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7 Best Propane Generators: Reviews & Buyer's Guide 2021

If you’re looking for a portable energy source, a propane generator is an excellent option. For power outages, storms, or to power off-the-grid places, a propane generator is the most effective and efficient product available.

A propane generator essentially transforms motorized energy into electricity through the combustion of propane. Although propane generators are less efficient than gasoline generators (they produce fewer BTUs per gallon), propane is a cleaner-burning energy source than gas.

For the best propane generator on the market, look for dual usage, automatic idling when the generator is not in use, a powerful engine, and features like a low oil shut-off.

Top Reasons to Buy:

Key Features:

In a Rush? Here’s our winner..

This propane generator is a workhorse. Powered by an inimitable 457cc OHV engine, it normally has 9500 watts of running power but can rev up to 12000 watts when the situation needs it.

With multiple types of outlets, this generator can power your home’s lights, appliances, and air conditioning unit. Best of all, the power panel has individual breakers to ensure safety. With dual-fuel options, you can choose between propane and gasoline on this handy generator.

SPECS

Best Choice

DuroMax XP12000EH

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PROS

9500 running watts
Electrical start
Run time of 10 or 20 hours (Gas)

SPECS

8.5-gallon tank
5 outlets
12000 peak watts
Runs on gas or propane

Westinghouse WGen3600DF

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PROS

RV-ready
Electric push-button
Runs for 18 hours

SPECS

Push-button
Intuitive control panel
Low oil shut-off
Built-in fuel gauge

Champion 3400-Watt

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PROS

Runs on propane or gas
Ultra-quiet
RV-Ready outlets

SPECS

Parallel Ready
Runs on GAS or PROPANE
Push-button electric start
Noise Level:59 dBA

Pulsar PG7750B

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PROS

Switch & Go technology
Single-cylinder engine
Push-button electric start

SPECS

Recoil back-up
Tubular frame
Fold-up handles
3 in 1 digital meter

DuroStar DS5500EH

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PROS

Dual-fuel capability
4-gallon fuel tank
MX2 technology

SPECS

5500 watts at peak
4500 running watts
7.5 HP 225cc OHV engine
Noise Level: 69dB

7 Best Propane Generators - Reviews

1. DuroMax XP12000EH Propane Generator – Best Overall

This propane generator is versatile and powerful. With a Duromax engine, the running watts for this generator are 9500, and it can rev up to 12000 watts.

This generator runs off propane and gasoline. A full tank of propane fuels the generator for 20 hours on half-load, and a full tank of gasoline powers it for 10 hours on half-load. If you value convenience, having the option to switch to gasoline adds versatility and control for all of your power needs.

The panel includes 5 outlets, and with a noise reduction muffler, this generator is quiet. It can start with an electrical ignition or a recoil start on the occasion of a low battery.

Specs

Runs on gas or propane
Electrical or recoil start
Noise reduction muffler
Impressive running times
5 outlets

Pros

Electrical start for instances of low batteries
Run time of 10 or 20 hours
Low oil warning light and shut-off
5 outlets on the panel

Cons

Wheels aren’t high-quality

Who Should Get This?

This propane generator is excellent for someone who works in construction or who has plenty of uses for a versatile, powerful generator in their home.

2. Westinghouse WGen3600DF Propane Generator – Best for the Money

The Westinghouse propane generator is an affordable, versatile generator. RV-ready with a TT30R 120V 30A outlet, you can swap out the propane for gas while the machine is running.

The push-button and key fob remote make start-up easy, and it runs for 18 hours on a quarter-load. Built-in fuel gauge and low oil shut-off make trouble-shooting a cinch.

Its intuitive control panel includes a 5-20R 120V Duplex Outlet, a TT-30 30 Amp Outlet, and an L5-30 30 Amp Outlet for accessibility. An extensive User’s Manual makes this an easy generator to get up and running.

Specs

Push-button and remote start
RV-Ready outlet and intuitive control panel
Able to switch from propane to gas
Built-in fuel gauge and low oil shut-off
Easy set-up and maintenance

Pros

Electric push-button and remote start
Intuitive control panel
RV-ready TT30R 120V 30A outlet
Switch from fuel to propane while operating

Cons

May experience surges
May overload running many appliances

Who Should Get This?

This is an excellent propane generator for someone looking for an affordable solution that’s easy to maintain for RV camping, car camping, or occasional home use.

3. Champion 3400-Watt Propane Generator – Top Compact choice

This compact generator is the best inverter generator. An inverter generator throttles the engine up or down to meet demand instead of running at full power all the time. It can also connect with another Champion inverter generator for double the power.

The 3400 watts are generated by both fuel or propane. With a push-button, electric start, and a smart charger for battery maintenance, you’re never caught with a low battery.

The three-position ignition switch is the epitome of versatility, and a Quick Touch Panel keeps all your controls in one place. This generator puts out 59 dBA for ultra-quiet running, which makes this perfect for tailgating or camping.

Specs

Connects with other Champion for double the power
Switches easily between propane and gasoline
Inverter varies throttle for efficiency
RV-ready outlets

Pros

Runs on propane or gas
3-position ignition switch
Ultra-quiet
RV-Ready outlets

Cons

May leak gas
May not start on propane

Who Should Get This?

The Champion inverter generator is ideal for a person who does a lot of camping or tailgating and needs a quiet, reliable, and versatile generator.

4. Pulsar PG7750B Propane Generator

With a tubular steel frame with black powder coating and a blue body, this propane generator delivers a lot of bang for your bucks. The panel includes a digital power and runtime meter along with six different outlets, including an RV-ready one.

Although this is not a compact generator – 200 lbs. with 10-inch wheels – the foldable handles lock into place for easy transport. You can switch easily between propane and gasoline with patented Switch & Go technology.

This generator is comparable to other generators that produce lesser outputs and is a great addition to your home-building project or camping retinue.

Specs

Push-button start and recoil back-up
Tubular frame with powder coating for durability
Switch & Go technology
Fold-up handles lock into place

Pros

Switch & Go technology
Panel includes a digital power and run time meter
Single-cylinder engine
Push-button electric start with battery included

Cons

Noisy, especially at higher loads
Run time is short

Who Should Get This?

This product is great for someone looking for value without a hefty price tag who wants a machine that’s both versatile and powerful. Switch between the fuel of your choice with this Pulsar generator.

5. DuroStar DS5500EH Portable Propane Generator

Small but mighty, this generator is easy to transport and produces a lot of power. With dual-fuel capability, you can switch between propane or gasoline. This generator starts reliably and is EPA- and CARB-approved.

With 5500 watts, this generator is ideal for camping or a small construction site as it isn’t as heavy at 127 pounds as other generators that emit the same amount of power.

Its strong metal construction makes this generator durable enough for extended outdoor use at work sites or in the woods, and the wheel kit and folding handle make this easy to transport.

Specs

Electric start or recoil start
Powerful Duromax engine
5500 watts at peak, 4500 running watts
Light at 127 pounds
Easy to transport

Pros

Powerful DuroStar 4-stroke engine
Dual-fuel capability
MX2 technology lets you choose how much power
4-gallon fuel tank

Cons

Cannot handle larger loads
Consumes a lot of gas

Who Should Get This? This generator is a great choice for a person who does a lot of camping in different areas or travels from worksite to worksite. The dual-fuel engine is also perfect for those who need flexibility.

6. Firman H03652 Propane Generator

The Firman generator is small, but it runs for 14 to 15 hours, depending on your fuel choice. Not quite as powerful as larger generators, this an excellent choice for cookouts, camping, tailgating, and home construction projects.

This unit is easy to transport at 112 pounds with sturdy wheels and high-leverage handles. When running on propane with a standard propane tank, this generator has a run time of 15 hours, which is an impressive feat, especially when compared to rival models.

Equipped with an RV-ready outlet and integrated digital fuel gauge to let you know the remaining run time, this generator packs a lot of punch into a small package.

Specs

208 cc Firman engine
Low oil shut-off
Transportable at 112 pounds
5 outlets, including RV-ready
Cast iron sleeve

Pros

Run time of 15 hours
208cc engine
Dual-fuel capability
Integrated digital fuel gauge
Easy to transport

Cons

Gas reservoir is small
No DC port

Who Should Get This?

This generator is perfect for someone who needs power at outdoor events as it runs for a long time and is transportable at 112 pounds.

7. Sportsman GEN4000LP Propane Generator

This propane-only generator is a great companion on any recreational trip or event. Incredibly quiet when operating, this generator is a superb choice for sports fans who need electricity for tailgating or avid campers.

A 5-foot propane hose with regulator is included in the sale of this generator, and this engine burns fuel cleanly and with lower carbon monoxide emissions. It runs for 10 hours on a standard 20-pound propane tank.

Putting out only 68 decibels of noise when running, this generator also has a voltage regulator to protect from electrical surges. An automatic low oil shut-off protects the generator from damage, and the oil reservoir holds 20 fluid ounces.

Specs

7 HP 4-stroke OHV engine
Recoil start
Automatic voltage regulator
Quiet, putting out 68 decibels of noise
Circuit protection

Pros

3250 continuous watts
4000-watt surge
2 120V outlets and a DC port

Cons

Propane only
Not suitable for heavy loads

Who Should Get This?

This is an excellent generator for someone who mainly uses propane, wants a quiet generator, and needs protection from power surges and low oil damage.

Best Propane Generator Overall

A powerful machine, the DuroMax XP12000EH, can fulfill all your expectations for a propane generator. With an impressive 9500-watt output and 12000-watt peak output, this generator stands up to any task you need it to power.

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