Propane is one of the most popular, easy to handle, and cleanest fuels for the generator. They are eco-friendly. And propane doesn’t produce a huge amount of carbon monoxide. You know Carbon monoxide (CO) is a lethal gas for humans and animals.
In this post, We will walk you through the higher to lower-wattage propane generator based on real user reviews. So, you have the flexibility to select the best one according to your need.
Comparison Table for Propane Generator for Home
- Weight: 235 pounds
- 13000 starting watts and 10500 running watts
- Push Button and Recoil start
- Weight: 95.7 pounds
- 3400 starting watt and 3100 running watt
- 59 dBA noise level
- Dual fuel inverter Generator
- Weight: 209 pounds
- 10800 starting watt and 8550 running watt on propane
- Electric Start
- Weight: 105.8 Pounds
- 4350 starting watt and 3500 running watt on Propane
- Electric switch
- Weight: 109 pounds
- 4650 starting watt and 3240 running watt on propane
- Electric and remote start
what to consider before buying a propane generator for your home?
Before buying a propane generator for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some key considerations:
Power Requirements: Determine your power needs to ensure the generator you choose can handle the load. Calculate the total wattage of essential appliances and systems you want to power during an outage. Choose a generator with sufficient wattage capacity to handle your requirements.
Generator Size and Portability: Consider the physical size and weight of the generator. Determine whether you need a portable unit or a stationary one. Portable generators are easier to move around but have lower power capacities, while stationary generators are larger and require professional installation.
Fuel Type: Propane generators use propane as fuel. Consider the availability and accessibility of propane in your area. Propane has a long shelf life and is less prone to degradation compared to gasoline or diesel, making it a popular choice for backup power.
Runtime and Fuel Efficiency: Check the generator’s runtime at various load levels. Look for models with longer runtimes, so you won’t have to refuel frequently. Additionally, consider the fuel efficiency of the generator to ensure it provides optimal power output for the amount of fuel consumed.
Noise Level: Generators can be noisy, so if noise is a concern, look for models that offer quieter operation. Check the manufacturer’s specifications or user reviews to determine the noise level produced by the generator.
Safety Features: Ensure the generator has safety features such as overload protection, low-oil shutoff, and automatic voltage regulation. These features protect the generator and your appliances from damage.
Transfer Switch: If you plan to connect the generator directly to your home’s electrical system, consider installing a transfer switch. This device safely isolates your home from the power grid during a blackout and prevents back-feeding, protecting utility workers and your electrical system.
Budget: Determine your budget for the generator. Consider not only the initial purchase cost but also long-term maintenance, fuel costs, and potential installation expenses.
Warranty and Support: Check the warranty provided by the manufacturer and ensure they offer good customer support. A reliable warranty will protect your investment and provide peace of mind.
Propane Generator for Home Review
Now let me discuss my top picks. Here you will get short but authentic information about the generators. One thing I want to clarify is to start the review.
These are not only propane generators. You can run this generator both on propane and gasoline. I have tried to cover the best propane generator for your home. But didn’t get such quality only a propane generator. These dual-fuel generators are worthy indeed.
Anyway, let’s get started.
DuroMax XP13000EH
- Weight: 235 pounds
- Dimension: 30 x 29 x 26 inches
- 2 stroke 20 Horse or 500cc OHV Engine
- Two 120V GFCI household outlets
- One 120V 30AMP outlet
- 13000 starting watts and 10500 running watts
- Propane and Gas powered
- 8.3-gallon fuel tank
Are you living in an off-grid home? And looking for a beast generator to power up your whole off-grid home?
Well, you could consider this DuroMax XP13000EH. This machine is known as the beast for its performance. DuroMax XP13000EH is a dual-fuel generator. You can run this generator both with propane and gasoline.
This beast machine comes with 13000 starting watts and 10500 running watts. Although it can power up the whole house, it is portable. Yes, this is a portable propane generator for your home.
The weight of this beast machine is 235 Pounds. But it comes with a pair of sturdy wheels and handles. So you can easily handle this giant generator.
This DuroMax XP13000EH comes with all the premium features. It has a built-in low-fuel shut-off indicator. So, your home gadgets are completely safe here. This is a CARB and EPA-compatible generator. it is allowed in all 50 states of the USA.
Pros
- Compatible with both home and RV
- Fuel-efficient propane generator
- Propane increases the shelf life of the engine parts
- Low operational cost
- Low maintenance
- Wheel and handle for easy movement
- Electric start
Cons
- A bit heavy generator
Pulsar G12KBN
- Weight: 209 pounds
- Dimension: 28.5 x 26 x 25.5 inches
- 10800 starting watt and 8550 running watt on propane
- 12000 starting watt and 9500 running watt on gasoline
- 4 stroke 457cc air-cooled OHV engine
Pulsar G12KBN is another powerful propane generator for home use. This sturdy and long-lasting propane generator comes with 12000 starting watts and 9500 running watts.
However, this is a dual-fuel generator. It supports both propane and gasoline. You can run this generator with propane only. Propane is a cleaner fuel than gasoline.
Although the weight of this generator is 209 pounds, it is portable. It comes with two wheels and a handle for easy movement.
You will get a bit of low wattage from propane. On gasoline, you will get 12000 starting watts and 9500 running watts. On the other hand, on propane, you will get 10800 starting watts and 8550 running watts. Anyway, this is enough to power a medium-sized house.
Like all the premium quality generators, this Pulsar G12KBN features low fuel shutdown, 3 in 1 digital meter, voltage regulation, etc.
This large generator for the home is easy to start. It includes both the recoil and electric start. Moreover, you can run this generator for more than 10 hours at a 50% load. So, this one could be the perfect backup for your home.
Pros
- 1-year limited warranty
- Low fuel shut off
- Supports propane and gasoline
- Long run time
- Comes with the propane hose
Cons
- Some users face the issue with the start switch
WEN DF475T
- Weight: 105.8 Pounds
- Dimension: 23.2 x 17.5 x 18.5 inches
- 224cc OHV engine
- Propane and gasoline generator
- 4350 starting watt and 3500 running watt on Propane
- 4750 starting watt and 3800 running watt on gasoline
- 4-gallon fuel tank
- 11-hours runtime on 50% load
WEN is one of the most reliable generator brands. They produce exclusive and high-performing generators usually. This WEN DF475T is one of the best propane generators for the home in the 4500-watt to 5000-watt segment.
This one is a lightweight propane generator. Also, it comes with two wheels for easy movement. The weight of this generator is around 105 pounds. With this 4750-watt generator, you can run almost all the household appliances during a blackout.
The build quality of this generator is sturdy, indeed. You would easily understand the build quality by comparing it with the existing generator you have.
This WEN DF475T comes with an electric switch. So the starting is too easy even for the senior citizen. Moreover, this one is a Transfer ready propane generator for the home. Overall, this one is a worthy package on a medium budget to light the whole house during the disaster season.
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- Transfer switch ready
- Electric switch for easy start
- Lightweight and comes with wheels
- Portable and easy to handle
- Comes with a 47-inch propane hose
- Dual fuel features
Cons
- Not the quietest generator but it is reasonable
Westinghouse WGen3600DF
- Weight: 109 pounds
- Dimension: 23.3 x 22.8 x 21.3 inches
- 4-Stroke 212cc OHV Engine
- 4650 starting watt and 3240 running watt on propane
- 4650 starting watt and 3600 running watt on gasoline
- 4-gallon fuel tank
Are you looking for an RV-ready portable propane generator for the home with around 3500 running watts? Well, you could consider this Westinghouse WGen3600DF. This one is one of the best portable propane-powered generators in this wattage segment.
This WGen3600DF is a dual-fuel generator. Apart from the propane, you can run this generator with gasoline. On propane, you will get 4650 starting watts and 3240 running watts. On the other hand, on gasoline, you will get 4650 starting watts and 3600 running watts.
That means this WGen3600DF is perfect for running small to medium home appliances with propane.
You will get all the premium features on a reasonable budget from this WGen3600DF propane generator for your home. It comes with an RV-ready outlet, electric start, and low oil shutdown option.
The cast-iron engine sleeve makes the generator long-lasting and durable. The maintenance of the generator is very easy and smooth. It has a wheel and handles. So you can move this generator from one place to another place easily.
Pros
- Propane and Gasoline powered dual fuel option
- Long-lasting and durable
- Electric and remote start
- Lightweight and comes with the wheel
- Perfect for both Home and RV
- Low fuel shutdown features to keep the home appliance safe
Cons
- Price is a bit higher than other generators in this segment
Champion 3400-Watt
- Weight: 95.7 pounds
- Dimension: 25.1 x 17.3 x 18.3 inches
- 59 dBA noise level from 23 feet distance
- 3400 starting watt and 3100 running watt
- 7+ hours continuous run time
- .6 quarts oil capacity
Are you looking for a super quiet propane inverter generator for your RV and home? Well, you could consider this Champion 3400-Watt portable propane inverter generator for your home. It is quiet and lightweight.
The weight of this generator is about 95 pounds. Additionally, it comes with 2 wheels and a handle. So the movement is very easy here.
Besides the propane, you can run this inverter generator with gasoline. So, you will get the maximum freedom here in the fuel choice.
This Champion 3400-Watt produces 59 dBA noise which is quieter than normal conversation. Since it is an inverter generator you can run all of your sensitive devices like a laptop, charging the phone with this inverter generator.
You will get 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts from this inverter generator. This is good enough for a small house to back up the basic appliances like the small refrigerator, laptop, desktop, window AC, and other stuff.
This RV-ready propane inverter generator comes with the necessary ports both for RV and home. There is no setup here. just connect the plugs and enjoy the alternative electricity.
You can double the power if you need it. Because this is a parallel-compatible generator.
Pros
- 3-year warranty
- Low oil shutdown feature
- Supports both gasoline and propane
- Quiet and lightweight
- Produce safe and clean energy
- Perfect for both home and RV
Cons
- The price is high because this one is an inverter generator. But It is worth it indeed.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to run a generator on propane or gas?
The cost of running a generator on propane or gas depends on various factors such as fuel prices in your area, the efficiency of the generator, and the specific circumstances of your usage. However, in general, propane is often considered cheaper than gasoline as a fuel source for generators.
Why should I consider a propane generator for my home?
Propane generators offer several advantages, including the long shelf life of propane, cleaner burning fuel, lower emissions compared to gasoline or diesel generators, and the ability to use an existing propane supply (such as from a propane tank) for extended power backup.
Can I connect a propane generator directly to my home’s electrical system?
Yes, it is possible to connect a propane generator to your home’s electrical system. However, it requires professional installation and the use of a transfer switch. A transfer switch ensures safe and proper power transfer between the generator and your home’s electrical panel.
How long will a home generator run with a 250-gallon propane tank?
The runtime of a home generator with a 250-gallon propane tank will depend on several factors, including the generator’s fuel consumption rate, the load on the generator, and the size of the propane tank.
To estimate the runtime, you will need to know the generator’s fuel consumption rate, which is typically measured in gallons per hour (GPH) or in hours per gallon (HPG). This information can usually be found in the generator’s specifications or user manual.
Let’s assume, for example, that your generator has a fuel consumption rate of 2 gallons per hour (GPH) and you have a 250-gallon propane tank. In this case, you can calculate the approximate runtime as follows:
Runtime = Propane Tank Capacity / Fuel Consumption Rate
Runtime = 250 gallons / 2 GPH = 125 hours
Keep in mind that this is a simplified calculation and provides an estimate based on ideal conditions. The actual runtime can vary depending on the specific generator, load, and other factors such as the ambient temperature.
How long can a propane generator run on a full tank of propane?
The runtime of a propane generator depends on its fuel efficiency and the size of the propane tank. Generator runtimes can vary from a few hours to several days. It’s essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications or user reviews to determine the runtime at various load levels.
Related:
- Cover for predator generator (Fit for all models)
- Generac iQ3500 vs Honda EU3000iS
- Does Honda Make a Propane Generator?
- Honda Generator Propane Conversion Reviews
- Can Natural Gas Generator Be Converted to Propane?
- What Size Generator Do I Need For 3 Bedroom House?
Final Thoughts
Although this article is about the propane generator, I’ve selected all the dual fuel generators for the maximum features in a one-time investment. Generators are expensive. You will not buy this powerful machine daily.
You can run these generators with propane continuously. If you need better performance you could use gasoline.
I believe you have understood why I choose the dual fuel generator instead of the only propane generator. Thanks for Reading.
Recent Posts
Yes, synthetic oil can generally be used in generators. It offers superior lubrication, improved resistance to temperature variations, and longevity compared to conventional oil, which can enhance...
In today's digital age, our dependency on computers and other electronic devices is undeniable. But what happens when a power outage occurs? This is where generators come in. However, is it safe to...