Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered

Why I picked up this generator

After a few multi-day outages last year, I wanted a portable unit that could legitimately run a home’s critical circuits without babysitting it all day. I chose the Westinghouse WGen9500DF because it’s dual-fuel, outputs serious power, and includes the practical touches that make storm days less stressful: remote electric start, a transfer-switch-ready outlet, and an easy-to-read display.

Setup and first start

Out of the box, assembly was minimal: wheels, support feet, handle, add oil, connect the battery. The kit includes the oil, a funnel, basic wrenches, and a 12V battery charger, so there’s no scramble for supplies. The only “gotcha” is weight—this is a 200-plus-pound open-frame generator. You’ll want a second set of hands to tip it gently for wheel installation and to move it to its parking spot.

Once fueled, mine started via the key fob in seconds. Remote start might sound like a novelty, but being able to fire up the unit from a safe, dry spot when the weather’s foul is a genuine quality-of-life improvement. The onboard VFT display immediately showed voltage and frequency, which made quick checks with a multimeter unnecessary, and the hour counter is convenient for tracking break-in and maintenance.

Build quality and design

This is a traditional, heavy-duty open-frame design with a 457cc OHV engine and a cast-iron cylinder sleeve. The frame welds, hardware, and panel fitment all look tidy. The handles and wheels make it rollable over flat surfaces, but this isn’t a model you’ll toss in a truck bed without a ramp.

Rubber covers on all outlets, a clearly labeled fuel selector for gasoline/propane, and a straightforward control panel contribute to a user-friendly experience. It’s built to be used, not fussed with.

Power and performance

On gasoline, the generator is rated for 9,500 running watts and 12,500 peak; on propane, 8,500 running and 11,200 peak. In practice, that’s enough headroom to:

• Run a 3–4 ton central AC or well pump (not simultaneously with every other big appliance)
• Keep a gas furnace, fridge/freezer, sump pump, lighting circuits, and outlets going comfortably
• Support an RV with 50A service via the 14-50R outlet

I ran mine through a typical home-backup scenario using a transfer switch: gas furnace, well pump cycling, fridge, chest freezer, a handful of lights, and office gear. It held 240V and 60 Hz under load without drama. As with any conventional (non-inverter) generator, total harmonic distortion isn’t as low as an inverter’s, so I plug sensitive electronics (PCs, NAS) into a UPS or line-interactive power conditioner. Everything else (motors, appliances, resistive loads) is happy directly on the generator.

Fuel flexibility and runtime

Dual fuel is a practical advantage:

• Gasoline: Delivers maximum output. With a 6.6-gallon tank, I saw a full day’s operation on light-to-moderate loads, and closer to 8–10 hours when pushing harder. Actual runtime depends on load profile.
• Propane: Cleaner storage, no carb varnish, and easier long-term preparedness. Expect roughly 10–15% less output than gasoline. In cold temps, use an adequately sized tank and keep the cylinder from getting too cold to maintain vaporization.

Being able to choose propane for maintenance-free storage and gasoline for peak performance is the best of both worlds for home backup.

Outlets and home integration

The outlet mix suits both home backup and RV duty:

• Two GFCI 120V 20A receptacles (5–20R) for standard cords and tools
• One 120/240V 30A L14-30R, which is “transfer switch ready” and is the most common way to feed a home’s critical circuits safely
• One 120/240V 50A 14–50R for RVs or properly sized home inlet kits

If you’re tying into a home panel, use a listed transfer switch or an interlock kit installed by an electrician. It’s safer, legal, and prevents dangerous backfeed to the grid. Also confirm grounding and neutral bonding requirements for your installation; the manual covers the specifics.

Noise and placement

This is a large, open-frame unit. It’s not whisper quiet. Think “lawn mower at a steady clip,” especially under medium-to-high load. I mitigate noise with smart placement:

• Set it on a firm, level surface 20+ feet from doors and windows, exhaust pointed away
• Use a sound-dampening barrier or position behind a structure to block line-of-sight noise
• Never enclose it in a garage or shed—this is outdoor-only equipment due to carbon monoxide risk

If low noise is your top priority, an inverter generator is the way to go—though you won’t match this wattage without stacking units or spending much more.

Cold starts and altitude

Electric and remote start make cold-weather starts easy, though gasoline tends to light more reliably than propane in deep cold. If you’re at higher elevations, plan on a power derate like any carbureted engine and consult Westinghouse’s high-altitude kit guidance for optimal fuel-air mix above roughly 2,000 feet.

Maintenance and usability

The VFT hour meter simplifies maintenance timing. My break-in routine:

• Run varied light loads for the first couple of hours
• Change oil early (around 5 hours), then follow the manual’s interval
• Use fresh, ethanol-free gasoline where available and add stabilizer
• Exercise the unit monthly for 10–15 minutes
• If storing long-term, run it dry on gasoline or lean into propane to avoid carb issues

The automatic low-oil shutdown is a welcome safety net, and the included 12V charger lets you keep the start battery topped up between seasons.

What I’d change

• Noise: It’s typical for the class, but still the biggest compromise. A larger muffler or revised baffling would help.
• Weight: The wheel kit is solid, but a built-in lift point or slightly larger pneumatic tires would make rough-terrain movement easier.
• Power quality: A lower-THD alternator would give even more confidence with sensitive electronics, though that usually adds cost.

None of these are dealbreakers if you’re buying this category of generator for home backup, but they’re worth noting.

Safety and compliance

It’s EPA compliant. If you’re in a region that requires CARB compliance, confirm the specific variant before buying. Regardless, follow the usual generator safety rules:

• Outdoor use only, far from openings and with exhaust pointed away
• Use heavy-gauge, outdoor-rated cords or a proper inlet/transfer switch
• Bonding/grounding per the manual and local code
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and store fuel safely

Who this generator is for

• Homeowners needing real backup capacity: Wells, furnaces, fridges, sump pumps, and a few luxuries can run together.
• Rural properties and job sites: The 14–50R and 30A outlets cover most use cases.
• RV owners who also want home resilience: The 50A outlet is a nice touch.

If you live in a small apartment or only need to run a router and a lamp, this is overkill. If you need quiet-first operation, consider a lower-wattage inverter.

Verdict and recommendation

I recommend the WGen9500DF for anyone who wants a capable, no-nonsense home backup generator with the flexibility of gasoline or propane. It starts easily, produces ample and stable power for whole-home essentials, and includes the right outlets and features—remote start, hour meter, GFCIs, transfer-switch-ready output—to make real-world use straightforward. The tradeoffs are expected for the class: it’s heavy, it’s not quiet, and it’s a conventional (not inverter) power head. If you can live with those, this generator delivers strong value and the kind of confidence you want when the lights go out.