Choosing the best propane generator for your needs can be challenging, since there are a lot of generator options on the market that vary in portability, power, runtime, and usability. We reviewed the top 10 generators that run on propane by poring over customer reviews and technical specifications. We paid special attention to the starting and running power when using propane rather than gasoline, since this determines how many and which appliances you’ll be able to plug in. Running time on a standard propane tank and the number of outlets available were also important considerations in our review, since these can determine how well a generator will work for your needs.
Top 10 Propane Generators review 2021
The table below highlights the best portable propane generators currently on the market and summarizes the features that set them apart. Continue reading for detailed reviews of each generator complete with the pros and cons of each model. Our buying guide provides more information about how to choose the propane generator that is right for your needs. And in the end, we announce our favorite generators from the round-up.
Editor’s Choice
1. Westinghouse WGen3600DF
Dual-fuel generator with a sturdy design, both push-button and remote start, and enough power for a home full of appliances
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9.8
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Best Value for Money
2. A-iPower SUA12000ED
A mighty generator with 10,800W of output on propane, can withstand any weather and is highly maneuverable for its weight
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9.5
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Best for Extended Runtime
3. FIRMAN H03652
Portable generator with extended runtime on propane of about 15 hours at half power
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9.5
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Mightiest Generator
4. Pulsar G12KBN
A dual-fuel generator with plenty of handy features including low oil shut off and a 3-in-1 digital meter; boasts of 10,800W peak output
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9.5
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Best Inverter Generator
5. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter, 100263
Relatively lightweight inverter generator with more stable power output great for electronics
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9.3
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Best for Usability
6. Champion 76533
Great performance on propane and the Intelligauge display for easy tracking of performance and runtime
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9.0
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Budget Pick
7. DuroMax XP4850EH
The most affordable generator with a great power output for the money and an impressive 20-hour runtime on propane
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8.7
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8. WEN DF1100T
A powerful generator packed with all the essential outlets and features you’ll love; has an electric start for your convenience
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8.7
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9. FIRMAN H08051
Extremely powerful generator with an 8-gallon tank with integrated fuel meter, surprisingly easy to move despite weight
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8.7
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Best Compact Generator
10. DuroMax XP2000EH
Incredible value for money and perfect for beginners – this drum set includes a practice pad, stand, carry bag and drum sticks
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8.5
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51.
Westinghouse WGen3600DF – Editor’s Choice
Features
Engine: 212сс Westinghouse OHV 4 stroke
Peak/rated output: 4650/3600W (gasoline), 4180/3240W (propane)
Fuel tank capacity: 4 gal
Runtime: 13.5 hrs (1/2 load)
Outlets: AC Outlets: Duplex 120V 20A (A5-20R), 120V 30A (L5-30R), 120V 30A (TT-30R)
Noise level: 69 dBA
Warranty: 3-year residential / 1-year commercial
More features: remote start, circuit protected, low-oil shutoff; EPA, CSA, CARB compliant
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9.8
This dual-fuel generator from Westinghouse is set apart by it’s incredibly easy to use push-button start and remote start via a key fob, similar to the starting mechanisms found on modern luxury cars. Once running, the generator is rated for 3,600 W on gasoline with a maximum surge power of 4,650 W and the four-gallon tank is able to run for 12 hours at half-load. The generator only offers two standard AC power outlets, but also comes with an RV-ready 30-amp outlet and a DC port for battery charging. At over 100 pounds and nearly two feet across on each side, the generator is certainly not easy to move around – especially when loaded with gas – but users appreciated the sturdy wheel design. Westinghouse also offers a three-year warranty on this unit, and the generator is CARB-compliant.
Performance on propane: When running on propane, this generator has a surge power of 4,180 W and a continuous power output of 3,240 W – enough to power a home full of appliances. On a standard backyard propane tank, the generator can run for up to 12 hours at half-power.
Pros
4,180 W surge power on propane
12-hour runtime at half power
RV-ready 30-amp outlet
Cons
Only two AC ports
52.
A-iPower SUA12000ED – Best Value for Money
Features
Engine: 459cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled, OHV
Peak/rated output: 12,000W/9,000W (gasoline); 10,800W/8,500W (propane)
Fuel tank capacity: 7 gal
Runtime: 5 hrs
Outlets: (4) NEMA 120VAC 20A;
(1) NEMA 120VAC 30A, L5-30R Twist-Lock; (1) NEMA 120/240VAC 50A L14-50R Industrial-Grade Outlet; (1) 12VDC 8.3A
Noise level: 69dBA
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: weather resistance outlet covers; push-button start
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9.5
Getting a highly portable dual fuel generator can be quite difficult. Most of the models are in the market; this one included is quite heavy, which can make moving them from place to place extremely difficult. This is, thankfully, not the case for this model. It has larger than average tires that, when properly inflated, make moving the generator over any terrain very easy. The flip-up handle another nice touch. It is quite solid and locks into place when you lift the generator. This helps to make this model exceptionally portable once you have it unloaded from your vehicle.
This unit is also ready for any type of weather and power outage. Not only does it have plenty of outlets, but each one has its own weather-resistant cover. This makes it a lot safer to utilize if there is still any precipitation coming down.
No matter what type of fuel you choose to use with this model, you can rest assured that you will get plenty of power. You are also guaranteed to have an easy time getting the motor started, thanks to the included push-button start. Just make sure to keep the battery charged for this, as you will otherwise need to use the pull cord. While the generator is running, you can easily see how much power is being used thanks to the digital output gauge.
Though the amount of power generated by this appliance is really nice, it does come at a cost. This particular generator is quite loud. You will want to make sure to keep it away from any of your neighbor’s homes for that reason. This louder than average design also makes this a poor choice for any camping outing.
Pros
Push-button start
Weather-resistant outlet covers
Air-cooled
Easy to read output gauge
Flip-up handle
Cons
Loud
53.
FIRMAN H03652 – Best for Extended Runtime
Features
Engine: Max Pro Series 208cc
Peak/rated: 4550/3650W (gasoline), 4100/3300W (propane)
Fuel tank capacity: 5 gal
Runtime: up to 14 hrs
Outlets: (1) TT-30R (RV Ready) 120V 30A, (2) 5-20R Duplex 120V 20A, (1) L5-30R 120V 30A
Noise level: 68 dBA
Warranty: 3-year
More features: extended propane hose (5.5ft)
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9.5
This smaller generator from FIRMAN looks at first glance like it’s larger cousin, but there are some important differences between the two. This generator is less powerful – it maxes out at 4,550 W of surge power and 3,650 W of continuous power on gasoline. The gasoline reservoir is also smaller, at only five gallons, but with the lower power output it is still able to run for 14 hours at half power. Plus, users love the integrated digital fuel gauge for keeping track of remaining runtime. At 112 pounds and paired with a sturdy set of wheels, the generator is relatively portable but still heavy and bulky for extended movement. In addition, although it comes with an RV-ready 30-amp outlet, note that the generator does not have a DC port for charging a battery.
Performance on propane: When running on propane, this generator is able to output 4,100 W of surge power and 3,300 W of continuous power. On a standard 20-pound tank, the generator is able to run up to about 15 hours at half power.
Pros
14-hour runtime at half power
RV-ready 30-amp port
Three-year warranty
Cons
No DC port for battery charging
54.
Pulsar G12KBN – Mightiest Generator
Features
Engine: 457cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled, OHV
Peak/rated output: 12,000W/9,500W (gasoline); 10,800W/8,550W (propane)
Fuel tank capacity: 8 gal
Runtime: 12 hrs
Outlets: (4) 120V 20A AC outlets, (1) 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, (1) 120V/240V 50A outlet, (1) 12V DC output
Noise level: not specified
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: dual fuel; low oil shut-off, 3-in-1 digital meter, and automatic voltage regulation
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9.5
If you are in the market for a powerful and easy to set up dual fuel generator, then this model should be high on your list. For starters, its powerful engine can really crank out a ton of power. When its running on gas, it can put out an astounding 12,000W on startup with 9,500W while running. As you would expect, it does lose a bit of power when it is being run on propane, but not nearly as much as some of its competitors. It is still capable of putting out 10,800W on startup and 8,550W while running.
Amazingly, this machine is still able to run for a good long time even while putting out these outstanding amounts of power. Even if you have this model on half a load consistently, you should still expect it to easily run for about 12 hours at a time, regardless of its fuel source. Of course, since propane is a bit more efficient, it can usually run longer on this type of fuel than it can off of its 8-gallon gas tank.
This generator also comes loaded with tons of features. It has a low oil shut-off and an easy to read voltage output regulator. Best of all, it comes with a plethora of outlets that make it easy to hook up pretty much anything, regardless of what you want to power. Its foldout handles are a nice touch for storage, but they do make moving this generator a little bit tougher. This is mostly because this machine is quite heavy, so even wheeling it between locations might be a bit tricky, even though it comes equipped with good wheels.
Pros
High wattage output
Multiple outlets to choose from
Dual fuel
Low oil shut-off
Voltage regulator
Long runtime
Fold-down handle
Cons
Very heavy
55.
Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter, 100263 – Best Inverter Generator
Features
Engine: Champion 192cc, 4-stroke
Peak/rated output: 3400W/3100W (gasoline), 3060W/2790W (propane)
Fuel tank capacity: 1.6 gal
Half-load runtime: 15 hrs gasoline / 29 hrs propane
Outlets: 120V 30A (TT-30R), 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R), 12V DC Automotive
Noise level: 59 dBA
Warranty: 3-year
More features: eco-friendly, low oil shut-off
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9.3
This compact dual fuel generator from Champion is incredibly expensive for the amount of power it delivers, but the advantage gained in portability and quietness when running can be worth the extra money. The generator outputs up to 3,400 W of surge power when running on gasoline and 3,100 W of continuous power, although the runtime is limited to 7.5 hours at one-quarter power since the gas tank is relatively small. The face of the generator offers both an RV-ready 30-amp outlet as well as a DC port for battery charging, although there is no meter for keeping track of used wattage or fuel levels. At under 100 pounds, users appreciated how portable this generator is – although the wheels can clog up on muddy ground. The generator comes backed by Champion’s three-year warranty and lifetime technical support from the company.
Performance on propane: The generator performs relatively well on propane, offering about 3,100 W of surge power and 2,750 W of continuous power. In addition, since the unit is not limited by the gas tank, it can run around 12 hours at half power on a standard propane tank.
Pros
Excellent portability
RV-ready 30-amp outlet and DC port
Three-year warranty and lifetime support
Cons
No fuel or power meter
Wheels can clog on muddy ground
56.
Champion 76533 – Best for Usability
Features
Engine: Champion 224cc, 4-stroke
Peak/rated output: 4750W/3800W (gasoline), 4275W/3420W (propane)
Fuel tank capacity: 3.4gal
Half-load runtime: 9 hrs gasoline / 10.5 hrs propane
Outlets: 120V 30A Locking (L5-30R), 120V 30A (TT-30R), 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R)
Noise level: 68 dBA
Warranty: 3-year
More features: folding handle with never-flat tires
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9.0
This dual fuel generator from Champion was designed with safety and usability in mind. It offers a locking fuel selector switch that ensures you won’t accidentally switch fuels when plugging in appliances, as well as an electric motor start switch and a built-in surge protector for the outlets. On gasoline, the generator outputs 3,800 W, can surge up to 4,750 W, and can run for up to 9 hours on a full tank. Although having only two AC outlets can be somewhat limiting, the generator also comes with a 30-amp RV-ready outlet. Users’ favorite feature is the Intelligauge display, which gives an easy-to-read continuous measurement of the wattage being drawn from the generator so that it is easy to track performance and remaining runtime. Champion offers a three-year warranty but backs up this product even further with lifetime technical support from the company.
Performance on propane: You can draw out up to 4,275 surge and 3,420 continuous watts from this generator if you run it on propane. Thus, there is not a much difference between the genera
