Power outages can happen when we least expect them, often leaving us scrambling to keep essential appliances running and maintain a sense of normalcy in our homes or workplaces.
While traditional gas-powered generators are an option, advancements in inverter technology and dual-fuel capabilities are game-changers worth considering.
This comprehensive guide will reveal what sets dual fuel inverter generators apart, their pros and cons, whether they are worth the investment, and additional purchasing considerations to help find the perfect backup power solution for your needs and budget.
What is a Dual Fuel Inverter Generator?
Inverter generators get their name from advanced inverter technology that turns the generator engine's raw alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). It then converts back into clean, consistent AC power with stabilized voltage and frequency.
What makes these generators unique is their dual fuel operations. Gasoline is the traditional while propane is the secondary fuel source supplied through an attached LP gas tank.
The flexibility to choose between gasoline or propane provides peace of mind as a good encounter to fuel availability issues. If gas stations have no supply for any reason, you always have a propane alternative ready.
How Does a Dual Fuel Inverter Generator Work?
A dual-fuel inverter generator consists of an engine, fuel source adapter, inverter module, and a basic controller system to govern proper load balancing and voltage regulation.
Here is the step-by-step functionality:
- The engine uses gasoline from the attached fuel tank or propane from the connected LP cylinder.
- The constant rotation of the engine powers an alternator to produce AC power.
- The inverter module converts the raw AC power from the alternator into adjustable DC power and back to clean, steady AC electricity at the standard household level usable for appliances.
- Built-in meters display the wattage load on the generator and track the remaining runtime relative to the available fuel supply.
- When turned off, the automatic low oil sensor prevents restart until proper oil levels are restored to avoid engine damage.
If loads temporarily exceed generator wattage capacity, the controller automatically adjusts to maintain steady voltage flow and rebalances loads.
While dual-fuel inverter generators require more complexity than basic models, the sophistication makes them versatile backups for homes and job sites when utility grid power fails.
Pros of Dual Fuel Inverter Generators
Dual fuel inverter generators offer substantial upgrades and advantages from standard gas-powered generators, as discussed below.
1. Dual Fuel Capabilities: With the flexibility to operate on propane and gasoline, having two fuel source alternatives provides more emergency options. If one fuel supply line gets disrupted, like emptying the gas tank, you can easily switch the selector switch to your secondary propane hookup. This adaptability can prove vital when weather events or other crises affect fuel availability.
2. Steady, Reliable Power: Inverter technology delivers laboratory-grade power quality unmatched by cheaper generators prone to surging and drops. Protecting sensitive medical devices, computers, kitchen appliances, and even power tools becomes seamless no matter what essentials you need to run.
3. Cost Efficiency: While upfront costs exceed conventional generators, fuel efficiency and lifespan justify long-term investment. Inverter operation paired with dual fuel versatility creates substantial cost savings over years of use. You maximize value season after season by alternating between the cheaper fuel supply available at any given time.
4. Noise Reduction: Inverter models produce substantially less operational noise and vibration, making them better community neighbors at home or job sites. Smaller portable models operate at noise levels around half of standard generator decibel ratings for less distraction.
5. Lightweight Design: Utilization of premium sound-dampening materials also shaves substantial overall weight. Compact dual-fuel inverter models weigh less than 50 pounds for proper mobility without compromising wattage output potential.
6. Durability: When considering lifetime value for the purchase price, dual-fuel inverter generators far exceed the 3- to 5-year average lifespan of cheaper alternatives. Advanced components with sound maintenance easily extend reliable functionality for over a decade.
Cons of Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
No generator option works perfectly for everyone, and the same goes with dual-fuel generators. Here are a few downsides to consider when relying on dual-fuel inverter models.
1. High Initial Cost: These units come with high upfront costs. Inverter technology components and propane fuel adaptability add roughly 30% to 50% onto comparably powered standard generator prices. Units start around $1,000, with high-end models nearing $5,000.
2. Propane Hookup Required: While having a secondary fuel choice is nice, it does require securing propane fuel connections and monitoring the added fuel tank levels properly when in use.
3. Issues with Fuel Selector Switch: Some models have received complaints about the switch between propane and gasoline use. Improperly adjusted selector positions increase the chances of startup issues.
4. Professional Maintenance Recommended: Maintenance is crucial for any machine to work smoothly and to boost its life span. For inverter generators, specialized skills and diagnostic tools are necessary to troubleshoot inverter systems correctly over their lifetime. This adds further to their costs.
Despite these additional considerations, dual-fuel inverter generators still dominate reliability ratings over standard gas-powered generators. Continual technology advancements also improve the functionality.
Is a Dual Fuel Inverter Generator Worth the Investment?
There is no straightforward answer to this question. The worth of a dual-fuel generator varies with each consumer and depends on factors such as what appliances you want to run, whether you use portable or static, and how often they are used.
Dual-fuel inverter generators usually have low output capacities. Thus, it is considered more suitable if you want to run an appliance with a low wattage requirement. If you have some heavy devices, reconsidering your choice of these units is recommended.
Further, what makes this unit widely popular is its dual fuel availability. During power outages, when everyone is waiting in long queues to get gasoline for their generators, you can opt for propane, which will be readily available.
It also gives you an edge to compare fuel costs. You can choose what suits you best. However, with propane, the power production is low, around 91000 BTU per Gallon, as compared to gasoline’s 110000 BTU per Gallon.
Dual fuel generators are good options due to their reliable power supply, good life span, and effortless operations. However, to make your investment worthy, make sure to follow the essential maintenance steps below.
- Changing oil and filters according to engine manual intervals
- Checking and replacing spark plugs every 1 to 2 years
- Monitoring and preserving battery charge levels
- Keeping the generator covered and protected when not in use,
- Running periodic test cycles at 50% load levels
Properly maintained dual-fuel inverter generators guarantee smooth, long-lasting emergency power support. They transform into reliable assets delivering essential electricity for decades rather than becoming obsolete junk after 36 months.
Best Alternative - Exploring Solar Generators
No matter how good and effective fuel generators are, their continuous fuel requirements, fuel costs, and environmental concerns are points to ponder. Expanding beyond standard generator technology, solar generators are an exceptional alternative to them.
Their energy source is free, has zero environmental hazards, and requires minimal maintenance. Built-in MPPT solar charging technology further makes these units reliable for wattage-sensitive devices.
BLUETTI solar generators are worth considering as an option to inverter generators. Whether it's sleek design, reliability, efficiency, or shelf life of the product, they are the best in all domains.
Further, to ensure you get the cheapest unit among all the competitors in the market, they have a price match guarantee. This means if you find any product of the same specifications that is less than the BLUETTI solar unit, you can claim the extra amount within 30 days of purchase.
Here are our top 3 choices that could be your reliable alternative to dual-fuel generators.
BLUETTI AC200P + 3*PV200
With a 2000-watt capacity via plugs and a built-in 30-amp outlet, the AC200P powers everything from mini-fridges to electric kettles and hot plates, exceeding most generator capabilities.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 2000Wh lithium battery
- AC output: 2000W (4000W surge)
- Solar input: 200W max, 900W with additional solar panels
- Recharge: 7 different options, including Solar, AC, AC+solar, and Battery.
- Output port: 17 ports, including wireless charging pads
- Weight: 16.5 kg
Features:
- Highly fast recharging system that can be charged approximately within 2 hours with three 200V panels.
- It features MPPT solar charging for high efficiency and BMT to ensure safety and reliability with sensitive appliances.
- It can be connected in parallel with other AC200P units for more capacity
- Touchscreen display shows real-time data on power input/output, remaining capacity, voltage, etc.
- Effortless operations through the BLUETTI smart app.
- Offer 3500+ charge cycles. This means a life span of more than 10 years, with each charge cycle per day.
BLUETTI AC200L + PV350
AC200L is a masterpiece of innovation. With its high charging speed, noiseless operations, and efficient operations, it could be a go-to solution for all your power needs.
Specifications:
- Battery capacity: 2048Wh LFP lithium battery expandable up to 8192Wh with two B300 Batteries
- AC output power: 2200W (7200W surge)
- Power Lifting mode: 3600W
- Input: 1200W solar and 2400W AC
- Recharge: 6 way
- Output ports: 10 Plus
- Weight: 28.3 kg
- Size: 42x28x36.65 cm
Features:
- The unit can charge itself from 0-80% only in 45 minutes.
- Its multiple charging streams ensure you are unreliable on any single power source.
- Advanced battery management system (BMS) for safety and an uninterrupted power supply for all power-sensitive appliances.
- The touchscreen displays usage stats and allows customization. Further, the unit can also be operated through Bluetooth or the BLUETTI smart app.
- With its various output ports, it is compatible with 99% of all your appliances.
- In case the built-in battery capacity does not fulfill your needs, you can add extra batteries to boost the capacity two times.
BLUETTI EP500+ 3*PV200
Do you want a power backup solution for your entire home, party, or cabin? EP500 could effortlessly serve this purpose.
Specifications:
- Battery capacity: 5100Wh LFP lithium battery
- AC output power: 2000W (4800W surge)
- Charge Cycles: 6000+
- Solar input: 1200W max
- Output ports: 15
- Weight: 76kg
- Size: 500x300x760mm
Features:
- The unit has two wheels, poising to be a perfect power backup for whether in-home or a trip off the grid.
- Recharging through solar panels and an AC wall outlet.
- Advanced BMS to monitor lithium battery performance further boosts safety. It also ensures optimal working of the unit in low and high temperatures.
- What makes EP500 exceptional is its life span, which extends to 20-plus years with one charge cycle per day.
- With 15 output ports, you can run multiple appliances simultaneously.
- Its operations can be controlled through a smart touch screen or BLUETTI smart app.
Final Thoughts
Dual fuel generators could be a viable solution to power your low-voltage appliances. They are reliable and ensure the safety of your power-sensitive appliances. However, their use is not widespread due to their multiple limitations, such as their low output capacity, high initial investments, and carbon emissions.
The best alternative to them is solar generators. They offer free power, are reliable for sensitive devices, have no environmental concerns associated with them, and their initial investment is almost on par with dual-fuel generators.
To opt for a reliable, efficient, long-lasting, yet cost-effective solar unit, visit BLUETTI and select a power backup that best aligns with your needs.
