Best Propane Generator in 2022

Are you willing to buy a propane generator? Then, efficiency is a matter that you must not avoid. You would like to save money when suffering a power output, right? And what if these can provide lucrative benefits without damaging your environment? Picking up the best propane generator can meet all the requirements. But all of them are not equal. Even, there are a few which don’t worth their price. It is why we have given the best five models available.

What is a Propane Generator?

Propane Generator is called LPG or liquid petroleum gas because it needs a tank separate from the machine itself. These won’t degrade while stored, unlike Gasoline and diesel. Therefore, if you have not backed up power daily, you should choose it.

With the help of this cleaner-burning fuel, you can get an improved smell upon combustion. Besides, these are lucrative for emergency backup home use. For example, these are famous for recreational uses, including RVs, camping, tailgating before sporting events, etc. It doesn’t matter which type of backup power device you use because your brand and model depend on maximum power ratings and continuous power ratings.

How Does A Propane Generator Work?

The propane generator works quite similarly to what other generators do. These use burning fuel to produce electricity. After that, people use them on the road or as an emergency backup system.

In this case, they create power using a motor to run off the fuel. After that, these convert the power into electric energy. These can produce electricity easily by burning the fuel as it is a burnable energy source. As a result, these create heat and energy.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Propane Generator:

Advantages:

The benefits are as follows:-

Ready for use: A fuel-powered machine is useless if it doesn’t have any gas. But these are easy to use and reliable. Besides, these require an onsite storage tank and access to a road for delivery. In addition, if you are willing, install a tank monitor for additional convenience. As a result, you and your supplier will know when to refill.

The fuel’s shelf life is limitless: The fuel doesn’t have an expiration date. Besides, it doesn’t need extra stabilizers for long-term storage. Therefore, you do not have to winterize your machine for cold weather. Instead, you can use your appliance whenever you need it.

It is cleaner burning: The clean-burning fuel helps to decrease emissions for the environment and local air quality. In addition, they need less maintenance, meaning they are more reliable and can last for a long. As a result, you can get more extended performance. However, keep in mind that you should keep them outside of houses, buildings, or garages. It helps to escape carbon monoxide easily.

Disadvantages:

The drawbacks are as follows:

• These are louder than gasoline types.
• You need to invest more money in them.
• They are a bit challenging to repair as they are not so famous for their more complex internal components.

Best Propane Generators in 2022:

1. Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Generator

Description:

The company produces reliable and efficient models, and this product is one of those. It comes with an efficient motor offering output of 2,500 watts while running on the fuel. Besides, it can offer 34 hours of runtime, making it the best compared to other products.

You can use the machine on gas using dual-fuel technology. Thus, you can add flexibility. It is a bit loud while running at full load. However, the model only weighs 39 pounds which is impressive for any product of this wattage level.

Features:

Dual Fuel: It is possible to operate the 2500-watt portable model right out of the box on both types of fuels. The product is one of the lightest 2500-watt inverters in the industry.

Quiet Operation: The ultra-quiet 53 dBA from 23 feet allows you to enjoy 2500 starting watts. It offers 1850 running watts as Gasoline enables the model to run up to 11.5 hours. On the flip side, it can provide 1665 running watts, and you can run it for up to 34 hours.

Parallel Ready: With the help of the optional, sold-separately clip-on parallel kit, you can connect with another 2500-watt Champion inverter. Thus, it is possible to double your output power. However, the product doesn’t come with GFCI Outlets.

Clean Power: It comes with two covered 120V 20A household outlets, a 12V automotive-style outlet, and a dual-port USB adapter.

Support: The product can provide a 3-year limited warranty. Besides, it can offer FREE lifetime technical support.

Pros:

• Efficient motor
• Lightweight
• 53 dBA of noise from 23 feet,

Cons:

• Loud under heavy load

1. DuroMax XP10000EH Dual Fuel Propane Generator

Description: The product comes with a 439cc OHV powerful engine. With the help of the engine, you can create a power output of 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts. These are sufficient to power the vital electrical appliances during power outages.

It comes in dual-fuel technology, enabling you to use either fuel or Gasoline to power. Try to be close to any of the gas stations in your area. Although the model is heavy, it comes with a few lucrative features. For example, it can operate on both 120V and 240V, which enable you to run different devices.

Features:

Plenty of Power: The model helps to handle heavy loads from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner. It is suitable for high amperage power tools.

Dual Fuel Technology: It can run on Gasoline or fuel, enabling fuel choice flexibility.

Robust Engine: The product can offer a lot of power to handle multiple jobs. For instance, it helps to power high voltage appliances, heavy-duty power tools, etc.

Great Control: You can reduce the RPMs while not using them to save fuel and reduce noise. It is perfect on job sites where you can use power intermittently.

MX2 Technology: It can provide the max power from each of the 120-volt receptacles. You can operate it at 120V & 240V simultaneously or at 120V only with full power. Besides, the model is suitable for usage with RVs. In addition, it has a 120/240V 50A, a 120/240V 30A, a 120V 30A, and two 120V 20A outlets.

Pros:

• Reduces the RPMs while not in use
• Highly efficient
• Many outlets

Cons:

• Heavy

1. Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen3600DF Dual Fuel Propane Generator

Description: The product comes with a low fuel consumption engine which can create 3240 rated watts & 4650 peak watts. It can offer a high level of wattage, which is necessary during a power outage.

With the help of dual-fuel technology, it is possible to run it on either Gasoline or fuel. While overloaded, you can find it noisy, but it offers excellent functions. For example, it can provide an electric push button and a remote start option, and both are perfect for camping. In addition, the product comes with an automatic low oil shutdown mode making it durable, and it is a must-have feature in such machines.

Features:

Power wattage: The model can offer 3240 Rated Watts & 4650 Peak Watts when it comes to fuel. On the other hand, it can offer 36000 Rated Watts & 4650 Peak Watts while using Gasoline to run. It includes four Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge, Electric Push Button, and Remote Start feature.

Control panel: This product comes with an Intuitive Control Panel. It includes a 5-20R 120V Duplex Outlet, an RV-Ready TT-30R 30 Amp Outlet, and an L5-30R 30 Amp Outlet.

Accessories: Along with a 212cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine, the model comes with a durable Cast Iron Engine Sleeve. In addition, it includes a Regulator Hose, Handle, Heat Resistant Plastic Wheels with Never-Flat Polyurethane Tires, Oil, Funnel, Tool Kit, and User Manual. You need to assemble it a little bit, and these are tested in the Factory accurately. Besides, it can contain Minimum Residual Oil and Fuel Odor and EPA and CARB Compliant. The product comes with a 3-Year Limited Service.

Pros:

• Intuitive Control Panel
• Durable cast iron engine sleeve
• Automatic low oil shutdown
• Electric push button

Cons:

• A bit loud

1. A-iPower SUA2000iD 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator Gas & Propane Powered

Description: The product is famous for its efficiency and power. A few people consider the model the best one for value for money. With the help of its efficient motor, you can operate it at 1,800 starting watts and 1,500 running watts. The model is enough to offer continuous power to the vital electronics during a power outage.

You may find it a bit hard to change its oil. However, the model comes with a few easy-to-use features. For instance, it weighs only 55-pound and has a big handle making it very simple to move around. In addition, you can operate at only 53 decibels, very low for a machine of this power.

Features:

Use of Gasoline: When you use Gasoline to run the machine, it produces 2,000 starting watts with 1,600 running watts of power.

Inverter technology: You can use the model for sensitive electronics using its A-iPower’s inverter technology. It allows you to use it for phones, televisions, laptops, and other electronics.

Parallel cables: It contains a set of parallel cables. These wires enable you to link two SUA2000iD together for the combined power output of 4,000 and 3200 watts for starting and running, respectively.

Lightweight: It weighs only 55 lbs, making the product perfect for camping trips and tailgate parties.

Super quiet operation: The model creates only 52 decibels, making it effective when you do not want to disturb your friends and neighbors.

Pros:

• Efficient motor
• A set of parallel cables
• Lightweight
• Portable

Cons:

• Changing oil is a bit hard

1. Pulsar 2,200W Portable Dual Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator Propane Generator

Description:

The product is more than uncomfortable to move around, making it the best choice among the portable models. It comes with a small 1.18-gallon fuel tank. Besides, the product comes in a compact design which you can easily transport.

This model contains a small 80cc 3HP engine. It can offer 2,000 peak watts / 1,600 rated watts while running on fuel, blowing other models out of water. In addition, you can run the machine for up to 8 hours, making it ideal.

Features:

Super Quiet Operation: It creates less than 60dB of noise while in operation. You will not hear any sound whether you are ten feet away from the product.

Parallel Capability:

The parallel kit adaptor helps to connect two models. Thus, it is possible to boost power output effectively without sacrificing portability.

Optimal Portability:

It comes in a lightweight carrying case design making the product easily portable. As a result, you can carry it at any location.

Stable Sine Wave:

The product features a stable sine wave which you can use with sensitive electronic equipment. In addition, there are 120V 15A AC Outlets and 5V Integrated USB Outlets making it a great choice.

Accessories: The product comes with a fuel Hose, Spark Plug Wrench, 10W30 Oil Bottle (350ML), & Funnel.

Pros:

• Efficient motor
• Air-cooled engine
• Quiet running operation
• Parallel sockets
• Compact carrying case design
• Eight-hour runtime

Cons:

• Poor customer support

Best Propane Generator Buying guide:

Power Requirements:

When you buy the best model, the power requirements of your home are the essential factor you need to determine. It comes with the most critical large appliances. Air conditioning, sump or well pumps, medical devices, electric water heaters, and portable space heaters are some lucrative appliances during an outage.

Manufacturers of propane generators often have an online wattage calculator, and these help you to determine your most essential appliances to find which one is best suitable for your home. If you are willing to calculate this number yourself, add up the “starting watts” available on the wattage rating label of the product.

If your propane generator does not list “starting watts,” you should take the “running watts” and multiply them by three. As soon as you have the total number of starting watts, you need to multiply it by one and a half. Thus, you can make a proper margin of safety.

In most cases, in small to medium-size U.S. homes, essential appliances can produce a minimum of 5,000 to 7,500 watts on average. Therefore, most standby or backup models are sold with an output of 9,000 to 20,000 watts. A few models contain watts on the list, whereas a few have kilowatts (kW).

Physical Footprint:

Before purchasing the best model for your home, you need to consider the physical footprint that it takes up. Ensure that this appliance is near your home, whether you use it in a small yard or on many acres of land. The size of the propane generator definitely matters. When it comes to large machines, the average footprint is 30-by-30-by-48 inches. If you use smaller ones, these have 24-by-24-by-36 inches footprints.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) needs to be five feet away from openings in your home, including windows or doors. As per NFPA codes, you can use smaller models close to 18 inches from an exterior wall. However, it is always better to check local codes as some may differ from NFPA standards.

Electric Start:

A standby model can kick in automatically while the power goes out, and these can sense the power drawn from your home’s electrical panel, helping them start electrically. Although these don’t begin automatically, they often come with a remote starter, and therefore, pulling a rip-cord is unnecessary like other models.

Portability:

These are safe while you use at outdoors at least 20 feet from any structures. That is why most products come with large handles and wheels or with some other features to offer portability. But it doesn’t indicate that they are lightweight, and many of them weigh more than 100 pounds.

A lightweight model having outputs of around 2,000 watts weighs at least 45 pounds. On the flip side, heavy-duty models putting out more than 10,000 watts weigh over 300 pounds.

Automatic Transfer Switch:

Models which generate over 5,000 watts of power output must come with an Automatic Transfer Switch or ATS feature. Using the ATS, you can automatically switch the home’s electrical panel from a grid connection to the product if you detect a loss of power. In addition, the feature helps to protect the city’s electrical grid from back-fed power after model power up. A product creating less than 5,000 watts of output may contain a manual transfer switch. However, these are not so common.

Permanent Installation:

You should permanently install them outside of your home and connect them to a large, permanently installed liquid fuel tank. Thus, you can ensure that you will not require to go to the store to buy more fuel while necessary for power. These come with automatic transfer switches and electric starters also. As a result, you don’t need to leave your home even if the power goes out. When you back up the power, it will help to kick in automatically.

Efficient Motor:

If you are willing to look for an efficient model, ensure that it must come with an efficient motor. Thus, the machine can create the most wattage while using the least amount of fuel. In addition, it assures you that you have invested your money in a robust and efficient model.

If you consider a model in terms of wattage, it is better to go with a machine with at least 2,000 starting watts and 1,500 running watts. This feature makes it perfect for camping and offers sufficient power to juice the most essential electronics.

Design:

When it comes to design, you should try to have a too large and bulky appliance. Instead, use a robust model that can house a larger motor. However, it is hard to maneuver. A propane generator with a compact design is lucrative in this case. These are portable or large. Besides, they come with handles and wheels to carry easily.

Tank Size:

You must want to have a long run time for these machines. Buying a big fuel tank is helpful in this case, and having a larger fuel tank helps to increase the runtime. Besides, you need to consider the size and weight of the model.

You should use a tank size with a good portability level and sufficient runtime, and it should hold fuel of around 2 gallons. If you are willing to have a larger one, it will require wheels and handles, making it easier to move around.

Voltage:

The electrical current pressure helps to charge devices and high amperage power tools while connecting with an outlet. However, if the machine does not provide a steady stream of voltage, this electronic appliance may be at high risk. That’s why it is recommended to buy a propane generator that offers a steady stream of voltage.

Noise:

You must not want to have such a propane generator that produces too much noise. But Unfortunately, most machines create extremely loud sounds while in full operation. However, a few use advanced technologies to lower noise as much as possible when in full operation. It is better to have a model that can operate in a noise range of 50 to 70 decibels.

Gas Vs. Propane Generator:

If you confuse about which one to use, you should know that no accurate answer is there to support you. Every type has its unique benefits and drawbacks. You need to select the power source which can work best for you and your home needs. These are a few factors you have to keep in mind while deciding between a gas or propane generator include:

• Fuel availability in your area
• Run time
• Frequency of use
• Maintenance needs
• Efficiency
• Climate and natural disasters

Conclusion:

We have given elaborate detail on the propane generator. Besides, you can find here a practical buying guide to help you choose the best one from there.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Is a propane generator more efficient than a gas one?

No, these are inefficient compared to gas ones, and these machines make fewer BTUs per gallon of fuel than gas ones do. However, these are more eco-friendly as they can emit fewer harmful gases than gasoline-powered models.

• Is a propane generator cheaper than a gas one?

Compared to gas, this fuel is technically less expensive. Therefore, when you run a propane generator, it will cost less than running a gas machine. However, you need to invest more in them than gas types. Above all, they save you money in the long run but need a little more money to be invested.

• How long will this machine run on a 20lb tank of fuel?

A 20lb fuel tank machine can run for 5 to 8 hours on a medium load, and you can determine it using the technology of every machine. In addition, the load that you expect to get from your model is also s dependable factor.