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
The Pulsar G12KBN is the better portable generator overall, rated 4.2 to 3.9. The Pulsar G12KBN leads on run time. The Westinghouse WGen9500DF wins on starting. The Pulsar G12KBN costs $69.01 less ($929.99 vs $999).
Westinghouse WGen9500DF
#22 in LargeFull review
A large dual-fuel generator for whole-home backup through a 50 A or 30 A transfer switch. Worth it only at a clear discount to the newer CO-sensor models, since it lacks CO shutoff.
Amazon $999$999
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 Pulsar G12KBN for run time (13 hours on a tank at 50% load vs 8 hours on a tank at 50% load).
- Choose the Westinghouse WGen9500DF for starting (electric start with a remote fob or app vs push-button electric start).
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 | Pulsar G12KBN | Westinghouse WGen9500DF |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 89 $0.10 per running watt | 85 $0.11 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 90 13 hours on a tank at 50% load | 40 8 hours on a tank at 50% load |
| Fuel options 15% | 70 gasoline or propane | 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% | 0 no CO shutoff | 0 no CO shutoff |
| Warranty 10% | 67 3-year warranty | 67 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 80 push-button electric start | 100 electric start with a remote fob or app |
Independent measurements
Pulsar G12KBN
No independent test published yet.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF
| Tested by | Noise | Run time | Max output | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Vila | 90 dBA | - | - | Hands-on review: a decibel meter read 89 to 90 dB from about 6 ft, the same on gasoline and propane; load not stated. |
Specifications
| Pulsar G12KBN | Westinghouse WGen9500DF | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 9,500 W running, 12,000 W starting | 9,500 W running, 12,500 W starting |
| Propane | 8,550 W running, 10,800 W starting | 8,500 W running, 11,200 W starting |
| Outlets | 4 × 120 V, L14-30, L14-50 | 4 × 120 V, L14-30, 14-50 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V | Yes, 240 V |
| Full power at 120 V | - | No |
| Total harmonic distortion | - | under 23% |
| Price per watt | $0.10 | $0.11 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline, propane |
| Tank | 8 gal | 6.6 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 13 hr at 50% load | 8 hr at 50% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | - | 7 hr |
| Engine | 457 cc | 457 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise | 74 dBA | 74 dBA |
| Measured noise | - | 90 dBA (Bob Vila) |
| CO shutoff | No | No |
| CARB compliant | Yes | No |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Electric and recoil | Remote, electric and recoil |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 28.5 x 21.8 x 22.2 in | 27.2 x 26.1 x 26.5 in |
| Weight | 209 lb | 211 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2020-11 | 2020-08 |