For those of us experience frequent rolling black out, having a generator to power the critical electronic items is a must. What about having the ability to bring power to your camping trip, tailgating or a job site? Yes, a portable generator can pack up a punch and keep your gears powered on the go.
And, if you choose propane as your choice of clean fuel, you are helping the environment while bringing convenience and comfort wherever and whenever you need most. Want to have flexibility for your fuel choice? No problem, a duel-fuel will give you the option of gas or propane.
In this article, we rank the most popular propane generators (and some dual-fuel models) in the market today. We hope our review and buying guide will save you time to do the research. You make the right choice, based on your requirements, which propane generator is best for you.
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There are at least 840 propane generators in the market today. We ranked our list based on the top 10 most reputable brands, and evaluate the selected models based on the following criteria:
- Durable construction
- Reliable and high performance with power
- Easy to maneuver including portability and locomotion
- Flexibility of fuel choice to include clean energy propane
- Multiple application for home, jobsite and recreation
- Value for the money
- Warranty and support
1 Champion 3400-Watt Portable Propane Inverter Generator
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This mid-sized Champion 3400-watt inverter wins our vote for the best overall and most-versatile propane generator. It’s easy to operate with a push-button electric start, and it produces clean electricity for sensitive electronics. It is one of the quietest machines on the market.
Best suited for: This Champion is RV-ready and parallel-ready for double power. It’s ideal for tailgating, camping, festival events, DIY projects and emergency power.
Notable Features:
- Peak watts at 3060 for LPG
- 14.5 run-hours at 25% load
- cold start function
- Inverter technology
- Smart-economy mode
- RV-ready
10BPG Best Performance: Champion 3400-watt
| Durability | 9.9 |
|---|---|
| Reliability | 9.9 |
| Portability | 10 |
| Fuel Flexibility | 10 |
| Value for Money | 9.9 |
Rating: Champion 100263 is our best-overall winner.
Specification:
Fuel type: Dual-Fuel LPG or gasoline
Starting Watt: 3400 (Gas); 3060 (Propane)
Running Watt: 3100 (Gas); 2790 (Propane)
Tank Size: 1.6 gallon (gas); 20 lbs. LPG
Weight: 95.7 Pounds
Frequency: 60 Hz
Noise (decibel): 59 dBA from 23 feet
Warranty: 3 year limited warranty and lifetime tech support
CARB compliant: Yes
EPA II compliant: Yes
Running Time (LPG): 14.5 hours of a 50% load when using a full 20-pound propane tank.
Running Time (Gasoline): 7.5 hours of a 50% load on a full gas tank.
Outlet: RV Ready with a 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), two 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD), one 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter.
Bonus: A propane hose with regular, an oil funnel.
- Clean power (inverter technology) for sensitive electronics and micro-electronics.
- Built-in handles and never-flat tires make it truly portable.
- Easy to start even in cold weather.
- Built-in parallel-ready to easily link to another generator for more power.
- Exceptional efficient propane run-time.
- Super-quiet – yes, you can have a conversation in front of this unit.
- Excellent 3-year warranty by Champion.
- You will need to purchase the optional Parallel Kit if you want to connect to an additional inverter (to increase output power).
Summary: This fully-assembled Champion inverter is well-engineered and quality-built. It weighs 95 lbs. with never-flat wheels and foldaway handle – it’s both portable and easy to store way.
With a noise level at 59 dBA, you can have a conversation and listen to music while it’s running. This Champion is a popular power solution at tailgating parties and festival events.
When it’s used for emergency power, you will have a peace of mind that it’s safe to connect your sensitive electronics to it.
How? Because this 3400-watt unit is designed to electronically throttle the watts to match the various power required by your micro-electronics.
Electric-start, clean power (˂ 3% THD), RV-ready, low oil shut-off sensor, smart economy-mode, parallel-ready (double-power), dual-fuel.
2 DuroMax XP5500EH 5500-Watt Portable Propane Generator
- Plenty of Power – With 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from...
- Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and flexibility of...
- Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 224cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle...
This DuroMax has ample supply of power to run several high-amperage power tools, and more than adequate running watts for a refrigerator and lights. This MX2-technology-based unit has the flexibility to operate at both 120V and 240V simultaneously!
Best suited for: This DuroMax is a workhorse. It’s ideal for emergency home power, small jobsite, camping recreation.
Notable Features:
- Peak watts at 5225 for LPG
- 7.5 run-hours at 50% load
- Electric Start
- All copper windings
- 224 cc OHV engine
- 50 State Approved
10BPG Best Value: DuroMax 5500-watt
| Durability | 9.8 |
|---|---|
| Reliability | 9.8 |
| Portability | 9.9 |
| Fuel Flexibility | 10 |
| Value for Money | 10 |
Rating: DuroMax XP5500EH is our best-value winner.
Specifications
Fuel type: Propane or gasoline
Starting Watt: 5500 W (Gas); 5225 W (LPG)
Running Watt: 4500 W (Gas); 4275 (LPG)
Tank Size: 4.0 gallon (gasoline); 20 lbs. LPG
Weight: 136 Pounds.
Peak Amps @ 120V: 43.54
Noise (decibel): 69 dBA from 22 feet
Warranty: 3-year parts warranty
CARB compliant: Yes
EPA II compliant: Yes
Running Time (LPG): 7.5 hours of a 50% load when using a full 20lb propane tank.
Running Time (Gasoline): 8 hours on a 50% load when the gas tank is full.
Outlet: Two 120V GFCI household outlets, one 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, a voltmeter, a 12V DC charging external batteries.
- Rugged construction and quality material.
- Dual fuel (LPG and gas flexibility) and approved in all 50 states.
- Front propane inlet for convenience.
- Wheels make easy locomotion and transport.
- Excellent 3-year warranty.
- Great run time on both gasoline and propane.
- Not big enough wattage to run an entire home. So plan for only the absolute necessities.
Summary: Powered by a 225cc engine at 4500 running watts, and multiple outlets for various device compatibilities, this hard-working DuroMax is rated at the top-tier in its class.
This XP5500EH, via MX2 technology, has the capability to operate at both 120V and 240V simultaneously! It is suitable for emergency power, recreation and camping, tailgating, and jobsite.
High-performance engine, fuel flexibility, long LPG shelf life, Low oil shutoff, freedom to use LPG or gasoline, easy electric start, small foot-print and portable, EPA and CARB compliant.
Approved to work across the country, it also stands out as an efficient and useful power-source no matter where you might be.
3 Pulsar G12KBN 12000-Watt Heavy Duty Portable Propane Generator
- 12, 000 peak watts/ 9, 500 Rated watts (gasoline) & 10, 800 peak watts/ 8, 550 Rated watts (LPG)
- Dual fuel capability allows you to choose between gasoline & LPG fuel sources; great for emergency situations...
- The 457cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke, air cooled, OHV engine with electric start is protected by a durable...
This heavy-duty Pulsar has solid construction and safety features to back up its popularity among job-sites owners. It is equally resourceful as a backup generator in a major power outage.
Best suited for: Job-site, home emergency backup, off-grid RV camping
Notable Features:
- Massive power
- Electric start
- Transfer switch and RV ready
- Low oil shut-off
- 10” never-flat wheels
- CARB compliant.
10BPG Most Durable and Powerful: Pulsar 1200-watt
| Durability | 10 |
|---|---|
| Reliability | 9.9 |
| Portability | 9.7 |
| Fuel Flexibility | 10 |
| Value for Money | 9.8 |
Rating: Pulsar G12KBN is our most durable winner.
Specifications
Fuel type: Dual-Fuel LPG or gas
Starting Watt: 12,000 W (Gas); 10,800 W (LPG)
Running Watt: 9500 W (Gas); 8550 (LPG)
Tank Size: 8.0 gallon
Weight: 209 Pounds
Amperage: 50 A
Noise (decibel): 76 dBA from 23 feet
Warranty: 1 year limited factory warranty CARB compliant: Yes
EPA II compliant: Yes
Running Time (LPG): 5 hours of a 50% load when using a full 20lb propane tank.
Running Time (Gasoline): 12 hours on a 50% load when the gas tank is full.
Outlet: Four 120V 20A AC outlets, One 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, One 120V/240V 50A outlet, One 12V DC.
- Freedom to use propane or gasoline as a fuel choice
- Incredible run time when using gasoline
- Rugged wheels are perfect for going off-road
- Convenient electric and recoil start
- Transfer switch and RV ready
- 1-year warranty isn’t among the best
Summary: This Pulsar model is on the upper end of the scale when it comes to heavy-duty for the job.
It is surprisingly easy to maneuver – thanks to some high-performance 10-inch wheels and great ergonomic drop-down handle design.
It has the ability to run for up to twelve hours on a half-load. And, it will shut itself off when fuel runs low or when there are other problems detected by the machine.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable power source for a jobsite, or an emergency-power during the storm season, this solid-design Pulsar dual-fuel generator is a fantastic choice.
What to look for when buying a portable propane generator?
Congratulation that you are a planner – that’s why you have a great idea to own generator. And, you already know you want it to be portable and powered by propane. So, let’s go and check out the rest of selection criteria for you. Here goes:
Portability. You want to get the dimension, weight, and the wheel design first. Then check for a hook lift bar feature if you plan to hoist it to a higher ground.
Fuel Type. You already decided that you want a clean fuel, propane. Great! Also consider – if there’s an occasion when LPG is unavailable, do you need an alternative fuel option to include both LGP and gasoline? If yes, consider a dual-fuel model.
Wattage capacity. Use your wattage requirement to narrow down the appropriate size of a generator you need. How much power do you need? Typically a range around 3500 running-watt unit works for most tailgating, camping, and occasional home-emergency to power a few necessities. 5000 running-watt will be more suited for heavy power tools, DIY projects and refrigerator appliance. 10,000 running-watt will support a job-site, home emergency, off-grid camping. There’s plenty of room in between, so think about what you’re going to need when you’re making your choice.
Fuel tank size and run time. Check out how long the unit can run on at 25% load with a full tank. It can keep your refrigerator running for a few hours while your lights on the whole day. So, plan accordingly to decide which appliance to run first and how long, which common items to run concurrently. In general, a bigger tank size, the longer the run time; therefore the less trips to get additional fuel.
How much effort to start the engine? Do you prefer an electric start versus a pull-starting engine? A good electric starter allows you to get it started faster and with fewer hiccups. If you are using the unit in cold weather, you want a cold-start feature to make your life easier.
Outlets. How many devices are you going to charge at once? What kind of outlets do they need? Some units come with USB connectors that allow you to charge up your personal devices, while others have standard outlets that will let you run anything from a television to a toaster. There are even units that will allow you to plug in appliances like a refrigerators or a washing machine.
Control Panels. How you control your generator matters. Whether you like dependable analog dials or easy-to-read digital readouts, you want it to be useful and easy to use, and water-proof.
Safety for sensitive electronics. You don’t want your generator to ruin your cell-phone or laptop or other expensive electronics. Consider an inverter that can throttle up and down to match the appropriate wattage demand. Check the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD and clean power) measurement. In general, you want a THD less than 6% to avoid damaging electrical circuits.
Safety for carbon monoxide. Does it have a built-in safety sensor to detect carbon monoxide?
Safety not to ruin the engine. Does it have a fuel gauge and a low-oil shutoff? Will it shut off automatically when the fuel is low?
Noise level. How loud is the engine? Does it meet the decibel requirement in your campsite? Do you plan to listen to music or have a conversation in proximity to the generator? Normal conversation is about 60 dBA. A vacuum cleaner is about 75 dBA.
Easy to store. Is it easy to put away when you are not using it? For example, fold-down handles will save you storage space.
Budget. Price range varies depending on size, features, and brand name. Think about how often you are going to use the unit. Is it for an occasional power outage? Is it for tailgate? For your recreation trips? Your answer will aid you to balance your needs with your budget. And, a peace of mind is always worth it.
Recap: top-rated Portable Propane Generators on the market
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready, 50 State Approved... |
$649.00
$599.00 |
View on Amazon |
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Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Dual Fuel Portable Generator, 12,000 Watt,... | $899.99 | View on Amazon |
- Best Performance: Champion 3400-watt portable propane inverter. Get this unit if you want a RV-ready, parallel-ready and quietest unit for sensitive electronics, tailgating and emergency power.
- Best Value: DuroMax XP5500EH 5500-watt portable propane generator. Get this workhorse if you want to power high-amperage tools and appliances. It is best for emergency home power, camping and DIY projects.
- Most Durable: Pulsar 12000-watt portable propane generator. Get this heavy duty unit for jobsites and backup power for home or construction.
