Best Portable Propane Generators

Explore the best portable propane generators for home use, including the following manufacturers: Champion, All Power America, ETQ, including features, benefits and buying guide tips.

What are the portable propane generators?

All Power America APG3560 6,000 Watt 13 HP OHV Propane Powered Generator with Electric Start & Wheel KitAll Power America
APG3560

Portable propane generators are designed to provide electricity during the emergency blackouts and where power is not available. They are very easy to install and use. They use propane cylinders, which can be purchased almost in any hardware store or gas station, or bigger tanks, for which a home delivery is necessary.

If using larger propane tanks, such as under- or above-ground tanks, your home generator that uses LP or liquefied petroleum connects directly to the supply, and isn't mobile. They are known as standby models.

Generators that are using smaller propane cylinders are truly portable, and they can be used not only at home, but camping, at the construction site and wherever it is needed in a case of an emergency or if there is no power supply. Portable propane generator is a small and lightweight unit, and most of the time has built-in wheels and handles for convenient transport. They are available in sizes up to 8 kW.

Note: One 45-gallon propane tank can easily power 8 kw propane generator and supply sufficient power for several appliances for 24 hours.

Top portable propane generators for home use

There are several manufacturers that are making portable propane generators for home use. The most recognized names are Generac, Yamaha, Briggs and Stratton, Honda, ETQ and other. Here is the list of the popular propane powered generators found on Amazon.com.

  1. One of the top selling portable propane generators from ETQ is ETQ PG30P11 model. This fuel efficient model comes with the 7 HP or 208cc 4-stroke OHV propane engine, and produces maximum power of 3,500 watts. ETQ generator comes with the Clean Sine Alternator Technology for safe delivery of electricity, making it suitable for computers.

    ETQ PG30P11 propane generator is great not only for homes, but camping and light duty industrial applications. It is built strong with the heavy-duty steel construction and the oversized muffler so you won't have too much noise, only 65 dB.

    If the weight of 106 pounds is too much for you to carry, order a separate wheel kit, and you will have a movable portable unit. The unit consumes 1.5 lbs per hour at 50% load and with the fuel tank capacity of 6.42 gal. it provides decent 11 hours of run time. ETQ PG30P11 is affordable to buy, it costs approx. $450.

  2. All Power America APG3560 features the strong 13 HP or 389cc 4-stroke OHV engine, which provides maximum of 6000 watts. It is built with the electric start and pull start, for your convenience. For easy transport, wheel kit is provided. With the 20 pounds propane tank, you will have up to 8 hours continuous run time when on 50% load. Noise level is a bit higher, 75 dB but the reason is the powerful engine. All Power America APG3560 sells for approx. $950.

  3. Champion LPG generator 71108 gets the maximum power of 4,200 watt by using the 338cc OHV, 4-stroke propane powered engine. CARB compliant; RV ready. Champion 71108 model features two strong wheels and fold-away handle, for easy transport and storage. Run time at 50% load and 20 pound fuel tank is 11 hours. Noise level is 68 dB. Champion 71108 sells for approx. $625.

There are some companies that offer conversion kits so you can convert a gasoline or natural gas generator to work as the propane generator.

According to generator manufacturers, it is not recommended to do these conversions. Altering the unit will void the warranty.

Running a portable propane generator

It is very easy to run a propane generator. Connect the generator and propane tank. Run the extension cord into your house to power chosen appliance or to the transfer switch (better option) and turn the generator ON.

How safe is to use portable propane generators?

By its nature, propane is odorless and most of the time special odorant is added so anyone can detect if there is a leaking. And what you should do if you notice leaks, is to turn the gas valve off to prevent any injury, fire or explosion, especially if the tank is placed close to the device where sparks might occur.

Choosing one or other fuel type generator depends on the present situation of your home. If you already have natural gas, using this fuel to power generator is common sense. The same with LP gas.

Unlike gasoline generators, propane powered models last longer, are cleaner for the environment, and deals with less maintenance. As they do not fail that often as gasoline generators; due to the dirty carburetors, their running time is longer.

Portable propane generators are the best for remote areas, cabins, for example, where natural gas is not a viable solution. If looking for a simple and cheaper solution during the emergency power outage, I recommend using these portable units as they use easy-to-find and carry the cylinder-tank.

Note: They are built for outside use only.

Summary

Using portable propane generators has several advantages over the natural gas and gasoline generators. Propane has a longer shelf life which allows you storing cylinders for years without going bad. It is easy to find 5-10 gallon propane tanks and store them for future use... option with the larger tanks is also available with convenient home delivery.

Small LP tank can be easily found in almost any hardware store or at the gas station. Running a propane generator is cheaper than natural gas, it is affordable and convenient.

Engine on the propane generator last longer, is durable and reliable, as it burns cleaner with less pollution to the environment.

They are good for home, at the construction site or when camping... and the best time to buy a portable propane generator is before you need one. 


Related articles

Return from the Portable Propane Generators to Portables Gas Generator Review

Back to Best Portables home page