It is always best to be prepared for any situation that may arise. Any good preparedness plan should cover you in the case of the loss of electricity. That means that you should have some form of a backup generator, preferably with an easily acquired and stored fuel source.
That is why it’s a good idea to look for the best propane generator you can find. Propane is easy to store and refill, and a generator that uses it as a power source will usually have plenty of power.
But what makes a good propane generator and what should you look for in one? Have no fear; this handy guide will assist you in your search and offer in-depth reviews of the top propane generators on the market.
Our Top Pick
With reliable performance and excellent customer service, the Champion 76533 Dual Fuel Portable Generator earns the spot as our top pick. It is compact but provides plenty of power. It is ready to use out of the box.
Top 10 Propane Generators Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Running Watts | Noise Level | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Champion Power Equipment 76533 Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator | 3,800 Watts | 68 dBA | 4.6 |
| 2. Rainier R12000DF Gas and Propane Portable Generator | 8,550 Watts | 72 dBA | 4.3 |
 | 3. DuroMax XP12000EH Gas or Propane Powered Generator for Home Back Up & RV | 9,500 Watts | 72 dBA | 4.5 |
 | 4. DuroStar DS13000EH Portable Generator | 10,500 Watts | 72 dBA | 4.5 |
 | 5. DuroMax XP10000EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator | 9,500 Watts | 72 dBA | 4.5 |
 | 6. Westinghouse WGen3600DF Portable Generator, CARB Compliant | 3,600 Watts | 69 dBA | 4.3 |
 | 7. A-iPower SUA12000ED Portable Generator | 8,500 Watts | 69 dBA | 4.5 |
 | 8. Pulsar G12KBN Portable Generator | 8,550 Watts | 76 dBA | 4.5 |
 | 9. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start | 3,100 Watts | 59 dBA | 4.7 |
 | 10. DuroMax XP4850EH Portable Generator | 3,850 Watts | 69 dBA | 4.5 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Propane Generator
When you are looking for any new piece of equipment, you should take multiple factors into consideration. This is especially true when you are looking for the best propane generator.
- Power Output. Whenever you are looking into a generator, it is always considered best practice to buy a little bit more power than you think you’ll need. That way, when you need more than you originally planned for, it will already be available to you with no extra work involved.
- Ease of Use. Some of the generators that we looked at were able to be set up as emergency systems that would turn on automatically if the power went out. While the initial setup might be a bit more of a hassle, it can’t be any easier once they are installed. Smaller, more portable generators should start up with ease as well, either with a pull cord or electric start.
- Durability. Durability in a generator is a tricky thing to measure. You won’t use them all that often, so it’s not the usual wear and tear that does them in, but rather the sitting unused for significant amounts of time. Make sure you pick a generator that needs minimal upkeep, so it will be ready when you need to use it.
- Portability. When looking into a generator, you need to decide how you want to use it. Is it going to be just for emergencies, or will you use it when camping or tailgating? That should help you to determine whether or not you need a portable or permanent one.
- Running Time. Depending on the power output, what you choose to power with it, and the size of the generator, you will get different run times. Make sure that you pick a model that fits your needs.
Top 10 Best Propane Generator Reviews
1. Champion 76533 Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Specifications:
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 26.3 x 24.8 x 22.9 inches
- Weight: 122 pounds
- Running Wattage: 3800 watts
- Noise Level: 68 dBA
- Power Source: Gas or propane
- Warranty: 3 years
Of all of those that we reviewed, this one is by far the best propane generator that we found.
We found it to be extremely portable but still have enough power to run for camping or as a backup generator to keep your essentials going in case of a power outage.
Using a 20-gallon propane tank, you can comfortably produce up to 3,420 watts for an impressive 10 hours. Another cool feature for this particular model is that it can also be used with gasoline, giving it double the run-time!
It also could not have been easier to use. It has multiple plugs, and outlets built right in, so you always have plenty of places to hook up your electronics.
It also has an electric start function, which is run with the included battery pack.
This generator is CARB compliant for sale in California.
A powerful portable propane generator, the Champion 76533 can power your house or campsite for up to 10 hours on one tank of propane. It was easy to start and use.
2. Rainier R12000DF Portable Generator
Specifications:
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 27.2 x 26.1 x 26 inches
- Weight: 200 pounds
- Running Wattage: 9500 watts
- Noise Level: 72 dBA
- Power Source: Gas or propane
- Warranty: 3 years
This generator was built with portability in mind. While it offers enough running watts to power the essentials at home, this generator would be ideal for your RV, camping, or tailgating.
The reason that it is so portable is because of its attached wheels and pull bar, which makes pulling it along a snap.
It is also one of the only models that we reviewed that had a place for the propane tank to rest that was part of the generator itself. This provides you with even more flexibility because you can move the tank and the generator at the same time.
It is also pretty powerful for a portable generator. As a dual fuel generator, it can operate on gasoline or propane. It has an excellent run time of 17 hours with a 6.6-gallon tank of propane.
To make it even easier, Rainier has an electric start switch to start the generator with one push. Long gone are the days where you have to pull the recoil to start the engine.
Rainier generator is portable and powerful. It can power your essentials for about 17 hours on a 6.6-gallon tank of propane. It has a dual fuel generator if you prefer to use gasoline instead.
3. DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator
Specifications:
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 30 x 29 x 26 inches
- Weight: 224 pounds
- Running Wattage: 9550 watts
- Noise Level: 72 dBA
- Power Source: Gas or propane
- Warranty: 3 years
The DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator operates with either gasoline or propane. This helps you to be more prepared for an emergency since it can utilize whatever type of fuel you have available.
It also has an electric start, which helped to get it going in no time at all. The generator is pretty portable too while giving off plenty of power.
Operating at 72 decibels, this generator is as noisy as a lawnmower which is very quiet for a generator putting out 9,550 running watts.
The only drawback that we could find with this system is that it didn’t last as long as our other top picks. This is because it puts out more wattage than either of them, which eats up the fuel quicker.
However, if you need more power and want to use propane, this is a good generator to select.
An easily operated generator that can use either gas or propane as a fuel source. It puts out plenty of power but will burn through its fuel faster than other models we reviewed.
4. DuroStar DS13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Specifications:
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 29 x 30 x 26 inches
- Weight: 236 pounds
- Running Wattage: 10500 watts
- Noise Level: 72 dBA
- Power Source: Gas or propane
- Warranty: 3 years
The DuroStar DS13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a real powerhouse. It has 13,000 starting watts and 10,500 running watts, meaning that it can handle high power loads.
It will generate sufficient electricity that will handle high amperage power tools, refrigeration and lighting equipment, and many others.
This propane generator features dual-fuel technology. What this means is that it can run on either propane or gasoline, giving you a flexible edge.
This propane generator is a workhorse that generates sufficient electricity to handle multiple tasks. It will be able to power heavy-duty power tools as well as high voltage appliances. It also features an idle control that you can turn on when the generator is not in use.
When running a load, the sound level is at 72 dBA.
When running at idle mode, the fuel consumption rate is reduced as well as the noise levels which drops down to 45 dBA. This makes this generator ideal for use in workstations that use power intermittently.
This propane generator features a power panel that includes a wide variety of outlets that allows maximum compatibility in the applications. Its engine is a four-cycle air-cooled spark ignition model.
5. DuroMax XP10000EH Portable Generator
Specifications:
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 30 x 29 x 26 inches
- Weight: 224 pounds
- Running Wattage: 9500 watts
- Noise Level: 72 dBA
- Power Source: Gas or propane
- Warranty: 3 years
The DuroMax XP10000EH Portable Generator features a high-power engine. It can run on both gasoline and propane gas.
It’s incredibly powerful with a starting watt of 12,000 and running watts of 9,500. It is, therefore, able to power high-voltage appliances.
It features a four-stroke engine. This generator will handle the power needs of refrigeration, air conditioners, lighting, and all power-consuming appliances in a home effectively.
6. Westinghouse WGen3600DF Portable Generator
Specifications:
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 23.3 x 22.8 x 21.3 inches
- Weight: 109 pounds
- Running Wattage: 3600 watts
- Noise Level: 69 dBA
- Power Source: Gas or propane
- Warranty: 3 years
The Westinghouse WGen3600DF Portable Generator can run on both gasoline and propane gas. It features a four-gallon fuel tank.
This generator can be ignited with a remote or an electric push-button. It comes with a four-stroke engine and the sleeve of the engine is made of long casting iron.
It also comes with a user manual, a tool kit as well as an oil funnel.
7. A-iPower SUA12000ED Portable Generator
Specifications:
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 23.3 x 22.8 x 21.3 inches
- Weight: 109 pounds
- Running Wattage: 3600 watts
- Noise Level: 69 dBA
- Power Source: Gas or propane
- Warranty: 3 years
The A-iPower SUA12000ED Portable Generator has a peak power of 12,000 watts and a running power of 9,000 watts.
It has a seamless switch between propane and gas with a simple digital power control pad.
It can run for nine hours continuously when powering a maximum load and about sixteen hours when powering a fifty percent load.
It signals low oil in the tank with warning lights.
It also features a weather-resistant cover outlet that allows you to operate it in any weather condition. It comes with a four-stroke engine.
8. Pulsar G12KBN Portable Generator
Specifications:
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 28.5 x 26 x 25.5 inches
- Weight: 209 pounds
- Running Wattage: 8550 watts
- Noise Level: 76 dBA
- Power Source: Gas or propane
- Warranty: 1 year
The Pulsar G12KBN Portable Generator can run on both propane or gasoline. Its power rating at the peak is 12,000 watts.
It features a four-stroke engine and a single cylinder. Its fuel tank has a capacity of eight gallons and can give you twelve hours of continuous operation.
It features a convenient drop-down handle and its wheel measure a whopping ten inches making it easy to move the generator around.
It also features a 3-in-1 digital meter, low oil shut-off, and an automatic voltage regulation which ensures you have peace of mind.
This generator comes with a one-year warranty.
9. Champion 100402 Portable Inverter Generator
Specifications:
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 20.5 x 12.6 x 16.9 inches
- Weight: 47.6 pounds
- Running Wattage: 1600 watts
- Noise Level: 53 dBA
- Power Source: Gas or propane
- Warranty: 3 years
The Champion 100402 Portable Inverter Generator operates quietly, making it a perfect choice for your camping plans. It can run on either propane or gasoline.
When running on propane, it generates 1800 starting watts and 1440 running watts.
When running on gasoline, it produces 2000 starting watts and about 1600 running watts.
This generator features lifetime technical support and a three-year warranty.
10. DuroMax XP4850EH Portable Generator
Specifications:
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 24 x 17 x 17 inches
- Weight: 130 pounds
- Running Wattage: 3850 watts
- Noise Level: 69 dBA
- Power Source: Gas or propane
- Warranty: 1 year
The DuroMax XP4850EH Portable Generator features dual-fuel technology, meaning that it can run on propane or gasoline.
It comes with a powerful engine that generates plenty of power to be able to handle high-voltage appliances.
You have the obligation of choosing to run at either 120V or 240V.
It also features a power panel that includes the compatibility of all the appliances in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Propane Generator?
A propane generator is a device designed in a way that it can generate electricity. The electricity is generated by turning motorized power from the burning process of propane into electric current.
Propane is a highly flammable hydrocarbon gas. When the propane gas is running, combustion of the propane gas will take place, leading to the creation of heat and energy.
Inside the generator is a mixture of water and ammonia. This mixture gains increased temperatures from the heat generated by the combustion of propane resulting in the creation of ammonia gas that flows from the generator.
Are Propane Generators Any Good?
Propane burns with less greenhouse gas emissions than diesel or gasoline. Propane is a clean-burning energy source that’s safe, reliable, and easy to transport.
It produces only half the carbon dioxide emissions of gasoline with one-third the hydrocarbons and just one-tenth the nitrogen oxides.
Propane generators are perfect for emergency power when you need to get the job done fast. They have longer run times than most natural gas generators and don’t require you to do any heavy lifting.
They’re also easy on the environment and less expensive to operate in most cases. If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly alternative to gasoline or diesel, propane may be a good choice.
Are Propane Generators More Efficient Than Gasoline?
Propane generators produce fewer BTUs than gas generators so they are less efficient. However, propane is better for the environment because it is a cleaner-burning fuel.
Gasoline leaves carbon deposits that require additional maintenance in the long run. They use the same fuel and operate on the same principle: one of them is simply better for the environment and will save you money and time in the long run.
Who Makes The Best Propane Generator?
Champion, Rainier, and DuroMax are three great brands. They build quality products, have warranties, and provide excellent customer service.
How Many Gallons of Propane Does a Generator Use Per Hour?
Depending on the generator, it can consume between 2-3 gallons per hour. If you have a propane tank that is 500 gallons, it will run continuously for a week.
How Long Will a 40 lb Propane Tank Run a Generator?
On average, a propane-powered generator consumes 1 gallon of propane for every 2 hours it runs at a 50% load. A 20 lb propane tank usually contains 5 gallons of propane. A 40 lb propane tank should have 10 gallons of propane which means the generator will run for 20 hours at a 50% load.
Can You Leave Generator on Overnight?
Yes, you can leave a generator on overnight as long as it is labeled for long-term use. A generator is capable of running for at least eight hours before it needs to cool.
The only thing that would change this is if something went wrong and the engine needed to be replaced. If this were to happen, it would be good to shut off your generator before draining out the oil.
However, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, you can leave a generator on overnight.
Are Propane Generators Dangerous?
Propane generators are safer than their gas options because propane is virtually odorless. Gasoline and diesel generators operate by flooding the engine with fuel and igniting it in order to create the energy needed to power the home.
This creates a strong burning smell that is often noticeable from a far distance away. Propane, on the other hand, burns more efficiently and therefore creates fewer airborne combustion fumes.
If you’re concerned about safety, propane generators are the way to go. They run on propane fuel, which is safe to transport and even safer to run.
Unlike generators that use gasoline or diesel, propane-powered generators don’t ignite as easily or cause fires in even catastrophic situations, such as floods and storms.
Propane-powered generators are ideal for short-term power outages in areas prone to hurricanes or flooding when the power lines will be down for some time.
They will run your appliances without causing a fire even if there is a power surge or withstanding heavy winds. Propane can be transported easily and safely even by ordinary boat, truck, RV, etc.
Conclusion
As shown in the portable propane generator reviews above, there are many generators to choose from. We have narrowed the list down to the best one based on various factors.
Any propane generator we have selected is a good choice. If you are still debating on one, we recommend the Champion 76533 Dual Fuel Portable Generator. It provides the power, performance, and durability you expect from a generator.
