Imagine a sudden power outage. Your lights go out, your fridge stops cooling, and your phone battery is running low. It’s a frustrating situation, isn’t it? This is where a reliable backup power source becomes a real lifesaver. For many homes and businesses, a natural gas generator offers a powerful solution.
But choosing the right natural gas generator can feel like a puzzle. There are many types and sizes, and figuring out which one is best for your needs can be confusing. You want to make sure you get a generator that’s efficient, dependable, and fits your budget. It’s a big decision, and getting it wrong can lead to wasted money or not enough power when you need it most.
This post is here to clear up the confusion. We’ll break down what makes natural gas generators a smart choice and guide you through the key things to consider. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently pick the perfect generator for your peace of mind. Let’s dive in and explore the world of natural gas generators!
Our Top 5 Natural Gas Generator Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
 |
WEN 14 | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
 |
WEN 14 | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
 |
Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
 |
Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Natural Gas Generator Detailed Reviews
1. Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
Rating: 8.6/10
The Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is a powerful and versatile solution to keep your home powered during outages. It can run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, giving you flexibility. This generator offers plenty of power for your essential appliances and even some extras. The remote start feature makes it easy to turn on without going outside.
What We Like:
- Runs on three different fuels: gas, propane, and natural gas, offering great flexibility.
- Provides a high amount of peak and running watts, enough for many household needs.
- Comes with a remote start key fob for convenient operation from a distance.
- Includes multiple outlets, including RV ready and transfer switch ready options.
- Features safety shutdowns for low oil and carbon monoxide for peace of mind.
- Comes with everything you need to get started right away, like oil and a tool kit.
- Built with a strong Westinghouse engine that has a cast iron sleeve for durability.
- EPA compliant and backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The maximum run time is up to 12 hours on a full tank, which might not be enough for very long outages without refueling.
- While it has electric start, it also includes a recoil start, which some users might find less convenient.
- The generator itself is quite heavy, making portability a challenge for some individuals.
This Westinghouse generator offers excellent power and fuel options for home backup needs. Its thoughtful features and robust construction make it a reliable choice for preparedness.
2. WEN 14
Rating: 9.2/10
The WEN 14,500-Watt 120V/240V Tri-Fuel Generator (TF1450X) offers incredible versatility for power backup. You can easily switch between gasoline, propane, and natural gas with a simple dial. This generator is ready for your home’s transfer switch, giving you peace of mind during outages. It also features a CO Watchdog sensor to keep your family safe by shutting down if carbon monoxide levels get too high.
What We Like:
- Runs on three different fuels: gasoline, propane, and natural gas, giving you options.
- Produces up to 14,500 surge watts on gasoline, enough to power many appliances.
- Electric start makes it super easy to turn on.
- Includes a wheel kit, so moving it is not a problem.
- The CO Watchdog sensor adds an important safety feature.
- It’s ready for a transfer switch, simplifying emergency power setup.
- Comes with a variety of outlets for different needs.
- Includes a 6-foot LPG hose and NG quick-connect adapter.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8.2-gallon tank provides up to 12 hours of runtime at half load, which could be longer for some users.
- While versatile, the wattage output varies between fuels, so you need to consider this when choosing your power source.
This WEN generator is a powerful and flexible solution for your power needs. It provides reliable backup power with important safety features.
3. WEN 14
Rating: 8.6/10
The WEN 14,500-Watt Tri-Fuel Generator is a powerhouse for any situation, from powering your home during an outage to running your campsite. Its ability to run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas gives you incredible flexibility. This generator is also transfer-switch ready, meaning it can easily connect to your home’s electrical system for seamless backup power.
What We Like:
- You can easily switch between gasoline, propane, and natural gas with a simple dial.
- It operates on both 120V and 240V, making it great for home backup.
- The electric start makes powering it up a breeze.
- It offers plenty of outlets to connect all your devices.
- The 8.2-gallon tank provides a long runtime of up to 12 hours.
- It comes with useful accessories like an LPG hose and an NG adapter.
- A three-year warranty offers peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, it can be a bit noisy when running.
- It’s a large unit and requires some space for storage.
This WEN generator offers impressive versatility and power for various needs. It’s a solid choice for reliable backup power.
4. Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
Rating: 9.3/10
When the power goes out, you need a reliable backup. The Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is built for just that. This powerful generator runs on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, giving you flexible fuel options. It can start up with a remote control, making it super convenient when bad weather hits. Plus, it’s ready to connect to your home’s transfer switch, so you can power your whole house.
What We Like:
- Runs on three different fuels: gas, propane, and natural gas.
- Easy to start with a remote control, electric start, or recoil start.
- Powerful enough to run many appliances at once, with up to 10500 running watts on gasoline.
- Long run time of up to 19 hours on a full tank of gas.
- Includes handy outlets like standard household ones, a transfer switch ready outlet, and an RV ready outlet.
- Built with a strong Westinghouse engine that has safety features like automatic low oil and carbon monoxide shutdown.
- Comes with everything you need to get started, like a remote, oil, and tools.
- EPA compliant and backed by a 3-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many outlets, you might need adapters for some devices.
- It’s a heavy unit, so you’ll need help moving it.
This Westinghouse generator offers excellent versatility and power for your home backup needs. It’s a solid choice for keeping your lights on and your essentials running during an outage.
5. Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
Rating: 9.3/10
The Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is a powerful and flexible solution for keeping your home or campsite powered. It’s built to handle demanding needs, whether you’re powering a larger home during an outage or need reliable electricity on the go.
What We Like:
- Versatile Fuel Options: It runs on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, giving you flexibility based on what’s available.
- High Power Output: Delivers impressive peak and running watts, enough to power many appliances and electronics.
- Safe for Electronics: Features low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), so it’s safe to charge your phones, laptops, and TVs.
- Durable Engine: The 550cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine is built tough with a cast iron sleeve for long-lasting performance.
- Long Run Times: Offers extended run times on a single tank of gas or propane.
- Remote Start: Easily start the generator from a distance, adding convenience.
- Transfer Switch Ready: Designed to connect safely to your home’s transfer switch for seamless backup power.
- Copper Windings: These help the generator produce cleaner power, run cooler, and last longer.
- Strong Warranty and Support: Comes with a 3-year limited warranty and a nationwide customer service network.
What Could Be Improved:
- Weight: While powerful, it is a heavy unit, so it may require assistance to move around.
- Fuel Gauge Accuracy: Some users have noted that the fuel gauge might not always be perfectly precise.
This Westinghouse generator offers excellent power and adaptability for various situations. It’s a solid investment for reliable backup power.
Your Guide to Natural Gas Generators: Power When You Need It
Natural gas generators are a fantastic way to keep your home powered during outages. They run on the same gas line that fuels your stove or furnace. This means you don’t have to worry about refilling fuel tanks like you do with propane or gasoline generators. Let’s explore what makes a good natural gas generator and how to choose the right one for you.
Key Features to Look For
Power Output (Wattage)
This is how much electricity the generator can provide. You need to figure out what you want to power. A few lights and a fridge need less power than an entire house with air conditioning. Look at the wattage listed on your appliances. Add them up to get an idea of your needs. Generators have a “running wattage” (what they can handle constantly) and a “starting wattage” (what they need to start up something like a motor).
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
An ATS is a smart box that detects when your power goes out. It automatically turns on your generator and switches your home’s power source. When the utility power returns, it turns off the generator and switches you back. This is super convenient and means you don’t have to do anything.
Fuel Efficiency
While natural gas is generally affordable, some generators use it more wisely than others. Look for models that are known for good fuel efficiency. This saves you money over time.
Noise Level
Generators can be loud. If you live close to neighbors or are sensitive to noise, look for models with lower decibel (dB) ratings. Some generators are designed to be quieter.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Your generator will sit outside, so it needs to be built tough. Look for units made with sturdy materials and designed to withstand different weather conditions like rain and snow.
Important Materials
The quality of the materials used in a generator affects how long it lasts and how well it works. Good generators use:
- Steel Casing: Strong steel protects the engine and other parts from the elements and damage. Powder-coated steel is even better for rust resistance.
- Copper Windings in Alternator: Copper is a great conductor of electricity. Generators with copper windings in their alternators are more efficient and last longer than those with aluminum.
- High-Quality Engine Components: Just like in your car, the engine parts need to be made from durable metals that can handle constant use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improve Quality:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have a history of making reliable generators. They usually offer better warranties and customer support.
- Advanced Control Panels: Easy-to-read displays that show fuel levels, output, and maintenance reminders improve the user experience.
- Built-in Safety Features: Things like low-oil shutdown, overload protection, and surge protection keep the generator and your appliances safe.
Reduce Quality:
- Thin or Cheap Plastic Parts: These can break easily and don’t offer much protection.
- Poorly Welded Joints: Weak welds can lead to structural problems over time.
- Lack of Regular Maintenance: Even the best generator will perform poorly if it’s not taken care of.
User Experience and Use Cases
Natural gas generators are popular for homeowners who want a reliable backup power source. They are ideal for:
- Keeping Essentials Running: Powering refrigerators, lights, medical equipment, and heating/cooling systems during an outage.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you won’t be left in the dark during a storm or other power disruptions.
- Convenience: The automatic nature of many units means you don’t have to be home or manually start the generator.
- Remote Locations: For homes that already have natural gas lines, it’s a simple and effective power solution.
The user experience is generally very positive, especially with an automatic transfer switch. You might not even know the power is out until you see a neighbor’s lights on!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of a natural gas generator?
A: The main benefit is that it runs on your existing natural gas line, so you never have to refill a fuel tank.
Q: How much power do I need?
A: You need to add up the wattage of the appliances you want to run. Then, consider the starting wattage for items with motors.
Q: Do I need a special connection for a natural gas generator?
A: Yes, it needs to be connected to your home’s natural gas line by a qualified professional.
Q: Are natural gas generators noisy?
A: They can be, but many newer models are designed to be quieter. Check the decibel (dB) rating.
Q: How long do natural gas generators last?
A: With proper maintenance, a good quality natural gas generator can last for many years, often 15-20 years or more.
Q: Can I install a natural gas generator myself?
A: No, the gas line connection and electrical wiring should always be done by a licensed professional for safety.
Q: What is an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)?
A: An ATS automatically switches your home’s power from the utility grid to the generator when the power goes out.
Q: How much maintenance do they require?
A: They need regular checks of oil, filters, and spark plugs, similar to a car. Professional servicing is also recommended.
Q: Are natural gas generators more expensive than other types?
A: The initial purchase price can be higher, but the fuel cost is often lower, and you save on buying fuel.
Q: What happens if my natural gas line is interrupted?
A: If your natural gas supply is cut off (e.g., during a major disaster), your generator will not run. This is a downside compared to generators that use stored fuel.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.