DuroMax Tri Fuel Generators: How to Pick the Right Size
As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
DuroMax is known for big portable generators that can run on three fuels: gasoline, propane and natural gas. That is what “tri fuel” means. When a storm knocks out power, gas stations can close and propane tanks can run low, so having three choices gives you more ways to keep the lights on. DuroMax also builds many of its generators to connect to a home transfer switch, which is the safe way to power your house wiring during an outage.
The six models here split into two families: the XP13000HXT and XP15000HXT are traditional open-frame generators, while the XP9500iHT, XP11000iHT, XP16000iHT and XP28000iHT are digital inverter generators that make cleaner power for electronics, and each step up in the model number means more watts.
DuroMax Tri Fuel Generators Compared
| Model | Type | Peak / Running Watts | Engine | 50A Outlets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000-Watt 500cc Tri Fuel | Open frame | 13,000 / Not listed | 500cc | 1 |
| DuroMax XP15000HXT 15,000 Watt Tri Fuel | Open frame | 15,000 / Not listed | 500cc | 1 |
| DuroMax XP11000iHT 11,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable | Inverter | 11,000 / 9,000 | Not listed | Not listed |
| DuroMax XP16000iHT 16,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable | Inverter | 16,000 / Not listed | 744cc | 2 |
| DuroMax XP9500iHT 9,500-Watt Tri Fuel Portable | Inverter | 9,500 / 7,600 (gas) | 459cc | 1 |
| DuroMax XP28000iHT 28,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable | Inverter | 28,000 / 22,000 (gas) | 999cc | 2 |
Three terms come up again and again, so here they are in plain words. Peak watts (also called starting watts) is the short burst a generator can give for a second or two, which motors in fridges and air conditioners need when they switch on. Running watts is what it can deliver steadily, and it is the number that matters most for sizing. An inverter generator electronically cleans up its power so the voltage is smooth, which is gentler on TVs, laptops and medical devices; an open-frame generator is simpler and often just as strong but does not advertise that clean-power feature.
DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000-Watt 500cc Tri Fuel for Classic Whole-Home Backup
Duro Max
DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000-Watt 500cc Tri Fuel Gas Propane Natural Gas Portable Generator with CO Alert, Black/Blue
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000-Watt 500cc Tri Fuel
Best for: Whole-home backup on a traditional open frame
Pros
- 13,000 watts
- Gas, propane or natural gas
- 50A transfer switch-ready outlet
- Remote start and CO Alert
Cons
- Not an inverter model
- Running watts not listed
The DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000-Watt 500cc Tri Fuel is an open-frame generator with a 500cc OHV engine and 13,000 watts of peak power. DuroMax describes it as the largest tri fuel portable generator on the market at its launch. You can switch between gasoline, propane and natural gas using a front-facing interface, and the listing says the change takes seconds.
It starts with a push button or a remote, has a digital display, and holds 8.3 gallons of gasoline. There are seven outlets in total, including a 50-amp outlet that is ready for a transfer switch. The CO Alert feature watches for carbon monoxide, the invisible gas engines produce. The listing does not specify running watts, so ask the seller or check the manual when you are adding up your appliances.
This fits a homeowner who wants a proven open-frame design to back up most of the house. If you plan to run many sensitive electronics, the inverter models below make cleaner power; if you need more headroom, the XP15000HXT is the next step.
DuroMax XP15000HXT 15,000 Watt Tri Fuel for Extra Open-Frame Headroom
Duro Max
DuroMax XP15000HXT 15,000 Watt Tri Fuel Portable Home Power Backup HXT Generator w/CO Alert
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
DuroMax XP15000HXT 15,000 Watt Tri Fuel
Best for: Bigger homes wanting open-frame power
Pros
- 15,000 watts
- Seven outlets including 50A
- LED display with load gauge
- CO Alert auto shutdown
Cons
- Heavy at 362 pounds
- Not an inverter model
The DuroMax XP15000HXT 15,000 Watt Tri Fuel takes the same open-frame approach and raises output to 15,000 watts, also from a 500cc OHV engine. It runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas, has push-button and remote start, and uses a front-facing interface to swap fuels.
Its listing spells out the power panel clearly: four 120V 20A GFCI outlets, one 120V 30A twist-lock, one 120/240V 30A twist-lock and one 120/240V 50A heavy-duty outlet. A large LED display shows the gas gauge, load gauge, voltage, frequency and time. The CO Alert automatically shuts the generator down if harmful fumes are detected. It weighs 362 pounds, so plan on wheels and a helper for moving it.
Choose this for a larger home where you want plenty of outlets and a clear view of how hard the generator is working. For inverter-quality power at a similar size, the XP16000iHT is the closest match.
DuroMax XP11000iHT 11,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable for Sensitive Electronics
Duro Max
DuroMax XP11000iHT 11,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable Digital Inverter Generator – Gas, Propane & Natural Gas, Remote Electric Start, Whole Home Power Backup, Transfer Switch Ready, RV & Emergency Ready
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
DuroMax XP11000iHT 11,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable
Best for: Clean power for electronics and RVs
Pros
- Inverter power with low THD
- 9,000 running watts
- Remote key fob start
- Battery maintainer included
Cons
- Only three outlets listed
- Tank size not listed
The DuroMax XP11000iHT 11,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable is a digital inverter generator with 11,000 peak and 9,000 running watts. The listing highlights low THD (total harmonic distortion), which is a measure of how smooth the power is; low THD makes it safe for TVs, laptops and medical devices. DuroMax lists it for whole-home backup, jobsites and RV use.
It runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas, starts with a button or a remote key fob, and includes a battery maintainer to keep the starter battery ready. CO Alert and low oil shutdown add protection. The listing names three outlets and transfer switch readiness but does not specify tank size or engine displacement.
This is a smart middle choice for a household that relies on computers, a CPAP or other electronics and also wants to run an RV. For less power at a smaller size, see the XP9500iHT; for dual 50-amp outlets, look at the XP16000iHT.
DuroMax XP16000iHT 16,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable for Inverter Whole-Home Power
Duro Max
DuroMax XP16000iHT 16,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable Digital Inverter Generator – Gas, Propane & Natural Gas, Remote Electric Start, Whole Home Power Backup, Transfer Switch Ready, RV & Emergency Ready
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
DuroMax XP16000iHT 16,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable
Best for: Whole-home inverter backup with two 50A plugs
Pros
- 16,000 watts inverter power
- Two 50-amp outlets
- 5-gallon tank
- LCD runtime and fuel readout
Cons
- Only two outlets listed
- Running watts not listed
The DuroMax XP16000iHT 16,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable combines 16,000 watts with clean sine-wave inverter power. DuroMax calls it the largest tri fuel digital inverter generator on the market at the time of listing. Its 744cc engine is paired with a 10.5-gallon tank.
The standout feature is two 50-amp outlets, which the listing says allow connection to a transfer switch or generator interlock for full home power. A quick-connect fuel system and front selector let you change fuels in seconds, remote start works from inside the house, and an LCD shows voltage, frequency, fuel level and runtime. CO Alert shuts it off if carbon monoxide builds up. The listing does not specify running watts.
This suits a larger home that wants inverter-quality power for the whole panel. If you need even more, the XP28000iHT goes much higher; if that is more than you need, the XP11000iHT is lighter duty.
DuroMax XP9500iHT 9,500-Watt Tri Fuel Portable for Mid-Size Homes
Best for: Mid-size homes and first-time buyers
Pros
- 7,600 running watts on gas
- Inverter sine-wave power
- Low oil shutdown
- Volt and hour meter
Cons
- Single outlet listed
- Smallest output here
The DuroMax XP9500iHT 9,500-Watt Tri Fuel Portable is the smallest model here, with 9,500 peak and 7,600 running watts on gasoline. It is still an inverter, so it delivers low-THD sine-wave power for sensitive electronics, and it runs on all three fuels.
A single 50-amp outlet connects to a transfer switch or interlock kit. The 459cc engine has a boron cast-iron sleeve and 100 percent copper windings, and the 5.7-gallon tank feeds it. Safety features include CO Alert shutdown and automatic low oil shutdown, and a digital panel shows a volt meter and hour meter. Remote electric start is named in the title.
This is a good first generator for a mid-size home that needs the fridge, furnace, lights and some outlets during an outage. If you want to run central air plus much more, step up to the XP11000iHT or beyond. For very small loads, a smaller inverter generator may be enough.
DuroMax XP28000iHT 28,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable for Maximum Power
Best for: Large homes needing maximum power
Pros
- 22,000 running watts on gas
- Natural gas hose included
- Two 50-amp outlets
- Inverter sine-wave power
Cons
- Listing fuel specs conflict
- Very large 999cc engine
The DuroMax XP28000iHT 28,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable is the heavyweight of the group, with a 999cc engine. The description gives separate ratings for each fuel: 28,000 peak and 22,000 running watts on gasoline, 25,000 peak and 20,000 running watts on propane, and 20,000 peak and 16,000 running watts on natural gas. That drop on propane and natural gas is normal for tri fuel generators and is worth planning around.
It is an inverter with low THD sine-wave power, two 50-amp outlets for interlocks or transfer switches, seven outlets in total, copper windings and a 3/4-inch natural gas hose with quick-connect fittings included. One note: the specifications list only gasoline and propane as fuel types, while the title, features and description all say it also runs on natural gas and include the hose.
This is for a large home that wants to keep nearly everything running. For most houses, the XP16000iHT or smaller will be plenty.
How to Choose the Right DuroMax Tri Fuel Generator
Add up your running watts. List what you must keep on: fridge, furnace fan, well pump, lights, and maybe an air conditioner. Add their running watts and leave some room for the startup surge of motors. Essentials in a mid-size home often fit the XP9500iHT or XP11000iHT; running more of the house points to the XP13000HXT, XP15000HXT or XP16000iHT; and the XP28000iHT is for the biggest loads.
Open frame or inverter. If you care about clean power for electronics, choose an iHT model. If you want a straightforward open-frame design with many outlets, the HXT models fit.
Pick your fuel plan. Natural gas can run for a long time if your home has a line, but output is lower than on gasoline. Propane stores well. Gasoline gives the most power but needs fresh fuel.
Plan the home connection. Use a transfer switch or interlock installed by an electrician. Models with two 50-amp outlets, the XP16000iHT and XP28000iHT, are built with this in mind. If you would rather have a permanently installed unit, a standby home generator is another route.
FAQ
What does tri fuel mean on a DuroMax generator?
It means the generator can run on gasoline, propane or natural gas. All six models here list all three, and you switch fuels with a front-facing selector.
Which DuroMax generator size do I need?
Add up the running watts of everything you want on at once, then choose a model whose running watts cover that total with some room to spare.
Is an inverter generator better for electronics?
Inverter models such as the XP11000iHT and XP9500iHT list low THD sine-wave power, which the listings describe as safe for sensitive electronics like laptops and TVs.
Do DuroMax generators have carbon monoxide protection?
Every model here lists CO Alert or a CO sensor. The listings describe it shutting the generator down when harmful carbon monoxide levels are detected. Always run a generator outdoors, well away from doors and windows.
Can I plug a DuroMax into my house?
Models with a 50-amp outlet are transfer switch ready. Have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch or interlock; never back-feed through a regular wall outlet.
