Generator Fuel Availability: Gas, Propane, Diesel, Natural Gas

Fuel names on a generator listing

A generator listing names the fuel it is built to run. The title might say “Gasoline Generator”, “Dual Fuel”, or “Tri Fuel”. Those words tell you what fuel you will be able to use, but they do not tell you how easy that fuel is to find. Fuel availability is a regional and situational question, and it is not a number on the listing. You will need to think about your own area and how you plan to use the generator. Best generator guides on this site separate listings by fuel, so you can start with the fuel you already have access to.

If you live in a place with a propane delivery service, a dual fuel generator or a tri fuel generator may be worth comparing. If you want a portable set that you can fill at any station, a gasoline generator is the most familiar choice. The fuel words in the title are the starting point, but your fuel supply plan is the next question.

Gasoline availability

Gasoline is a fuel made from crude oil and sold at fuel stations across the United States. For a portable generator, gasoline is often the simplest fuel to buy: you can stop at a station on the way to a camping trip, or fill a can when a storm is forecast. The availability is broad, but it is not unlimited. During a widespread outage, stations may lose electricity, close, or run out of fuel. If you rely on a generator during a storm, you need to think about when and how you will get gasoline before the outage, not just at the station.

Gasoline generators are the most common on this site's listings. If you want a generator that can accept another fuel as a backup, a dual fuel portable generator is one option. For a camping or RV trip, a small gasoline inverter may be enough.

Propane availability

Propane is a hydrocarbon gas liquid, usually stored in pressurized tanks. It is available in small cylinders for portable use and in larger tanks that can be refilled or delivered. Many hardware stores and fuel stations offer propane refills, and some homes have a large tank on the property. Propane availability is often steady because it does not depend on electricity to pump at the station, but you still need to plan how you will get a full cylinder or fill your tank.

Propane is named on listings as “Dual Fuel” or “Tri Fuel” when the generator can also run on gasoline or natural gas. If you already use propane for a grill or home heating, a dual fuel generator may use the same tank. Compare the guides for best tri fuel generators if you want to add natural gas later.

Diesel availability

Diesel fuel is another petroleum product, sold mainly at truck stops and stations that cater to commercial vehicles. It is less common as a residential generator fuel, but it does appear on larger portable and some standby units. For a homeowner, diesel availability may be more inconvenient because not every station has it, and you might need to travel further to refill. For a job site or a farm, diesel handling is more familiar.

On this site, diesel appears on the listings as a fuel type, but the guides are organized around gasoline, propane, and tri fuel more often. If you are considering a diesel generator, look at how the maker provides fuel supply and service.

Natural gas availability

Natural gas is a fossil fuel delivered through pipelines to homes and businesses. It is not carried in portable tanks; it is only available if your property has a natural gas service line. A standby generator that runs on natural gas is permanent and must be installed by a licensed professional. The availability of natural gas is a question about your address, not something you can buy at a station.

If you have natural gas service, a whole-house standby generator may be worth discussing with an installer. If your home is on a propane tank instead, a tri fuel generator that accepts natural gas and propane might still be an option, but that depends on the listing and the maker's instructions.

Availability by situation

The right fuel for your generator depends on where you plan to use it and how far you are willing to travel to refill. The table below compares the typical availability of each fuel in broad terms, based on how each fuel is distributed in the United States.

Questions to ask your fuel supplier

Before you decide on a fuel type, ask your local fuel supplier about the practical details. The answers will tell you whether a generator that uses that fuel makes sense for your address and your routine.

• Does your supplier offer delivery in your area?
• How far is the nearest station that sells the fuel you plan to use?
• Do you have a tank or cylinder, and who refills it?
• If you use natural gas, check with your gas utility about service and the maker about a connection.

Carbon monoxide from engine exhaust

Gasoline, propane, diesel, and natural gas all produce carbon monoxide when burned in an engine. Read the CPSC and CDC pages linked below and follow the instructions in your generator's owner's manual, because this is a life-safety issue and the guidance changes with the equipment you own.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Which generator fuel is easiest to find?

Gasoline is the most widely sold fuel, but it can run short during a widespread outage. Propane is often easier to keep at home if you have a tank. Your region and the situation decide.

Can I use the same tank for a grill and a generator?

Some dual fuel generators can run on propane, and a grill tank is a common cylinder. Check the generator listing for the size and connector required, and confirm with the maker.

Is natural gas only for standby generators?

Yes, natural gas is delivered by a pipeline, so it is only practical for a permanently installed standby unit. A licensed electrician and the maker handle that installation.

Do diesel generators need special fuel stations?

Diesel is sold at many truck stops and some stations. It is less common in residential neighborhoods, so availability can be a factor if you choose a diesel model.

Should I choose a dual fuel or tri fuel generator for availability?

Dual fuel gives you two fuel options, often gasoline and propane. Tri fuel adds natural gas. The extra options help if one fuel is hard to get, but you must check the listing and the maker's manual for how it uses each fuel.