Westinghouse 6500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator Review
A solid choice for backup power if you want the flexibility of propane and don't mind a bit of noise.
By SecondLook · Review Editor · July 25, 2026
List Price: $579.00
Check price at AmazonI bought this right after a winter storm knocked out our power for three days. Sitting in the cold makes you realize that hoping for the best is not a viable strategy. I needed a generator that could keep the fridge running, power a few space heaters, and charge our phones. The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv ended up being my choice because it offered enough power without the premium price tag of a high-end inverter.
The Setup Experience
When a 135-pound box shows up at your house, you usually prepare for a frustrating assembly process. This unit was a pleasant surprise. It arrives almost completely put together. You just have to attach the wheels and the front feet. The box includes a bottle of oil and a funnel. It took me about ten minutes to get it ready for its first run.
Running on Propane vs Gas
This generator runs on either standard gasoline or liquid propane. For me, propane is the only way to go for emergency backup. Gasoline goes bad after a few months and ruins carburetors if left sitting. Propane lasts forever in a tank. You just hook up the included hose, turn the dial, and pull the cord. It burns cleaner and saves you from doing maintenance on the fuel system.
Powering the Essentials
It is running a basic four-stroke engine with a cast iron sleeve, which really just means it is built to last years of use rather than wearing out after a season or two. On gas, it pushes 5300 running watts. On propane, it drops slightly to 4800 running watts. That is more than enough to power a large refrigerator, a portable air conditioner, and your electronics all at the same time.
The front panel has the standard household plugs, plus a 30-amp RV outlet and a 30-amp twist-lock outlet. That twist-lock plug is exactly what you need if you want to connect the generator directly to a manual transfer switch on your house. It also has a carbon monoxide sensor built in that will automatically shut the engine off if fumes build up to dangerous levels.
Who Should Buy It
- Homeowners looking for a reliable backup power source for essential appliances during outages.
- Anyone who wants the low maintenance of running a generator purely on propane.
- RV owners who need a 30-amp plug ready to go.
Who Should Skip It
- People who live in tight neighborhoods where a loud generator will bother the neighbors.
- Buyers looking to power an entire large house including central air conditioning.
Our Verdict
For $579, you are getting a dependable piece of equipment that does exactly what it promises. It is an open frame generator, so it is going to be loud, and you will need to buy a cheap aftermarket hour meter to track your oil changes. However, it is powerful enough for emergencies, easy to set up, and the dual fuel option is incredibly convenient. If you want peace of mind without spending a fortune, this generator is a great choice. You can find it on Amazon here.
Reasons to Buy
- Dual fuel setup means you can avoid dealing with stale gasoline if you just use propane.
- Arrives almost fully assembled so you can get it running in under 15 minutes.
- Plenty of outlets including a 30A plug for direct home transfer switch connection.
Reasons to Avoid
- It is an open frame model, which means it will be louder than enclosed inverter generators.
- No hour meter included, so tracking oil change intervals requires buying a separate gauge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Westinghouse 6500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator worth buying?
A reliable, dual-fuel portable generator that offers enough power for essential home backup, despite being a bit loud. It scores 85 out of 100 on our objective testing metrics, making it a competitive choice in the Home Improvement category.
What are the pros and cons of the Westinghouse 6500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator?
Key strengths include: Dual fuel setup means you can avoid dealing with stale gasoline if you just use propane., Arrives almost fully assembled so you can get it running in under 15 minutes., Plenty of outlets including a 30A plug for direct home transfer switch connection.. Key limitations include: It is an open frame model, which means it will be louder than enclosed inverter generators., No hour meter included, so tracking oil change intervals requires buying a separate gauge..
How much does the Westinghouse 6500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator cost?
The Westinghouse 6500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator has a retail list price of $579.00. You can check current pricing and stock availability directly on Amazon.