-pound high-output generator.

Advantages: Excellent natural gas output for an inverter generator, low THD, 50A output, remote start and automatic CO shutdown.

Watch-outs: At $2,999, you are paying a premium over open-frame generators with similar raw wattage.

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6. DuroMax XP16000iHT: Best High-Output Tri-Fuel Inverter

When 7,000 to 9,000 natural gas watts are not enough, the DuroMax XP16000iHT makes a major jump in capacity while retaining an inverter architecture.

It delivers 13,000 running watts on gasoline, 12,350 on propane, and an impressive 11,200 running watts on natural gas. It also includes two 14-50R 50A outlets, giving homeowners considerably more flexibility when designing a high-capacity backup system.

This is a large machine at 368 pounds, so it is better thought of as a movable home-backup generator than something you will frequently load into a truck by hand.

Advantages: Exceptional natural gas output, inverter power, two 50A connections, automatic CO shutdown and remote starting capability.

Watch-outs: Expensive, very heavy and not currently available for sale in California.

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7. Firman T07573: Best Mid-Size Open-Frame Pick

Not every home needs 9,000 or 10,000 running watts. The Firman T07573 offers a more moderate tri-fuel option with 7,500 running watts on gasoline, 6,750 on propane, and 5,500 on natural gas.

It also includes a useful range of 120V and 240V receptacles and is EPA and CARB approved, giving it broader geographic availability than many of the larger DuroMax models.

The tradeoff is that its CO system is an alert rather than the automatic CO shutdown found on several other recommendations in this guide.

Advantages: Useful mid-size output, full complement of 120V and 240V connections, tri-fuel operation and California availability.

Watch-outs: Lower natural gas output than most of the larger generators here and a CO alert rather than automatic CO shutdown.

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8. Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500: Best Smart Hybrid Generator

The Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 is fundamentally different from the other generators in this comparison.

Rather than competing on raw 240V home-backup output, it is designed around smart controls and integration with Anker's battery ecosystem, particularly the Anker SOLIX E10.

It provides 3,600W of rated AC output on gasoline, propane, or natural gas and can be started through its app, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth controls, a schedule, or a compatible energy-storage system. At about 111 pounds, it is also dramatically lighter than the larger home-backup generators in this article.

However, its AC output is 120V only. That makes it a poor choice if you need the generator itself to power 240V loads such as many well pumps, dryers, or central HVAC equipment.

Advantages: Lightweight, app connected, automatic-start capabilities, tri-fuel flexibility and integration with Anker SOLIX battery systems.

Watch-outs: Only 3,600W of AC output, 120V only, no automatic CO shutdown and not currently available for sale in California through Outbound Power.

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9. DuroMax XP28000iHT: Most Powerful

At the extreme end of portable tri-fuel power sits the DuroMax XP28000iHT.

It produces 22,000 running watts on gasoline, 20,000 on propane, and 16,000 on natural gas. That gives it considerably more continuous output than the other generators in this guide and puts it into territory that can support much larger home, commercial, and jobsite load plans.

Its size is the tradeoff. At approximately 466 pounds, this is portable primarily in the sense that it has wheels and can be repositioned. It is not a generator most owners will want to routinely transport.

Advantages: Enormous output on all three fuels, 16,000 running watts on natural gas and controls designed for sophisticated backup applications.

Watch-outs: Very heavy and expensive. Before buying a generator at this output level, confirm that your electrical connection and natural gas service are actually capable of supporting the intended load.

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Tri-Fuel vs. Dual-Fuel Generators: Which Do You Need?

If your home already has natural gas service and you want to use that fuel during long outages, buying a tri-fuel generator can make a great deal of sense.

If you do not have natural gas service and do not expect to add it, a dual-fuel generator may provide the gasoline and propane flexibility you need at a lower cost.

You can compare both categories directly in our tri-fuel generator collection and dual-fuel generator collection.

Connecting a Tri-Fuel Generator for Home Backup

If you plan to run a tri-fuel generator from your home's natural gas service and connect it to household circuits, there are two separate systems that must be addressed: the fuel supply and the electrical connection.

1. Make Sure the Natural Gas Supply Is Large Enough

A large generator can consume a significant amount of natural gas at full load. Your gas meter, regulator, piping size, pipe length, and the demand from other gas appliances all affect whether the generator will receive adequate fuel pressure.

For example, the DuroMax XP13500iHT specifies a natural gas supply pressure of 6 to 9 inches of water column and can require approximately 225,000 BTU per hour at full load. That does not mean those numbers apply to every generator. Always use the specifications for the exact model you are installing.

2. Have the Natural Gas Connection Properly Installed

A licensed plumber or qualified gas professional can determine whether the existing gas service is adequate and install the shutoff, piping, and quick-connect arrangement required for the generator.

Do not assume that an existing small gas outlet or barbecue connection can supply a high-output generator.

3. Use a Proper Home Electrical Connection

A qualified electrician can determine the appropriate transfer switch, interlock system, inlet, wiring, and breaker configuration for your home and generator.

Never attempt to power household wiring by backfeeding a receptacle. An improperly connected generator can create electrocution, fire, and utility-line hazards.

4. Operate the Generator Safely Outdoors

A built-in carbon monoxide shutdown system is an important additional safety feature, but it does not replace safe generator placement. You should also have functioning carbon monoxide alarms inside the home and follow the generator manufacturer's operating instructions.

How to Choose the Right Tri-Fuel Generator

Start With the Fuel You Expect to Use

If natural gas is the reason you are buying a tri-fuel generator, start with the generator's natural gas running-watt rating. Do not size your backup system around its larger gasoline number.

Calculate Both Running and Starting Loads

Add up the running wattage of the appliances and circuits you expect to operate simultaneously. Then account for the largest starting surge from equipment such as air conditioners, refrigerators, pumps, and compressors.

You do not necessarily need to power everything in the home at the same time. Load management can substantially reduce the generator size required.

Decide Whether an Inverter Generator Is Worth the Extra Cost

Inverter generators generally cost more, but they can offer lower noise, variable engine speed, and cleaner electrical output. That can be attractive for homes with sensitive electronics and for buyers who expect to operate the generator frequently.

If the generator is strictly emergency equipment and maximizing watts per dollar matters most, an open-frame generator may be the better value.

Check for 120/240V Capability

If you want to supply a conventional home transfer system or operate 240V equipment, make sure the generator actually produces 120/240V power and has an appropriate outlet such as an L14-30R or 14-50R.

The Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500, for example, provides 120V AC output only. That makes it useful in the right battery-integrated system, but very different from a conventional 120/240V home-backup generator.

Look Closely at Carbon Monoxide Protection

An automatic CO shutdown system is preferable to an alarm alone because it can stop the engine when dangerous carbon monoxide levels are detected around the generator.

Regardless of the protection built into the generator, safe outdoor placement is still mandatory.

Confirm California Availability

If you live in California, verify CARB compliance before choosing a generator. Some of the highest-output models in this guide are currently designated for sale in 49 states only.

Do Not Ignore Weight

There is an enormous practical difference between a 111-pound generator and a 466-pound generator. If you intend to transport the generator frequently, weight may matter nearly as much as output.

Have Your Natural Gas Supply Evaluated

Buying a 10,000W-plus natural gas generator does not guarantee your existing gas service can feed it at full output. Larger models can require substantial fuel flow, particularly when furnaces, water heaters, ranges, and other gas appliances are running at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tri-Fuel Generators

What is the best tri-fuel generator?

For most homeowners, our top overall pick is the DuroMax XP11000iHT. It combines inverter power, 7,700 running watts on natural gas, a 61 dB published rating at 25% load, automatic CO shutdown, 120/240V output, and a 5-year warranty.

What is the best value tri-fuel generator?

At current pricing, the DuroStar DS13000MXT is our best-value pick. It produces 10,500 running watts on gasoline and 9,000 running watts on natural gas at a price just over $1,000.

What is the best tri-fuel inverter generator?

The DuroMax XP11000iHT is our preferred inverter for most home-backup applications. If you need more natural gas output, step up to the DuroMax XP13500iHT at 9,000 NG running watts or the XP16000iHT at 11,200 NG running watts.

What is the best tri-fuel generator for home backup?

There is no single wattage that is correct for every home. The best choice depends on which circuits and appliances you want to power, their starting requirements, whether you need 240V, and which fuel you plan to use.

For larger inverter-based home-backup systems, the DuroMax XP13500iHT and XP16000iHT are strong candidates. If maximizing output per dollar matters more than inverter operation, the DuroStar DS13000MXT and DuroMax XP13000HXT deserve a close look.

Do tri-fuel generators lose power on natural gas?

Usually. Most of the larger models in this comparison produce roughly 14% to 27% less running power on natural gas than on gasoline. Always check the fuel-specific rating before sizing a generator.

How long can a tri-fuel generator run on natural gas?

A natural gas connection eliminates the need to refill a gasoline tank or exchange propane cylinders, so fuel can continue to be supplied as long as the utility gas service remains available. The generator itself still has required maintenance intervals and operating instructions that must be followed, so natural gas capability should not be interpreted as permission to run the engine indefinitely without inspection or service.

Is a tri-fuel generator worth buying if I do not have natural gas?

Often, no. If you only expect to use gasoline and propane, a dual-fuel generator can provide the same two fuel choices and may cost less. The main reason to pay for tri-fuel capability is having the ability to actually use natural gas.

Can I connect a tri-fuel generator to my house?

Yes, when it is connected through properly selected electrical equipment such as an approved transfer switch or interlock system installed in accordance with applicable codes and the equipment manufacturer's instructions. Have a qualified electrician evaluate the electrical side and a qualified gas professional evaluate any natural gas connection.

Can I run a tri-fuel generator in my garage if the door is open?

No. Portable generators should never be operated inside a garage, home, basement, shed, porch, carport, or other enclosed or partially enclosed area. Operate the generator outdoors at least 20 feet from the home with the exhaust directed away from the building.