Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel
#4 in LargeFull review
A large tri-fuel generator for whole-home backup through a transfer switch, best for homes with a natural gas line. It is one of the cheapest ways to get 9,500 W and three fuels.
Amazon $1,169$1,169
The Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel is the better portable generator overall, rated 4.3 to 4.2. The Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel leads on CO safety and fuel options. The Pulsar G12KBN wins on run time and value. The Pulsar G12KBN costs $239.01 less ($929.99 vs $1,169).
Pulsar G12KBN
#15 in LargeFull review
A large dual-fuel generator for feeding a 50 A transfer switch, and one of the few this size sold in California, though it lacks CO shutoff.
Amazon $929.99$929.99
Prices were last checked October 28, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel for CO safety (shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up vs no CO shutoff) and fuel options (gasoline, propane or natural gas vs gasoline or propane).
- Choose the Pulsar G12KBN for run time (13 hours on a tank at 50% load vs 9.5 hours on a tank at 50% load) and value ($0.10 per running watt vs $0.12 per running watt).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every large portable generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel | Pulsar G12KBN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 75 $0.12 per running watt | 89 $0.10 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 55 9.5 hours on a tank at 50% load | 90 13 hours on a tank at 50% load |
| Fuel options 15% | 100 gasoline, propane or natural gas | 70 gasoline or propane |
| Home hookup 15% | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 0 no CO shutoff |
| Warranty 10% | 67 3-year warranty | 67 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 80 push-button electric start | 80 push-button electric start |
Specifications
| Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel | Pulsar G12KBN | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 9,500 W running, 12,500 W starting | 9,500 W running, 12,000 W starting |
| Propane | 8,550 W running, 11,250 W starting | 8,550 W running, 10,800 W starting |
| Natural gas | 7,000 W running, 9,000 W starting | - |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V, L14-30, 14-50 | 4 × 120 V, L14-30, L14-50 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V | Yes, 240 V |
| Full power at 120 V | No | - |
| Price per watt | $0.12 | $0.10 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane, natural gas | Gasoline, propane |
| Tank | 7.5 gal | 8 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 9.5 hr at 50% load | 13 hr at 50% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | 4.5 hr | - |
| Engine | 500 cc | 457 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise | - | 74 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes | No |
| CARB compliant | No | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Electric and recoil | Electric and recoil |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 27.5 x 27.1 x 27.6 in | 28.5 x 21.8 x 22.2 in |
| Weight | 219 lb | 209 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2025-05 | 2020-11 |