Best Portable Propane Generators Reviews
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It is good that you have decided to buy a portable propane generator. You might be aware of the fact that it is a mechanical device used for producing electricity. This generator among the other types of generators available in the market works by converting motorized power from the burning of propane into electrical energy. Propane is a type of hydrocarbon gas that can burn. For the production of energy and heat, a propane generator will burn the propane.
Within the generator, there will be a combination of water and ammonia. When the propane gas burns, heat is generated and due to this heat, the temperature of this combination of ammonia and water raises. As a result, ammonia gas is produced, which then flows from the generator. As against understanding how a propane-based portable generator works, you will be interested in knowing about the best choices available in the market, particularly if you are a non-technical person.
Here is the list of the top 10 choices available in the market:
As you look to shortlist the best electric generator, you now know the top options available in the market. Even, from the list above, you know how they are best in their own ways. Nevertheless, you will be interested in a detailed review of each portable electric generator. In turn, you can decide on the best option. To help you with this, here is a detailed review of each of these units:
You might think that it is a gas-powered generator. But, this generator from Westinghouse is a dual-fuel generator. In addition to propane, you can use gasoline for powering it. The good thing about this easy-to-use generator is that it comes as a plug-and-play model. It means that you can start using it immediately on arrival to your home with propane or gasoline. You need not have much technical knowledge and expertise to operate it.
This is one of the best feature-rich generators in the market. The reason is that it comes with a propane regulator, a tool kit, an oil funnel, oil, 12V Battery charger, remote start key fob, heat-resistant plastic wheels with tires that do not get flat. Yes, you have got it right. For the initial start, you will get the required oil and even a funnel to fill the oil tank in this generator.
This generator gets power from a sturdy Westinghouse four-stroke OHV Engine. These features will ensure complete protection to the generator. Further, it comes with a digital time meter along with a VFT display. From this display, you can get real-time updates on lifetime hours, frequency and voltage output.
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RELATED: 7 Best Westinghouse Portable Generators Reviews
With its noise level at only 52 decibels, you can operate this portable propane generator without disturbing others wherever you are. This generator is portable and lightweight at just 55 lbs. So, it is ideal for tailgate parties and camping trips. This unit comes with a set of parallel cables. With these cables, you can link a generator of similar capacity from A-iPower or even another piece of this same generator for a combined power output of 4000 starting watts and 3200 running watts.
This generator uses inverter technology from the same brand that permits you to get clean and safe power for your sensitive electronics. You can safely power your sensitive devices like laptops, tablets and even television sets with this unit.
When you use gasoline as the source of power for this generator, you can expect 1600 running watts and 2000 starting watts. But, when using propane, it is 1500 and 1800 respectively for running and starting watts.
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This propane generator is capable of running not only on propane but also on gasoline. Yes, it is a dual-fuel generator that will help you continue to generate power using gasoline even when there is no stock of propane at your place. This unit with a four-stroke engine is CARB and EPA approved. So, you can use it in all 50 states in the United States.
This unit uses MX2 Technology from DuroMax. The usage of this technology by DuroMax in this generator ensures that you can generate the utmost power. This is possible from each 120-volt receptacle that this generator houses. Further, the generator provides you with the flexibility to operate both at 120V and 240V simultaneously. Otherwise, you have the option to power the generator at 120V alone with complete power.
With its impressive 12000 surge power and 9500W running power, this generator is capable enough to handle heavy loads from a refrigerator, lights and a home air conditioner and even high amperage tools.
Understanding that you are assured of the safety of your investment, this unit comes with an automatic low-oil shut-off feature. It has been made using 457cc OHV Engine from DuroMax. This engine is known for its utmost efficiency.
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This generator is powered by a powerful DuroStar Engine. Yes, the engine in this generator is powerful at 196cc 7 HP. With this powerful engine, this unit has the ability to accept high wattage loads without any issues whatsoever. With durable wheels, this generator has been designed to function as a perfect companion for your RV power needs. It comes with a 3.9 gal fuel tank and the outlets in this unit are GFCI-protected.
This portable generator comes with all-metal construction for durability and an MX2 power boost for the utmost power generation. To ensure long-term use, it comes with all copper windings as well. As you can operate this generator on propane, you can stay assured of cleaner-burning. Further, this fuel can be stored for longer without any trouble. So, you can carry the fuel when you are on your RV trips. Further, as compared to other fuels, propane, as you know, is generally affordable.
This unit comes with a couple of 120V 20A household outlets to let you use the generator during power outages when you are at home. Further, it also houses a 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet. The generator assures 3850 running watts and 4850 starting watts. It has been built considering the importance of durability and the power you expect from a generator.
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This generator comes with a fully-featured power panel with a wide range of outlets. The presence of these outlets ensures the utmost compatibility with all your devices. Apart from three common outlets for supplying power to your appliances, the control panel in this generator also encompasses a voltmeter and 12V DC charging ports. So, you can easily power your external batteries with this generator.
With MX2 Technology used by this electric generator, you can stay assured of the utmost power from each of the 120-Volt receptacles. You have the option to choose between operating the unit both at 120V and 240V at the same time. But, let us consider you do not want to use this option. In this case, you can use the 12V alone with full power.
The generator uses the powerful DuroMax 224cc OHV engine. This engine helps the generator handle multiple jobs. Right from powering heavy-duty power tools, you can use this generator for supplying power to high-voltage appliances. The generator provides you with the flexibility of using either propane or gasoline. Further, it comes with a low oil shut-off feature as well so that the generator remains protected.
This unit comes with 5500 surge wattage and 4500 running wattage assurance. It can handle heavy loads including your high-amperage power tools, home appliances including a refrigerator and even a home air conditioner.
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This generator is one of the best on this list because it comes with CO Alert Technology. Due to this technology, the unit will shut down automatically if it detects an unsafe level of carbon monoxide in any situation. You know that exposure to carbon monoxide beyond a certain limit is not safe. To protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning, this generator comes with this feature.
This portable electric generator has been built with the help of a powerful 500cc OHV DuroMax engine. Further, to ensure the long-term use of this unit, it comes with copper windings. The all-new control center in this unit comes with different features like a front-facing fuel interface, push-button start and digital multimeter. The fuel interface will let you change the fuel choice in seconds.
From the digital multimeter in this unit, you can get to see hours until the recommended maintenance, total hours run, frequency and voltage. The fully-loaded control panel in this unit encompasses a 120/240V 50AMP outlet that makes this generator transfer-switch ready. It also has a twist-lock outlet and a 120V 30AMP outlet. When you use propane for powering this generator, it assures 9975 running watts and 12350 peak watts. Further, when you use gasoline for powering this dual-fuel generator, it offers 10500 running watts and 13000 peak watts.
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Like other generators from Westinghouse, this generator is also functionally tested in the factory for minimal fuel odor and the least residual oil. It is CARB and EPA compliant. This unit gets it power from a 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine from Westinghouse and features a durable cast iron sleeve. Further, its automatic low-oil shutdown feature ensures that the device remains protected even when the oil is low. This feature ensures that the generator stops immediately when there is no oil to prevent further damage to the unit.
With only minimal assembling required, you can start using this unit right out of the box immediately. To help you start using this generator immediately, it comes with an oil funnel, oil, a tool kit, and a user manual. It comes with many outlets and all of them are covered using rubber covers for additional protection. When talking about the outlets in this generator, it has one 30 Amp receptacle, an RV-Ready 30 Amp receptacle, and a 120V household duplex receptacle that will help you with powering your devices.
As you look for a gas-powered generator, you should know that this unit is a dual-fuel generator. When you use gasoline as fuel, this generator can provide you with 3600 rated watts and 4650 surge watts. On the other hand, when you use propane, you can expect 3240 running and 4650 surge watts respectively from this unit. Along with a fuel gauge, this unit has a four-gallon fuel tank. You can expect up to 14 hours of run-time per tank from this unit.
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A-iPower has created this generator as a complete unit with an electric start feature. With this feature, you can conveniently, easily and quickly start using this generator at any time. This rule applies not just during the first time of using it but also whenever you feel that you need power from some other source. It comes with a huge 7-gallon gasoline fuel tank besides being portable, thereby assuring you a run time of 7 hours at 100% load. When you use half load, you can run this unit for 9 hours continuously with its huge fuel tank capacity.
This unit comes with a powerful 459 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. Apart from the low oil automatic shutdown feature that most generators offer, this unit comes with a low oil alert light. So, you can immediately fill the tank to prevent the generator from shutting down due to low oil. It means you can expect an uninterrupted power supply with this alert light feature.
This dual fuel generator assures 8100 running watts and 10800 starting watts on propane and 9000 running watts and 12000 starting watts on gasoline. Apart from housing many outlets, these outlets are covered with a rubber knob for additional protection.
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This EPA-Certified generator comes with 5 outlets ports. It also has other features like flat-free tires, a maintenance-free battery and an hour-meter for user-friendliness. Apart from the electric start button, it also offers a recoil start option. The generator along with offering undeniable power also ensures durability and portability along with being lightweight. Due to this feature, you can use it for tailgating, camping and even as a backup source of power for your mobile home.
Further, this is one of the powerful generators in our review with its 12000 watts capacity and 459cc OHV Air-Cooled engine. You can use this generator to provide you with 10 hours of continuous power at half load. Also, for these many hours of operation, it needs you to fill only 8-gallons of the gas tank or unleaded gasoline. Further, you will find this generator easy to use. You can just fill the fuel tank and can turn it on. Now, your generator is ready to go. You can achieve 12000 watts of peak power when you use GAS as the fuel and 9000 watts rated power is achievable with this fuel in this portable propane generator. When you use LPG as the fuel, you can achieve 7250 rated power and 9500-watt peak power with this unit.
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Nowadays, many people living in different areas look for an alternative source of power. When it comes to an alternative source of power at home, workspace or even when camping, a portable propane generator can come in handy. It is nothing but a mechanical device that helps with electricity production. In this generator, electricity generation happens by the conversion of motorized power from the burning of propane into electrical energy.
As you are thinking about buying a portable propane generator, you should know that propane is a flammable hydrocarbon gas. When you start this generator, it will start burning propane. In turn, energy and heat generation happens. In a portable propane generator, there will be a combination of water and ammonia. When propane burns and starts producing heat, the temperature of ammonia and water combination also increases. In turn, the combination gets to a burning point, thereby generating ammonia gas. This gas then flows from the generator.
It will not be an overstatement to say that traditionally propane has been the kind of grill. So, it is being used as a fuel for gas grills. Now, it is widely used as a fuel for powering generators. The reason is that as compared to other fuels, this fuel is beneficial in many ways.
Before you purchase a portable propane generator, understanding how does this generator works will be a good idea. As mentioned earlier, propane is a fuel that can burn and it is a form of hydrocarbon gas. Let us consider that you start this generator. Of course, you can start it only when you fill the fuel tank with propane. Once the fuel is filled and you switch on the generator, the fuel you have added to the generator will start burning. In turn, energy and heat generation will take place.
In general, in any portable propane generator, you will get to know that a combination of water and ammonia is present inside. When the propane in the generator starts burning, the temperature of the water and ammonia will start to increase. When this combination heats up, the generation of ammonia gas will happen inside the generator. This gas then flows from the generator for powering your appliances.
You might wonder why you should get a portable propane generator as against a portable generator powered by any other fuel. A propane generator is better as it has the ability to hold propane for a long time as compared to generators using gas as fuel. The good thing about a propane generator is that it is a convenient fuel. You need not have to winterize a propane generator, which is not possible when you own a diesel-powered generator. Winterizing is the only option to keep the diesel generator healthy even during winter. Above all, you can expect environmentally safe power generation with a propane generator. The reason is that propane is popular as a clean fuel as compared to diesel and other types of fuels like petrol.
Are you wondering whether investing in a portable propane generator is a good idea? If so, understanding the benefits of this portable generator will be a good move:
Are you an environmentally-conscious person? If so, you should opt for a portable propane generator as against a generator powered by any other fuel. The reason is that propane is a fuel that is known for producing clean energy. In other words, this fuel is known for its low level of carbon monoxide production as compared to other sources of fuel. Particularly, it can provide you with the opportunity to generate clean power as compared to a gasoline-powered generator. As a propane generator can produce nearly half the amount of carbon monoxide produced by a gasoline generator, most people with environmental consciousness choose propane-powered generators.
You know that when you use a generator powered by petrol or diesel, there are chances of spillage of fuel. In turn, there are chances of wastage of your hard-earned money. But, with a portable propane generator, you can stay free of any spillage. The reason is that in this type of propane-powered generator, the fuel is stored in safe tanks with security valves. There will not be any spillage of fuel during fill-ups. All you have to do is simply connect the tank of the generator with a hose. Then, open the valve and let the fuel flow. This makes propane generators a viable option to prevent spillage and wastage of money.
When you use diesel or gasoline generators, you will have to take care of certain maintenance tasks. Yes, you will find carbon deposits in the generators using these fuels in the exhaust and the engine. So, you need to get the deposits removed then and there. Even, additional maintenance gets into the picture as these fuels leave residue in system parts and fuel lines. But, when you take a portable propane generator, it will not create any such carbon deposits. So, maintenance of this generator is easy comparatively.
When you go for a portable propane generator, you need not have to worry about storing extra propane in your home to refill the generator when required. The reason is that propane does not come with an expiry date. Further, you can store this fuel for longer without any extra stabilizers required for this storage. Further, propane generators are not affected by cold weather. So, these reasons make propane-powered generators a viable option.
Some people are allergic to diesel, while some won’t like the smell of this fuel. If you have one or more family members with diesel allergies, the best thing you can do is to choose a portable propane generator. Propane is an odor-less and color-less fuel and it vaporizes with ease. However, to make sure that you are aware in the case of a leakage, some manufacturers add a little ethyl mercaptan. This is also a good move so that the fuel does not evaporate unnoticed.
The good thing about a portable propane generator is that it takes only 20 minutes to heat a hot water tank. This is why this generator can deliver air that is a bit colder as compared to the human body. When you start this generator, it produces around 15 degrees of heat. This is something remarkable for properties that are far from electricity.
When you intend to choose the best portable propane generator, you will have to consider different factors. Only when you consider the factors listed below, you can end up making the best choice of a propane generator:
When you intend to go for a portable propane generator, you will have to know how to start it. If you like traditional recoil start, you can find a generator with this start option. But, easier than this type of starting is the presence of a push-button start option. When you can quickly start the generator with just a press of a switch, you will not have any hassle.
Even, some generators offer the facility to start from a particular distance using a remote key. Therefore, you can also consider this option when you compare different propane generators.
Sometimes, you might not notice the level of fuel in a fuel generator. When this happens, there are chances that the generator’s operation can be affected if it runs without any fuel. So, the best thing you can consider when buying a portable propane generator is the automatic low fuel shut-off feature.
You intend to shortlist a portable propane generator for a purpose, isn’t it? Some buy it with the intention of carrying it when they camp. But, some think about using it as an alternative source of power when there is a power shut-down in their home. Irrespective of the purpose and most importantly when you wish to carry the generator from one place to another, weight and design are essential factors to consider. When the unit weighs more or has a bigger design it will be hard to carry. Even if it weighs more, it should have wheels with handles for easily moving the generator from one place to another.
Portable propane generators come with different watt capabilities. In general, the starting watts will be higher than the running watts. The running watts involves the total capacity of watt the portable propane generator can power or produce. For instance, if you need to run a refrigerator, the average watt of the unit will be around 350-780 watts. So, the generator should have higher running watts than the running watts of the generator.
Appliances like refrigerators need more starting watts than running watts. So, you should also consider the starting watts of the generator before shortlisting it to find whether it can meet the watt requirements of the appliances that you wish to power using the generator.
When you intend to shortlist the best portable propane generator for your use, one thing you will have to consider is the number of outlets in the generator. Not only the number of outlets, but also you should ensure the presence of outlets that you need the most. Some units let you connect any device of your choice as they come with different types of outlets. To make the best use of the generator, the number and the kind of outlets present are essential considerations.
Are you planning to connect the portable propane generator to your home circuit panel? When you do this, the generator will start powering your devices automatically when there is a power shut-off in your home. To make this possible, you should check whether the generator is transfer-switch ready. When a generator does not have this facility, you will have to use extension cords, which can at times be dangerous. The reason is that it can generate more heat.
When you shop for a portable propane generator, it would be good to check whether it is possible to keep an eye on the load. How is this possible? This will become possible when the generator comes with a digital meter. Apart from the load, you can gather much other information from the monitor. You can even get to know the total run time. Even, some models will let you know for how long the generator will function with the fuel presently available. So, the presence of a digital meter will make the generator even more useful to you.
As you plan to purchase a portable propane generator, you might have plans to use the generator on a camping site. Most camping sites have a restriction on the level of noise. Of course, propane generators do not make a noise like diesel-powered generators. Nevertheless, it would be good to look at noise levels specified in dBA. Lesser this number, silent will be the operating noise of the generator.
As you know, the better the fuel tank capacity, the longer you can operate the portable propane generator. Before you shortlist a generator, it is better to know the fuel tank capacity. When you go for a dual-fuel generator, mostly, it will help you connect a propane tank externally for powering the generator. In other words, the propane tank is not in-built. Therefore, you can even use a bigger propane tank to connect to the generator for generating more power.
Most generators would have specified the number of hours the portable propane generator can function on half load for a particular capacity of fuel. So, look for this information to know how long the generator can continue to power your appliances once you connect a propane tank.
The running time of a propane generator depends on the size and capacity of the fuel source. It will run for a long time if provided with a large-sized propane cylinder. On average, a 20 lb Propane tank can power the generator for almost five hours. The running time depends also on the number of appliances connected to the generator and their power needs. If the appliances connected require less amount of power, the Propane tank can last a bit longer.
Well, it is possible to extend the running time of a portable propane generator by connecting two propane cylinders to a single gas line using a valve or a regulator. By connecting this way, it is possible to operate the generator for weeks by shifting between the two cylinders. Once a cylinder runs out of propane, the other can be used to operate the generator, and meanwhile, the empty propane tank can be replaced with a fresh one. This ensures a continuous flow of propane and the generator will only have to be stopped after at least a week to refill the engine oil.
Choosing the size of a propane generator should be completed according to the requirement of the user. The frequency of power breakages, energy requirements of the appliances that will be connected, the customer’s budget, the generator’s capacity, etc. should be kept in mind while deciding on the size of the propane tank.
If the power breakage of the user’s place lasts for a long time, it is ideal to use a large propane tank or use multiple small tanks with a regulator to shift between them. It is ideal to calculate the energy requirement for the user on a whole day, and then after estimating the frequency of the power outage, choose the size of the propane tank.
If you are planning to connect highly energy-required appliances for a continuous period, the propane consumption would be high even for a small time. So, decide on the appliances that would be connected to the generator in case of a power breakage, calculate their net power requirement, and decide on a suitable size of the propane tank.
Each gallon of propane can produce up to 91,000BTU and you can calculate accordingly.
Both propane and gas have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to their usage as generator fuel.
When we consider the availability of the fuel, gasoline is more easily available. But it may not be possible to access gas during emergency situations. Also, it is highly inflammable and thus, the storage is quite a bit risky. Though propane is not as available as gasoline, it can be stored conveniently in tanks for a very long time.
Both propane and gasoline run for a very long time and these portable generators could even run for weeks if provided with an uninterrupted flow of fuel.
When we consider the amount of power produced by both of them, Gasoline is the clear winner. They produce more BTUs per gallon of fuel. But when we consider the eco-friendly aspect of both fuels, Propane is the one that produces cleaner energy and expels fewer toxic gases.
On average, a propane generator consumes almost three pounds of propane per hour. According to that calculation, a generator can operate for roughly five hours with a propane cylinder of 20 pounds capacity. Most portable propane generators make use of a propane cylinder of 20 pounds capacity and tend to store more propane to use in case of an emergency.
As propane has a long shelf life of 30 years, storage of it does not pose a problem. It is usually said that the cylinders that store the propane are expired and disintegrated before propane itself. So, as backup, you can store as many propane cylinders as possible for your storage facilities. Make sure that they are stored with enough precautions in an outdoor facility where proper airflow is possible. It is ideal if it is stored away from sunlight. Also, make sure that you do not use propane cylinders that have crossed their expiry date in respect to your country’s law. Different countries have estimated the expiry date of propane cylinders differently and be mindful of it.
The key difference between a propane generator and a portable power station is their mode of production of power. A propane generator uses a propane-powered engine to produce electric power whereas a power station stores electricity from an outlet or solar panel and provides it later on the occasion of a power breakage.
Propane generators can operate for a very long time as long as they are provided with the fuel. But power stations run out of charge when they are operated for long hours and turn out to be less useful until it is provided with electricity to charge.
Backup fuel is easy to store in the case of a propane generator. They can be stored in cylinders and can be stored outdoor for years without getting expired. Power stations do not have a backup system. If they ran out of power, they have to be recharged for any further use and even the recharging process could take quite a long time.
But when it comes to clean and noiseless energy, Power stations are the right option to choose. They do not produce any toxic chemicals like propane generators and thus, are more ideal for indoor activities.
Propane generators and solar-powered generators are two popular choices in the market. In addition to the essential difference of different power sources, they possess several other differences with each other.
Solar-powered generator kits are better when it comes to the commitment to clean and renewable energy. And they are more compact and portable, such as solar generators for RV or generators for camping (with camping solar panels). They don’t produce any harmful fumes like the propane generators and thus, are more suitable for indoor activities. It produces less noise also when compared to a propane-powered generator. Keeping in mind the fact that propane generators will have to be provided with quite a lot of fuel, maintenance cost is comparatively less for solar-powered generators.
But when it comes to long-running hours and reliability during a disaster, propane generators are better than solar chargers. They can be used continuously for weeks as long as fuel is provided, and the long shelf life of propane makes it easier to store them for emergency situations. The installation cost of propane generators is way less than that of a solar-powered generator. Also, unlike the solar generators that require professional assistance in installation and service, the propane generators can be used and maintained by even a single person.
Recently many are turning to the option of a home backup battery when it comes to installing a backup power source. But the popularity of propane generators is still prevailing too. There are multiple advantages and disadvantages for each of them.
A home backup battery is much more eco-friendly when compared to a propane generator. The backup battery does not produce any toxic gases and thus is considered as producing far cleaner and more sustainable energy than a propane generator. A home backup battery system can be safely kept inside a home or a vehicle without having to worry about any risks. They are also quieter than propane generators during operating hours.
Installation costs of a backup battery are extremely higher than that of a propane generator. It tends to become a pricey affair when the power output need is higher. If you have to use energy-intensive appliances like air conditioners during power outages propane generators are the ideal ones. It can run for much more hours than a home backup battery. As propane cylinders can be stored conveniently for years, they can offer a continuous power supply for days and weeks.
Inverter generators, standard propane generators, and dual fuel inverter generators are even though quite similar in their operational procedures have several differences too. Both of them come in different models with different power-producing capabilities and different sizes. The power produced by both of them is also of similar qualities.
Inverter generators are observed to be lighter than propane generators. They can also be of any power source like solar, gasoline, or even propane itself. One of the major advantages of an inverter generator is its capability to control and appropriate the intensity of the power produced. They avoid any kind of fluctuations in power and thus, are ideal for smaller pieces of equipment like mobile phones and laptops. Inverter generators do not cause any noise or pollution like the other standard propane generators.
But propane generators are easier to manage as inverter generators possess some complex technology. When it comes to the price also, propane generators are more reasonable and budget-friendly than inverter generators.
Now, which portable electric generator can be chosen will be your question. All these 10 are the best options in the market. So, you can choose one based on whether you wish to use the generator mostly outdoors, mostly in your house or job site. Here are some choices:
This post was last modified on March 5, 2023 11:10 am