Imagine this: a sudden storm knocks out the power. Your lights go dark, your fridge stops humming, and your phone is about to die. What if you could flip a switch and bring power back to your home, keeping your family comfortable and connected? That’s the promise of a propane generator, a reliable backup for those unexpected outages.
But choosing the right propane generator can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many brands, sizes, and features! You want a generator that’s powerful enough for your needs, easy to use, and won’t break the bank. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices and worry about making the wrong decision.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re here to cut through the confusion and help you understand exactly what to look for. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have the knowledge to pick a propane generator that gives you peace of mind during any power loss. Let’s dive in and find the perfect power backup for you.
Our Top 5 Propane Generators Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Propane Generators Detailed Reviews
1. WEN 5
Rating: 8.5/10
The WEN 5,600-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a reliable power source for your home or outdoor adventures. It can run on both gasoline and propane, giving you flexibility. This generator makes starting easy with its electric start feature. Safety is important, and the CO Watchdog sensor helps protect you by shutting down the generator if dangerous carbon monoxide levels are detected.
What We Like:
- It runs on two types of fuel: gasoline and propane.
- Starting it is simple with the push of a button.
- The CO Watchdog sensor adds an extra layer of safety.
- It can run for a long time on a full tank of gas, up to 12.5 hours.
- It comes with a wheel kit to make it easy to move around.
- It has different outlets, including one that’s RV-ready.
- It includes a three-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The wattage for propane is slightly lower than for gasoline.
This WEN generator offers great value and features for its price. It’s a solid choice for backup power.
2. Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
Rating: 9.2/10
The Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator offers a powerful and flexible solution for your backup power needs. It can run on both gasoline and propane, giving you options when you need them most. This generator is designed to keep your essential appliances running during power outages, from your refrigerator to your sump pump.
What We Like:
- It provides a robust 9500 running watts on gasoline and 8500 running watts on propane, with higher peak watts for starting appliances.
- The remote electric start with a key fob makes starting it up incredibly convenient, and it also has electric and recoil start options.
- You get up to 12 hours of run time on a single tank of gas, so it can power your home for a good portion of the day.
- It comes with multiple outlets, including RV-ready and transfer switch-ready options, making it versatile for different situations.
- Safety features like rubber outlet covers and automatic low oil shutdown protect both you and the generator.
- The digital display shows important information like voltage, frequency, and total run hours.
- It’s practically plug-and-play, arriving with most of what you need to get it running right away.
- Westinghouse backs it with a 3-year limited warranty and a nationwide service network.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers dual fuel, propane generally provides slightly less power than gasoline.
- The generator itself is quite heavy, so moving it might require some effort.
This Westinghouse generator is a dependable choice for keeping your home powered when the grid goes down. Its dual-fuel capability and user-friendly features make it a solid investment for peace of mind.
3. WEN Quiet and Lightweight 3600-Watt Dual Fuel RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Fuel Shut Off and CO Watchdog (DF360iX)
Rating: 9.3/10
The WEN DF360iX generator is a handy power source for your adventures. It’s quiet, light, and can run on two different fuels. This makes it super flexible for camping, tailgating, or even as backup power at home. It also keeps your electronics safe with its clean power output.
What We Like:
- It runs on both gasoline and propane. Gasoline gives you 3600 surge watts and 2900 rated watts. Propane offers 3500 surge watts and 2600 rated watts.
- It’s very quiet. You can talk normally while it’s running.
- It makes clean power. This means your sensitive gadgets like phones and laptops won’t get damaged.
- The CO Watchdog sensor is a great safety feature. It turns the generator off if carbon monoxide levels get too high.
- It has a fuel shut-off feature. This helps make maintenance easier.
- It comes with lots of ports: two 120V outlets, one RV outlet, one 12V DC outlet, and two USB ports.
- It includes a tool-free propane connector.
- It has a three-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s lightweight, it’s still a generator and requires some effort to move.
- The propane wattage is slightly lower than the gasoline wattage.
This WEN generator offers a lot of value for its price. It’s a reliable and safe way to bring power wherever you go.
4. WEN 2800-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Rating: 8.8/10
The WEN 2800-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator (DF280iX) is a fantastic choice for anyone needing reliable power on the go. This generator is designed to be quiet and portable, making it easy to bring along for camping trips, tailgating, or even as backup power for your home. Its dual-fuel capability offers great flexibility, letting you choose between gasoline and propane.
What We Like:
- It runs on both gasoline and propane, giving you options for fuel.
- It produces clean power, so your sensitive electronics like phones and laptops are safe.
- The CO Watchdog safety feature automatically shuts off the generator if it detects dangerous carbon monoxide levels, keeping you and your family safe.
- The fuel shutoff feature helps the generator last longer by using up the fuel in the carburetor before it stops.
- It comes with plenty of outlets, including USB ports for charging your devices.
- A three-year warranty provides peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The rated wattage on propane is slightly lower than on gasoline.
This generator offers a great blend of safety, convenience, and versatility. It’s a smart investment for reliable power wherever you need it.
5. DuroMax XP13000EH 13
Rating: 8.5/10
The DuroMax XP13000EH 13,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a powerhouse designed to keep your entire home running during outages. This generator offers the flexibility of running on both gasoline and propane, making it a versatile choice for any situation. DuroMax is a leader in dual-fuel generator technology, offering a wide range of options from small inverters to whole-home solutions, all built with robust DuroMax engines designed for power and longevity.
What We Like:
- Massive 13,000 watts of power can power your whole home.
- Dual fuel capability (gas and propane) offers great flexibility.
- Electric start makes it easy to get going.
- Front-facing interface lets you switch fuel types quickly.
- Includes a 50 amp outlet ready for a transfer switch.
- Heavy-duty all-metal frame and power panel are built tough.
- No-flat tires make it easy to move over different surfaces.
- 100% copper windings ensure durability and a longer lifespan.
- Great for home backup, RV trips, and job sites.
What Could Be Improved:
- While built tough, its size and weight can still be challenging for some to maneuver independently.
- The noise level, common with generators of this power, might be a concern for some users.
This generator provides reliable power for emergencies and adventures. It’s a smart investment for peace of mind.
Your Guide to Choosing the Right Propane Generator
Propane generators are super useful! They can power your home during a blackout, run tools at a job site, or keep your campsite comfortable. But with so many options, picking the right one can feel tricky. This guide will help you understand what to look for so you can make a smart choice.
What to Look For: Key Features
Power Output (Watts)
This is how much electricity the generator can give out. You need to know what you want to power. A small fridge might need 500 watts, while a whole house with air conditioning could need 10,000 watts or more. Always check the “starting watts” (for when things first turn on) and “running watts” (for when they are already on).
Fuel Tank Size and Run Time
Propane generators use propane tanks. Bigger tanks mean the generator can run longer without needing a refill. Check how many hours the generator can run on a full tank at different power levels.
Portability
If you need to move the generator around a lot, look for one with wheels and handles. Some are small and light enough to carry easily, while larger ones are much heavier.
Noise Level
Generators can be loud. If you plan to use it near your home or neighbors, check the decibel (dB) rating. Lower numbers mean it’s quieter.
Outlets and Connections
Make sure the generator has the right kinds of outlets for your needs. Some have standard household outlets, while others have special outlets for RVs or even connections for your home’s electrical panel (transfer switch).
Starting Type
Most generators have a recoil start (pull cord), but many also offer electric start for easier starting. Some high-end models might have remote start capabilities.
Important Materials and Quality
Engine Quality
The engine is the heart of the generator. Look for reputable brands known for durable engines. A well-built engine will last longer and run more reliably. Materials like cast iron sleeves in the cylinder can make the engine tougher.
Frame and Housing
A sturdy steel frame protects the generator from bumps and damage. Weather-resistant coatings on the housing help keep the internal parts safe from the elements.
Fuel System Components
The parts that handle the propane, like regulators and hoses, should be made of durable materials that won’t crack or leak easily. Safety features like automatic fuel shut-off are important.
What Makes a Generator Better (or Worse)?
Factors That Improve Quality
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often use better parts and have stricter quality control.
- Warranty: A longer warranty shows the manufacturer stands behind their product.
- Customer Reviews: Real users can tell you about reliability and any common problems.
- Advanced Features: Things like automatic voltage regulation (AVR) keep the power steady, protecting your electronics.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Cheap Materials: Generators made with thin plastic or flimsy metal parts might not last long.
- Poor Assembly: If the generator feels wobbly or parts don’t fit well, it’s a bad sign.
- Lack of Safety Features: Overload protection and low-oil shutdown are crucial for safety and preventing damage.
User Experience and Use Cases
Propane generators are great for many situations. For a homeowner, they provide peace of mind during storms. Campers appreciate them for powering lights, small appliances, and charging devices. Contractors use them on job sites where electricity isn’t available.
Ease of use is important. A generator that starts up easily and has clear controls makes life simpler. Think about how often you’ll use it and what you’ll power to choose the right size and features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between a portable generator and a standby generator?
A: Portable generators are smaller and you can move them. Standby generators are larger and permanently installed to power your whole house automatically when the power goes out.
Q: How much propane does a generator use?
A: It depends on the generator’s size and how much power you’re asking it to produce. Bigger generators use more propane, especially when they are working hard.
Q: Can I run a generator indoors?
A: Absolutely not! Generators produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. Always run them outdoors, far away from windows and doors.
Q: What size generator do I need for my house?
A: You need to add up the watts of all the appliances you want to run at the same time. Also, remember to account for starting watts, which are higher than running watts.
Q: How do I maintain a propane generator?
A: Keep the air filter clean, change the oil regularly, and check the spark plug. Store it in a dry place when not in use.
Q: Are propane generators safe to use with sensitive electronics?
A: Look for generators with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR). This helps keep the power steady, which is better for your electronics.
Q: How long do propane generator tanks last?
A: A standard 20-pound propane tank can power a small generator for about 8-12 hours at 50% load. Larger tanks or more efficient generators will last longer.
Q: Can I connect a generator directly to my house?
A: You should never connect a generator directly to your house’s electrical system without a transfer switch. This prevents dangerous backfeed that could harm utility workers.
Q: What are the advantages of propane over gasoline generators?
A: Propane is cleaner burning, stores longer without going bad, and is generally easier to find. It also tends to be less messy than gasoline.
Q: Where is the best place to store propane tanks for my generator?
A: Store them upright in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and flames. Never store them indoors.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.