Top 10 Best Propane Generators - Jun 2023
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When you go shopping for a good propane generator, you want one that will last you for ages and at the same time efficient enough to provide you with power you need and save on fuel. Getting the best propane generator does not have to be a hustle anymore for we have compared hundreds of generators. We have done this by putting in hours of research going through thousands of users reviews and determining the best. We have narrowed down the list to only the 10 best listed below.
#8
By Rainier Outdoor Power Equipment
9.1
#10
By Green-Power America
8.9
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A Guide To Purchasing The Best Propane Generator
It can be challenging to choose the best propane generator to meet your needs since there are many different generator options that are available in the market that vary widely in terms of usability, runtime, power, and portability. One important factor that you need to pay close attention to is the running and starting power when propane is used instead of gas since that will determine which and how many appliances can be plugged in. In our review, the number of available outlets and a standard propane tank’s running time are some of the other important considerations since those can help to determine how well a specific generator meets your requirements.
Questions That You Should Answer Before Purchasing a Propane Generator
How Are You Intending to Use the Generator?
How you are planning to use a generator will mainly determine what features and specifications you need to look for when selecting a specific generator. Using a generator for powering your home when your power goes out is quite different, in terms of both the desired runtime and output wattage needed, compared to powering a campsite or RV. For the intended application, you also should consider how long you are going to need to continuously run a generator in the most extreme situations – and the amount of power that you will need in those circumstances. One of the main advantages that using a propane generator offer is you can purchase a very big tank. Gasoline, on the other hand, s limited by the generator’s built-in fuel tank.
What Are Your Specific Power Requirements?
The amount of power that you will need your generator to provide will depend on the appliances that you plan to run off it. If you plan to use a generator to power your entire home during an emergency, then you will need a high-powered generator that is able to output a minimum of 5,000 watts at least, and even more if you have an energy-hungry heating system or a water pump. A smaller generator, on the other hand, that only puts out 3,000 watts can be sufficient if you attempting to power a campsite or an RV. If you know that you are going to be running a generator mainly on propane, then be sure to consider the amount of power that the generator you select can output with propane instead of gasoline.Â
Depending on your application runtime can also be important. If you plan to power your home and would like things to run close to normal, then you will need to have a generator with a 10-12 hour long runtime at half power. However, if you will be using it for an RV and just need to power during a couple of short time bursts, for example, in the evening and morning, then runtime might not be an important consideration for you. Runtime is frequently measured at half power or even less, so how much wattage that is outputted by a generator can be a consideration in terms of the amount of runtime you really get.
Do You Need an Inverter or Conventional Generator?
Inverter and conventional generators both output AC power. This is the same kind of power that comes out of wall outlets – although their mechanisms are different enough so that there are some major differences in how inverter and conventional generators actually operate. Typically, inverter generators are designed to be less noisy and more lightweight and compact compared to conventional generators. This can be advantageous when you are needing to transport your generator around to different places instead of it being used in a public campground or remaining in a fixed location. However, that also means that typically inverter generators will have a smaller fuel reservoir – and, therefore, shorter run times and lower power outlets, although they have a tendency to be more fuel-efficient compared to conventional generators. Although a majority of users will not capitalize on this design feature, with inverter generators, there is the ability to run in parallel in order to increase the power output. Conventional generators, on the other hand, limit you to the specific wattage rating of the generator.
Things to Look for When Purchasing a Propane Generator
Generator Size
What size of generator do I need to have? Asking that question means you are headed in the right direction. There are different size generators ranging from 1,800-watt units up to whole-house generators that produce 20,000 watts or even more. Prices will also vary widely and it can be challenging to find what you need without spending too much money.
Portability
Not every portable generator has been designed equally portable. Some of them weight about 100 pounds and are equipped with a set of large wheels so you can roll it around, while tri-fuel models and more powerful generators can weigh more than 200 pounds and be practically impossible to move around even when they are on wheels. Smaller generators tend to be more compact, but when they don’t have wheels, even those miniature units can weigh you down very quickly. Consider how often you are planning on moving your generator around, or whether you are more likely to have it sit in the same place outside of your home for its entire lifespan.
Electric Start
A very popular and increasingly common feature on generators these days is an electric start. It replaces the pull cord, which is the traditional way of starting a generator. It is very convenient to turn on an electric start generator. It requires very little of the headaches and hassles that have been associated for so long with generators in the past. Some units have a remote start function that is ideal for use in an RV since the electricity can be turned on in the morning without needing to go outside. Â
Safety
Another important concern when it comes to generators is safety. Generators with an automatic shutoff and low oil alert are common due to the fact that running out of oil could cause irreversible damage to a generator and could potentially be a fire hazard as well. There are some generators that are equipped with surge prevention for protecting computers and other sensitive electronics from getting fried and to lower the risk of electrocution when you are plugging them into your generator.
Power Outlets
When selecting a generator, also look for various outlets. Many modern models have a 30-amp RV-ready outlet. That can be very helpful if you are planning to use a generator in your RV. Many generators only come with two standard AC outlets. However, if you have four or even more it can free up a lot of valuable space and allow you to plug many small electronics in instead of just one or two big appliances.