Best Propane Generators in 2020 – Top Benefits and Advantages

There’s honestly nothing more frustrating than a power outage. Ice storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes can disrupt the power supply system in your area, triggering a blackout that can last for hours, days, or in a worst-case-scenario, weeks. Can you imagine having an outage that lasts that long? It can drive you out of your mind. Even if you don’t live in a weather disaster-prone area, human error, car accidents, utility failures, or curious animals can potentially cause a power outage. A generator is one of those things you never think you need until you do. This guide explores the top 3 propane generators for 2020 that are worth checking out.

1. Best Propane Generator for 2020 – Editor’s Pick

If you’re looking for a lightweight, heavy-duty generator with excellent specs at an affordable price, then you'll love what the DuroMax XP4400EH Dual Fuel Generator has to offer. It’s most endearing quality is its ability to run on both propane and gas. It is relatively quiet with a recorded noise level of below 70 dB thanks to its built-in muffler. It has an electric start for added convenience and speed when powering it up. You’ll find 3 AC and 1 DC power outlets, which make it ideal for powering up electronic appliances in your home, as well as charging batteries.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Great value for money Has a sturdy steel frame The relatively low noise level 3,500 Watt capacity for heavy loads	½ propane/gas load runs the generator for 8 hours

All in all, for its price range and technical specs, the DuroMax delivers unmatched value compared to several other brands of propane generators you’ll come across in the market today.

2. Best Portable Propane Generator

Don’t let its small size fool you. The Champion 3800 Watt Portable Generator packs a punch given its 3800 Watts power output capacity. It will comfortably power your fridge, television, and run the lights all at the same time, for a whopping 10.5 hours on a 20-pound propane tank. If you would rather use gas, the Champion generator is designed for dual-fuel capability. It has two 120V 20A household outlets, one 120V 30A locking outlet, and a 120V 30A RV outlet for the camping lovers.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Has a relatively low noise level at 68 dB At 122 lbs. it’s one of the most lightweight generators you’ll come across Dual-fuel capability ½ propane/gas load runs the generator for 12 hours	Position of the dipstick makes it difficult to change the oil

The fact that it is backed by a 3-year limited warranty and a lifetime’s worth of technical support means that you can count on it to last forever.

3. Best Propane Generator With Remote Start

When there’s a power outage in the middle of the night, the last thing you want to do is get out of the house and head over to the shed to power up the generator. Thankfully, the Westinghouse WGen12000DF Generator comes with a remote start option to allow you to bring it to life, without having to leave the cozy confines of your home. Its 12,000 Watts of raw running power makes it one of the most powerful industrial-grade dual fuel portable generators you’ll come across in the market right now. It features two 5V USB ports, one RV-ready 120/240V 14–50R outlet, one transfer switch-ready 120V L14-30R outlet, one 120V L5-30R outlet, and two 120V 5–20R standard household outlets.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Has remote start capability Transfer-switch ready outlet makes it easy and convenient to connect to the house transfer box Great value for money for its 12,000-Watt power capacity	It is quite loud compared to other models, although it makes sense given its power output

The WGen 12000DF generator comes with several safety features.  It has rubber covers for all the power outlets, and an automatic low-oil shut down feature to extend its longevity. This also minimizes the fire-hazard risk associated with machines that don’t have this capability.

Top Benefits and Advantages of the Best Propane Generators in 2020

Propane generators have several advantages compared to their traditional gasoline-powered counterparts. Here are some of the top ones.

Electric Start Capability

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of powering up a generator is the cord that you have to pull repeatedly until it comes on. Now, if you don’t have the upper body strength to do this in just one try, let’s just say it’s going to take you a while to do it. If you would rather avoid this, consider getting the modern propane varieties that come with electric start capability. Some are even built with a remote start feature, which would come in pretty handy if you don’t want to go out in the middle of the night to power it if there's an outage. Simply point the key fob in its general direction, push the button, and listen to the engine purr to life.

Multiple Outlets

Unlike exclusively-gas-powered generators, propane-powered models usually have as many as four power outlets. This provides ample space for you to plug-in several electronics at a go, as opposed to traditional varieties that only support one or two appliances at any given time. While most standard propane generators come with household AC outlets, some models come with a 30-amp RV-ready outlet. So, if you plan to use your generator with your RV on camping trips, a propane one is likely to deliver on this front.

Highly Portable

Gas/diesel oil generators aren’t exactly light. Some weigh upwards of 400 pounds, which doesn't exactly spell convenience if you need to carry it along with you on your camping trips or move it from one location in your yard to another. Propane generators, on the other hand, are built to be lightweight. Some models weigh as little as 100 lbs. with the more powerful ones weighing 200 lbs. – which is pretty light for a generator. Most of them come with a set of burly wheels to make it easy to roll it from place to place, something you don’t often find with other traditional oil-powered generators.

Support a Wide Range of Power Needs

Not all generators are created equal. If you want one that’s capable of powering your entire house during emergencies, then it needs to have an output of at least 5,000 Watts. On the other hand, if you’re looking for one that can power your RV for 12 hours when you’re out camping, a model with a 3,800 Watt output capacity will suffice. Propane generators are capable of meeting your unique power demands at a pocket-friendly price. So, you get industrial-grade power at home-use prices.

Packed With Safety Features

Last but certainly not least, propane generators usually have a low fuel alert feature. It shuts off the machine automatically before it completely runs out of fuel. This not only prevents the generator from suffering irreversible damage, but it also reduces the risk of a potential fire. They also have a surge prevention feature that protects your sensitive electronics from getting fried in case of a power surge.

Get the Best Value for Money

There you have it – the best propane generators for 2020. Depending on your budget, your power needs, and the additional features that matter the most to you, the fact remains – you can’t go wrong with a propane generator. The three we've detailed here are worth checking out.