The information is not always easy to find out and it can be quite hard to know which generator should you buy, even harder if you’re looking for a portable propane generator. Here we will guide you through the process of finding the right generator for your needs or business!
A propane generator is powered by gas created through refining crude oil. Propane gas is popular because it’s easy to transport and handle – There is no need for a special tank or any complication.
Why choose a generator running on propane?
Propane generators have become increasingly popular over the years, mostly due to propane generators being eco-friendly. A propane generator uses a different fuel compared to diesel engines which means that they produce less pollution and run quieter than diesel generators.
Propane generators are also generally safer to use because they don’t produce carbon monoxide as opposed to other fuel types. In fact, propane is one of the safest fuels used by electric generators! Propane can be stored for years and is not corrosive. One of the biggest advantages of using propane generators is that it’s easy to find. Propane can be found in any hardware store or gas station nearby.
This makes the propane generator more practical and cheaper than other fuel types. As a plus, you don’t have to worry about transporting corrosive fuels such as diesel which can damage fuel lines over time!
While propane has many benefits, there are some major downsides when it comes to power generation with this type of fuel. Since propane is a gas, collecting it from its source and refining it is very hard work since you need high-pressure machinery to pressurize the gaseous state into liquid form. This means that your electricity output will fluctuate if you’re using a propane generator.
In addition, you will also need to deal with a lot of gas condensation. This means that when the fuel reaches ambient temperature (37°F), it starts changing back into its gaseous state and this can lead to a loss of power generation over time!
Top 5 Best Propane Generators review
The pulsar G2319N 2,300W Portable Gas-Powered Generator is a portable electrical power generator that provides an available peak of 2,300 Watts/1,800 running watts of pure, reliable electricity for powering laptops and other sensitive electronics without the need for AC outlets. The tucks neatly into a travel bag or suitcase weighing less than 47 lbs making it easy to transport on all your travels. The Pulsar G2319N is ideal for camping where you are in areas far away from large power sources because it is lightweight and self-contained with enough capacity to run small appliances such as microwaves or refrigerators up to 4.8 hours before refueling. This generator also features stable sine WAVE Technology which produces a smooth sine wave output that can be used to power sensitive and delicate electronics without having to worry about the voltage fluctuations associated with modified square waves.
Pure sine wave technology assures that interference from low-frequency currents will not occur with this portable gas-powered inverter generator. While it may weigh 47 lbs., the suitcase design guarantees easy handling for all of your tailgating needs.
The Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator is a three-in-one generator that doesn’t compromise on power or durability. Running your AC on propane? Then you can enjoy up to 10.5 hours of run time with this bad boy and the ability to last for days without refueling thanks to its huge gas tank! This durable beast is perfect for all of our customers who have an RV, love boating or camping, need a backup plan during an emergency—you get the picture. It’s powerful enough to keep your family safe and happy in any situation!
This product is dual fuel so that means it’s not just gas-powered – you could also choose between propane or gasoline if you’d rather use one over the other! Just fill up with either option before heading out away from home. The 4-stroke engine will be tough enough to handle whatever nature whips at this bad boy (and being waterproof helps too) and 48 months of warranty coverage protect against defects in parts and labor when used under normal operating conditions.
The reliable and durable WGen1200DF Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator provides 3600 watts and 4650 peak watt power, making it great for homes and many job sites. This generator is made with EPA-approved components that are environmentally friendly. It has an intuitive control panel featuring a 5-20R outlet perfect for running appliances like lights or televisions, as well as a TT-30R RV Ready outlet to power the sites need when staying in your motor home. It offers a long-lasting cast-iron engine sleeve coupled with automatic low oil shutdown so you’ll never be left without backup electricity when needed most – saving energy and eliminating worry! When using propane gas, this unit comes equipped with four gallons of fuel capable of powering 115 hours of continuous operation for your home.
This product is extremely durable and features a heavy-duty onboard battery charger that can be used to charge 6-volt batteries in addition to starting the generator. This convenience comes in handy when you need some emergency backup power for your RV or boat, simply start it up with the push of a button! It’s also quiet and easy to transport, weighing in at only 92.5 lbs. – ready for any adventure!
The WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a must-have for your home and an essential backup plan when storms come. Sure there are products out there that do the same thing, but not with as much style! Not only does it switch between gasoline (11,000 surge watts, 8,300 running watts) and propane (9,500 surges), you get options of up to 240 volts at a time. The electric start powers the 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine with an easy turn of a key and provides up to 8 hours on half load run time. Moreover – the 6.6-gallon tank provides enough juice for emergencies even though blackouts or power outages can last up to two weeks.
This product is extremely durable and features a heavy-duty onboard battery charger that can be used to charge 6-volt batteries in addition to starting the generator. This convenience comes in handy when you need some emergency backup power for your RV or boat, simply start it up with the push of a button!
If you need an emergency power source, this is the generator for you. It will supply 5500 starting watts and 4500 running watts so any machines that need power can be run- computers, refrigerators, security cameras and more! And with its dual fuel option to run on either gasoline or propane liquid fuel, it’s perfect to use when tailgating at a sports game or camping in nature too.
The DuroStar DS5500EH Portable Propane Generator is the most powerful of its kind on the market today- but not just because of high wattage! With features such as a muffler guard which protects against heat buildup and durable casters that allow for easy rolling around job sites or campsites, this generator is the only choice for when power is necessary. If you need a product that can provide both gas and propane options, this is your best bet!
A generator is essential in the event of a power outage. For all you need, buy the DS5500EH with 4,500 running watts. The transportation wheels allow you to take it for tailgating and camping too. It runs on gasoline or liquid propane fuel options. You will enjoy the engine’s low oil shutdown feature that protects its long life.
Things to Consider
When shopping for the best propane generator, you must make sure that it supports your needs. It’s important to know how much power and duration you need! Here are some of the essential things to look out for when picking a portable propane generator:
- Capacity – Do you need a portable generator for camping or do you need one in case of emergency? If so, then there is an obvious difference in requirements between these two types of generators. The capacity should be enough to support all your computers and other electronics (LCD TV) as well as provide comfort during long periods living off-grid.
Or if this is just a backup generator for emergencies, then don’t worry about extra conveniences. In that case, the power capacity should be enough to power a battery-powered mini fridge and some lights.
- Power supply – The electricity of your generator should match the current standards in your location. Never buy a generator that doesn’t have the same power grid as you! It’s important to know if your new generator will work on 50Hz/60 Hz since it can’t be changed easily once you’ve bought it.
- Fuel consumption – How much fuel do you need for daily use? This is an important point to look at because propane generators are less efficient compared to many other fuel types (primarily diesel). Propane generators also start up slowly, so the more often it is used, the faster it will run out of fuel. It is best if you can find out how long a full tank can last!
- Noise level – Do you want a quiet or loud propane generator? The decibel (dB) measurement shows the noise level; the lower the number, the quieter it will be while higher numbers indicate greater potential for noise pollution. A typical portable generator is expected to fall within 50 dB to 70 dB range or so. Quieter generators are generally more expensive than their counterparts. However, this should not be a deciding factor since there are other ways to reduce overall noise using sound-dampening insulation and proper mufflers in your house wiring.
- The size of your propane generator – As mentioned earlier, smaller units can only power small household items such as a refrigerator and some lights while bigger units can power more appliances simultaneously. Portable generators are classified into kVA ratings:
- 0.8kVA – Can run on a single appliance (like a microwave)
- 2kVA – Can run on multiple appliances but not all at the same time
- 4kVA – Can power nearly everything you have in your home, aside from air-conditioning systems (This is what I use.)
- The number of people who will be using the generator should also be considered when looking for the best portable propane generator. A rule of thumb is that one gallon per day is enough to support 4 people or less with minimal usage. You’ll need more fuel if you plan to utilize commercial appliances such as those found in farms or home offices!
- Run time – While there is nothing wrong with estimating run time, you must also keep in mind that the manufacturer’s specs will tend to be optimistic. This can range anywhere from 20% (best case) to 50% (worst case). You should take a more conservative estimate when planning for your generator needs!
- Wattage – The number of watts a generator can support is indicative of its overall power output, corresponding closely to kVA ratings mentioned earlier. You should always try to get a generator with the highest wattage rating especially if you plan to use home appliances like air-conditioners or even refrigerators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
While propane generators might be more expensive to maintain than their gasoline counterparts, they’re easier to find and less volatile when compared to the latter. Since you’ll never have to worry about running out of fuel or waiting for it to arrive at your local hardware store, you can consider a propane generator if you want a small backup unit that can run on natural gas as well.
Propane portable generators are great for residential use where high wattage is not required but practical capacity is! If you believe in self-reliance and survival techniques, I’d suggest taking a look at them before making a decision!