8 Best Propane Generators: Run Longer, Emit Less

While this is a leading propane generator that is great value for money, it is a dual fuel model that will also work on gasoline. When using propane you can expect a peak or starting power of 8,550 watts and a running power of 6,750 watts. When using gasoline it peaks at 9,500 and runs at 7,500 watts.

Runtime is impressive and you can expect around 16 hours of use at 50% load on either propane or gasoline. The gasoline tank is 6.6 gallons. Propane tanks are purchased separately. Should you need to switch from one fule to the next, this can be done on the fly.

It offers a range of outlets for convenience. These include 4 household style 120V outlets, a 120/240V 30A L14-30R outlet as well as a handy 5V USB connection. The outlets are covered for safety and protection. The control panel is user-friendly and makes operating the WGen 7500DF  very simple.

Talking about convenience, the generator has an electric starter and a remote key fob that will let you stop and start the generator remotely. Everything you need to get going is included. You get oil, a funnel, a 12V battery charger, and a user guide.

Sound levels are important to consider and the Westinghouse WGen7500DF produces 74 Decibels measured at a distance of 23 feet. The weight of the generator is 109 lbs.  For ease of movement, it has collapsible handles. The engine has a cast iron sleeve for additional durability.

Safety features of this model include a digital hour meter so you know when services are due as well as a low oil shutdown to protect your engine. The generator requires low maintenance and has a 3-year warranty. Another benefit is that Westinghouse offers nationwide support and service. The generator is CARB, CSA, and EPA compliant.

This is an efficient and effective generator that combines inverter technology with the option for either propane or gasoline. This results in a fuel-efficient option that makes minimal noise. At 23 feet the noise level is only 59 dBA. Granted, it does not have the largest power output but is sufficient for many applications. Should you need more power the Champion 100263 is parallel ready so you can connect a second generator.

Not only is it relatively quiet but it is light and compact. This is an ideal option for camping, tailgating and RV’s. The dual-fuel option makes it versatile and convenient for a range of environments. With 3,400 watts of starting power and running watts of 3,100, you will be able to cater to most electrical requirements with ease.

A 20 lb. propane tank will give you a decent run time of 14.5 hours while a full tank of gasoline delivers 7.5 hours. The propane hose is included with the kit.

Champion is a trusted brand and not only does this generator have a solid 3-year warranty but you will also get lifetime technical support at no charge.

Safety features include a low oil shut down and the Quick Touch Panel is user-friendly and makes operation quick and easy.  The power produced is clean and safe to use with sensitive electronic equipment such as laptops or mobile phones.

Connections include 2 x 120V 20A household outlets as well as an RV Ready 120V 30A outlet. There is also a 12V DC outlet and 2 x USB connections.

Generac has a good reputation and this is a dependable low-maintenance generator that works well for a range of applications. It is a very popular choice for a home standby generator.

It has a tough aluminum exterior that is has a RhinoCoat powder-coated finish. This protects it from harsh elements and reduces the possibility of corrosion. These side panels are easy to remove for maintenance and servicing.

The Generac G-Force Engine is also strong and durable for many years of hard work. The pressure lubrication means less maintenance than the average generator. The Guardian 7030 delivers 9,000 LP Watts and 8,000 NG Watts.

The use of true (clean) power technology makes it safe to use on electronic devices so you can charge laptops, mobile phones, and other devices safely. A multilingual LCD display and LED indicators clearly display the battery status and power and will also advise when maintenance is required.

Generac clearly has faith in the Guardian 7030 as it has a 5-year warranty which is very good by industry standards. Support is available 24 hours a day. The generators are made in the USA and there is good local support.

Another handy feature is the Mobile Link cellular monitoring system. This allows users to remotely check the status of the generator from their mobile phone. This is sold separately.

This is a rugged powerful generator that is tough enough for any conditions. It is a dual-fuel option and will give you 10,800W Peak power and running power of 8,550W on propane. Gasoline delivers a peak of 12,000W and 9,500W running watts. The PG12000B has a CARB approved 457cc OHV Engine.

It has multiple outlet options including 4 120V outlets, a 120/240V 50 Amp RV Outlet, a 120/240V Twist-lock Outlet as well as a handy 12V DC Output. The 209 lbs weight is reasonable relative to the performance and the  10” Never-flat Wheels and drop-down handles make it easy to move. The frame is built from tough and durable steel.

Switch & Go allows you to change between fuel types without shutting down. It has an easy electric start with a recoil start as a back-up. The PG12000B also has a handy 3 in 1 Digital Meter for easier operation and safety. There is also an automatic low oil shutdown protection feature. This model can give you 12 hours of use at a half load on gasoline and has an 8-gallon fuel tank. Plus, it is also economical on propane.

The generator comes with a 10mm combination wrench, a spark plug wrench, a Phillips screwdriver, and a propane hose.

The H08051 has a quality Max Pro Series 439cc FIRMAN engine which is efficient and effective. It will deliver a peak power of 9,050 watts and running power of 7,250 on propane and gives you 10,000 starting and 8,000 running watts on gasoline. The Firman Phoenix Fat Head Block keeps the engine smooth and cool.

For a non-inverter generator, it is pretty quiet producing only 74 decibels. This is largely due to the Firman Whisper Series muffler. This noise level is well within the range set by the National Parks Service. The USDA Forest Service has also approved the spark arrester. These features make the generator versatile and suitable for a range of outdoor or camping uses.

It has an easy electric start and there is a backup standard recoil start. The power produced is clean so it is safe to use with appliances and sensitive electronics. For safety, it has a low oil shutdown. Additionaly, the easy-to-use control panel allows you to monitor frequency, voltage and operating hours. The Firman H08051 generator comes complete with engine oil, an oil funnel, a tool kit, and an LPG hose (5.5Ft).

The generator comes with a 3-year warranty and is CARB compliant. It is portable and has ergonomic padded handles and durable sturdy wheels. If you use gasoline you can expect a runtime of around 12 hours at a 50% load. It has an 8-gallon tank.

The 7.5HP, 224cc OHV Engine on the DuroMax XP5500EH delivers impressive results for the size of this compact and portable generator. DuroMax is a very popular and trusted generator brand.

The compact design, low weight, and wheels make this generator easy to move.  It is versatile and can handle a range of generator environments or requirements. DuroMax has struck a good balance between size and power with this model.

The dual-fuel feature makes this generator versatile and convenient. The running watts are 4,275 with a starting power of 5,225 watts, when running on propane. It operates at 120 or 240 volts according to your needs. The rugged cast iron sleeve makes these generators tough and durable.

Run time is pretty good. On a 20 lb tank of gas, you can expect around 8 hours on a half load. You will get the same time on a tank of gasoline. Additional efficiency is provided with the help of idle control, that lowers the speed, when you do not use it.

If you are looking for a powerful and hassle-free generator for home standby use the Generac 70432 Home Standby Generator has been specifically designed for this. This is a leading brand of standby generators. Not only do they provide excellent standby power but they are easy to use and monitor.

The transfer switch is NEMA 3R rated for indoor or outdoor use and is enclosed in aluminium. It provides 200-amp power to 16 circuits. This is more than enough for most home requirements. They can be set up to automatically start-up in the event of a loss of power and will switch off once power is restored.

In terms of comparison with other generators listed here, it produces continuous power of 19,500 watts and a peak output of 22,000 watts. That should be enough to handle the majority of home backup needs. Moreover, this model features free mobile link, which monitors the status of your generator. You can find all the information about your generator condition on a phone, tablet or computer.

It is well built from quality materials and has a spectacular 5-year warranty. This will give you peace of mind that your investment will last you for a long time.

DuroMax is a leading brand of quality generators and it is for this reason they made it onto our list twice. The XP20000EH is extremely compact and light making it easy to take with you for a variety of reasons.

Being one of the most compact generators it does not have the largest power output but will serve you well for camping, tailgating and other environments where your power requirements are not too high. It will not be up to running large appliances, fridges, and air conditioners but will still offer plenty of power for other uses. It has a peak watt output of 2000 watts and runs at 1600 watts.

If you do need additional power the generator is parallel ready so one can easily connect a second generator for extra power. You will need to purchase a parallel kit separately but you can then bridge two of these generators together.

The eco-mode will also help you conserve fuel and additionally will make the operation of the generator less noisy. This is normally important in environments where portable generators are used.

One advantage is that it produces clean stable power so you can safely power up your sensitive electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, and other devices. On a 50% load, you can expect a run time of around 6.5 hours. Eco-mode will save you on fuel when used.