Best Tri Fuel Generators in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
The GENMAX 13500W leads this guide because it is an inverter whose product name lists a 50A outlet, ATS 2-wire auto-start, Bluetooth, and a CO sensor. The other 14 picks were chosen from the catalog by comparing stated specifications, including fuel type, frame style, electric start, and transfer switch readiness. Prices are live from the listings, and nobody at the site has tested these generators.
15 picks from 27 generators that match this guide with a price we can quote today, made by 14 makers. Live prices throughout, each with the moment it was read.
The list in brief
Which pick fits you?
- For whole-home backup: If you want one generator that can power a full house through an outage, the Westinghouse 18000 Peak Watt model pairs tri-fuel operation with a CO sensor, electric start, and a transfer-switch-ready portable frame. See pick 4
- For RV and campsite power: The GENMAX 13500W inverter is the choice if you need a 50A outlet, an RV-ready label, and a CO sensor in a unit that also lists ATS 2-wire auto-start for a home transfer switch. See pick 1
- For mid-range inverter use: The Westinghouse 8200 Peak Watt inverter keeps output in the 5001 to 9000 W range while listing electric start and a CO sensor, which suits campers and smaller homes. See pick 9
- For job sites and tailgates: The Champion 8500-Watt remote start inverter is a tri-fuel option in the mid-range class with electric start, making it easier to pull power away from home. See pick 10
The full list of 15
1 Best overall
GENMAX 13500W Tri-Fuel Inverter Generator（2026 Model ）— 50A Outlet
- Type
- Inverter
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
- RV ready
- Yes
- CO sensor
- Yes
$2,899.99 (as of 10/22/2026 23:09 PDT - Details)
The GENMAX 13500W product name lists a 50A outlet, ATS 2-wire auto-start, Bluetooth, a CO sensor, and a 550cc engine; the catalog adds an RV-ready label. It is an inverter with electric start, and its wattage class is over 9,000 W. These listed features cover both home transfer switch and RV connections.
Pros
- 50A outlet, ATS 2-wire auto-start, Bluetooth, and CO sensor are all in the product name
- Catalog marks the unit as RV ready
- Inverter type with electric start
- 550cc engine stated in the product name
Cons
- Natural gas connection or pressure specs not stated by the seller
- No wheel kit or remote start mentioned in the listing
Good fit if
- Homeowners who want one generator to serve both a transfer switch and an RV
- Buyers who want CO monitoring and electric start on a large inverter
Skip if
- You need a smaller, easier-to-store unit; this is a large 13,500W-class machine
- You want a unit with an explicitly stated natural gas inlet size
Verdict: The GENMAX 13500W is the large inverter with ATS, 50A outlet, and CO sensing on the same spec sheet.
2 Best inverter with transfer switch
Westinghouse 12000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
- Type
- Inverter
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
- CO sensor
- Yes
$1,949.00 (as of 10/23/2026 00:29 PDT - Details)
The Westinghouse 12000 Peak Watt is an inverter whose listing names transfer-switch-ready, remote start, and electric start; the catalog adds a CO sensor. Its transfer-switch-ready label, combined with inverter output, is the reason it appears among the midsize-to-large inverter picks.
Pros
- Inverter type with transfer-switch-ready label
- CO sensor and electric start listed
- Remote start named in the product listing
Cons
- Specific running watts for natural gas not stated by the seller
- No RV-ready label in the catalog
Good fit if
- Homeowners wiring a generator into a transfer switch
- Users who want inverter output for sensitive electronics
Skip if
- You want a 50A RV outlet; this listing does not state one
- You need a wheel kit or cart mentioned in the listing
Verdict: The Westinghouse 12000 is the transfer-switch-ready inverter to consider for inverter output with remote start.
3 Best high-output portable
The DuroMax XP15000HXT states 15,000 watts and tri-fuel operation in its product name, and the catalog marks it with a CO Alert sensor. It is a portable frame rather than an inverter, so it belongs with the high-output home backup options.
Pros
- 15,000-watt class in the product name
- CO Alert (CO sensor) listed
- Tri-fuel operation: gas, propane, natural gas
Cons
- No inverter type; the listing does not call it one
- No electric start listed in the catalog
- Wheel kit and transfer switch readiness not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- Whole-house backup for large loads such as well pumps and electric water heaters
- Users who run a generator outside and want CO monitoring included
Skip if
- You need electric start or remote start
- You prefer inverter output for sensitive electronics
Verdict: The DuroMax XP15000HXT is the high-output non-inverter portable in this guide with a CO sensor.
4 Best whole-home backup
Westinghouse 18000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
- CO sensor
- Yes
$2,699.00 (as of 10/23/2026 00:29 PDT - Details)
The Westinghouse 18000 Peak Watt has the highest peak wattage figure among these picks at 18,000, and its listing names remote electric start and transfer-switch-ready. The catalog also lists a CO sensor. For whole-home backup with a single portable generator, this is the highest-output option in the guide.
Pros
- 18,000 peak watts in the product name, the top output figure in this guide
- Transfer-switch-ready label
- Remote electric start and CO sensor listed
Cons
- Portable frame type, not inverter
- No RV-ready or 50A outlet label in the catalog
- Precise natural gas output not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- Large houses with central air, electric ovens, or multiple appliances to back up
- Buyers who plan to connect the generator to a home transfer switch
Skip if
- You need a compact inverter for camping or RV use
- You have only small loads and want a smaller footprint
Verdict: The Westinghouse 18000 is the largest home-backup portable on this list, with remote electric start and transfer-switch readiness.
5 Best 13,000-watt inverter with wheel kit
WEN 13,000-Watt 120V/240V Tri-Fuel Inverter Generator
- Type
- Inverter
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
- CO sensor
- Yes
$2,299.00 (as of 10/23/2026 00:29 PDT - Details)
The WEN 13,000-watt product name lists a 550cc engine, electric start, wheel kit, and CO sensor, and the catalog places it in the over 9,000 W class. It is an inverter, so buyers who want inverter output and a wheel kit can focus on this entry.
Pros
- Inverter type with electric start
- 550cc engine and wheel kit named in the listing
- CO sensor listed
Cons
- No transfer-switch-ready or ATS label in the product name
- No RV-ready or 50A outlet stated
- Running wattage on natural gas not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a large inverter that is easier to move with the stated wheel kit
- Users who want CO sensing and electric start without ATS features
Skip if
- You need automatic transfer switch wiring in the generator itself
- You need an RV outlet explicitly listed
Verdict: The WEN 13,000-watt inverter is the large inverter with the wheel kit already named in the listing.
6 Best with electronic fuel injection
Generac 12,500 Watt Tri Fuel Generator with EFI and Electric Start | Gas
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
- RV ready
- Yes
$1,399.00 (as of 10/22/2026 23:09 PDT - Details)
Generac's 12,500-watt tri-fuel generator is the pick whose product name includes EFI, and the catalog lists electric start. The EFI label is a differentiator among the selected generators, and this is a high-output portable unit in the over 9,000 W class.
Pros
- EFI stated in the product name
- Electric start listed
- 12,500-watt class in the product name
Cons
- No CO sensor listed in the catalog specs
- No inverter type stated
- No transfer-switch-ready label in the product name
Good fit if
- Buyers who specifically want EFI in the product name
- Homeowners who want electric start on a high-output portable
Skip if
- You want a CO sensor as a non-negotiable feature
- You need inverter output for sensitive electronics
Verdict: The Generac 12,500-watt EFI model is the electronic-fuel-injection tri-fuel generator in this guide.
7 Best 13,000-watt portable with remote start
DuroStar DS13000MXT 13
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
$999.00 (as of 10/22/2026 22:57 PDT - Details)
The DuroStar DS13000MXT product name lists a 500cc engine, a 13,000-watt figure, and remote electric start. The catalog does not list a CO sensor for this portable, so the listing will appeal most to buyers who prioritize engine displacement and starting convenience.
Pros
- 13,000 watts and 500cc engine stated in the product name
- Remote electric start listed
- Tri-fuel operation: gas, propane, natural gas
Cons
- No CO sensor listed in the catalog
- Not an inverter frame
- No transfer-switch-ready label stated
Good fit if
- Users who want remote starting on a mid-size portable
- People who prioritize a large 500cc engine over inverter features
Skip if
- You want CO monitoring in the generator itself
- You plan to power sensitive electronics and need inverter output
Verdict: The DuroStar DS13000MXT is the remote-start portable in the 13,000-watt class in this guide.
8 Best remote start inverter over 10,000 watts
Champion 11,000-Watt Remote Start Tri Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
- Type
- Inverter
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
$1,999.99 (as of 10/22/2026 22:44 PDT - Details)
The Champion 11,000-watt product name states remote start and electric start, and the catalog lists it as an inverter. It sits in the over 9,000 W class, giving it more output than the smaller Champion 8500 in this guide. No CO sensor is listed.
Pros
- Inverter type with remote start and electric start
- 11,000-watt class in the product name
- Output falls in the over 9,000 W catalog class
Cons
- No CO sensor listed in the catalog
- No transfer-switch-ready label in the product name
- Wheel kit and RV outlet not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- Buyers who want remote start on a large inverter
- Campers and homeowners who need more than 9,000 watts from an inverter
Skip if
- You require a CO sensor on the generator
- You need an ATS or 50A RV outlet labeled
Verdict: The Champion 11,000-watt remote start inverter is the high-output inverter pick for buyers who want remote start.
9 Best mid-size inverter
Westinghouse 8200 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
- Type
- Inverter
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- 5001 to 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
- CO sensor
- Yes
$1,399.00 (as of 10/23/2026 00:29 PDT - Details)
The Westinghouse 8200 Peak Watt is an inverter in the 5001 to 9000 W class, and its listing names remote electric start and a CO sensor. It also carries a transfer-switch-ready label, so it is a mid-size inverter option for transfer-switch-ready buyers.
Pros
- Inverter type in the 5001 to 9000 W range
- CO sensor and remote electric start listed
- Transfer-switch-ready label in the product name
Cons
- Lower output than the other inverters in this guide
- No RV-ready or 50A outlet label stated
- Natural gas running wattage not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a smaller inverter that still connects to a transfer switch
- RV or camper users who do not need a 50A outlet
Skip if
- You need enough output for a whole large home
- You want a 50A RV connection
Verdict: The Westinghouse 8200 is the compact inverter pick for tri-fuel power with remote start and CO sensing.
10 Best 8,500-watt remote start inverter
Champion 8500-Watt Remote Start Tri Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
- Type
- Inverter
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- 5001 to 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
$1,542.00 (as of 10/22/2026 22:44 PDT - Details)
The Champion 8500-watt product name states remote start and electric start, and the catalog lists it as an inverter. It shares the 5001 to 9000 W class with the Westinghouse 8200 in this guide. No CO sensor is listed.
Pros
- Inverter type with remote start and electric start
- 8,500 watts in the product name
- Output is in the 5001 to 9000 W catalog class
Cons
- No CO sensor listed in the catalog
- No transfer-switch-ready label in the product name
- No 50A or RV outlet stated
Good fit if
- RV owners looking for an 8,500-watt class inverter
- Users who want remote start without 9,000-watt-plus output
Skip if
- You need at least 9,000 watts in an inverter frame
- You want a CO sensor included on the generator
Verdict: The Champion 8500 is the smaller remote-start inverter in this list, built for the 5001 to 9000 W range.
11 Best 15,000 peak portable with remote start
Pulsar PG15000TRCO Tri-Fuel Portable Generator
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
$1,498.00 (as of 10/22/2026 23:58 PDT - Details)
The Pulsar PG15000TRCO product name states 15,000 peak watts on gasoline, and the listing includes remote and electric start. It is a portable frame with tri-fuel operation and no CO sensor listed in the catalog.
Pros
- 15,000 peak watts stated in the product name
- Remote and electric start listed
- Gas, propane, and natural gas operation
Cons
- No CO sensor listed in the catalog
- Portable frame, not inverter
- No transfer-switch-ready label in the product name
Good fit if
- Users who want 15,000 peak watts with electric start
- Buyers who connect loads directly rather than through a transfer switch
Skip if
- You need CO monitoring in the generator
- You want inverter output for sensitive electronics
Verdict: The Pulsar PG15000TRCO is the 15,000-peak-watt portable with remote start in this guide.
12 Best open-frame inverter with ATS
GENMAX 10500 Peak Watt Tri Fuel Open Frame Inverter Generator
- Type
- Inverter
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- CO sensor
- Yes
$1,399.99 (as of 10/22/2026 23:09 PDT - Details)
The GENMAX 10500 Peak product name includes open frame inverter, ATS, CO sensor, digital display, and 50A output, and the catalog places it in the over 9,000 W class. Its listed 50A outlet and ATS make it a candidate for home backup inverter use.
Pros
- Open-frame inverter with ATS named in the product
- CO sensor, digital display, and 50A output mentioned in the listing name
- 10,500 peak watts, over 9,000 W in catalog class
Cons
- No electric start listed in the catalog specs
- No remote start label in the product name
- Bluetooth not listed, unlike the larger GENMAX model
Good fit if
- Buyers who want ATS capability on an inverter
- Users who want a 50A outlet and CO sensor together
Skip if
- You need electric start or remote start
- You want the Bluetooth features of the larger GENMAX
Verdict: The GENMAX 10500 Peak open-frame inverter is the ATS-equipped inverter pick with a 50A outlet and CO sensor.
13 Best 14,500-watt generator with CO sensor
WEN 14,500-Watt 120V/240V Tri-Fuel Generator for Gas
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
- CO sensor
- Yes
$1,146.47 (as of 10/23/2026 00:29 PDT - Details)
The WEN 14,500-watt product name states 120V/240V, tri-fuel operation, transfer-switch-ready, and electric start; the catalog adds a CO sensor. It is a portable frame, not an inverter, with output in the over 9,000 W class.
Pros
- 14,500 watts in the product name
- CO sensor and electric start listed
- 120V/240V output called out in the product name
Cons
- No inverter type; this is a standard portable
- No RV-ready or 50A outlet label
Good fit if
- Homeowners needing around 14,500 watts for high-demand circuits
- Buyers who consider CO sensing essential on a large portable
Skip if
- You want inverter output
- You need a built-in ATS or automatic transfer wiring
Verdict: The WEN 14,500-watt tri-fuel generator adds a CO sensor and electric start to a high-output portable frame.
14 Best electric start home backup portable
Champion 12,500-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Home Backup Portable
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
$1,259.99 (as of 10/22/2026 22:44 PDT - Details)
The Champion 12,500-watt product name states electric start and home backup portable, and the catalog lists it as a portable frame. It is in the over 9,000 W class with no CO sensor listed.
Pros
- 12,500 watts in the product name
- Electric start listed
- Home backup portable category stated in the name
Cons
- No CO sensor listed in the catalog
- No transfer-switch-ready label stated
- Not an inverter
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a dedicated home backup portable with electric start
- Users with direct-connect loads and a manual start routine
Skip if
- You require a CO sensor
- You want inverter output or a transfer switch wiring feature
Verdict: The Champion 12,500-watt electric start portable is the straightforward home backup pick in the mid-to-high output range.
15 Best 14,500 peak portable with remote start
Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
$1,499.00 (as of 10/23/2026 00:29 PDT - Details)
The Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt product name states remote electric start and transfer-switch-ready, with tri-fuel operation. It is a portable frame in the over 9,000 W class, and the catalog does not list a CO sensor.
Pros
- 14,500 peak watts in the product name
- Remote electric start and transfer-switch-ready label
- Tri-fuel operation: gas, propane, natural gas
Cons
- No CO sensor listed in the catalog
- Portable frame, not inverter
- No 50A or RV outlet label
Good fit if
- Homeowners who want a high-output portable that is labeled transfer-switch ready
- Users who like remote start on a large portable
Skip if
- You want a CO sensor on the generator
- You need inverter output for sensitive electronics
Verdict: The Westinghouse 14500 is the high-output transfer-switch-ready portable pick for buyers who do not require a CO sensor.
The specs, compared
Why these made the list
The pool file for this guide holds 21 tri-fuel listings, and this article covers 15 of them. The shortlist keeps listings that describe tri-fuel operation on gasoline, propane, and natural gas, and it favors established brands with new-condition units. Within that set, the picks cover a range of frame types, output classes, starting methods, and safety features, using just the specifications shown in the catalog. Prices on this page are live and read from each listing at the time printed. None of the generators were tested by the site. Where a spec is missing, it is noted as not stated by the seller.
Things to weigh before buying
What a tri fuel generator is
A tri fuel generator is designed to run on gasoline, liquid propane, and natural gas. In this catalog, every pick is labeled as tri fuel, and many product names list the three fuels directly. Natural gas is a fossil fuel delivered through pipelines, while propane is stored in tanks; check the maker's specifications for the fuel hose and regulator requirements before installation. The CPSC and CDC stress that all portable generators must be used outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, no matter the fuel type.
Inverter or portable frame
Two frame descriptions appear in the seller listings: inverter and portable. The seller's stated kind determines the label used here. If a listing says inverter, this guide calls it an inverter; if it says portable or home backup portable, this guide calls it a portable. If neither term appears, the type is not stated by the seller.
CO sensors and safe placement
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and CPSC warns that using a portable generator indoors can kill in minutes. Of the 21 listings in the pool, 8 list a CO sensor in their specs. A CO sensor is an added layer of monitoring, but it is not a substitute for placement. CDC says run any generator outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, and keep battery-powered CO alarms in the home.
Electric start, remote start, and ATS
Many of these tri-fuel generators list electric start in their specs; the product names also call out remote start on several models. A generator with electric start replaces the pull cord with a switch or key, while remote start lets you begin from a distance. ATS (automatic transfer switch) models, such as the two GENMAX picks here, can start and connect to a home load automatically when wired to a compatible transfer switch. Transfer-switch-ready labels mean the generator is designed to connect to an external transfer switch, which is different from including an ATS inside the unit.
How much output you need
Output class matters more than brand. The pool splits between units labeled 5001 to 9000 W and units labeled over 9000 W. If you plan to power a whole house, choose from the over 9,000 W group and look for a 50A outlet or transfer-switch-ready label. If you only need a few circuits, a 5001 to 9000 W inverter can be easier to place. The EIA reports that average U.S. household electricity use is about 10,500 kWh per year, but that is an annual consumption figure, not a generator sizing number; use the generator's wattage and your actual loads when deciding.
Questions
What is a tri fuel generator?
A tri fuel generator can run on gasoline, liquid propane, and natural gas. The fuel switch lets you choose whatever is available during an outage. Most of the models in this guide list all three fuels in their product names, but you still need the correct hose and regulator for propane and natural gas connections, which may not be included. Check the listing and maker documentation for the required fittings.
Are tri fuel generators safe to use indoors for natural gas?
No. CPSC and CDC both say portable generators must never be used inside homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces, or sheds, even with doors and windows open. Natural gas models still produce carbon monoxide when they burn fuel. Run the generator outside at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents, with the exhaust facing away, and install battery-operated CO alarms in your home.
Do all tri fuel generators have CO sensors?
No. In the pool behind this guide, 8 of the 21 listings list a CO sensor, and 8 of the 15 picks list one. The remaining picks either omit the feature or leave it unstated by the seller. If CO monitoring is important to you, look for CO sensor, CO Alert, or CO shutoff in the product name or specs, and always combine it with outdoor placement and home CO alarms.
What is the difference between ATS and transfer-switch-ready?
ATS stands for automatic transfer switch. A generator with an ATS can sense a power loss and start, then switch the home load to generator power automatically when properly wired. Transfer-switch-ready means the generator is designed to connect to an external transfer switch, but the switch itself is not built into the generator. In this guide, the GENMAX models that mention ATS are the clearest examples of automatic transfer features.
Can a tri fuel generator run my whole house?
It depends on your loads and the generator's output. Most picks here are labeled over 9000 W and several carry 120V/240V, transfer-switch-ready, or 50A labels in their names. Those are the models to consider if you want to power a full home. Add up the starting watts of the circuits you want to run, keep critical loads in mind, and install a proper transfer switch if you plan to connect to the house panel.
Latest changes
- : First published.