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7 Best Propane Generators: Reviews & Buyer's Guide 2020
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:
- Powerful Duromax engine
- 9500 running watts
- 12000 peak watts
- Idle control
- Low oil shut-off
Key Features:
- 8.5-gallon tank
- Powers your whole home
- All copper windings
- Runs on gas or propane
- All-metal construction
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.
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PROS
SPECS
Best Choice
DuroMax XP12000EH
PROS
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9500 running watts
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Electrical start
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Run time of 10 or 20 hours (Gas)
SPECS
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8.5-gallon tank
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5 outlets
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12000 peak watts
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Runs on gas or propane
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Westinghouse WGen3600DF
PROS
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RV-ready
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Electric push-button
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Runs for 18 hours
SPECS
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Push-button
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Intuitive control panel
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Low oil shut-off
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Built-in fuel gauge
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Champion 3400-Watt
PROS
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Runs on propane or gas
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Ultra-quiet
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RV-Ready outlets
SPECS
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Parallel Ready
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Runs on GAS or PROPANE
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Push-button electric start
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Noise Level:59 dBA
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Pulsar PG7750B
PROS
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Switch & Go technology
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Single-cylinder engine
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Push-button electric start
SPECS
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Recoil back-up
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Tubular frame
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Fold-up handles
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3 in 1 digital meter
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DuroStar DS5500EH
PROS
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Dual-fuel capability
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4-gallon fuel tank
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MX2 technology
SPECS
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5500 watts at peak
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4500 running watts
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7.5 HP 225cc OHV engine
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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
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Runs on gas or propane
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Electrical or recoil start
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Noise reduction muffler
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Impressive running times
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5 outlets
Pros
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Electrical start for instances of low batteries
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Run time of 10 or 20 hours
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Low oil warning light and shut-off
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5 outlets on the panel
Cons
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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
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Push-button and remote start
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RV-Ready outlet and intuitive control panel
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Able to switch from propane to gas
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Built-in fuel gauge and low oil shut-off
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Easy set-up and maintenance
Pros
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Electric push-button and remote start
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Intuitive control panel
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RV-ready TT30R 120V 30A outlet
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Switch from fuel to propane while operating
Cons
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May experience surges
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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
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Connects with other Champion for double the power
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Switches easily between propane and gasoline
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Inverter varies throttle for efficiency
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RV-ready outlets
Pros
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Runs on propane or gas
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3-position ignition switch
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Ultra-quiet
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RV-Ready outlets
Cons
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May leak gas
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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 – Top Choice for Reliability
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
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Push-button start and recoil back-up
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Tubular frame with powder coating for durability
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Switch & Go technology
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Fold-up handles lock into place
Pros
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Switch & Go technology
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Panel includes a digital power and run time meter
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Single-cylinder engine
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Push-button electric start with battery included
Cons
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Noisy, especially at higher loads
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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 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
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Electric start or recoil start
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Powerful Duromax engine
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5500 watts at peak, 4500 running watts
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Light at 127 pounds
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Easy to transport
Pros
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Powerful DuroStar 4-stroke engine
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Dual-fuel capability
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MX2 technology lets you choose how much power
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4-gallon fuel tank
Cons
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Cannot handle larger loads
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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 – Top Choice for Extended Runtime
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
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208 cc Firman engine
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Low oil shut-off
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Transportable at 112 pounds
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5 outlets, including RV-ready
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Cast iron sleeve
Pros
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Run time of 15 hours
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208cc engine
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Dual-fuel capability
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Integrated digital fuel gauge
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Easy to transport
Cons
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Gas reservoir is small
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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 – Top Choice for Recreational Use
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
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7 HP 4-stroke OHV engine
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Recoil start
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Automatic voltage regulator
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Quiet, putting out 68 decibels of noise
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Circuit protection
Pros
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3250 continuous watts
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4000-watt surge
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2 120V outlets and a DC port
Cons
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Propane only
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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.