Are you looking for a power source during an outage or to power your devices while off-grid? Then the best propane generator is just what you need. It is a very practical option that is available in a wide variety of designs and operations. However, how do you pick the right one from so many choices?
In this post, we have considered ten of the best models that you can buy right now. All these generators are dual-fuel, since it’s pretty tricky to find a quality option running entirely on propane. Also, dual-fuel generators give you more freedom in case you need to switch from propane to gas. The primary things we looked at were surge and rated watts on liquid propane as well as gasoline, since these determine which appliances, and how many of them, you’ll be able to power. The fuel efficiency and runtime were also crucial factors. The number and types of outlets determine a generator’s versatility, and easy start and safety features just make using a generator a breeze for you. And last but not least, we considered generators’ portability and warranty. After reviewing 43 different models, we came up with a list of 10 best choices, where the Champion Power Equipment 76533 just tops them all.
The first option that we review in this post is the Champion Power Equipment 7653. It comes from the Champion brand, a brand that is not as popular as some of the other options that you might find on the market or this list. However, the brand successfully makes different propane generators, especially for people that are on a budget.
The 7653 is no exception and comes with the characteristic qualities of generators from this brand. This model is an excellent pick if you are looking for an affordable model for a simple, yet powerful performance. It comes with several useful features that make it a top choice, and the best model that we have found on the market at this price.
It is designed with a decent power output rating of over 4,000 watts, which is good enough to handle most of your requirements.
The design is one of our favorite things about the model. It sports a bright yellow casing that looks nice and will be visible on dark nights. It is made of solid steel parts as well which aid the durability of the product.
Underneath the hood is a 224 CC propane engine that is what is usually found in generators in this price range.
Weighing just over 110 pounds, the generator is fitted with wheels. These make it easier for you to move the generator around. If you are camping or need a generator for the RV, this excellent generator has enough power and portability to be your top choice.
What we liked: This excellent unit comes with a decent power rating and engine capacity rating. It also offers you a warranty of up to 3 years.
What could be better: The rating is only decent and will not be suitable for heavy-duty applications
Pulsar and Champion are two brands that recently hit the market. While the Pulsar brand is not as popular as others and is a young brand in comparison with others, the same cannot be said of the quality of its offerings. The brand has some pretty dope generators that are versatile. You will find models that will work well for heavy-duty applications and smaller options that will work for home and residential use.
Well, the Pulsar G12KBN-SG is a propane generator that manages to balance and offer you the best of both worlds. It is a powerful entry-level model that is affordable and will give you overall excellent performance.
Out of all the generators that we have discussed so far, this model offers the most power, with all its attendant effects. First of all, the 10,000-watt rating of the power output means that you have a model that will power most of your appliances without any fuss. The engine is also efficient and a 420cc gas engine is an excellent option. The downside of all this power is that it uses more fuel than the others.
Aside from that, almost every other thing is excellent here. Out of all the options that we have reviewed so far, this model is the only one that is CARB compliant and it is the safest to use. Some of the things that you get because o this is the ability to use it for camping or RV needs as well as residential application.
What we liked: This is a CARB compliant model that offers a power rating of up to 10,000 watts. It is very powerful and will satisfy your power requirements.
What could be better: Aside from the size and weight, this model offers just a 2-year warranty.
The WEN brand makes loads of products and hasn’t limited its production to just generators. You will discover that there is a wide range of appliances and power tools created by this company. The model under consideration is the WEN DF475T.
This is one of the best options in its price category. It is what you should be considering if you are looking for something that is simple and affordable. The WEN DF475T is cheap for several reasons. For one, the generator is designed to carry small power loads. Therefore, it is not a heavy-duty option. To that end, it delivers a power output rating of around 4,500 watts.
Under the hood is a 224cc gas engine. This is one of the smaller engines on our list and at this price range. It might be cheap, but the fact that it is CARB compliant is surprising and makes this more valuable.
The company only offered 2 years of warranty, though.
What we liked: This is a CARB compliant generator that is affordable and easy to use for simple, residential applications.
What could be better: The model produces around 68 dB while running, which is loud for the power it offers. There is also no LCD display which would make checking the metrics easier.
The DuroMax XP5500EH is from the DuroStar brand. This line of generators offers excellent models made by a popular and reputable manufacturer. The DuroStar brand has made the DuroMax line of generators as an option that has plenty of power, and that is the difference from the other generators from the manufacturer. To that end, the DuroMax XP5500EH is a powerful option that is versatile and can be used industrially. It comes with a heavy-duty build and decent power that will ensure that you can use it industrially.
This model comes as one of the best options on this round up as you can have it a heavy-duty model. As implied by the name, this model will give you up to 5,500 watts of power output. While this isn’t as powerful as the 10,000-watt model that we have reviewed earlier, it sits nicely in the middle of the high-end, heavy-duty propane generators and the cheaper, less powerful generators.
Underneath the body of the generator is a powerful gas engine that can be used in different states across the country.
Another thing that makes this option an excellent option is that it is available with a 3-year warranty period. It also comes with plenty of ports. You can use it at home or with your mobile home. It weighs 127 pounds but is fitted with wheels for easy transportation.
What we liked: The generator is the best option for an RV. It is relatively portable and comes with a high power output rating.
What could be better: There are some fuel efficiency issues with this generator. It’s also pretty noisy to run.
For many users, the Westinghouse WGen3600DF is the best model on the market. It comes from a brand that almost everyone knows about. The Westinghouse brand is designed with heavy-duty performance in mind. The brand makes industrial generators that will serve for a long time and will meet your power requirements.
This model is our best option as the best generator for RVs right now. One of the reasons why we love this model is that it comes with a high output rating. While the power output rating is not the highest or best on this list, it is still excellent. Although some others are rated as high as 10,000 watts, the power output of this option is often sufficient for all the appliances in your RV and can be used in certain industrial applications.
You can use either fuel to power the generator. Regardless of what you decide to use, you can rest assured that this model is very reliable in terms of use and performance. It is fitted with different output ports and others as well. For example, it comes with a pair of switches for the home, a transfer switch, a pair of USB ports, and an RV switch.
What we liked: This model is designed with several ports and comes with a powerful engine that will give your RV the power that it requires.
What could be better: As with large, heavy-duty generators, the Westinghouse WGen3600DF is more expensive than the average propane generator. It’s also heavy, which makes it less portable.
In your search for the best propane generators, chances are high that you came across the DuroStar brand. If so, that is not surprising. After all, the DuroStar brand is one of the most popular and reputable creators of generators on the market today. The brand is known for the versatility of its products, with the brand dedicating a lineup of generators for heavy-duty use while others are for residential use.
The Durostar DS5500E is an excellent model that ranks high on the list of the best propane generators on the market. The combination of efficiency, design, and performance results in a generator that offers a good balance. It is right in the middle of the high-grade, heavy-duty generators and consumer-level models. The reason why the model is so versatile is that it has a 5,500W output level. Therefore, you can use it for different stuff.
Inside the body is a powerful 440CC gas engine. It can be used with propane or gasoline. You get several options with this model.
In addition, it is fitted with several ports. This makes it available to work with your home, RV, and other outlets.
The Durostar DS5500E also comes with a 3-year warranty.
What we liked: This generator is powerful and comes with an excellent engine capacity. It has several ports that make it ready to work with an RV.
What could be better: The model lacks the sturdiness of similarly priced models.
Apart from this generator, there are other appliances that come from Ford. These are available in a wide range of applications and offer general excellent performance.
Our focus here, though, is the Ford FG7750PBE. If you are looking for an affordable option, then we certainly believe that this generator is one of the best. One of the reasons why it is so great is that it is a heavy-duty model. It is built to power large devices or large spaces without plenty of fuss. If you check it out, you will discover that this gives you a rating of around 7,000 watts. This power is excellent and will help you to power plenty of your devices.
This large power output is the result of a large CC gas engine that is what you should expect considering the price of the model.
As a heavy-duty model, it is excellent that this is one of the CARB compliant options that you find on the market today. It comes with the ability to be used across different states without plenty of fuss.
Starting the generator is not difficult as it can be used with an electric starter or recoil starter. Either way, you will find it easy to use and start the generator.
What we liked: This generator offers one of the most powerful power output ratings that you will find on the market right now. It is durable and stable.
What could be better: The warranty is only 2 years long. It’s also quite loud at around 76 dB.
Are you looking for generators made for emergency use and backup power for the home? If so, then you should consider the All Power America APGG10000GL. This generator is an excellent option that comes with heavy-duty applications and will work to keep the home powered when you need it.
It is a 10K watt inverter generator that offers you several benefits. One of the things that we like about it is that it is EPA certified. This certification makes it safe to use and will keep the home powered. With the high output rating, you have a unit that will power almost every appliance that you have in the home.
Included in the design is an 8-gallon tank. When this tank is full, the generator can run for up to 12 hours. While there are models that run for longer, none of those have the same power output as this model.
In addition to all of these, the unit also comes with several ports. You get up to four AC plugs, a twist lock plug, and other plugs. Therefore, you will be able to power all the things you want.
What we liked: With a power rating of up to 10000 watts, you have a unit that will power most of your appliances with ease. It is also EPA compliant.
What could be better: The model is only covered with a one-year warranty. We think, that such a powerful and expensive generator could be protected with a better one.
Weighing 47.6 pounds of weight, the Champion Power Equipment 100402 is the most compact and portable out of all the generators on this list. So if you want something that is truly portable and reliable, then you should consider getting this generator.
Right from first glance, it is clear that this is not your typical propane generator. It is shaped like a can and this compact design makes it easy to move around and store away when not in use. It has a dual-fuel technology, meaning that it can run on gasoline and propane. It delivers 120V of power. The running and peak wattage of 1,600W and 2,000W respectively is smaller than what you have found in other generators so far, but that isn’t too surprising when you consider that it has such a small size. With propane power, it is even lower in terms of output. Nevertheless, as this is not for heavy-duty applications, you will find it handy for other applications.
Another nice feature here is that it is able to be connected to the same model so you can get twice the power. That means that you can connect two or more of these generators together to get more power.
The starter is a recoil starter. While an electric starter is more convenient, you will still find this easy to use. The model can run for up to 11 hours with a full tank of gasoline, and up to 24 hours when running on a full tank of propane.
What we liked: This is the best portable model. It comes with a quiet operation and the ability to power your sensitive electronics without any damage.
What could be better: For the performance, this is quite expensive. It would also have been better if it came with an electric start.
If you are looking for an inverter generator, then the Champion Power Equipment 10026 is an excellent model to check out. From our testing and reviews from other users, this model is the best inverter propane generator that you can buy. It comes from the Champion brand, a brand that is not as popular as some of the other options that you might find on the market or this list. However, the brand successfully makes different propane generators, especially for people that are on a budget.
It is the second model on our list and is in many ways the most compact, lightweight, and affordable options compared to others on the list. It offers you a decent power output of around 3,400 watts and can run for up to 7 hours.
It is a unique model for several reasons. Apart from the design, this Champion generator is actually a gas and propane inverter generator. Due to the power rating and overall design, it is the best option for those that have sensitive appliances. Because of the inverter technology amidst other things, it is not designed as a heavy-duty option. Therefore, it will not cater to the needs of your large appliances.
One of the other things that we love about this generator is that it is a perfect companion for camping or similar activities.
Weighing around 98 pounds, it is one of the lightest on this list. With about 20 pounds of propane, you can have a great time for up to a weekend.
What we liked: The inverter technology benefits this model in different ways. It is portable, easy to use, efficient, and runs quietly compared to traditional models.
What could be better: The downside of this model is that the power output is lower than expected.
The models that we have reviewed in the post are for different users and uses. Therefore, we have discussed some of their best features. In this section, we address some of the important features to look at before you make a buying choice. This will arm you with the right information to help you to make the right buying decision.
There are several important features that you need to look at when buying a propane generator. All of them are important in their right, and in this section, we will look at what each of these is and why they are so important in making the right buying decision.
The first thing that you should consider, and a feature that many think is the most important feature to consider, is the power output of the generator. It is important to consider it because this feature will determine what you can do with the generator.
Some people want a generator for consumer-level applications, while others are looking for generators to be used for industrial purposes. Either way, the power output rating of the generator is what will determine what you can do with the generator.
To that end, you have a couple of options to choose from. Some models come with a 4000W rating or even as high as 12,000W. The wattage is dependent on the model that you buy. As you might have figured out, the higher the rating, the more power you will have. Therefore, the 12,000W option is excellent for heavy-duty or industrial applications while the 4000W model is better suited to residential or consumer-level applications. The Champion Power Equipment 100402 offers little power while the Pulsar G12KBN-SG is the most powerful we have reviewed.
It is easy to confuse the power output of the generator with the engine capacity. However, these are two different things. As the name implies, the propane generator is powered by propane. It uses a propane engine to create power and distributes it to the home. It is this gas engine that works to power the generator’s dynamo and gives you the electricity that you desire.
The engine capacity of the generator is measured in cc. This is why you find different cc options in the generator models on the market, from 200cc to 400cc gas engines. From the different capacities out there, the 400cc capacity is the better option and gives the best level of performance to those that use it.
However, you should note that the higher the capacity, the more fuel the generator will consume.
As you look to buy a propane generator, one of the features that you should also consider is the engine power rating of the generator. The benefit of checking this out is that it is a good indicator of the quality of the performance offered by the unit.
The propane generator is powered by these gas engines and it is vital to check it out. There are several ratings available in generators today. Some have ratings of 10 HP, which will certainly work for most domestic purposes. However, others come with even more powerful ratings of up to 15 HP. As with the other features that we have considered, the higher the power rating of the engine, the more powerful it is. A high power rating means that you can use the generator for industrial applications.
While this offers you lots more power, it also indicates that you have to spend more on fuel as the unit will consume more fuel than usual.
Up next to be considered are the ports of the generator. If the generator is used outdoors, say on a camping trip, chances are pretty high that you will connect several devices to it. In that case, you will need the generator to come with a variety of ports for connection. Without these ports, you will not be able to connect these devices.
In the past, generators did not come with several output ports; however, now more generators are used with this feature. They now come with ports for the home, transfer switches, RV ports, USB ports, and more.
In our opinion, the more the number of ports, the better. It is simply more practical and will give you more value. That is why we love the Pulsar G12KBN-SG.
You certainly are not looking to buy a generator that would stop working after some months of use. That is why you should consider the durability and reliability of the generator that you buy. Generators come with several moving parts, ranging from the engine to the dynamo. Therefore, if you want the generator to last, look for one that is made of high-quality parts.
Additionally, look for generators that offer good warranty periods. A warranty will help you in times of damage or repair. You would be able to do them at no additional costs.
Another thing that you surely need to keep in mind is the model’s ability to start. This affects how much you will enjoy using the generator. There are different types of starts that you will find in propane generators. For example, the generator might be fitted with a recoil starter or an electric option.
The electric starter is our best type of starter because it is so easy to use. All that is required is for you to press a button or turn a key and the generator will start working. The convenience is the main advantage. However, it also comes with downsides. One of the main downsides is that if there is no power in the battery, there is no way you can use the starter.
The recoil system is more difficult and requires you to pull a ripcord. It is common in appliances like the lawnmower. With this type of starter, you will have no issues with the battery. It also comes at a cheaper price than the electric start models. The main disadvantage of this type of starter is that you need an effort to start the generator.
The Pulsar G12KBN-SG, All Power America APGG10000GL, and Westinghouse WGen3600DF generators come with all the types of starters.
Depending on the size and weight, as well as the design, the generator might be easy or difficult to move around. The ability to move a propane generator is important as you will likely use these at different locations.
A powerful generator, for example, a 12,000W model can weigh as much as 300 pounds. If the generator is mainly for home use, then portability might not be a big deal because you wouldn’t need to move the generator much.
Whether you are using the generator at home or on the worksite, we recommend that you get a model that is fitted with tires. These wheels will make it really convenient to move the generator to another location. Champion Power Equipment 76533 comes with such a design.
If you need a generator for camping, then you will doubly require a portable model. The good thing is that you don’t need plenty of power while camping so it is easier to find a portable model.
Readings and gauges on your generators are also quite important. If you want a simple generator, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get it. The high-end units, though, come with LCD displays that offer a full view of the parameters of the generator. Also, there are some models that can be connected to a phone and app. You will therefore find it easier to use.
It is noteworthy, though, that all of these features are just cool but aren’t essential to the generator. The most important indicator or gauge that you need is that which shows the level of fuel that you have left in the tank.
These come in different forms. Some have an indicator light that only comes on when the fuel level is low. Others show you the exact amount of fuel left. Regardless of the type, they all come in very handy. When choosing your propane generator, ensure that you have this indicator available.
Apart from the indicator for the propane, you should also consider a model that comes with an oil level indicator. The Champion Power Equipment 100402 has the necessary indicators.
To ensure the durability of your machine and the proper running, it is important that you consider the auto shut-off feature. It is very essential. The feature kicks into action when the engine overheats, if the oil runs out, or if the fuel levels are low. This will ensure your safety and the durability of the generator.
Generators are available in a wide range of prices. Therefore, you need to consider your budget needs to know which one to buy. You need to decide whether you will choose a cheap model or one that is more expensive.
If you buy a cheap model, you should be ready for some compromises. Cheap models often lack the power and durability expected. They might even come with false specifications. When buying, we recommend that you buy a model from a reputable brand. The Ford FG7750PBE is a good affordable model.
There are several advantages of the dual fuel generator. They are:
These generators are convenient and reliable to use. They offer a greater level of versatility and are quite durable as well.
These generators are useful in emergencies. You can switch between the propane and gas system quickly and effectively.
As you can see, there are several types of propane generators and choosing the best propane generator could be a challenge. Out of the models we reviewed, we have selected three as our top picks. The Champion Power Equipment 76533 is our top choice. It is an excellent unit comes with a decent power rating and engine capacity rating. It also offers you a warranty of up to 3 years. If all you care about is power, then Pulsar G12KBN-SG is a good fit. It is a CARB compliant model that offers power rating of up to 10,000 watts. It is very powerful and will satisfy your power requirements. Our third pick is the WEN DF475T. This CARB-compliant generator is affordable and easy to use for residential applications; the ignition requires a key for security, which is also a nice touch.
