Multi-Fuel Portable Generators

Propane, natural gas and gasoline portable generators

Since gasoline shortages often follow widespread power outages, some people feel more comfortable with a multifuel generator. The best-known multifuel portable generators are large models made by Northern Tool and Equipment under the NorthStar brand. Experts warn that wattage ratings go down when burning propane, and even more with natural gas -- so be sure to get a portable generator large enough to suit your needs.

The NorthStar Trifuel 165938 portable generator (*Est. $2,000) is rated at 6,600 watts when burning gasoline from its 6.5-gallon tank, at 6,200 watts on propane and at only 5,200 watts on natural gas. It uses a Honda engine, an electric or manual starting system, and you can switch from gasoline to another fuel type without powering down the generator. Because it's so expensive, professional reviewers recommend the NorthStar Trifuel generator only if you specifically require a multifuel model. We found a smattering of user reviews at Amazon.com as well as at Northern Tool and Equipment, where more than 15 owners give it an average rating of 4.7 out of five. One contractor says he runs it a full week on 12 to 15 gallons of gasoline. Homeowners say it can run a well pump in addition to all appliances, and one says that it's the backup to a solar system. The NorthStar 165920 (*Est. $1,800), an electric-start gas-only version, is also available. Two-year warranties are included with all NorthStar generators.

An even larger electric-start model, the 10,500-watt NorthStar Trifuel 165939 (*Est. $3,000), receives a nearly perfect 4.9-star rating from over 20 owners reviewing it at Northern Tool and Equipment. It's powered by a 20-horsepower Honda engine and provides seven outlets, with total output rated at 9,600 watts on propane or 8,400 on natural gas.