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If you’re shopping for your first dual fuel generator, the Westinghouse WGen5300DF, DuroMax XP5500EH, and Pulsar PG5250B are three of the most popular options out there. I’ve spent time digging into the specs on all three — from peak wattage to runtimes — to see which one actually delivers for a new buyer.
This comparison is for anyone who wants the flexibility of gas and propane but doesn’t want to overpay for features they won’t use. The big trade-off here is power versus price versus convenience, and I’ll break down exactly where each generator shines so you can pick the right one.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Westinghouse WGen5300DF
Highest peak watts at 6600 plus a remote key fob start and longest runtime at 14.5 hours — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DuroMax XP5500EH
Best value with MX2 technology for full 120V power and a proven 224cc engine — Check Price →
Best Budget: Pulsar PG5250B
Lightest at 115 lbs and cheapest option with Switch & Go Technology for hot-swapping fuels — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the specs that matter most for a dual fuel starter — peak and running watts on both gas and propane, runtimes, weight, and engine size — so you can see exactly how these three compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Westinghouse WGen5300DF D | DuroMax XP5500EH 5 | Pulsar 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | ✅ 6600 | 5500 | 5250 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline, Propane | Gas & Propane | Gasoline |
| Start Type | Remote Electric | Electric | — |
| Weight | — | — | ✅ 115 pounds |
| Voltage | — | — | ✅ 120 volts |
| Output Wattage | — | — | ✅ 5.25 watts |
| Recommended Use | Camping, Residential | RV & Emergency | Camping, Commercial, Residential |
| Brand | Westinghouse | DuroMax | Pulsar |
| Special Feature | — | — | ✅ Durable, Portable |
| Included Components | — | — | ✅ 1 Generator |
| Power Source | Fuel Powered | — | gas-powered |
| Style | ✅ 6600W Dual Fuel + Remote Start | 5,500-Watt Dual Fuel | Dual Fuel |
The biggest spec gap here is the Westinghouse’s huge 14.5-hour runtime on gas versus the DuroMax’s 9 hours, which makes a real difference if you’re prepping for an overnight outage.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put each of these dual fuel generators under the microscope — looking at real peak and running wattage, runtime, portability, and what you actually get in the box — so you can see exactly which one fits your situation.
Westinghouse WGen5300DF Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
6600W Peak | Remote Start with Key Fob | 14.5 Hour Runtime | 135.6 lbs
- Gasoline: 6600 Peak Watts and 5300 Running Watts; Propane: 5900 Peak Watts...
- Features One 5–20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle, One RV-Ready TT-30R...
- Plug-and-Play: Comes With Oil, an Oil Funnel, Propane Hose, Tool Kit, and a...
This is the most powerful option of the bunch by a solid margin. With 6600 peak watts on gas and a remote key fob with auto choke, starting it from inside the garage is incredibly convenient. The 4.7-gallon tank gives you up to 14.5 hours of runtime, which beats the DuroMax by over 5 hours. My only real complaint is the weight — at 135.6 pounds, it’s the heaviest here and you’ll feel it moving around.
✅ Pros
- 6600 peak watts on gas — highest in this comparison
- Remote key fob start with auto choke for easy startup
- Up to 14.5 hours of runtime at half load on gas
- Transfer switch ready with L14-30R outlet included
❌ Cons
- Heaviest at 135.6 pounds — tough to move solo
- Only 4800 running watts on propane limits heavy loads
DuroMax XP5500EH 5,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
5500W Peak | MX2 Technology | 9 Hour Runtime (Gas) | 124 lbs
- Plenty of Power – With 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 running watts, this...
- Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving...
- Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 224cc OHV engine is a workhorse that...
The DuroMax XP5500EH is the most popular choice here with over 2,100 ratings and a solid 4.5-star average — and for good reason. Its MX2 technology lets you pull full 5500 watts from a single 120V outlet, which is a huge deal for powering heavy tools or an RV. The 224cc engine is reliable and proven, but the runtime takes a hit at just 9 hours on gas and 8 on propane. It’s 11 pounds lighter than the Westinghouse, so moving it around is a bit easier.
✅ Pros
- MX2 technology delivers full power on 120V outlets
- Over 2,100 ratings with 4.5 stars — most trusted here
- 124 pounds is manageable for one person to roll
- Includes 12V DC charging posts for batteries
❌ Cons
- Only 9 hours runtime on gas at half load — shortest here
- No remote start — you have to walk to the panel
Pulsar PG5250B 5,250W Dual Fuel Portable Generator
5250W Peak | Switch & Go Technology | 12 Hour Runtime | 115 lbs
- 5,250W peak 4,250W rated (GAS)/ 4,750W peak 3,850W rated (LPG)
- The powerful 224cc, 4-Stroke, OHV, Air Cooled Engine is protected by a...
- 4 Gallon Fuel Tank gives you up to 12 Hours of Continuous Operation at half...
If you’re on a tight budget, the Pulsar PG5250B is a great value pick that doesn’t cut too many corners. It’s the lightest generator here at just 115 pounds, and the fold-down handle and never-flat wheels make storage a breeze. The Switch & Go technology lets you swap between gas and propane while the engine is running — super handy. The downside is that at 3850 running watts on propane, it’s the weakest of the three, so don’t expect to power a whole house.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at 115 pounds — easiest to move and store
- Switch & Go lets you change fuels while running
- 12 hours runtime on gas at half load is solid
- 3-in-1 digital meter shows volts, frequency, and hours
❌ Cons
- Only 3850 running watts on propane — weakest of the three
- Magneto ignition instead of electric start — no remote
- Only 1-year limited warranty vs 3-year on rivals
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested the specs on all three, and the right pick really comes down to how much power you need and whether you value convenience or portability more. Here’s my honest breakdown of who each generator fits best.
Westinghouse WGen5300DF is right for you if…
- You want the most power available — 6600 peak watts on gas means you can run a fridge, lights, and a window AC at the same time
- You hate fumbling with cords in the dark — the remote key fob with auto choke lets you start it from inside the house
- You need overnight runtime — the 14.5-hour tank means you can sleep through an outage without refueling
DuroMax XP5500EH is right for you if…
- You need full 5500 watts from a single 120V outlet — MX2 technology makes this the best option for power tools and RV hookups
- You want the most proven track record — over 2,100 reviews and a 4.5-star rating means thousands of buyers trust it
- You plan to charge batteries or run 12V gear — the built-in DC charging posts are a feature the others don’t have
Pulsar PG5250B is right for you if…
- You need to move your generator around frequently — at 115 pounds it’s the lightest, and the fold-down handle makes storage easy
- You want to switch fuels without shutting down — Switch & Go technology lets you go from gas to propane while the engine is running
- Your budget is tight and you only need to power a few essentials — the 3850 running watts on propane handles a fridge, lights, and a small space heater
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to power your entire house with central AC, well pumps, or electric heat, none of these dual fuel portables will cut it — you’re looking at a much larger standby generator or a high-wattage inverter model. Also, if you live in a quiet neighborhood and need something whisper-quiet for camping, these open-frame generators are loud compared to inverter options.
For the vast majority of first-time dual fuel buyers, I’d point you straight to the Westinghouse WGen5300DF — it gives you the most power, the longest runtime, and the remote start convenience that makes it feel like a premium product without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for home backup — the Westinghouse WGen5300DF or the DuroMax XP5500EH?
For home backup, I’d take the Westinghouse every time. The 6600 peak watts on gas and 14.5-hour runtime mean you can keep a fridge, lights, and a sump pump running through the night without refueling. The DuroMax only gives you 9 hours on gas, so you’d be up at 3 AM filling the tank. Plus the remote start on the Westinghouse is a big improvement when the power goes out in bad weather.
Is the DuroMax XP5500EH worth the extra money over the Pulsar PG5250B?
Honestly, yes — especially if you need real power from a 120V outlet. The DuroMax’s MX2 technology lets you pull the full 5500 watts from a single household plug, while the Pulsar maxes out at 3850 running watts on propane. You also get a 3-year warranty on the DuroMax versus just 1 year on the Pulsar, which makes the price difference worth it for long-term reliability.
Which generator is the easiest to start for a first-time user?
The Westinghouse WGen5300DF wins this hands down. It has push-button electric start plus a remote key fob with auto choke — you press a button from inside the garage and it fires up. The DuroMax also has electric start but no remote, so you have to walk to the panel. The Pulsar uses a magneto ignition, which is basically a pull-start — not ideal if you’re not used to yanking a cord.
Which generator is best for RV camping?
I’d pick the DuroMax XP5500EH for RV use because of the MX2 technology. It lets you get full 5500 watts from a single 120V RV outlet, which means you can run your AC, microwave, and fridge without worrying about balancing loads. The Westinghouse is also RV-ready with a TT-30R outlet, but it’s heavier at 135.6 pounds, making it tougher to haul to a campsite. The Pulsar is lightest but only puts out 3850 running watts on propane — barely enough for a small RV AC.
Which generator has the longest runtime on a single tank of gas?
The Westinghouse WGen5300DF absolutely crushes the competition here with up to 14.5 hours at half load on its 4.7-gallon tank. The Pulsar comes in second at 12 hours with a 4-gallon tank, and the DuroMax trails at just 9 hours with a 3.96-gallon tank. If you’re prepping for a long outage, the Westinghouse lets you sleep through the night without getting up to refuel.
Can these generators power a whole house?
No — and I want to be really clear about this. None of these three generators are powerful enough to run an entire house with central AC, an electric water heater, or a well pump. The Westinghouse comes closest with 5300 running watts on gas, which can handle a fridge, lights, a furnace fan, and maybe a window AC. For whole-house backup, you’d need a much larger standby generator or a high-wattage inverter model.
My Final Verdict
After comparing all three side by side, the Westinghouse WGen5300DF is my clear winner — it delivers the most peak power at 6600 watts, the longest runtime at 14.5 hours, and the convenience of a remote key fob start that the others simply don’t match. The DuroMax XP5500EH is the runner-up, and it’s the better choice if you need MX2 technology for full 120V output or plan to charge batteries with the built-in DC posts.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want to wake up at 3 AM to refuel? The Westinghouse’s 14.5-hour runtime means you won’t have to. That alone makes it the smarter buy for anyone serious about home backup.
My Top Pick: Westinghouse WGen5300DF
- Gasoline: 6600 Peak Watts and 5300 Running Watts; Propane: 5900 Peak Watts...
- Features One 5–20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle, One RV-Ready TT-30R...
- Plug-and-Play: Comes With Oil, an Oil Funnel, Propane Hose, Tool Kit, and a...
This is the generator I’d buy for my own home. It has the highest peak watts, the longest runtime, and the remote start that makes it feel like a premium machine. Perfect for anyone who wants maximum power and convenience in a dual fuel package.
Runner-Up: DuroMax XP5500EH
- Plenty of Power – With 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 running watts, this...
- Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving...
- Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 224cc OHV engine is a workhorse that...
Best for RV owners and tool users who need MX2 technology to pull full power from a 120V outlet. With over 2,100 ratings and DC charging posts, it’s the most versatile option — just be ready for shorter runtimes.
Best Budget: Pulsar PG5250B
- 5,250W peak 4,250W rated (GAS)/ 4,750W peak 3,850W rated (LPG)
- The powerful 224cc, 4-Stroke, OHV, Air Cooled Engine is protected by a...
- 4 Gallon Fuel Tank gives you up to 12 Hours of Continuous Operation at half...
The lightest and most affordable option at 115 pounds with Switch & Go technology for hot-swapping fuels. Ideal for light-duty backup or camping where portability matters more than raw power.
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