| Champion 100891 (Best Overall)
(Editor's Choice)  |
| DuroMax XP12000EH (Highest Power Output)
 |
| WEN DF475T (Cheapest Propane Generator)
 |
| Champion 200988 (Best Gas/Propane Inverter Generator)
|
| Westinghouse WGen7500DF (Another High Power Output Generator)
|
| Champion 100165
|
| A-iPower SUA4000iED
|
| Pulsar PG7750B
|
There is no denying that the generator is a handy machine to have when the power goes out. So if you are looking for a propane generator for home use, then you have come to the right place.
There are so many generators available on the market with different power outputs and features. Choosing the best among them is a daunting task. To help you simplify the process, we conducted thorough research and chose the best among them.
So here are the reviews of the best propane generators of 2022.
Best Propane Generators
1. Champion 76533 Portable Propane Generator
Champion is the biggest market leader among generator manufacturers. People trust their products due to their modern technology and affordability.
The generator we are reviewing here can run on gasoline as well as propane. The Champion 76533 has a 224cc engine that can generate 4750 peak watts and 3800 rated watts when running on gasoline. Similarly, you will get 4275 starting watts and 3420 running watts when running the generator on propane.
This unit boasts the touch start and push-button electric start feature. Moreover, it uses the internal battery for the starting procedure, and you can charge the battery by using the generator’s power while it is running.
The folding handle and never-flat tires make this generator more lightweight. A propane hose is included in the whole package to get you started right off the bat.
You can select any of the two fuels by using the fuel selector switch. Moreover, there is a 30A RV outlet by using which you can run almost all the appliances on your RV, including 15,000 BTU AC.
That’s not all the cold start technology that won’t let you down in cold weather. Safety features like automatic low oil sensors and volt guards provide additional safety to the generator. The intelligauge system monitors the voltage, hertz, and running hours of a generator for performance tracking.
- High efficiency due to propane
- Awesome safety features
- 3800 running power
- 50-state CARB compliant
- Three-year warranty
- Not parallel capable
2. Westinghouse WGen9500DF Gasoline/Propane Generator
This propane generator from Westinghouse is a workhorse that can fulfill the power needs of your entire home. You will not only be powered through the entire storm, but you can power all of your appliances simultaneously through the storm.
Once running on gas, Westinghouse WGen9500DF can produce a peak power of 12,500 watts and continuous power of 9500 watts. And when running on propane, it can provide 11,200 watts of peak power and 8500-watts of continuous power.
This beast has a runtime of 17.5 hours at 25% load on a 6.6-gallon gas fuel tank. Moreover, it is equipped with GFCI outlets, so there is no need to ground this generator.
The fuel gauge allows you to keep close tabs on the fuel tank, whereas the digital hour meter shows the overall runtime of the generator.
What is even more exciting about this Genset is the remote key fob, which enables you to start your generator from up to 109 yards away. On top of that, the electric start feature is also included, which works using a battery.
Additionally, this unit also boasts L14-30 30A 120/240V twist-lock outlet using which you can tie your generator to your home through the transfer switch for safe operation. All in all, this EPA and CARB-compliant propane generator is sold with three years of warranty.
- Best for home backup
- Wireless remote start plus electric start feature
- 74 decibels of noise from 23 feet
- Foldable handle with never-flat tires
- Dual fuel advantage
- Heavy and expensive
- The battery is not that reliable
3. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Champion is an industry-leading generator brand with many years of experience and a proven record of accomplishment. The Champion 100263 is the first dual-fuel generator that came with inverter technology.
Basically, the inverter technology helps you achieve a higher fuel economy and makes the generator’s engine run quieter. It comes with a convenient electric start with a 3-position ignition switch for easy starting of the generator.
Champion 100263 offers 3400 watts of peak and 3100 watts of running power on gasoline. And this propane generator provides 3060 watts of surge power and 2790 watts of rated power on propane.
When you need more power, simply attach two inverters in parallel and increase the wattage output. Moreover, a dedicated RV-ready port is added for people who want to connect the generator directly to their RVs.
The noise level of the unit is 59 decibels from 23 feet, which is quite low, and that is why this gas/propane generator is an ideal choice for camping, tailgating, RVs, and even home backup. Also, I would like to point out that this generator is truly portable in every aspect.
Its ECO mode detects the connected load to the generator, and based on that data, it increases or decreases the engine speed to match the load demand. This way, the overall lifespan of the engine will increase, and fuel costs will decrease.
That’s not all; this propane unit offers clean power with less than 3% THD (total harmonic distortion) to safely run sensitive electronic devices.
- EPA and CARB compliant generator
- It can run on both gas and propane
- Can easily run two 15,000 BTU AC
- Cold start technology for a quick start in cold weather
- Foldable handle and wheels for easy transportation
- None
4. WEN DF475T 4750-Watt Propane Portable Generator
WEN DF475T is the cheapest gasoline/propane generator available on the market right now. It can run on gasoline and propane, giving you the advantage of using any fuel source at your convenience.
This particular unit can produce both 120V and 240V voltage levels; thus, you can run high-power-consuming devices easily, and due to this, it is perfect for transfer switches as well as home backup.
WEN DF475T is fitted with a 224cc 4-stroke engine that can be started with one push of a button, and you need to charge the internal battery frequently to use this feature.
Switching between gasoline and propane is very easy and does not require any learning curve. You can use the included 47-inch LPG hose to connect the propane tank to the generator.
Other than that, it features four output receptacles, including two 120V GFCI outlets, one 120V/240V twist-lock outlet, and one 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug.
Although it’s relatively heavy but solid wheels and handles make it easier to move around the generator. That’s not all; the fold-down handle helps you store the generator in small places.
Thanks to its electric start system, you don’t have to pull the cord every time you want to start this propane generator.
The automatic voltage regulator keeps the output voltage within the safe value, whereas the individual circuit breakers protect the generator from surge damage as well as overloads.
- Affordable dual-fuel capable generator
- GFCI outlets & twist-lock outlet
- 11 hours of runtime on 4-gallon gas at 50% load
- CARB and EPA III compliant
- Tires could be better
- No parallel capability
5. Rainier R12000DF Gas/Propane Open Frame Portable Generator
Rainier R12000DF is another high-powered dual-fuel generator we have reviewed, and it can run on both gas and propane.
Due to its high power-producing capacity, this propane generator can be used in the home, at the job sites, or even for recreational use.
Rainier R12000DF is fitted with a 6.6-gallon gas tank, which is enough to provide you with 17 hours of runtime at 25% load. Moreover, it also features a fuel gauge so that you can know when you need to refuel the generator and let’s not forget the automatic low oil shutdown feature.
At 72 decibels, its powerful 457cc 4-stroke engine might be loud for some people, but it’s negotiable given its high power output. Other than that, it incorporates a VFT display that shows you various information like voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours.
You will get five output ports in this generator, including two 120V 20A GFCI outlets, one L5-30R 120V 30A outlet, one L14-30R 120V 30A outlet, and one 120V/240V outlet to run multiple devices simultaneously.
With this generator in your arsenal, you can run various appliances such as air conditioners, sump pumps, job site tools, and other machines at your home.
This unit boasts a transfer switch-ready outlet so that you can plug this generator straight into your house through the manual transfer switch. Moving on, it is also loaded with safety features like low oil alarms and overload protection alarms.
- High powered dual fuel generator
- EPA/CARB compliant
- Electric start with recoil start for a backup
- Three years of solid warranty
- Manual choke system
- Noisy
6. Pulsar PG7750B Propane/Gas Portable Generator
Pulsar PG7750B is another great candidate that can run on both gasoline and propane. Just like Honda, Pulsar is also a Japanese brand, which is popular in the USA.
When running on gasoline, the generator delivers 7750 peak watts and 6250 rated watts. Similarly, it offers 6250 surge watts and 5950 running watts, when running on propane.
It has a built-in 420cc single-cylinder engine that can be started with one push of a button, and in case if the electric start doesn’t work, then you can use the recoil start.
Pulsar PG7750B has plenty of outlets, including four 120V outlets, one 120V/240V twist-lock outlet, one 120V twist-lock output port, and one 12V DC receptacle.
Its patented Switch & Go technology enables you to switch between LPG to gas and vice versa without shutting down the generator.
To top it off, its outer body is protected with a tubular steel frame, and the whole body is powder-coated. The fold-down handles and no-flat tires become handy when you want to transport the generator.
The features like a 3-in-1 digital meter, low oil indicator, and low oil shutdown make this generator more user-friendly and easy to use. To quickly hook up the propane tank, this propane generator includes a free propane hose in the box.
The propane generator can run for 13 hours on a 6.6-gallon gas tank while maintaining a 50% load. It weighs around 205 pounds and measures 31.5 x 21.3 x 23 inches.
- Easy switching between gas and propane
- Excellent power output at a reasonable price
- Safety features like low oil indicator and low oil shutdown
- Quiet compared to other generators
- 7 Output ports
- Could be parallel capable
- Expensive and short runtime
7. Westinghouse iGen4500DF Propane Inverter Generator
Westinghouse iGen4500DF is another awesome dual-fuel generator we have added to our reviews. What makes this generator so special is its inverter technology combined with a double-fuel system.
This propane generator pumps out 3700 watts of running power and 4500 watts of surge power when running on gasoline. Similarly, it can generate 4050 watts of peak power and 3330 watts of rated power when running on propane.
At just about 104 pounds, this propane generator is one of the greatest geneset, but still, you’d want to use the tires and handle.
You will be surprised to hear that you can start this inverter generator from a far distance using the included key fob. And for backup purpose, electric start and recoil start is also included in the generator.
Information like fuel level, power output, remaining runtime, voltage output, and lifetime hours will help you operate the generator easily, and that is why Westinghouse has added a rotating digital display to this generator.
At just about 52dBA, this particular generator is extremely quiet. Furthermore, it has an efficiency mode, which helps in maximizing the fuel and prolongs the engine’s life.
Due to its quiet operation and clean power, this generator is ideal for recreational activities as well as an emergency backup. This unit is backed by three years of warranty to make sure it lasts longer.
- Dual fuel generator with inverter capability
- Parallel ready & RV ready
- Wireless remote start feature
- Less than 3% THD power output
- EPA, USFS, and CARB Compliant
- Expensive
- Heavy to transport
What to look for in a generator running on propane?
Choosing a propane generator is very difficult, especially when you don’t know anything about generators. Here are some of the factors you need to consider;
1. Power output
The power output of any generator depends on your power needs. So based on how many appliances you will be running through the generator, you can select the generator. Moreover, it is always safe to choose a generator with high power output because it will also suffice your future power demand if you decide to use more electronic devices than you already have.
2. Portability
Consider how frequently you move around your propane generator. As you know, there are so many portable generators available with different weights. Some generators weigh 100 pounds, and some weigh 200 pounds. Also, the weight of the generator solely depends on its power-producing capacity. The higher the power output, the heavier your generator will be. Always choose a generator with wheels and a handle so you will be able to transport it easily.
3. Runtime
Again, the runtime of the generator depends on its power output. Another deciding factor of the runtime is the loading condition of your generator. It means how much load (appliances) you have connected to the generator. Nevertheless, the runtime of different models differs as per their fuel tank size. Generators running on propane tanks have higher runtime because of less refueling issues.
4. Ease of use
Finally, you should look at how many features your selected generator comes with and how much learning curve it requires. In my experience, any propane generator should not take more than 5 minutes to set up and start it. Other than that, the generator’s features also help in operating it efficiently, and features like electric start or remote start will make the starting procedure of the generator effortless and straightforward.
Advantages of propane generator
1. Eco-friendly
By far, propane is the cleanest burning fuel, meaning that propane produces less harmful gas emissions such as carbon dioxide compared to any other fuel. By using the propane generator, you will contribute to making the environment clean which will suppress global warming as well as greenhouse effects. Also, you cannot use the generator indoors, and make sure you put the generator at least 20 feet away from your house while running it.
2. Cost-effective
Another advantage of propane is that it costs very less to run a generator. Propane is cheaper and produces the same amount of energy as gasoline. Besides, the propane is very easy to take care of, and the runtime propane generator is very high.
Propane is indeed reliable and cheaper but still, it is nothing compared to generators powered by solar energy because conventional energy (solar energy) is free and does not produce any noise or harmful gases. Moreover, there is a portable and lightweight solar generator available too.
3. Easy storage
Propane has the longest shelf life so you can easily store it in a sealed tank and do not have to worry about any fire or spillage. Unlike gasoline, you do not have to take safety precautions when storing it in your house.
4. Availability
Propane fuel tanks are easily available in all local stores, and they can be a great help during emergencies or storms as a backup. Even if the propane tank is not available in your area, you can purchase a bigger propane tank and can store it as long as you want because of its infinite shelf life.
Propane Generator vs. Gas Generator
Propane generators are better than gas generators in every aspect. Here we have explained some of the top differences between those two generators.
1. Low Maintenance
Gas generators require carburetors and other parts to work, but on the other hand, propane generators do not require such parts; hence the maintenance is very low. Moreover, you need to add a stabilizer in the gasoline when you are not using the gas generator, and sometimes the carburetor gums up in cold weather. But in the case of a propane generator, you do not need to add a stabilizer or clean the carburetor when the generator is not in use.
2. Silent Operation
The combustion of propane in the engine of the generator does not produce that much noise, which makes it very quiet compared to gas generators. Additionally, propane burns very clean, which adds another advantage to the list.
3. Dual fuel Option
All the dual-fuel generators can run on Gasoline as well as Propane, which gives you the advantage of using any fuel as per its availability and affordability. So, in short, propane generators are reliable and efficient at the same time.
