The flexibility of a dual-fuel generator is a major selling point for many consumers, offering the ability to switch between gasoline and a cleaner-burning fuel like propane. So, it’s a common and important question: “Does Honda produce dual-fuel generators?”
The Straight Answer: No, Not Natively
This may be surprising to some, but Honda’s official lineup of generators—including the popular EU, EM, and EB series—are all designed to run on a single fuel source, gasoline. You won’t find a factory-built Honda generator that can run on both gasoline and propane right out of the box.
This is in contrast to other brands on the market, like Firman, Generac, and Westinghouse, which do offer native dual-fuel or tri-fuel models, so it’s a question worth asking.[15, 9]
Why is Dual Fuel an Attractive Option?
The demand for dual-fuel generators is high for several key reasons :
- Fuel Flexibility: The ability to switch between fuels is a major advantage during emergencies when one fuel source might be scarce, which is crucial in regions prone to natural disasters.
- Cleaner Burning: Propane burns cleaner than gasoline, which means less emissions and less carbon buildup in the engine. This can lead to reduced maintenance over time.
- Longer Shelf-Life: Propane has an incredibly long shelf-life (almost indefinitely) and won’t degrade like gasoline, so you don’t have to worry about your carburetor getting gummed up from old fuel after long periods of storage.
- Extended Run Time: Having two fuel sources means you can keep your generator running for longer periods without having to refuel, which is critical during extended blackouts.
The Solution: Third-Party Tri-Fuel Conversion Kits
While Honda doesn’t make them, the market offers a reliable solution. Companies like Hutch Mountain sell specific tri-fuel conversion kits designed for popular Honda models like the EU2200i and EU3000is. These kits typically allow your generator to run on three fuel types: gasoline, propane, and natural gas.
The installation process for many of these kits is designed to be “non-invasive” and straightforward, often taking an hour or less to complete without the need for gluing or drilling large holes in the carburetor. Some customers have even noted that the kits come with detailed instructions and pictures, making the installation a “no brainer”. One user, for example, installed a Hutch Mountain kit on their EU2200i and noted that the generator started right up and ran “silky smooth” with very little emission smell.[4]
A Crucial Consideration: Your Warranty
It’s important to understand the trade-off. Because these conversion kits are not genuine Honda parts, installing them will likely void your original Honda warranty. While manufacturers of these kits often claim they haven’t seen them harm a generator in years, this is a risk you must accept before proceeding with a conversion.[12]
These kits may also cause a minor power loss, though some, like the Hutch Mountain kit, claim a minimal loss of just 3-5% compared to others that can lose 10-12%.[12, 4] Additionally, propane can be harder to start in very cold weather, which is another factor to consider depending on your climate.[12, 4]
Conclusion
While you won’t find a factory-built dual-fuel Honda generator, a third-party conversion kit provides a viable and popular way to gain fuel flexibility. Just be sure to weigh the benefits of cleaner-burning fuel and preparedness against the potential risk to your warranty. For more information on the full range of Honda’s gasoline-powered generators, visit the official site: https://powerequipment.honda.com/
