Get the right power source when you need it on the go. These best propane generators are the most powerful and reliable options for your next camping, RV, or follow-up adventure.
If you’re serious about tailgate, RV cooking, or camping, then you need a good propane generator.
Without the safety net of your home’s power supply, you need a portable generator that you can rely on when the need arises.
Portable generators come in a range of power options, but propane fuel is a no-brainer for me.
At a glance: Our top 3 tips
- Best Portable Propane Generator: Sportsman GEN4000LP
The Sportsman provides 4,000 watts of power from two 120-volt outlets, giving you ten hours of uninterrupted power. - Second: DuroMax 18 HP Dual Fuel
Despite 10,000 watts of power and an 18 HP motor, it is one of the quietest generators on the market. - Best Budget Choice: Generac-7117
800 watts of power and a quiet motor make this a great choice if you’re looking for something affordable
Sure, you can use gasoline, diesel, or even solar power, but propane is one of the easiest, cheapest, and safest sources of energy.
Compared to other fuel sources, propane is considered a clean-burning fuel due to its relatively low emission performance.
Also, unlike fuels such as petrol or diesel, it stays in good condition for a long time. That said, if you only use your generator occasionally, propane is usually the best option.
They’re also quiet, making them a great choice for camping, tailgate, or even as an emergency backup.
In this article I will introduce you to the best propane generators, what to look out for and how best to use them.
Sports GEN4000LP
Straight out of the box, this little beauty delivers 4000 watts of power from two 120 volt outlets. This makes it ideal for on the go as well as for emergencies at home.
But what do these performance numbers mean? In reality, that’s about ten hours of uninterrupted power from this little box.
It runs off a 20 pound propane tank just like the one YOU would see hooked up to an outdoor grill.
- Buffalo Corp is a leading wholesale importer of quality home and industrial products in…
DuroMax 18 hp dual fuel
This is a very powerful generator with 10,000 watts of power and an 18hp motor.
It offers twice the run time of other generators thanks to its dual tank installation system, which allows YOU to use two propane tanks at the same time.
Everything is encased in a cast iron sleeve for maximum durability, but at just 72dB it’s also one of the quietest generators on this list.
- Powerful DuroMax Engine – The XP12000EH is powered by a 457cc OHV DuroMax engine.
- Dual Fuel Technology – The ability to run on propane or gasoline allows for the freedom and…
- Lots of power: With 12,000 watts when starting and 9,500 watts when running, this device can…
DuroMax XP5500EH 5500 Watt
What makes the Duromax interesting is its construction around its OHV(overhead valve) motor. Engines with overhead valves are typically much more fuel efficient, thanks in part to the placement of their intake and exhaust valves.
This generator 7.5 HP motor can produce between 4,500 and 5,500 watts of power. This may seem a little more modest than some of the other generators on this list, but it lasts a lot longer.
In addition to being fuel efficient, the Duromax is a generator that IS presented as smooth and quiet. It does so with its steel cage and insulated engine mounts, as well as mounted muffler.
The generator has two 20 amp 120 volt household outlets making it a great backup power source for your appliances should your mains fail.
- Lots of power: With 5,500 watts when starting and 4,500 watts when running, this device can…
- Dual-Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and…
- Powerful Engine – The 224cc OHV DuroMax engine is a workhorse that packs plenty of power…
Generac-6954
At the lower end of the power spectrum, the Generac 6954 can generate electricity for about 12 hours while running at only about 50% capacity.
And while it may not have the punch of other generators, its flexible outputs make it easy to use with just about any device you have on the go or at home.
This propane generator has two regular 120v outlets and a 120/140v twistlock plug that allows you to swap out appliances, lights and heat.
It COMES assembled on wheels, making it an excellent portable generator and easy to take with you on the road.
- The generic 420cc OHV engine with splash lubrication ensures long engine life
- One-touch electric start for hassle-free starting
- Low oil shutdown, monitored outlets and hour meters
Generac-5978
The Generac 5978 is a robust, durable and easy to use generator that gives you just about everything you could want in a generator.
This is just one of the easiest to use septic tank generators you will see on the market.
It has an auto shut off feature in case you run out of fuel.
It has a large fuel capacity, allowing the generator to run for over 12 hours depending on the size of the propane tank installed.
Its brilliant durability is in large part related to its steel frame, which comes in the form of 1.25 inch thick tubing. This skeleton frame is really impressive and guaranteed to last a long time.
- 420cc Generac OHV engine for long life and consistent performance
- One-touch electric start ensures hassle-free starting
- Hour Meter/Low Oil Shutdown/Covered Outlets
Generac-7117
At first glance, you might think it is a noise generator. It’s a big monster of a machine, and in most cases that can only mean one thing: noise.
However, I am happy to say that this is not the case with the Generac 7117. In fact, it’s one of the quietest generators on this list.
Despite its size, it weighs half the weight of other similarly sized models while delivering an impressive 800W of power.
The LED display keeps you updated on your performance and informs you about the power output and the transparent propane fuel in the tank. It also has a built in auto shut off for safety and generator protection.
- Quiet and neighbor-friendly, fully enclosed design reduces noise levels
- TruePower technology provides clean, stable power, ideal for sensitive electronics, tools and…
- Compact and lightweight makes it easy to carry with a built-in handle
Firman P03608
This generator has a starting power of 4500 watts and then a running power of 3650 watts.
Like any good generator, it runs quietly. It owes its very low noise level of 68 decibels to its “Whisper” series silencer.
You can get an incredible 14 hours of power on 5 gallons of fuel.
It features a one-touch ignition system that works with its detachable starter key remote. It has a data display and an oil gauge that shows you how much fuel you have left and alerts you when you’re running low on fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have burning questions? Our list of frequently asked questions will help you.
How Does a Propane Generator Work?
Propane generators work the same way as many other types of power generators. THEY use propane as fuel to then generate electricity that WILL later be used with devices on the road or as an emergency backup system( source ).
Electricity is generated through the use of a propane fueled engine before this electricity is converted into electrical energy.
Since propane is a combustible energy source, electricity can easily be generated by burning propane, which produces resulting heat and electricity.
What Are The Advantages of Propane Gas Generators?
Propane generators help you get the most out of outdoor grilling on the road, especially for your portable RV grill or tailgate grill .
Propane is a clean-burning fuel( source ) because it emits much less carbon monoxide than coal or wood. This makes it much less harmful to the environment than other fuel sources.
Check out our guide to the best propane tank gauges .
Not only that, it’s also much quieter to burn and safer to use.
Solar powered generators are becoming increasingly popular, but they leave you at the mercy of sunlight and weather, meaning they’re often only useful during the summer months.
Propane also doesn’t degrade in the same way as gas and diesel. Propane has an unlimited shelf life, which means YOU can buy it in bulk for future use. This makes extremely profitable and reliable.
What Are The Disadvantages of Propane Gas Generators?
The main disadvantage is that propane is a bit harder to find than other types of gas or gasoline. However, anyone who owns a propane gas grill knows where to get one.
Are Propane Generators More Efficient?
In terms of raw power, propane generators are not as powerful as gas or diesel powered options.
However, propane generators are much more efficient in terms of power for the amount used.
Compared to petrol or diesel, propane burns significantly less.
Writer & content creator. BBQ fanatic!
