Top 10 Best Propane Generators (Reviews)

Last Updated on August 9, 2023 by Manager Access

best propane generator
The only drawback when using a portable generator during a power outage is the availability of gasoline.

During natural disasters, access to gasoline can be scarce, so having a generator that can run on propane could help save you from a huge headache.

Below are the best propane generators currently on the market:

1. DuroMax XP12000EH

As a leader in the portable generator industry, DuroMax has outdone themselves on this dual fuel generator.

The Hybrid XP12000EH gives you the convenience of switching between gasoline and propane to extend operating times when you need it the most.

This is essential for natural disasters when gasoline can be scarce.

As the most powerful propane generator on this list, it goes without saying that this generator can help power up just about anything you want to throw at it.

The XP12000EH is rated at 12,000 starting watts and 9,500 running watts on gasoline and 11,400 starting watts and 9,025 running watts with propane.

This is perfect for running multiple appliances, tools, or even larger appliances like A/C systems of heaters for your RV or campers.

Since this generator is the largest on the list, you can expect it to weigh much more than the others.

At 260lbs, this generator is quite heavy, but with the built-in wheels and collapsible handles, you can easily move this generator around to just about anywhere you may need it.

The 457cc engine is going to produce 18 horsepower and will be accompanied by an 8.3 gallon fuel tank and propane tank hookups. On gasoline, you can expect a run time of 8.83 hours and a run time of 7.2 hours on propane.

These times were taken with 50% load applied to them, so keep that in mind when running your appliances.

The XP12000EH features an easy-to-use control panel with quick access to an array of different outlets to choose from.

Plug in just about anything you can think of to the 2 120V 20A outlets, 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet, 1 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet, and the 1 120/240V 50A Heavy Duty Outlet.

Pros

Pros
  • Powerful
  • Great Selection Of Outlets
  • GFCI Protected Household Outlets
  • 12 Hour Run Time

Cons

Cons
  • Would Like To Have Seen Covered Outlets

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
You really can’t go wrong when purchasing a DuroMax, of course, unless you go with the wrong size. This Duromax propane generator is going to have everything you could want, minus covered outlets. The high power level makes it perfect for using for residential to industrial use.

2. All Power America APG3590CN 10000

Although All Power America is not as well known as some of the other brands on this list, the APG3590CN generator is worth mentioning.

This generator is a gasoline/propane hybrid generator designed for home backup power and RV standby use.

It features a bright lime green and black paint scheme which makes it easy to spot from far away.

This generator puts out some serious power, which is perfect for those looking to power up multiple appliances during your next power outage.

On LPG, you can expect starting watts of up to 10,000 watts and running watts of 7,500.

This will allow you to easily power up refrigerators, ovens, heaters, and even A/C systems to help get you through until power is restored.

With the dual fuel capabilities, you will not have to worry about a fuel shortage if you have access to propane.

Weighing in at 208lbs, it is on the heavier side, but thanks to the collapsible handles and never-flat wheels, transportation is easy.

The 15 horsepower, 420cc engine will run for about 8.5 hours at 50% load at around 75 decibels. This will be the louded generator on this list, so if you are concerned about noise pollution, this generator may need to be set a little further away or be used with a generator box to help muffle the noise.

The control panel on this generator will feature 4 120V-20A household outlets, 1 120V twist lock outlet, and 1 120/240V twist lock outlet.

This outlet selection makes it a perfect solution for RV’s, food trucks, or even those just needing to power up high voltage tools or equipment.

Included with this generator are a propane fuel hose, flat free wheel kit, and a volt & hour meter.

It is EPA and CTEL certified, but non C.A.R.B. Compliant, so for those living in California, you will not be able to have this shipped to you.

Pros

Pros
  • Easy To Use Control Panel
  • Easy Transportation
  • Flat Free Wheels

Cons

Cons
  • Short Warranty Period

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
This generator has all of the features needed to make for a great performing generator. It has a good outlet selection, it is easy to transport, and comes with all the accessories that you need to get started. The only drawback on this generator is the 75 dB noise level which is on the higher side.

3. Westinghouse WGen3600DF

You can’t talk about portable generators without mentioning Westinghouse.

Westinghouse is one of the most popular generator brands and has been producing high-quality generators year and year.

Their dedication to innovation is greatly shown in this WGen3600DF generator as it features all of the latest technology, it is one of the best dual fuel generators on the market.

westinghouse wgen3600df with a lpg tank plugged in

Starting off with the engine, you will get a 212cc, 4-stroke Westinghouse engine that will help rate this generator at 4,650 peak watts and 3,600 running watts on gasoline while LPG will net 3,240 running watts and 4,180 peak watts.

This is going to be a mid-level power range that will be enough to power multiple appliances at the same time.

Speaking of plugging in appliances, this generator has a nice selection of different outlets that makes it ideal for campers and RVs.

Looking at the control panel, you will notice a 120V 30A TT-30R outlet, a 120V 30A L5-30R outlet, and a pair of 120V 20A 5-20R outlets.

This should give you just about everything you need for your next camping trip or power outage.

Weighing in at only 109lbs, this generator is relatively light for its size.

The addition of never-flat wheels and collapsible handles makes it even easier to move this generator around the campsite.

Some of the great features that you can expect to get with this generator are covered outlets, electric start, and a key fob that allows you to start your generator from a distance.

When needing to switch from gas to propane, you can easily switch over the On The Fly switch to keep your generator running when swapping fuel sources.

Pros

Pros
  • Electric Start w/ Key Fob
  • Camper & RV Ready
  • 3 Year Warranty
  • Long Runtime

Cons

Cons
  • Could Use More Outlets (USB or Cigarette Style)

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
The Westinghouse WGen3600DF is possibly one of the best propane generators on this list. It has dual fuel capabilities, covered outlets, electric start, and even remote start. It is in the mid level power range and has a great outlet selection that makes it camper and RV ready. What more could you ask for?

4. Pulsar Products PG7750B

A popular brand in many of my other generator lists is Pulsar Products.

Pulsar products, while not as popular as some mainstream brands, is still a name that is recognized for their high-quality, feature-rich generators.

This Pulsar 7750W generator is a testament to its reputation and features a dual fuel, hybrid setup that utilizes both gasoline and propane as a source of fuel.

pg7750b next to a propane lpg tank

This allows for over 24 hours of continuous use when pairing a full tank of gasoline and a full 20lb bottle of propane.

This is perfect for any type of long-term use such as a power outage or camping trip.

This generator is going to be rated at 7750 watts peak and 6250 watts rated on gasoline while propane will allow for 6250 peak watts and 5950 rated watts.

This is all thanks to the 420cc Yamaha engine.

On this generator, you will get to take advantage of 4 120V outlets, 1 120V twist lock outlet, 1 120/240V twist lock outlet, and 1 12V DC outlet. This great selection of outlets makes it easy to plug up just about anything into your generator, including your RV or camper.

The 205lb weight is nothing to be afraid of as this generator comes equipped with foldable handles and no flat wheels.

You will also get switch-and-go technology which allows you to switch between gasoline and propane while your generator is still running.

Pros

Pros
  • Switch & Go Technology
  • Electric Push Start
  • 3 in 1 Digital Meter
  • 13 Hour Run Time

Cons

Cons
  • No major cons

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
This Pulsar Products generator is a great buy for anyone looking for great outlet selection and higher wattage ratings. The long runtime and switch and go technology make for some great features as well. It is a little on the louder side, so you may want to take that into consideration.

5. Champion 3400 Watt Dual Fuel

Champion is a very popular generator manufacturer and has been for many years. With a wide selection of different size generators to choose from, finding a Champion generator to fit your specific needs is quite easy.

This Champion 3400 watt dual fuel generator proves this by allowing you to use propane or gasoline as a fuel source.

The 192cc engine allows for 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts on gasoline while propane will be rated at 3060 starting watts and 3790 running watts.

This is perfect for home backup or light-duty RV use.

At only 90lbs, this generator is light when compared to other generators on this list. It features built-in wheels and a foldable handle to make moving this generator around much easier.

It is also the quietest generator on this list at only 59 dBa, making it ideal for close quarters and residential use.

As far as outlets go, you will get to use 2 120V household outlets, a 50 AMP RV ready outlet, and a single covered 12V outlet.

If you are needing even more power or more outlet, you can use the parallel outlets to hook up another generator in line for twice the power.

Pros

Pros
  • RV Ready
  • Parallel Capable
  • Long Run Time
  • Easy To Transport

Cons

Cons
  • Covered DC Outlet, But No Other Covered Outlets

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
If you are looking for the quietest propane generator, this is going to be your best bet. This Champion 3400 watt generator operates at a low 59 dBa and has a large 50 amp RV ready outlet that can help power your next camping trip. This generator is very versatile and can be used in just about any different settings.

6. DuroMax XP4850EH

Adding another DuroMax generator to the list is the XP4850EH dual fuel hybrid generator.

This powerful generator is perfect for those looking for an all-around useful generator than can be used as home backup power, camping with an RV, or even on the job site.

To start things off the 208cc engine found on this generator is able to produce 3658 running watts and 4608 starting watts on propane while gasoline will see 4850 starting watts and 3850 running watts.

Closeup of the fuel switch on a xp4850EH generator

This is perfect for running multiple appliances, larger appliances, and RV accessories.

With the 3.96 gallon fuel tank, you can expect to get up to 8 hours of run time and close to 9 hours of run time on propane.

This generator tips the scales at 127lbs, but moving it is easy with the collapsible handles and inflatable rubber wheels.

One area that I feel that DuroMax could have improved is the outlet availability.

This generator only has three available outlets: 2 120V outlets and a single 120/240V 30A outlet. The twist lock outlet is a great addition, but another smaller or larger outlet or a couple of more 120V household outlet really would have completed this generator.

Pros

Pros
  • Easy To Transport
  • Tough Enough For Jobsites
  • Electric Start

Cons

Cons
  • Lack Of Outlets

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
As I have previously stated, it is hard to go wrong with any DuroMax generator. This XP4850EH generator provides many great features and has great power and outlet availability to power appliances and RVs. It also has an all metal construction which makes it perfect for outdoor use.

7. DuroMax XP2000EH

Another DuroMax generator that is on this list, the XP2000EH is a lot smaller than most DuroMax generators that I have reviewed.

This little 2000-watt generator still packs a punch and allows you to easily switch between gasoline and propane as a power source.

The 80cc engine generates 2,000 peak watts and 1,600 running watts on gasoline while propane allows for 1,900 peak watts and 1,520 running watts.

This is enough to power small appliances, smaller power tools, and other small electronics.

xp2000eh dual fuel generator with lpg capabilities

With an integrated handle and weighing in at only 53lbs, you can easily move this generator around to wherever you may need it. With over 24 hours of continuous run time when using both fuels, this generator is a great one to have for long term use.

You can expect 6.78 hours of run time with the 1.19 gallon fuel tank filled while a 20lb propane tank will net you over 21 hours of use.

This generator is going to feature only 2 120V outlets, but with its size, this is pretty normal.

You do get the option to connect another generator in parallel for twice the amount of power and outlet availability.

Pros

Pros
  • Dual Fuel Capable
  • Parallel Capable
  • Easy To Transport

Cons

Cons
  • Only 2 120v Outlets

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
If you are wanting a smaller propane generator, this little DuroMax 200 watt generator can get the job done. While it only offers a fraction of the wattage that many of the others on this list does, if this is all you need, it will be a great buy.

8. Champion 3800 Watt Dual Fuel

The second Champion generator on this list is a step above the previous 3400 watt generator. This 3800 watt, dual fuel Champion generator offers you the ability to use both propane and gasoline as a fuel source for maximum usability.

The 224cc engine puts out 4750 starting watts and 3800 running watts on gasoline while propane allows for 4275 starting watts and 3420 running watts.

This is mid level power that can sustain multiple smaller appliances or the single use of a larger appliance such as an oven or an A/C system.

3800 watts inverter in a truck garage

Much like many of the other generators on this list, it features wheels and collapsible handles to make toting this 119 generator a breeze for just about anyone.

You can enjoy up to 9 hours of runtime on gasoline and up to 10.5 hours of runtime on propane.

When it comes to plugging up your appliances, you can use the 2 120V 20A household plugs, a 120V 30A (TT-30R) outlet, or the 120V 30A Locking (L5-30R) outlet.

This variety makes it easy to plug in larger appliances found on RVs or food trucks.

Pros

Pros
  • Easy To Transport
  • Relatively Quiet
  • 3 Year Warranty

Cons

Cons
  • Would Like To See Covered Outlets

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
If the Champion 3400 watt generator peaked your interest, but you are needing a little more power, this 3800 watt generator may be the solution. It come equipped with all of the outlets you need to plug in just about any appliance and is easy to transport wherever you may need it.

9. PowerMate 6958 DF7500E

As one of the lesser-known generators on this list, the PowerMate 6958 DF7500E features many of the same great features you would find on the most popular branded generators.

The 420cc engine allows for ratings of up to 9375 peak watts and 7500 running watts on gasoline while propane will allow for 8500 peak watts and 6750 running watts.

This puts this generator in the upper bracket of high performance generators.

While this generator can operate for up to 10 hours at 50% load on gasoline with the 7 gallon fuel tank, it will only run for around 5 hours with a 20lb propane tank at the same load.

You can expect a quieter operation from this generator at only 68 dBa.

The biggest surprise on this generator is that it comes with covered outlets. This is a feature usually only seen on more popular brands.

These covered outlets include 2 120V outlets, 1 -120V 30A (L5-30R) outlet, and 1 120V/240V 30A (L14-30R) outlet.

Pros

Pros
  • Simple to use
  • Easy To Transport
  • Covered outlets

Cons

Cons
  • Wheels Seem A Little Cheap/Brittle

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
Don’t let the lesser brand name fool you, this generator may just have everything you need and more. I was quite surprised with just how many features this generator had and how much power is was capable of putting out. The great selection of power outlets and lower noise level also makes for a great combo!

10. Firman H03652

Built to take on just about anything that you put it through, the Firman H03652 generator is not one to look over.

While it is not one of the most popular generators, it sure makes a name for itself against the competition.

The 208cc engine that comes on this generator will allow for 4550 starting watts and 3650 running watts on gasoline while propane will get ratings of 4100 starting watts and 3300 running watts.

Firman H03652 LPG Generator

It is equipped with a 5 gallon fuel tank that allows up to 12 hours of run time while a 20lb propane tank will be good for up to 11 hours of run time at 50% load.

You get a great selection of outlets on this generator as well (and they are covered) including (2) 5-20R 20A-120V, (1) TT-30R 30A-120V RV Ready, and (1) L5-30R 30A-120V TWISTLOCK outlet.

Pros

Pros
  • Great Outlet Selection
  • Easy To Transport
  • Covered outlets

Cons

Cons
  • None

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
For those who are needing a more rugged generator that doesn’t look like it’s main purpose is to take a beating, the Firman H03652 generator may be for you. It’s metal frame and plastic body make for a clean look that is built to take on the outdoors. Covered outlets and a digital meter are just some of the great features found on this generator.

Frequently Asked Question

Which Is The Quietest Propane Generator?

When using a portable generator in residential or camping setting, you are going to want one that is going to be as quiet as possible. Portable generator sound levels are measured in decibels 23 feet away from the generator.

This is an industry-standard and most generators are going to operate at around 74 dB or lower.

On this list, the Champion 3400 is going to be the quietest propane generator at only 59 dB.

This low decibel rating is one of the lowest in the 3000 wattage range as well, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a quiet generator.

How Can I Safely Use A Propane Generator?

When using a propane generator, there are a few things you need to take into consideration to ensure that you are using it safely. You will want to make sure that you are using the generator in a properly ventilated or open area as the fumes can produce toxic gas.

You will also want to make sure that your propane tank is not near an open flame or extreme heat.

Lately, you will want to make sure that you do not have any leaks in your propane hoses as this can cause a fire or an explosion.

What Are The Advantages Of Propane Over Gasoline?

While portable generators usually see more power with the use of gasoline over propane, there are still advantages of using propane over gasoline. During power outages and natural disasters, gasoline can become scarce while propane is still in abundance.

Also, many people have propane tanks hooked up to their gas grills that can be used as a backup power source on hybrid generators. It is also a great way to keep your generator running longer as a 20lb propane tank usually last longer than a full fuel tank of gasoline.

If you worry about running out of fuel, be familiar with ways to lower your generator’s fuel consumption.

Conclusion – About This Guide

With all of these great generators to choose from, finding the right one should be much easier now that I have listed out what to look for in each one.

The biggest takeaway here is to figure out how much wattage you will actually need and what features you want from a portable generator and find one that best matches your needs.

Are you currently running a propane generator? If so, what size, and what appliances are you running with it?

Please consider sharing this post with anyone you know who might be in the market for a propane generator!

GeneratorGrid.com is an independent review business. I am not affiliated with any manufacturers and do not accept paid reviews. When you buy through my links, I may earn a commission which helps me purchase more generators for testing. - Scott Krager