Top 10 Best Propane Generators: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best Propane Generators: Our Top Picks

1. Duromax XP12000EH Propane Generator

 

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When I first used this model on a camping trip last summer, I was amazed at how easily I was able to use it and maintain it. There are so many different models on the market these days and let's be honest, some are just better than others. This Duromax model is definitely one of the good ones.

So let me tell you a little bit about this product and why I like it.

First off, let me tell you about the specs. This generator has a peak wattage of 12,000 and a running wattage of 9,500. It also features an electric start button that makes it easy to get started. It uses a 7 HP air-cooled OHV engine that can run at 3,600 RPM. The engine also has automatic low oil shutdown, which means you don't have to worry about anything overheating while the generator is working.

The generator comes with two 120-volt duplex outlets and one 120/240-volt outlet. You can even link up two generators together if you need to increase your power output. It also has a voltmeter so you can keep an eye on how much power is being used at any given moment. The whole thing weighs about 230 pounds, so it's not light enough for just anyone to pick up and move around easily.

I like the fact that it is a dual fuel generator, which means that you have more options when it comes to keeping things running. This particular unit can run on either propane or gas; just remember that you'll need an adapter in order to use the liquid propane.

I also like the fact that it is quiet. Most generators make a lot of noise, but this one has been designed to be especially quiet for when you need power but don't want all that noise associated with it.

The downside? Well, it's pretty pricey compared to other generators out there. It's certainly not going to fit everyone's budget. But if you have the cash and want a long-lasting generator that is backed by a great warranty and offers a lot of power from its two engines, this one could be well worth taking a look at.

All things considered, I'm pretty happy with this Duromax XP12000EH Propane Generator and would recommend it to anyone who wants a reliable backup source of emergency power. It's definitely the best propane generator for home use.

Conclusion

With five outlets with varying capacities set on individual breakers, it’s impossible to overload this dual fuel generator. The solid metal frame is sturdy and durable, holding the motor firm. Vibrations and noise are kept to a minimum, which is impressive considering the power output.

With a high fuel capacity, you get around several hours of power. Connect a 100-pound propane tank, and you’ll get about 32 hours of power. This Duromax can run at 120 volts or 240 volts, whichever you prefer.

In addition to the individual breakers for each outlet, the machine also has an auto shut off when the oil runs low. Duromax has taken every precaution to prevent you from accidentally burning out the motor.

In gasoline mode, you may opt to use the idle feature. In this mode, the machine puts out lower RPMs to save fuel. Overall, if you need plenty of power, you’ll love the DuroMax XP12000EH generator.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Duromax XP12000EH Propane Generator Review >

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2. Champion 8000 Propane Generator

 

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I've had my Champion 8000 Propane Generator for about six months now. I bought it to use on camping and boating trips, and what I can say is that there are some serious advantages to having this portable generator. But, there are also some cons that you should consider before purchasing one.

The most obvious advantage is that this generator is portable. It fits easily in the trunk of my car, and it's not heavy enough to be a hassle when it comes time to set up camp. It's quiet enough that I'm not worried about disturbing fellow campers with its noise (but not so quiet that it can't wake up your kids—sorry, parents!). It's not very quiet in enclosed spaces. But on the bright side, it doesn't spew black smoke like some generators do.

The model has a long-lasting, 9375 starting watt/7500 running watt generator. It’s a dual fuel generator, so it's able to run on propane or gasoline. And it provides 12 hours of power at 50% load when using a 20-pound propane tank.

Besides that, the generator has an electric start and a low oil shut-off sensor. You will also be able to connect your RV because this generator has a 120V 30A RV outlet. If you need something more powerful, it also has a 120/240V 30A locking outlet.

It's a full-house generator, which means you can power your whole house at once. Even if you're watching TV in one room, doing laundry in another, and cooking dinner in a third, this generator can meet all those needs at once.

Generally speaking, this portable generator is great for camping trips, tailgating parties, and keeping your power going during storms or outages. This one will help you keep your lights on, charge your devices, and keep food cold in your fridge—as long as you plan ahead for how much propane you'll need.

Overall, I think it's a pretty great generator. It is less expensive than some similar models and it meets my needs. In my opinion, it's the best propane generator for RV use. However, I noticed that it doesn't start so well in cold weather. So ideally, it's not the best propane generator to use if you live in an area that mostly experiences cold weather.

Also, if you're going to use it as a backup power source, make sure you have access to propane tanks. They aren't included with the purchase of this generator.

Conclusion

Should you choose the Champion or the Duromax?

This question is one that we have considered carefully as both generators come from renowned brands. The Duromax models are more fuel-efficient and less expensive. On the other hand, it’s hard to argue with Champion's quality.

Overall, we believe that Champion delivers reliable performance and the company provides excellent customer service. There’s no question that the wheels are of better quality. The design of the handles and compact nature of the model overall make it well worth considering.

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3. Duromax XP4850EH Portable Propane Generator

 

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I believe in promoting environmentally friendly products, and I think the Duromax XP4850EH portable propane generator is a great example of that. It's low-maintenance, portable, comes with wheels, is quiet, and has a clean-burning engine. It is a dual fuel generator that runs on gasoline or liquid propane, and it's EPA approved.

It's also got an electric start with a battery included, so you don't have to worry about getting it started in cold weather. You can use it as a backup power source or when you're camping, and it doesn't require maintenance due to its electric start feature.

Another thing I like about this model is that it has one 120V outlet, one 120V RV outlet, and two 120V twist outlets. That means no fiddling with adapters as long as you have your extension cords in hand.

It's also super effective. With 4850 watts of power, it can run up to 7.2 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gas (6 gallons). That's perfect for running power tools and other heavy-duty items during outdoor events or emergency situations. And if you happen to have a small farm, you'll love this generator just as much as I do.

It also comes with a warranty so you can get it fixed without having to spend any more money. However, one major drawback with it, is that it's not the best propane generator for house use. It's ideal for camping and emergency situations but it's not good enough for washing dishes, cooking or running your furnace, or anything like that.

Conclusion

Starting up this Duromax is as simple as turning the key. The sturdy frame holds the generator firmly in position. The only complaint we have about the build is the wheels. As with the XP12000EH generator, the wheels of the XP4850EH aren’t the best. They’ll flatten within a year or so. This isn’t a dealbreaker – you can buy better quality replacements easily enough. The power output and efficiency of this model make up for the low-quality wheels.

What we appreciate most about this model is that it runs so economically. If you run it primarily on the fuel-type propane, it’ll run for hours and be virtually maintenance-free. You won’t need to change the oil as often either.

We do recommend running gas through the system every four weeks or so just to keep the system adequately lubricated.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth DuroMax XP4850EH Review >

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4. Champion 3400 Portable Propane Generator

 

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I put the Champion 3400 portable propane generator through some tests. I tested the generator in several different environments; I used it in my kitchen, garage, and out in the yard, and these are my observations and experiences.

The generator is small enough to be easily carried from one location to another. It has rubber feet that prevent it from moving around when placed on a smooth surface. It produces enough sound to be heard but not so much that it is annoying or distracting to people around you.

It has a built-in fuel tank that holds enough fuel for about 8 hours of continuous operation. This means that you can use the generator at night without worrying about running out of gas before morning arrives.

The generator also features an automatic shut-off feature if it detects low oil levels or overheating parts. This feature is designed to prevent damage from occurring if the generator is left unattended for extended periods of time while running continuously at full capacity.

The generator is also pretty easy to set up, which is always appreciated. It comes with everything you need to set it up and start using it right out of the box. They even include oil, so you just have to fill the tank and go.

This one also stays cooler than most of the other generators I've used, which is nice if you're planning to use it on an extended trip or in warmer weather.

It's also lightweight and easy to move around. It has wheels, so if you need to move it 5 feet away from your house in an emergency situation, that's super easy.

I also found it to be super quiet. You can barely hear it running, and when you're talking to someone who's standing next to it, you can barely hear it - it's that quiet, which is impressive.

The only downside is that the generator is a bit more expensive than others in its class, but you get what you pay for. If you want to buy a generator that's going to last and be durable enough for all your needs, this is definitely the one to get.

Conclusion

Buying an inverter generator to charge phones and other devices during blackouts could be a smart investment. This little Champion is affordable and offers great fuel efficiency.

<Click Here For A More In-Depth Champion 3400 Review>

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5. Westinghouse WGEN9500DF Propane Generator

 

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I have used the Westinghouse WGEN9500DF propane generator, and I think it is a very good product. I can tell you that it is one of the best generators on the market and it's perfect for both home and outdoor use.

It is an electric start generator with a powerful 457 cc 4-stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine, which makes it easy to start and operate. It also comes with a wireless remote key fob so you can start/stop the generator from up to 109 yards away.

The electric start features a 3-position ignition switch and battery included. Also features an hour meter that monitors maintenance intervals. It also has a digital hour meter for maintenance tracking and LED lights for monitoring power output, fuel level, and oil level.

Its output power is 9500 peak watts/ 7500 running watts meaning it will run all of your essential appliances, lights, and other devices during a power outage or if you need power in remote locations.

The propane generator has a 6.6-gallon fuel tank which means it runs for 13 hours at half load on one tank of fuel. It is also very fuel-efficient. It has a runtime of 12 hours when running at half load on gasoline or 8 hours when running on propane at half load. You can choose to run it at either 50% load or 100% load. It will automatically switch between 50% and 100% load depending on what is needed by your appliances to power them up.

It comes with a control panel, which is user-friendly with convenience outlets such as 4 - 120V 20A GFCI outlets, 1 - 120V 30A locking outlet (L14-30R), 1 - 120/240V 50A outlet (14-50R), and 1 - 12V DC automotive-style outlet with battery charger.

It also has a 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support, which is everything you need to feel confident that if something goes wrong, it'll get fixed quickly and easily at no cost to you. It also includes safety features: low oil shutdown, overload protection (so that your equipment doesn't get damaged), and circuit breakers.

But if there's one thing I'm not a huge fan of about this generator, and it's kind of a big thing, it's the fact that it's so loud. The noise level is around 72 dB at about 23 feet away from the generator, which is about the same sound of city traffic or an air conditioner unit.

The other thing is the price. This one is more expensive than most others in its class. But since it does come with so many great features and safety measures, I think it's worth every penny for anyone willing to spend a little bit more for an amazing product.

Conclusion

Overall, Westinghouse has put much thought into this model. The build quality is good, and each model comes with a three-year limited warranty. The engine is cost-efficient to run and easy to operate.

Is the remote crucial? No, but it’s nice to have. If you live in a colder climate, you’ll appreciate being able to start the motor from inside your home.

Be warned, at 230 pounds—it’s not a lightweight machine. We wouldn’t want to take this tailgating, but it’s perfect for a camper or home.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Westinghouse WGEN9500DF Review >

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Best Propane Generators Comparison Table

Best Propane Generator: FAQs

Benefits Of Propane Generators

The benefits of the best propane generators include:

• Convenient: You can find propane easily at hardware stores, grocers, convenience stores & gas stations. Storage is also a lot easier than with gasoline.
• Propane Has Long Shelf Life: You don’t need to winterize your generator and can store the propane indefinitely for occasional use.
• Environmentally Friendly: You still need to keep the generator outside, but propane is a cleaner fuel type than gas.

Safety Note: Propane produces less carbon monoxide than other fuel types but should not be used indoors as carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.

Are Propane Generators More Efficient?

A propane generator is a great alternate power option, and they produce fewer BTUs than gasoline models. However, there’s more to efficiency than just power output. Propane burns cleaner, which gives it a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline. Gasoline leaves more carbon residue in the engine than propane, while propane reduces your maintenance costs over the years.

Also, since propane delivers more BTUs and burns less per hour than natural gas by a factor of 2-to-1, it is a more efficient energy source than natural gas.

 

 

Who Makes The Best Propane Generator?

The answer is that it’s a toss-up between Champion and DuroMax. Champion provides a better-quality build, streamlined designs, and great customer support. However, DuroMax wins in terms of fuel efficiency and price.

You’ll have to decide which qualities are more important for you. For us, DuroMax’s lower running cost wins out in the end.

How Much Propane Does A Generator Use Per Hour?

The answer depends on the power of the unit. A 20 KW unit burns around 3.44 gallons an hour. For a 35 KW unit, usage increases to 6.1 gallons per hour. Connecting fewer appliances saves propane.

 

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Buyer's Guide: What To Look For In A Propane Generator

The next time you're planning on buying a propane generator, it's important to know exactly what to look for.

Well, luckily for you, I'm here to help. I'm going to go over some of the most important things that you should consider when looking at generators.

But first things first, it's important to know that there are two types of propane generators: portable models and standby models.

Portable generators use an engine to power the device, while standby models are connected to your home's natural gas line. Standby models run automatically when your home loses electricity, while with portable models you need to start them up manually.

Portable generators are great if you want to take your generator on the road or RV trips, if you're camping or tailgating, for example, but if you need backup electricity at home, then a standby model is what you'll want.

In general, standby models are more reliable than portable ones. The engine is more sturdy and less likely to break down due to heavy use (since it doesn't have an engine that needs fuel). Also, because they're hooked up directly to your home's natural gas line, they tend to be more efficient.

They don't run out of fuel like portable generators do. Because of this, it's also important to consider the size of your propane tank.

That said, here's what I've learned about when it comes to choosing a propane generator.

Most complaints about generators stem from consumers buying the wrong model for their needs. It’s essential to carefully consider what you want to power before making the final choice.

Take a look at this list of features and their brief explanations to get a better idea of what the generator you want should have and avoid spending a fortune on shipping the wrong generator:

Wattage

Start by calculating how much power you need. If you demand more energy, you’ll need a more powerful generator. For example, running some lights or a portable smoker while camping requires less energy than powering your entire house during a blackout. In that case, you might look through portable propane generators. They generate less power but are also lighter, more fuel-efficient, and, in most cases, cheaper.

Powering lights, the refrigerator, freezer, and sump pump in your home will require a model that puts out around 4,000 to 5,000 watts. If you’d also like to run your HVAC system, you’ll have to consider a 9000 to 10,000-watt model, at least. Avoid overloading your generator as it will destroy the motor.

 

 

Starter

How easy the unit is to start impacts your user experience significantly. Your generator will have an electric starter or a recoil starter.

An electric starter is more convenient because you just need to hit a button or turn a key to start the machine. The downside of the electric starter is that it won’t work if you’ve drained the generator’s battery.

The recoil models work with a ripcord. They’re similar to what you’ll see on a lawnmower or a chainsaw. Generators with these cords have fewer moving parts, making maintenance easier. You don’t need battery power to have these generators work, and they’re usually cheaper than electric start models.

The downside of the ripcord starter is that it takes more effort. It might take a few pulls before getting it started.

Portability And Wheels

The bigger and more powerful the generator, the heavier it is. An 11,000-watt unit could, for example, weigh 300 pounds. The weight isn’t much of an issue if you’re using the machine to power your home, as you won’t need to lug the generator around much.

Even so, we recommend getting a model with wheels. The wheels come in handy if you want to pack the generator away or move it to a new location.

Suppose you need power while tailgating or camping, weight becomes a significant factor. Fortunately, your needs while camping or tailgating aren’t as extensive as when you’re running a home. A smaller, portable generator should provide ample power.

Gauges And Readings

Simpler portable generator options usually are less expensive. Expensive models typically have LCD displays that give you a full readout of different settings. You may also find smart models that connect to an app. With these, you’re able to adjust the settings from your phone.

These features are interesting but not essential. All you really need is an indicator to show you how much propane is left. Some models provide an indicator that shows the levels remaining. Others merely have a light that comes on when the propane starts to run low.

Either type of indicator is useful. Just ensure that the model that you buy has some kind of indicator. If it doesn’t, you'll need to keep a spare propane tank on hand at all times.

Aside from the fuel level indicator, it’s also handy to have an oil level indicator. If your machine runs short of oil, you could damage the motor.

Auto Shut Off

An auto shut-off is one feature that we consider essential. Look for a unit that shuts the machine down when the:

• Engine overheats
• Oil runs out
• Fuel levels are too low

Fuel Efficiency

First, let's address some basic misconceptions about propane generators. You might think that propane is just an alternative fuel that's not as efficient as gasoline. But in reality, propane is often more efficient than gas and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%. This means it can be a great choice for your generator.

But propane generator prices can sometimes be higher than gasoline generators. While you should definitely factor price into your decision-making process, it shouldn't be the only thing you look at. You should consider whether it is fuel-efficient.

Some propane generators are designed to be more efficient than others, and if you're using a generator that's running at full capacity all the time, fuel costs can add up quickly. If you have to shut down your operations because you've run out of fuel, that can be an even bigger financial hit.

Choosing a highly efficient generator means that you'll spend less on fuel and will also have more fuel leftover in case of an emergency.

Durability and Build Quality

Durability and build quality are important to consider because they impact how long the generator will last. A generator that is built well should withstand the elements of nature (rain and snow, for example) and daily wear and tear.

If the generator has a good build, it should have durable parts like engines and wiring systems that can be easily maintained.

So look for a unit that's made with heavy-duty materials and a strong, protective case or cover. It should also feature corrosion-resistant components and wiring, so it can continue working as long as possible without wear and tear.

Engine Type and Noise Level

The type of engine determines whether it's going to be more expensive or less expensive to operate and whether or not you'll need to buy something extra like a noise muffler.

You'll also want to consider how noisy the engine is, and what kind of noise reduction features the generator has. The quieter the generator is, the better because you'll have an easier time using it on a campsite or at an event where you don't want to disturb your neighbors.

Your Needs

I once bought a generator that only had enough power to run my fridge, but not my stove. In the midst of a hurricane, I was stuck eating cold pizza out of the fridge, because I couldn't cook anything. That was one of the worst hurricanes in recent memory, so I had plenty of time to reflect on how my purchase could have gone better.

So consider your needs before you buy a propane generator. Are you looking to run your entire home off a generator, or are you looking for something that will power only a few appliances?

If you're going to be running your entire home off of it, you're going to need something with more power. But if all you need is your refrigerator and phone charger, your needs will be much more modest.

So don't sweat the small stuff: just make sure your new propane generator can generate power that's is enough for the appliances and devices you know you'll need during an emergency.

Price

Should you buy the cheapest available option or save for a better one? As a rule, we always opt for quality over price. Cheap models seldom live up to the manufacturer’s specifications. They also hardly ever last long after the warranty expires.

It’s best to stick to a reputable brand of high quality. Don’t be won over by features that you’ll hardly ever use.

 

Warranty

Since you’re spending a few hundred dollars here, look for a decent warranty. The industry standard is one to three years. While you’re checking the warranty, also look at what the terms of the guarantee are.

With the Duromax XP4850EH portable generator, for example, the warranty covers parts, but not necessarily labor. If you’re handy with machinery, it’s simple to replace a part or two. If not, you’ll need to find a model with a more comprehensive warranty.

 

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The Best Propane Generators: Conclusion

All of the generators that we’ve listed are great models in their own right—none will let you down. It wasn’t easy to choose an overall winner this time. However, when you factor in performance, fuel efficiency, and value for money, the Duromax XP12000EH generator takes the title of Best Propane Generator.