
Westinghouse WGen11500TFc vs Pulsar PG13000TRCO
Comparing two tri-fuel portable generators: the Westinghouse WGen11500TFc (11,500W) and Pulsar PG13000TRCO (10,200W). See which fits your power needs.
- Pulsar PG13000TRCO
- Westinghouse WGen11500TFc
Comparison Overview
The Westinghouse WGen11500TFc delivers 11,500 running watts and 14,500 starting watts, giving it a meaningful power advantage over the Pulsar PG13000TRCO's 10,200 running watts and 13,000 starting watts. Both are conventional (non-inverter) tri-fuel generators capable of running on gasoline, propane, and natural gas, and both carry a 3-year warranty. But the Westinghouse pulls ahead in several practical areas beyond raw wattage.
Noise is a significant differentiator here. The Westinghouse operates at 74 dB, while the Pulsar registers 81 dB, which is noticeably louder in real-world use. Every 10 dB roughly doubles perceived loudness, so that 7 dB gap is more than a minor detail. Runtime also favors the Westinghouse, which runs for approximately 9.5 hours at 50% load compared to the Pulsar's 7.5 hours. The Westinghouse is heavier at 230 lbs versus the Pulsar's 216 lbs, but the 14-pound difference is unlikely to matter much with generators this size since neither is easy to move without wheels.
Buyers who want more power, longer runtime, and quieter operation will naturally lean toward the Westinghouse. Those looking to save some money while still getting solid tri-fuel flexibility may find the Pulsar a reasonable alternative.
Key takeaways
- Westinghouse delivers 11,500 running watts versus Pulsar's 10,200 running watts
- Westinghouse runs significantly quieter at 74 dB compared to Pulsar's 81 dB
- Both offer tri-fuel flexibility with gasoline, propane, and natural gas
- Westinghouse provides 9.5 hours at half load, Pulsar offers 7.5 hours
- Both carry a 3-year warranty and use conventional (non-inverter) technology
- Pulsar is 14 lbs lighter at 216 lbs, a minor difference at this size
Best use cases
Choose the Westinghouse WGen11500TFc if you need reliable whole-home backup power during outages. With 11,500 running watts, it can handle multiple large appliances simultaneously, including a central air conditioner, refrigerator, sump pump, and several lights or electronics. The quieter 74 dB operation makes it more tolerable for residential neighborhoods where noise complaints are a real concern. Its 9.5-hour runtime at half load means fewer refueling trips during extended outages, which is especially valuable overnight. If you plan to connect this generator to your home's electrical panel through a transfer switch, the extra wattage headroom gives you more flexibility to run demanding loads without worrying about overloading the unit.
Choose the Pulsar PG13000TRCO if your power needs are slightly more modest and budget is a primary concern. At 10,200 running watts, it still provides substantial output for most home backup scenarios, job site tools, or large events. The tri-fuel capability gives you the same fuel flexibility as the Westinghouse, which is a genuine advantage during emergencies when gasoline may be hard to find. At 216 lbs, it is marginally lighter, though both generators are heavy enough to require a wheeled frame for any real portability.
Keep in mind that the Pulsar's 81 dB noise level is quite loud, comparable to a food blender or heavy traffic. If you plan to run it for extended periods near living spaces or campsites, that volume can become fatiguing. The shorter 7.5-hour runtime at 50% load also means more frequent refueling. For occasional or shorter-duration use where cost savings matter most, the Pulsar gets the job done. For frequent use or situations where comfort and endurance matter, the Westinghouse is the stronger choice.
Verdict & recommendation
If your priority is maximizing power output, runtime, and keeping noise levels as reasonable as possible for a generator this size, the Westinghouse WGen11500TFc is the stronger option with its 11,500 running watts, 9.5-hour half-load runtime, and 74 dB operation. It earned a higher overall score of 7.10 compared to the Pulsar's 6.27, reflecting advantages across multiple categories.
If you are working with a tighter budget and your power demands fall comfortably within 10,200 running watts, the Pulsar PG13000TRCO still offers genuine tri-fuel versatility and enough output for most home backup or job site needs. Just be prepared for louder operation and more frequent refueling.
For most buyers shopping in this power class, the Westinghouse offers better value across the specs that matter day to day, but the Pulsar remains a viable pick for cost-conscious buyers with moderate power requirements.
Last updated March 15, 2026
| Specification | Pulsar PG13000TRCO | Westinghouse WGen11500TFc |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Product type | Generator | Generator |
| Fuel | Tri-Fuel | Tri-Fuel |
| Inverter | No | No |
| Parallel capable | No | No |
| RV ready | No | No |
| Running watts | 10200 W | Winner: Winner: 11500 W |
| Starting watts | 13000 W | Winner: Winner: 14500 W |
| Noise (lower limit) | 81 dB | Winner: Winner: 74 dB |
| Weight | Winner: Winner: 216 lbs | 230 lbs |
| Run time @50% load | 7.5 h | Winner: Winner: 9.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Not available | 19 h |
| Fuel tank | 8 gal | 9.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes | Yes |
| Approx. dimensions (L × W × H) | 29.7 x 25.4 x 25.8 | 28.9 x 29.6 x 26.9 |
| Electrical | ||
| Voltage (AC) | 120/240 | 120/240 |
| Voltage (DC) | 12 | 5 |
| GFCI outlets | Yes | Yes |
| Covered outlets | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes | Yes |
| THD | Not available | <5% % |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 500 cc OHV 4-stroke | 550 cc OHV 4-stroke, cast iron sleeve |
| Alternator | Not available | Not available |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Power by fuel | ||
| Gasoline | Not available | Not available |
| Running watts | 10200 W | 11500 W |
| Starting watts | 13000 W | 14500 W |
| Running amps (120V) | Not available | Not available |
| Running amps (240V) | Not available | Not available |
| Peak amps (120V) | Not available | Not available |
| Peak amps (240V) | Not available | Not available |
| Run time @50% load | 7.5 h | 9.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Not available | 19 h |
| Natural gas | Not available | Not available |
| Running watts | 8160 W | 9500 W |
| Starting watts | 10500 W | 12000 W |
| Running amps (120V) | Not available | Not available |
| Running amps (240V) | Not available | Not available |
| Peak amps (120V) | Not available | Not available |
| Peak amps (240V) | Not available | Not available |
| Run time @50% load | Not available | Not available |
| Run time @25% load | Not available | Not available |
| Propane | Not available | Not available |
| Running watts | 9200 W | 10500 W |
| Starting watts | 11500 W | 13500 W |
| Running amps (120V) | Not available | Not available |
| Running amps (240V) | Not available | Not available |
| Peak amps (120V) | Not available | Not available |
| Peak amps (240V) | Not available | Not available |
| Run time @50% load | 3 h | Not available |
| Run time @25% load | Not available | Not available |
| Other | ||
| Data center | Not available | Not available |
| Indicators | false | false |
| Compliance | EPA | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Not available | Not available |
| Spark arrestor | Yes | Yes |
| Neutral | true | true |
| UPC | 814726028879 | 850032657457 |
| Core / High-priority specs | ||
| Running Watts (Gasoline) | 10200 | 11500 |
| Running Watts (Propane) | 9200 | 10500 |
| Running Watts (Natural Gas) | 8160 | 9500 |
| Starting Watts (Gasoline) | 13000 | 14500 |
| Starting Watts (Propane) | 11500 | 13500 |
| Starting Watts (Natural Gas) | 10500 | 12000 |
| Runtime @ 50% Load (Gasoline) | 7.5 | 9.5 |
| Runtime @ 50% Load (Propane) | 3 | Not available |
| Runtime @ 25% Load (Gasoline) | Not available | 19 |
| AC Outlet Types | 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI; 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R); 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R) | 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI; 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R); 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R) |
| Electrical & power | ||
| Frequency | 60 | 60 |
| Engine & construction | ||
| Engine Type | OHV 4-stroke | OHV 4-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 500 | 550 |
| Cylinder Sleeve | Not available | cast iron sleeve |
| Alternator Winding Material | Not available | Copper |
| Engine Oil Type | 10W-30 | 10W-30 |
| Runtime & fuel system | ||
| Runtime @ 25% Load (Gasoline) | Not available | 19 |
| Runtime @ 50% Load (Gasoline) | 7.5 | 9.5 |
| Runtime @ 50% Load (Propane) | 3 | Not available |
| Safety & compliance | ||
| Overload Protection System | Low oil and overload protection | Low oil and overload protection |
| Low Oil Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Carbon Monoxide Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Included equipment | ||
| Fuel Connection Components | natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose | Not available |
| Included Accessories | Funnel, tool kit, key fob, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit | Oil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit |
| Warranty & identification | ||
| Commercial Warranty | 3 | 3 |
| Additional specs | ||
| Summary | The Pulsar PG13000TRCO is a 13,000-watt Tri-Fuel portable generator designed to provide reliable power for homes, job sites, or RVs. It features a 500cc, 17HP OHV engine capable of running on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, offering flexibility in fuel choice. The generator includes electric and remote start options, a rugged steel frame with never-flat wheels, and safety features like carbon monoxide detection and low oil shutdown. | The Westinghouse WGen11500TFc is a versatile tri-fuel portable generator capable of operating on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. It delivers up to 14,500 peak watts and 11,500 running watts on gasoline, making it suitable for home backup, job sites, or recreational use. The generator features a 550cc 4-Stroke OHV engine, electric start with remote key fob, and a CO sensor for safety. It offers a runtime of up to 19 hours on a 9.5-gallon fuel tank and includes multiple outlets for various applications. |
- Most PowerfulWestinghouse WGen11500TFc11500W running
- QuietestWestinghouse WGen11500TFc74 dB
- Longest RuntimeWestinghouse WGen11500TFc9.5h at 50% load


