Dual fuel inverter generators: quiet, clean and flexible
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Quick answer
A dual fuel inverter generator combines an inverter's quiet, clean power with the choice of gasoline or storable propane. Champion's 5,500 watt model (201273) makes 4,000 running watts on gas and 3,600 on propane at 61 dBA. It runs 20 hours on gas or 15 hours on a 20 pound propane tank at quarter load. Its 11,000 watt model (201417) makes 9,000 running watts on gas and 8,100 on propane, with 120/240 V outlets. Look for a CO shut-off certified to the latest PGMA G300-2023 standard.
Why combine inverter and dual fuel
- Quieter and cleaner. Champion says its inverters are quieter and lighter than standard portables, make clean, stable power for electronics, and adjust engine speed to the load to save fuel.
- A fuel you can store. Champion says propane has a longer shelf life and burns cleaner, though it gives about 10% less wattage than gasoline.
Together that suits a long outage. You can run quietly overnight on propane, with no gas cans to rotate.
Two sizes compared
| Champion 5500W (201273) | Champion 11,000W (201417) | |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline (start / run) | 5,500 / 4,000 W | 11,000 / 9,000 W |
| Propane (start / run) | 5,500 / 3,600 W | 11,000 / 8,100 W |
| Run time at 1/4 load | 20 h gas (3.7 gal) / 15 h propane (20 lb) | 15 h gas / 8 h propane |
| Noise at 23 ft | 61 dBA | 64 dBA |
| Outlets | Two 120 V 5-20R, one TT-30R | Two 120 V GFCI 5-20R, L14-30R, 14-50R (120/240 V) |
| Weight | 121.4 lb | 205.1 lb |
| CO standard | PGMA G300-2018 | PGMA G300-2023 |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
The smaller unit is 120 V only. Its TT-30R suits RVs and 120 V transfer setups. The larger unit's 120/240 V outlets can feed a whole-home transfer switch, including 240 V well pumps.
The CO standard on the label
Both models include Champion's CO Shield, which shuts the engine off if carbon monoxide builds up. The standard listed differs. The 5,500 watt model lists PGMA G300-2018 compliance, and the 11,000 watt model lists G300-2023. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says models certified to the latest PGMA G300-2023 and UL 2201-2023 standards include CO safety technologies designed to significantly reduce poisoning risk. When comparing, check which standard a listing names.
Features that help in a dark, cold outage
- Fuel Fill Assist LED. Champion's 5,500 watt model has a flip-up LED that lights the gasoline fill, so refueling at night is easier.
- Intelligauge with power meter. The same model shows output and run status, which helps you stay under the rated watts.
- Electric start with Cold Start Technology. Champion lists battery-included electric start on both models, and Cold Start Technology on the 11,000 watt model for easier starts in cold weather.
- Parallel ready. The 5,500 watt model can pair with a second unit through an optional kit for more power.
These sound small, but in a winter storm they decide whether the generator gets running at all.
Propane run time planning
A 20 pound tank lasts 15 hours at quarter load on the 5,500 watt model, and 8 hours on the 11,000 watt model. Heavier loads shorten that. To run through a multi-day outage on propane:
- Keep several full 20 pound tanks, stored outdoors.
- Run the generator in blocks to cool the fridge and pump water, then shut it off.
- Pair it with a power station for quiet overnight loads.
Champion sells a 12 foot propane hose extension kit for the 11,000 watt model, so the tank can sit a little away from the unit.
Where to run it
CPSC says to run portable generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the house, never in a garage, basement, crawlspace or shed, and with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents. NFPA adds that you should let the generator cool before refueling, and have a qualified electrician install any transfer switch to the National Electrical Code.
What to look for when you buy
5,500 watt dual fuel inverter (example: Champion 201273)
Best for: A refrigerator, lights and electronics, or a 30 amp RV, on gas or propane
Champion lists 4,000 running watts on gas and 3,600 on propane, 61 dBA, 20 hours on gas or 15 on a 20 pound tank at quarter load, TT-30R and CO Shield.
Watch out: 120 V only. It lists the older PGMA G300-2018 standard.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)11,000 watt dual fuel inverter (example: Champion 201417)
Best for: Whole-home essentials through a 240 V transfer switch
Champion lists 9,000 running watts on gas and 8,100 on propane, 64 dBA, L14-30R and 14-50R outlets, CO Shield and PGMA G300-2023.
Watch out: It weighs 205.1 pounds and runs 8 hours per 20 pound tank at quarter load.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Spare 20 pound propane tanks
Best for: A storable fuel reserve
Run time per tank is 8 to 15 hours at light load on these models, so spares turn a day of power into several.
Watch out: Store tanks outdoors, never in the house or garage.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- What is a dual fuel inverter generator?
- An inverter generator that runs on gasoline or propane. It has the inverter's quieter, cleaner power plus a choice of fuel.
- How long does a dual fuel inverter run on propane?
- Champion lists 15 hours at quarter load on a 20 pound tank for its 5,500 watt model, and 8 hours for its 11,000 watt model.
- Do inverter generators lose power on propane?
- Yes. Champion's 5,500 watt model drops from 4,000 to 3,600 running watts, and its 11,000 watt model from 9,000 to 8,100.
- What does PGMA G300-2023 mean?
- It is the latest industry safety standard for portable generator CO protection. CPSC says models certified to it and UL 2201-2023 include CO safety technology.
Sources
- 5500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter with CO Shield (201273), Champion Power Equipment
- 11,000W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter with CO Shield (201417), Champion Power Equipment
- What Size Generator Do I Need?, Champion Power Equipment
- CPSC Warns of Generator, Carbon Monoxide and Fire Hazards Ahead of Hurricane Season, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Generator Safety tip sheet, National Fire Protection Association