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10 Best Propane Generators 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas, Propane, and Natural Gas Powered

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,396
Power Output (Wattage)
Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
222 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers ample power to run an entire large home, including heavy appliances like a 5-ton AC and 220-volt dryers without issue.
Portability
Despite its size and weight, the solid never-flat wheels and sturdy frame make moving it manageable.
Noise Level
Noise levels are noticeable but acceptable considering its power output and intended outdoor use.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is promising, especially when using propane or natural gas, helping to reduce carbon buildup and maintenance.
Starting Mechanism
The electric and remote start system works seamlessly, providing a nearly automatic, hassle-free startup experience.

The Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator is a powerhouse designed mainly for larger homes needing reliable backup power. It offers impressive wattage, delivering up to 28,000 peak watts on gasoline and 25,200 peak watts when running on propane, which is excellent for running multiple heavy appliances or essential home systems during an outage. With a large 17.2-gallon fuel tank, it can run up to 13 hours at 25% load, giving you substantial runtime for extended outages. It supports three fuel types—gasoline, propane, and natural gas—making it versatile and convenient depending on what fuel you have access to.

The generator includes electric and remote start, simplifying the startup process, which is a big help if you want to avoid manual pulls. Portability-wise, it weighs 557 pounds but features large never-flat wheels and foldable handles to assist with moving it around, although it won’t be as easy to transport as smaller units. Generators of this size tend to produce noticeable noise and are best suited for outdoor use rather than quiet environments. The built-in sensors, automatic idle control, and voltage regulation help protect your devices and improve fuel efficiency, while the low total harmonic distortion means it can safely power sensitive electronics like computers and TVs.

A potential downside is its size and weight, which may be cumbersome for some users, and it requires professional installation for the hardwired whole-home backup option. For those seeking a robust, reliable, and flexible generator for backup power in a larger home and who do not mind the bulk, this model represents a strong contender.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,396
Power Output (Wattage)
Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
222 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers ample power to run an entire large home, including heavy appliances like a 5-ton AC and 220-volt dryers without issue.
Portability
Despite its size and weight, the solid never-flat wheels and sturdy frame make moving it manageable.
Noise Level
Noise levels are noticeable but acceptable considering its power output and intended outdoor use.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is promising, especially when using propane or natural gas, helping to reduce carbon buildup and maintenance.
Starting Mechanism
The electric and remote start system works seamlessly, providing a nearly automatic, hassle-free startup experience.
#2

Westinghouse 11000 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered, Low THD - Safe for Electronics, Parallel Capable, CO Sensor

Rating
9.7
Power Output (Wattage)
Run Time
Portability

Most important from
1036 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
The generator ran flawlessly for 3 straight days and powered everything in the house, including home heating units.
Run Time
The ability to use both propane and gas makes keeping it fueled easy, with propane lasting approximately 9 hours and gas about 12.
Portability
The built-in handle and wheels make it easier to move, despite its heavy weight.
Noise Level
It is noisier than a Honda but seems solid and built to last.
Starting Mechanism
Super easy to use, with various starting options and convenient connections for propane and natural gas.

The Westinghouse 11000 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is a powerful option for those in need of a reliable energy source. With a peak wattage of 11,000 watts on gasoline and 10,000 watts on propane, it delivers robust power suitable for a variety of uses, including residential and emergency backup. Its run time of up to 17 hours on a 9.8-gallon tank is impressive, ensuring long-term usage without frequent refueling. The generator features a remote electric start, which is convenient and user-friendly, along with push button and recoil start options.

It houses a heavy-duty 452cc engine with automatic low oil shutdown and a CO sensor for safety. The inclusion of GFCI outlets and transfer switch ready outlets make it versatile for different electrical needs. While it weighs 187.4 pounds, which may limit portability despite being marketed as portable, it remains a strong choice for those seeking reliability and versatility. Fuel efficiency is good, especially with the ability to run on both gasoline and propane, providing flexibility depending on fuel availability.

The rotating digital display and various included components like the oil funnel and propane regulator make it user-friendly from the start. While its weight might be a drawback for some, the generator’s comprehensive features and robust power output make it a solid choice for those seeking reliability and versatility.

Rating
9.7
Power Output (Wattage)
Run Time
Portability

Most important from
1036 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
The generator ran flawlessly for 3 straight days and powered everything in the house, including home heating units.
Run Time
The ability to use both propane and gas makes keeping it fueled easy, with propane lasting approximately 9 hours and gas about 12.
Portability
The built-in handle and wheels make it easier to move, despite its heavy weight.
Noise Level
It is noisier than a Honda but seems solid and built to last.
Starting Mechanism
Super easy to use, with various starting options and convenient connections for propane and natural gas.
#3

Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas, Propane, and Natural Gas Powered

Rating
9.4
Noise Level
Fuel Efficiency
Starting Mechanism

Most important from
2300 reviews

Noise Level
Despite its size, the generator operates much quieter than expected, which is a pleasant surprise.
Fuel Efficiency
Running the generator on propane proves to be impressively fuel-efficient.
Starting Mechanism
Setup is super easy, and the electric start is a fantastic feature that saves time and effort.

The Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is a strong contender for those seeking a flexible and powerful energy solution. Its tri-fuel capability allows it to run on gasoline, propane, and natural gas, offering versatility depending on fuel availability. With a peak output of 12500 watts on propane and 13500 watts on gasoline, it is well-suited for home backup use, ensuring that critical appliances remain operational during power outages. Users will appreciate the convenience of the remote electric start, making it easy to operate without manual effort.

At 230 pounds, this generator isn't the most portable option, and moving it around might require some effort, especially without wheels. It compensates for this with a long run time of up to 19 hours on a full gasoline tank, which is excellent for extended power outages. Its robust power suggests it might not be the quietest, so it may not be ideal for noise-sensitive environments.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the tri-fuel option lets you choose the cheapest or most available fuel, potentially saving money and offering convenience. Safety features like automatic low oil and CO shutdown provide peace of mind during operation. Additionally, its transfer switch-ready design makes it straightforward to connect to your home's electrical system. Its powerful engine and array of safety features make it a reliable choice for residential backup power. Its limited portability could be a drawback for those who need to move their generator frequently, but it's an excellent option for homeowners looking for a reliable backup power source with flexibility in fuel choice.

Rating
9.4
Noise Level
Fuel Efficiency
Starting Mechanism

Most important from
2300 reviews

Noise Level
Despite its size, the generator operates much quieter than expected, which is a pleasant surprise.
Fuel Efficiency
Running the generator on propane proves to be impressively fuel-efficient.
Starting Mechanism
Setup is super easy, and the electric start is a fantastic feature that saves time and effort.

Buying Guide for the Best Propane Generators

When choosing a propane generator, it's important to consider your specific needs and how the generator will be used. Propane generators are a great choice for backup power during emergencies, outdoor activities, or even as a primary power source in remote locations. They are known for their clean-burning fuel, which is more environmentally friendly compared to gasoline. To make an informed decision, you should understand the key specifications and how they relate to your requirements.
Power Output (Wattage)Power output, measured in watts, indicates how much electricity the generator can produce. This is crucial because it determines what appliances and devices you can run simultaneously. Generators typically range from 1,000 watts to over 10,000 watts. For small appliances and light use, a generator with 1,000 to 3,000 watts may suffice. For running multiple appliances or larger equipment, you might need 3,000 to 7,000 watts. For whole-house backup or heavy-duty use, consider generators with 7,000 watts or more. Assess your power needs by listing the wattage requirements of the devices you plan to use.
Run TimeRun time refers to how long the generator can operate on a full tank of propane. This is important for planning how long you can rely on the generator before needing to refuel. Run times can vary widely, from a few hours to over 24 hours, depending on the generator's efficiency and load. For occasional use or short power outages, a shorter run time may be acceptable. For extended use or longer outages, look for a generator with a longer run time to minimize the need for frequent refueling. Consider your typical usage scenarios to determine the appropriate run time for your needs.
PortabilityPortability is a measure of how easy it is to move the generator. This is particularly important if you plan to use the generator in different locations or need to store it when not in use. Portable generators often come with wheels and handles for easier transport. Smaller, lighter models are easier to move but may have lower power output. Larger models may offer more power but can be heavier and harder to transport. Think about where and how you will use the generator to decide on the right balance between power and portability.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the generator is during operation. This is important for comfort, especially if you will be using the generator in residential areas or during camping trips. Generators can range from very quiet (around 50 dB) to quite loud (over 80 dB). For quiet environments or close proximity to living spaces, look for generators with lower noise levels. If noise is less of a concern, you may prioritize other features over noise level. Consider where you will use the generator and how much noise is acceptable in that setting.
Fuel EfficiencyFuel efficiency measures how effectively the generator uses propane to produce electricity. This is important for cost savings and reducing the frequency of refueling. More efficient generators can run longer on the same amount of fuel. Efficiency can be influenced by the generator's design and the load it is powering. Look for models with features like eco-mode or variable engine speed, which can improve efficiency. If you plan to use the generator frequently or for long periods, a more fuel-efficient model can save you money and hassle in the long run.
Starting MechanismThe starting mechanism refers to how the generator is turned on. Common options include manual recoil start, electric start, and remote start. This is important for ease of use and convenience. Manual recoil start requires pulling a cord, which can be physically demanding. Electric start uses a push-button or key, making it easier to start the generator. Remote start allows you to start the generator from a distance, adding convenience. Consider your physical ability and preference for convenience when choosing the starting mechanism.

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