The 7 Best Propane Generators, According to Our Tests

Power outages can spoil perishable food, render appliances worthless, and even lead to life-threatening situations in cold temperatures, but a propane generator can prevent all that. Unlike older gas-only backup generators, propane models offer the versatility of connecting to convenient 20-pound tanks or larger whole-house propane tanks. Because they typically use dual-fuel technology, modern portable propane generators also run on gasoline or diesel. 

To put together a list of reliable propane generators to recommend, we decided to test several for ourselves. After researching more than 35 best-selling models and testing nine, we chose the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual-Fuel Generator as our top pick for its combination of high wattage, dual-fuel flexibility, and reliable performance. 

Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for a propane generator and find out how the following options earned their spot in our lineup of the best propane generators. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual-Fuel Generator 
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Pulsar 2200-Watt Dual-Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. UPGRADE PICK: DuroMax 12,000-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator 
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Wen DF475T Dual Fuel Portable Generator
   ↓ Jump to Review
5. BEST MEDIUM-DUTY: Champion 7500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST BACKUP POWER: Wen DF1100T Dual-Fuel Generator With Wheel Kit 
   ↓ Jump to Review

Propane Generators Comparison

Our Top Picks

Whether you prioritize portability, price, or some other feature, any of the generators below can help keep a fridge running, power a sump pump, and keep the lights on when a home is without power.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Power 5/5; Portability 4/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4.5/5

With a full 20-pound propane tank, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF can generate enough electricity to run several household appliances and power tools for up to 7 hours at 50 percent load. As with most propane generators, this pick is dual fuel, meaning it also comes with a 6.6-gallon gasoline tank for added runtime flexibility.

We tested the WGen9500DF while running both propane and gas, and we didn’t note any real power differences. However, the manufacturer lists slightly lower available wattage when using propane (11,200 peak watts and 8,500 running watts) compared to gas (12,500 peak and 9,500 running). Regardless of which fuel we used, we were able to run several large appliances and tools without reaching maximum load capacity. 

Noise levels for both fuels were similar as well—about as loud as a gas lawn mower, which is in line with other generators that have a similar power output. Its 211-pound weight is to be expected for that same reason, though the included wheel kit makes it easier to pull across flat surfaces. You will need at least two strong people to get it into the bed of a truck. 

Read our full review: Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual-Fuel Generator

What our tester says: “It’s tough to beat the WGen9500DF for power output, fuel versatility, and easy startup—all vital features that make it easier to weather power outages.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer  

Get the Westinghouse propane generator at Amazon or Walmart.  

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Power 4.5/5; Portability 5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4.5/5

We tested the Pulsar 2,200-watt propane inverter generator and found it ideal for powering small tools and devices. With a 1.18-gallon fuel tank and the ability to run either propane or gas, it supplies 2,000 peak watts and 1,600 running watts on propane and 2,200 peak watts and 1,800 running watts on gas. 

As much as we ended up liking this small propane generator, setup was initially difficult. To access the oil fill port, we had to pop off a side panel, which required quite a bit more manual force than anticipated. However, once we got it off, getting the generator ready for the first time only took a few minutes. The recoil just needed a couple of pulls, and the engine quickly came to life. 

Our test rig included a couple of heat guns and hair dryers running at the same time on different high and low settings to vary the load. We found the generator handled 1,800 watts as advertised, but the noise levels seemed higher than the 60 decibels Pulsar lists. To us, it sounded about as loud as a vacuum rather than a conversation, which was more than we expected from a generator of its size. In terms of performance, though, this portable propane generator proved itself excellent for light-duty power needs. 

Get the Pulsar propane generator at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Walmart, or Target.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3/5; Power 4.5/5; Portability 5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4/5

When it comes to finding the right propane generator for home use, this DuroMax 12,000-watt model is near the top end in terms of power. As a dual-fuel portable generator, this monster can power several tools and appliances simultaneously, running up to 7 hours on propane at 50 percent capacity and up to 8 hours at 50 percent on gas. It also has an electric starter and a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor that automatically shuts it down if it senses hazardous levels of CO gas.  

This DuroMax comes with several plug-in ports that extend its usefulness, including a 120V-30A outlet, a 120/240V-30A outlet, two 120V-20A outlets (for standard power cords), and one 120/240V-50A outlet. We tested it by running our refrigerator, most of the entertainment devices in our home, and even a window AC that pulls a lot of juice, and it didn’t lag at all.

Though we liked its power, the DuroMax missed the mark in a few areas. It doesn’t have drop-down generator covers to protect the outlets, and it only has two 120V standard outlets. Like other gas-powered generators, it’s also loud. Overall, though, we found this propane emergency generator​ powerful and easy to use, particularly at this price point.

Read our full review: DuroMax 12,000-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator

Get the DuroMax propane generator at Amazon or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.2/5; Power 5/5; Portability 4/5; Noise 3.5/5; Value 5/5  

Wen’s DF475T is one of the most powerful portable generators in its price range that also offers dual-fuel operation. When running on propane, it offers 4,350 surge watts and 3,500 running watts, and on gas, it delivers 4,750 starting and 3,800 running. Both are ample to keep essential appliances like space heaters, refrigerators, and AC units running during an outage.

Though assembly took some time—nearly 2 hours to attach the handle, install the wheels, connect the battery, and add fuel and oil—the electric start made getting it running easy. Switching between propane and gasoline was also straightforward via the large control dial and the included 47-inch liquid propane generator​ hose.

During testing, the DF475T easily powered a table saw, mini fridge, air purifier, and several device chargers at the same time. The intuitive control panel allowed quick toggling between 120 volts and 240 volts, and the selection of outlets—one 12V DC socket, two standard 120V GFCI sockets, and one 120V/240V NEMA 30A twist lock (RV power system or a home breaker box)—added to its versatility. At just over 105 pounds, it isn’t exactly lightweight, but the folding handle and oversized wheels make moving it around relatively easy. 

What our tester says: “The hardest part about testing this generator was finding enough power-hungry appliances to max it out. For a relatively cheap home generator, it offered substantial output, user-friendly features, and impressive portability.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Wen propane generator at Amazon, The Home Depot (with CO shutdown sensor), Northern Tool + Equipment, or Wen.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5;  Power 5/5; Portability 4/5; Noise 4/5; Value 5/5

This Champion 7,500-watt dual-fuel generator delivers enough electricity to power up an off-grid jobsite or keep critical home circuits running through a utility outage. It includes numerous features standard to more expensive models, like a push-button electric starter, covered outlets, and a rugged tubular steel frame with 10-inch wheels and a fold-out transport handle.

In our tests, the push-button starter worked perfectly, no matter the weather. We appreciated its two locking 30A outlets (one 120V and one 120/240V) for powering home improvement tasks in a workshop or heavy-duty tools such as portable welders. It also has four household-style 120V-20A outlets for lower-wattage applications. 

This generator supports a 50 percent load for up to 10 hours on a 7.7-gallon tank of gas or up to 5.5 hours with a 20-pound propane cylinder. Using propane, we ran a portable table saw, miter saw, router, and air compressor for 4 hours and had just under half a tank of propane left over. 

The Champion does have a few drawbacks, however. Despite wheels and a handle, its heavy weight made it tough to navigate across a yard and lift in and out of a truck. It also does not include an idle controller, which leads to more fuel consumption than eco-throttle-equipped generators. Still, it offered plenty of power and access points at a reasonable price.

Read our full review: Champion 7500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator

Get the Champion propane generator at Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Power 5/5; Portability 4/5; Noise 4/5; Value 5/5

For a propane generator that’s ready to go at a moment’s notice in case of an outage, the Wen DF11000T is a great option. This powerful home generator produces 11,000 peak watts (required to start a powerful tool like a saw) and 8,300 running watts when using gasoline. It provides slightly less power when operating on propane—9,500 peak watts and 7,500 running watts—but that’s still plenty for most tasks. 

After the initial break-in period, we tested the Wen using both propane and gas, rotating through powering a chest freezer, full-size fridge-freezer, laptop, tankless water heater, shop lights, table, chop saw, and circ saw. The Wen didn’t even seem to be under any load, except for a split-second surge when we started up one of the saws, which are notorious for drawing a lot of power on startup. 

This model comes with an electric start and has a large 6.6-gallon gas tank that will keep it running for up to 8.5 hours at a 50 percent load. It features four standard household outlets, a 30A outlet, and a 50A outlet. Like many fuel-powered generators, the Wen is pretty loud—maybe about as loud as a gas lawn mower—but, based on our tests, that’s a small price to pay for the hefty amount of power this durable generator provides.

Get the Wen propane generator at Amazon, Walmart, or Wen.

How We Tested the Best Propane Generators 

To find the best propane generators, we began by researching more than 35 of the top-selling models, considering everything from generator brand and price to power output and number of outlets. After choosing nine models to test, we assembled each unit, broke them in as recommended using gas, then switched to propane. We tested electrical output by plugging in a range of power tools, appliances, and electrical devices, using an online wattage calculator to max out each model. 

Because most fuel-powered generators are inherently loud, we rated them for noise based on whether they produced more decibels than the manufacturer listed. We left them in the cold overnight to see if they were still easy to start in the morning, moved and lifted them to evaluate portability, and rated whether their additional features added value. Since even the best generators require a bit of maintenance, we also changed their oil and removed and reinstalled their spark plugs. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Propane Generator

While power output is perhaps the most important attribute of a propane generator, factors such as portability, noise level, and outlet types are also important to consider when shopping for one of these models.

Wattage Output

The sole purpose of a generator is to supply power when no conventional means of power are available. They step in to fill the gap during a power outage or at campgrounds with no electrical hookups. With that in mind, the output of the generator is crucial.

Generators are rated by the amount of wattage they produce. Most generators capable of functioning off a propane fuel tank have a wattage range of 1,000 for compact models to more than 10,000 for larger units. Most generators have two ratings: peak wattage (also called starting wattage) and running wattage.

The starting wattage is the amount of power a generator can supply in short bursts. This is to account for most electrical appliances, which typically require a higher starting wattage but significantly fewer watts to run.

Sufficient generator wattage to run several essential appliances in many homes would need to be around 5,000 watts or more. This is enough power to run a 700-watt refrigerator and a 1,500-watt space heater or a 1,000-watt window air conditioner as well as an 80-watt 42-inch LED TV, 100-watt computer, and most lighting in the home—especially if the lights are low-wattage LED bulbs. Keep in mind that this is only a measure for running some bare essentials in the case of an outage; it’s not enough power to run all the appliances, including an HVAC unit, water heater, or dryer, for instance, at the same time. 

While some generators are powerful enough to run home HVAC systems, most homes are not wired for this setup. A generator powerful enough to run an entire household is typically known as a whole-house or standby generator, and it’s permanently wired to a transfer switch that allows it to come on automatically when the grid power goes down. 

Dual Fuel

The vast majority of propane generators are dual-fuel generators. This means they can run off either a 20-pound propane fuel tank or unleaded gasoline. Some can even switch fuels while running. 

One advantage of a propane generator is that propane fuel can be stored for long periods of time without degrading. This allows you to keep a supply of tanks on hand in case of a power outage, which is a lot easier than making a run for gasoline amid a widespread power outage or dangerous ice storm.

Exhaust and Safety

Propane is a fossil fuel that puts out fewer pollutants than gasoline. This means there are fewer fumes to worry about in the yard or at the campsite. This does not mean a whole-house propane generator​ is safe for use in an enclosed space.

Although propane generators produce little carbon monoxide compared to gasoline-powered generators, carbon monoxide is released when propane burns and can fill up an enclosed space. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, dangerous and deadly. Remember, never use a propane generator in an enclosed space.

Portability

Because of the exhaust generators produce, they are safest when placed downwind from doors and windows and kept a distance from the house, according to the Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association (PGMA). Manufacturers will typically specify how many feet away is a safe distance. For this reason, many have large handles and wheels or other features to make them portable.

This does not mean that generators are lightweight: Most propane generators weigh more than 100 pounds. Lightweight models with outputs of around 2,000 watts can weigh as little as 45 pounds, but heavy-duty generators that put out more than 10,000 watts can weigh over 300 pounds.

Noise

Generators are notoriously loud, as indicated by their decibel ratings, often listed in product specifications (though not all manufacturers list a rating). Most generators run at about 70 to 85 decibels, similar to a car engine’s sound. Quiet generators run at around 55 to 60 decibels. Keep in mind that a generator running at full capacity will be louder than the same generator running at 50 percent of its maximum load.

Outlets

As is the case in our homes, outlets are the means through which appliances access the power created by a generator. All generators feature standard 120V outlets, with most having between two and four. Generators with outputs of 4,000 watts or more generally have 240V twist-lock outlets for large appliances, such as clothes dryers and electric ranges.

Some models also include 12V outlets, which are outlets similar to cigarette lighters in vehicles. RV-ready outlets feature special 30A or 50A outlets for powering a travel trailer or motor home.

FAQs

If you still have questions about how much fuel a propane generator uses or how to use a generator safely, read on for answers.

Meet the Testers

Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer. With experience in both residential and commercial building applications, she focuses primarily on construction, woodworking, and DIY tools and techniques. 

Additional testing performed by Corey Foster, Austin Fracchia, Becky Helzer, Zach Lazzari, Tom Scalisi, and Mark Wolfe. The Bob Vila test team is made up of contractors, remodelers, home design enthusiasts, and freelancers from across the nation. Each member is dedicated to delivering high-quality product information to our readers so they can shop with confidence, knowing the products they purchase have been fully tested and vetted.

Additional research was provided by Tony Carrick.