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10 Best Fuel Efficient Generator 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,401
Fuel Type
Wattage
Fuel Efficiency

Most important from
230 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
10.0
Chosen by1,401
Fuel Type
Wattage
Fuel Efficiency

Most important from
230 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.
#2

DuroMax XP13000EH 13,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator - Gas & Propane, Electric Start, Whole Home Backup Power, Transfer Switch Ready, RV & Emergency Ready

Rating
9.4
Wattage
Noise Level

Most important from
12131 reviews

Wattage
These generators are super powerful and easily ran our RV with 3 AC units during the brutal Phoenix summer months.
Noise Level
Despite being a bit loud, the generator is awesome and runs everything just fine, including sensitive electronics.

The DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a powerful option with a peak wattage of 13,000 watts, which makes it suitable for home backup during power outages or for use at job sites. It runs on either gasoline or propane, giving you flexibility in fuel choice. The electric start and user-friendly interface make it easy to operate, and it includes a 50-amp outlet for high-power needs.

Its copper windings and robust build ensure durability and longevity, even under heavy use and harsh weather conditions. The generator is portable with no-flat tires, but at 234 pounds, it is quite heavy, which might make moving it around challenging for some users.

Despite some drawbacks, the dual fuel capability, sturdy construction, and high power output make this generator a reliable choice for those needing a versatile and powerful backup power source.

Rating
9.4
Wattage
Noise Level

Most important from
12131 reviews

Wattage
These generators are super powerful and easily ran our RV with 3 AC units during the brutal Phoenix summer months.
Noise Level
Despite being a bit loud, the generator is awesome and runs everything just fine, including sensitive electronics.
#3

WEN 14,500-Watt 120V/240V Tri-Fuel Generator for Gas, Propane, and Natural Gas, Transfer-Switch Ready with Electric Start and Wheel Kit (TF1450)

Rating
9.4
Fuel Type
Noise Level
Runtime

Most important from
1942 reviews

Fuel Type
The dual fuel aspect is great, offering flexibility between propane and gasoline for cleaner burning and extended engine life.
Noise Level
The noise level is loud, but comparable to other portable generators, and can be managed with an enclosure.
Runtime
The fuel tank offers substantial runtime, with about 8 hours between each tank of fuel.

The WEN 14,500-Watt Tri-Fuel Generator offers impressive versatility with the ability to run on gasoline, propane, and natural gas. This flexibility is a significant advantage for users who want options depending on fuel availability. It provides substantial power output, with 14,500 surge watts and 11,500 running watts on gasoline, making it suitable for heavy-duty tasks and emergency backups.

The electric start feature makes it user-friendly, and its compatibility with transfer switches enhances its utility during power outages. The 8.2-gallon fuel tank allows for up to 12 hours of runtime at half-load, which is adequate for most needs. However, its weight of 249 pounds might pose some challenges in terms of portability, even though it comes with a wheel kit.

This generator does not feature inverter technology, which means it may not provide the cleanest power for sensitive electronics. For those needing a robust, versatile power solution and who can manage its size and weight, the WEN 14,500-Watt Tri-Fuel Generator is a strong contender.

Rating
9.4
Fuel Type
Noise Level
Runtime

Most important from
1942 reviews

Fuel Type
The dual fuel aspect is great, offering flexibility between propane and gasoline for cleaner burning and extended engine life.
Noise Level
The noise level is loud, but comparable to other portable generators, and can be managed with an enclosure.
Runtime
The fuel tank offers substantial runtime, with about 8 hours between each tank of fuel.

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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