A tri-fuel generator can operate on gasoline, propane or natural gas. That flexibility is valuable during a long Canadian power outage because the most convenient fuel on day one may not be the most practical fuel several days later.
Do not compare tri-fuel generators using only the gasoline rating. Every model produces less power on propane and natural gas, so use the rating for your intended primary fuel when deciding whether the generator is large enough.
What makes a tri-fuel generator different?
A dual-fuel generator uses gasoline and propane. A tri-fuel generator adds natural gas. The main benefit is fuel flexibility:
- Gasoline: usually provides the highest output and is easy to use for short-term deployment, but it must be stored and managed carefully.
- Propane: stores for longer periods than gasoline when handled correctly and can be useful when gasoline is unavailable.
- Natural gas: can be convenient for a property with an appropriate gas service, but output is lower and the installation must be properly sized.
Tri-fuel does not mean that all three fuels are used at once. It means the generator can be switched between them according to the operating plan and manufacturer instructions.
Tri-fuel generator comparison
| Model | Running watts: gas / propane / natural gas | Best fit | Key reason to consider it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse 8200TFc | 6,600 / 5,940 / 5,280 | Essential home backup, smaller homes, RV or jobsite use | Inverter technology, tri-fuel flexibility, 50A home-backup outlet and lower THD. |
| Westinghouse 9500TFc | 9,500 / 8,500 / 7,500 | Homes with more motor loads or a larger essential-load plan | More output than the 8200TFc and useful natural-gas capacity. |
| Westinghouse WGen11500TFc | 11,500 / 10,500 / 9,500 | Higher-demand home backup | More operating margin and up to 19 hours at 25% load according to the product listing. |
| Westinghouse WGen14500TFc | 14,500 / 13,000 / 11,600 | Large homes, multiple pumps and larger 120/240V loads | High capacity on all three fuels, transfer-switch-ready output and 50A capability. |
| Westinghouse WGen20000TFc | 20,000 / 18,000 / 16,000 | Very large homes or comprehensive backup plans | Highest capacity in this comparison, including a 125A terminal block for full-output connection. |
Which tri-fuel generator is best for your situation?
Best balanced option: Westinghouse 8200TFc
The 8200TFc is the logical starting point for many buyers who want tri-fuel capability without moving directly into the heaviest generator class. It provides up to 6,600 running watts on gasoline, 5,940 on propane and 5,280 on natural gas. It also provides inverter technology, a 50A outlet, remote/electric start and transfer/interlock readiness.
Choose it when your priority is essential home backup, selected motor loads, quiet operation and fuel flexibility. If you are planning to run several large motors or electric heating loads, move up to the 9,500W class or higher.
Best for more motor-load capacity: Westinghouse 9500TFc
The 9500TFc is a better fit when the home includes a well pump, sump pump, furnace blower, refrigerator, freezer and additional selected circuits. It produces 9,500 running watts on gasoline, 8,500 on propane and 7,500 on natural gas.
That fuel-specific difference is important. If you expect natural gas to be your main outage fuel, the 7,500W natural-gas rating is the number to use for planning. If the 9500TFc is not enough on natural gas, the WGen11500TFc provides a larger margin.
Best for high-demand home backup: WGen11500TFc or WGen14500TFc
The WGen11500TFc provides 11,500 running watts on gasoline, 10,500 on propane and 9,500 on natural gas. It is appropriate when the home has several motor-driven loads and you want more reserve capacity than the 9,500W class.
The WGen14500TFc goes further, providing 14,500 running watts on gasoline, 13,000 on propane and 11,600 on natural gas. It is a substantial unit at approximately 348 lb. and should be treated as an installed backup-power system rather than a casual portable purchase. Westinghouse notes that the natural-gas hose is no longer supplied with this model, so confirm the required connection components before ordering.
Best for very large loads: WGen20000TFc
The WGen20000TFc is the largest option in this comparison. It produces 20,000 running watts on gasoline, 18,000 on propane and 16,000 on natural gas. It is designed for substantial 120/240V demand and includes a terminal-block connection for its full output.
This model makes sense when the load calculation supports it and the installation has been designed for the generator. It is not automatically the best choice simply because it is the largest. Larger generators cost more, weigh more, consume more fuel and may require a more involved electrical and fuel installation.
Is tri-fuel worth the extra cost?
Tri-fuel is usually worth considering when you have a clear reason to use more than one fuel. It can improve resilience if:
- Your property has natural gas and you want a fuel source that does not require stored gasoline.
- You want propane as a backup to gasoline.
- You live in an area where fuel availability may be affected during a prolonged outage.
- You want the generator to work for both home backup and mobile or jobsite use.
If you only ever intend to use gasoline and propane, a 9500DFc dual-fuel generator may be a more straightforward choice. If you want a smaller inverter generator for lighter loads, compare the 5000DFc as well.
How to choose the right tri-fuel size
- List the equipment you want to operate during an outage.
- Identify which loads are 120V and which are 240V.
- Find the running and starting watts for every motor or compressor.
- Choose the fuel you expect to use most often.
- Compare the generator's rating on that fuel, not just its gasoline rating.
- Leave capacity for starting surges and unexpected cycling.
- Use the Crossfire generator wattage calculator as a first step.
- Confirm the natural-gas line, propane arrangement, transfer equipment and installation with qualified professionals.
Safety and installation requirements
Every fuel type requires safe handling, correct connections and adequate ventilation. Operate the generator outdoors, away from doors, windows and air intakes. Never connect a generator to a home's electrical system without approved transfer equipment or an interlock installed by a qualified electrician.
Before ordering, review the Westinghouse generator FAQ, the inverter generator FAQ and the specific product page for warranty, shipping, hose and connection details.