When the power goes out, a propane generator can keep your home running smoothly. Propane offers a longer shelf life than gasoline, burns cleaner, and is often more readily available during emergencies. Whether you need to power your entire house or just the essentials, choosing the right generator is crucial.
This guide reviews ten top-rated propane generators, from heavy-duty whole-home units to quiet inverter models. We break down their power output, runtimes, and unique features so you can confidently select the best fit for your backup power needs.
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DuroMax XP13000EH 13,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator – Gas & Propane,…
Best forWhole home backup power
- High 13,000-watt output
- Dual fuel flexibility
ConsiderHeavy and bulky
Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote El…
Best forRemote start convenience
- Remote start key fob
- High power output
ConsiderLarge footprint
DuroStar DS13000MX 13,000-Watt 500cc Dual Fuel Portable Generator – Gas and…
Best forSafety with CO detection
- CO Alert auto shutdown
- Dual fuel operation
ConsiderHeavy to move
Westinghouse 4650 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator, RV Ready 30A Outl…
Best forRV and small home backup
- RV-ready 30A outlet
- Long 14-hour runtime
ConsiderLower wattage
PowerSmart 3800 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator for Camping or Home Use
Best forQuiet camping power
- Ultra-quiet 59 dBA
- Clean inverter power
ConsiderLower wattage
PowerSmart 4400W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator, Gas and Propane Portable Gen…
Best forParallel capable power
- Parallel ready
- 30A RV outlet
ConsiderHeavier than some inverters
WEN 4,750-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Wheel Kit and El…
Best forTransfer switch ready backup
- Electric start
- 120V/240V output
ConsiderNot inverter quiet
Westinghouse 2550 Peak Watt Super Quiet & Lightweight Portable Inverter Gen…
Best forLightweight portable power
- Only 42 lbs
- Ultra-quiet 52 dBA
ConsiderLower wattage
AIVOLT 4300W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator 53dB Quiet for RV Camp Home
Best forRV remote start power
- Remote start key fob
- Ultra-quiet 53 dBA
ConsiderHeavier than some inverters
Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remo…
Best forHome backup with CO safety
- CO sensor shutdown
- Remote start
ConsiderLarge and heavy
DuroMax XP13000EH – Powerful Dual Fuel for Whole Home
Brand: DuroMax
A powerful, reliable choice for whole-home backup during extended outages.
The DuroMax XP13000EH is a beast, delivering 13,000 watts of power to keep your entire home running during a storm. Its dual fuel capability lets you switch between gas and propane in seconds, giving you flexibility when fuel sources are scarce. The push-button electric start and front-facing interface make operation straightforward, even in stressful situations.
This generator is transfer switch ready, which means you can connect it directly to your home’s electrical panel for seamless backup. The robust DuroMax engine is built to last, and the wide variety of outlets ensures you can power everything from your refrigerator to your sump pump. If you need whole-home backup power, this unit is a top contender.
- High 13,000-watt output
- Dual fuel flexibility
- Electric start convenience
- Heavy and bulky
- Loud operation
Westinghouse 12500 Watt – Remote Start Home Backup
Brand: Westinghouse
A feature-packed generator with remote start, ideal for home backup.
The Westinghouse 12500 Watt dual fuel generator offers impressive power with 9,500 running watts on gasoline and 8,500 on propane. The remote start key fob is a standout feature, letting you start the generator from the comfort of your home. It also includes electric and recoil start options for added convenience.
With a heavy-duty 457cc engine and cast iron sleeve, this generator is built for longevity. The VFT display keeps you informed of power output and maintenance alerts. The multiple outlets, including a transfer switch-ready L14-30R and RV-ready 14-50R, make it versatile for home and RV use. It’s a solid investment for reliable backup power.
- Remote start key fob
- High power output
- Durable cast iron engine
- Large footprint
- Requires battery maintenance
DuroStar DS13000MX – 13,000-Watt with CO Alert
Brand: DuroStar
A safe and powerful generator with essential CO protection for home use.
The DuroStar DS13000MX provides 13,000 watts of reliable power for your home, job site, or RV. Its dual fuel technology lets you choose gasoline for maximum power or propane for longer run times and cleaner emissions. The push-button electric start and intuitive control panel make it easy to get up and running.
Safety is a priority with the CO Alert feature, which automatically shuts down the generator if dangerous carbon monoxide levels are detected. This is a crucial feature for protecting your family. The heavy-duty build and transfer switch readiness make it a dependable choice for emergency backup.
- CO Alert auto shutdown
- Dual fuel operation
- Electric start
- Heavy to move
- Not inverter quiet
Westinghouse 4650 Peak Watt – Compact RV Ready
Brand: Westinghouse
A reliable, portable generator ideal for RVs and small home essentials.
The Westinghouse 4650 Peak Watt dual fuel generator is a compact yet capable unit, perfect for RV trips or home backup. It delivers 3,600 running watts on gasoline and 3,240 on propane, enough to power your RV’s air conditioner or essential home appliances. The 4-gallon fuel tank provides up to 14 hours of run time.
It features an RV-ready TT-30R outlet and two household receptacles with rubber covers for safety. The 212cc engine includes automatic low oil and CO shutdown for peace of mind. This generator is a great balance of portability and power, making it a versatile choice for various needs.
- RV-ready 30A outlet
- Long 14-hour runtime
- Compact design
- Lower wattage
- No electric start
PowerSmart 3800 Watt – Super Quiet Inverter
Brand: PowerSmart
A whisper-quiet inverter generator perfect for camping and sensitive electronics.
The PowerSmart 3800 Watt dual fuel inverter generator is designed for quiet operation, producing just 59 dBA in Eco Mode. This makes it perfect for camping or neighborhoods where noise is a concern. It delivers 3,800 starting watts on gasoline and 3,500 on propane, enough for sensitive electronics.
With a 1.3-gallon gas tank, it runs 8 hours at 25% load, but you can extend that to 24 hours with a standard 20-lb propane tank. The inverter technology provides clean power, safe for laptops and phones. Safety features include overload, short-circuit, and CO sensor protection.
- Ultra-quiet 59 dBA
- Clean inverter power
- Long propane runtime
- Lower wattage
- Small gas tank
PowerSmart 4400W – Dual Fuel with Parallel Ready
Brand: PowerSmart
A versatile inverter generator with parallel capability for expanded power needs.
The PowerSmart 4400W dual fuel inverter generator offers 4,400 surge watts on gasoline and 4,000 on propane, providing solid power for home use or camping. It runs up to 11 hours at 25% load on a 1.6-gallon tank, and the 76 dB operation is quieter than traditional models. The reinforced recoil start ensures durability.
This generator is parallel ready, allowing you to connect two units for double the power. It includes a 30A RV outlet and features overload, short-circuit, and CO sensor protection. The EPA compliance and clean inverter power make it a safe and versatile choice.
- Parallel ready
- 30A RV outlet
- Quiet 76 dB operation
- Heavier than some inverters
- No remote start
WEN DF475T – 4,750-Watt with Electric Start
Brand: WEN
A dependable dual fuel generator with electric start and transfer switch readiness.
The WEN DF475T is a dual fuel generator that delivers 4,750 surge watts on gasoline and 4,350 on propane. The simple selection dial lets you switch fuels easily, and the electric start powers the 224cc engine with a turn of the key. It also has a recoil start as a backup.
This generator can output 120V or 240V, making it perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup. The 4-gallon tank provides up to 11 hours of run time at half load. It comes with a wheel kit for easy mobility, making it a practical choice for home use.
- Electric start
- 120V/240V output
- Wheel kit included
- Not inverter quiet
- No CO sensor
Westinghouse 2550 Peak Watt – Lightweight Inverter
Brand: Westinghouse
A featherweight inverter generator offering clean, quiet power for on-the-go needs.
The Westinghouse 2550 Peak Watt inverter generator is incredibly lightweight at just 42 pounds, making it easy to transport. It produces 1,900 running watts with less than 3% THD, ensuring clean power for your electronics. It runs up to 11 hours on a 1.16-gallon tank at 25% load.
This generator is RV ready with a TT-30R outlet, plus two 120V outlets and two USB ports. The Economy Mode maximizes fuel efficiency, and the noise output is as low as 52 dBA. It’s an excellent choice for camping or emergency home backup where portability matters.
- Only 42 lbs
- Ultra-quiet 52 dBA
- RV-ready outlet
- Lower wattage
- Small fuel tank
AIVOLT 4300W – Quiet 53dB with Remote Start
Brand: AIVOLT
A quiet, feature-rich inverter generator with remote start, perfect for RV enthusiasts.
The AIVOLT 4300W dual fuel inverter generator weighs just 64 lbs and features built-in wheels and a telescoping handle for easy mobility. It delivers 4,300 surge watts on gasoline and 4,000 on propane, with a whisper-quiet 53 dBA operation. The remote start key fob lets you start it from your RV couch.
With a dedicated 30A outlet, it can power air conditioners and microwaves. It runs 11.5 hours on gasoline and up to 34 hours on a standard propane tank at 25% load. This generator combines portability, quietness, and convenience, making it ideal for RV and home backup.
- Remote start key fob
- Ultra-quiet 53 dBA
- Long propane runtime
- Heavier than some inverters
- Premium price
Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt – CO Sensor Home Backup
Brand: Westinghouse
A powerful home backup generator with essential CO protection and remote start.
The Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt dual fuel generator offers robust power with 9,500 running watts on gasoline and 8,500 on propane. It includes a remote start key fob, electric and recoil start options, and a heavy-duty 457cc engine with cast iron sleeve. The CO sensor automatically shuts down the generator if dangerous levels are detected.
This generator is transfer switch ready and features multiple outlets, including GFCI-protected household receptacles and an RV-ready 14-50R. The VFT display provides real-time data. With up to 12 hours of run time, it’s a reliable choice for extended outages.
- CO sensor shutdown
- Remote start
- High power output
- Large and heavy
- Noisy operation
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right propane generator involves balancing power, portability, and features. This guide highlights key factors to consider, helping you make an informed decision that fits your specific backup power needs.
- Power Output: Consider your essential appliances and their wattage. Running watts indicate continuous power, while peak watts cover startup surges. For whole-home backup, look for 8,000+ running watts; for essentials, 3,000-5,000 may suffice.
- Fuel Type: Dual fuel generators offer flexibility between gasoline and propane. Propane has a longer shelf life and burns cleaner, but gasoline provides slightly higher power output. Choose based on fuel availability and storage preferences.
- Start Method: Electric start and remote start options add convenience, especially in emergencies. Recoil start is a reliable backup. Consider models with key fob remote start for ease of use from a distance.
- Noise Level: Inverter generators are quieter, typically 50-60 dBA, making them suitable for camping or residential areas. Conventional generators can be louder (70+ dBA). Check noise ratings if quiet operation is a priority.
- Safety Features: Look for carbon monoxide (CO) sensors that shut down the generator automatically, low-oil shutdown, and overload protection. These features protect your family and equipment, especially during extended use.
Conclusion
Selecting the best propane generator depends on your power requirements, portability needs, and budget. For whole-home backup, the DuroMax XP13000EH and Westinghouse 12500 models offer robust power and remote start convenience. If you prioritize quiet operation for camping or small home use, the PowerSmart and AIVOLT inverter generators are excellent choices.
We recommend assessing your essential appliances and desired runtimes to narrow down the options. All the generators reviewed here provide reliable dual fuel performance, ensuring you stay powered during outages. Choose the one that best aligns with your lifestyle and enjoy peace of mind.
Erica Steven is the founder and lead writer of WorstBrands, a site dedicated to providing honest and trustworthy reviews about outdoor gear and fashion products.
With a passion for exploring the great outdoors and staying up to date on the latest fashion trends, Erica uses her expertise to provide valuable insights into the products that matter most to her readers.
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