When the power goes out, a reliable generator is more than just a convenience—it’s a necessity for safety and comfort. Propane generators offer distinct advantages for home backup, including cleaner burning fuel, longer shelf life than gasoline, and often quieter operation. Choosing the right one ensures your essential appliances, heating systems, and electronics stay running during an outage.
From compact inverters for apartments to high-wattage tri-fuel models for whole-house coverage, the market is full of excellent options. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best propane generators available, detailing their key features and benefits to help you find the perfect match for your home’s emergency power needs.
Our Recommended Propane Generators for Home Backup
- WEN Quiet and Lightweight 3600-Watt Dual Fuel Generator
- WEN Quiet 6800-Watt Dual Fuel RV-Ready Generator
- Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Generator
- Westinghouse 4650 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
- Westinghouse 6500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Generator
- ERAYAK 4500W Dual-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
- Westinghouse 2550 Peak Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator
- Champion Power Equipment 9375-Watt Dual Fuel Generator
- Generic Recoil Starter Assembly for Generac Generator
- DuroMax XP13000HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator
WEN Quiet and Lightweight 3600-Watt Dual Fuel Generator
This WEN generator is an excellent choice for those who need reliable, quiet power for sensitive electronics. Its dual-fuel design provides flexibility, running on either gasoline for 3600 surge watts or propane for 3500 surge watts. It’s engineered for extremely quiet operation, comparable to the volume of a normal conversation, making it a good neighbor during a prolonged outage.
As an inverter generator, it produces clean, stable power that is safe for charging and running modern devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The inclusion of a CO Watchdog sensor adds a critical layer of safety by automatically shutting the unit down if dangerous carbon monoxide levels are detected, offering peace of mind when used in residential areas.
WEN Quiet 6800-Watt Dual Fuel RV-Ready Generator
For homeowners with higher power demands or an electric vehicle, the WEN DF680iX is a robust solution. This model delivers 6800 surge watts on gasoline and 6000 on propane, providing ample power for multiple home essentials. A standout feature is its bonded-neutral 240V configuration, which enables low-power Level 2 charging for battery and hybrid electric vehicles, a rare and valuable capability in a portable generator.
The electric start ensures a hassle-free beginning to your power backup, while the WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor automatically protects your household from carbon monoxide buildup. Its substantial power output and specialized charging port make it a future-proof option for modern homes.
Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Generator
When you need maximum power and ultimate fuel flexibility, the Westinghouse tri-fuel generator stands out. It is a true workhorse, capable of running on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, the latter being an ideal option if you have a permanent gas line. With 13500 peak watts on gasoline, it can handle central air conditioning units, well pumps, and virtually all household appliances simultaneously.
Convenience is key with the included remote start key fob, allowing you to turn on the generator from the comfort of your home. It’s also transfer switch ready, making integration with your home’s electrical system straightforward for a seamless backup power solution during an outage.
Westinghouse 4650 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
This Westinghouse model offers a solid balance of power and portability for core home backup needs. It provides 4650 peak watts on both gasoline and propane, sufficient to keep your refrigerator, lights, and a few other critical circuits running. The RV-ready 30A outlet also makes it a versatile choice for powering your RV or as a dedicated backup for a sump pump or freezer.
It’s designed for user-friendly operation right out of the box, coming with oil, a funnel, and a tool kit for minimal assembly. With a run time of up to 14 hours on a single tank, you can enjoy extended power with fewer refueling interruptions.
Westinghouse 6500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Generator
Built for more demanding home backup scenarios, this Westinghouse generator delivers 6500 peak watts on gasoline and 5800 on propane. It features a 120/240V volt selector switch, providing the flexibility to power both standard 120V household items and larger 240V appliances. This makes it a capable unit for well pumps, electric water heaters, and other high-draw equipment.
The package is comprehensive, including a wheel kit for easy mobility and a propane hose for immediate dual-fuel use. Its transfer switch ready outlet simplifies connecting to a home standby system, ensuring a organized and safe power transfer during an outage.
ERAYAK 4500W Dual-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
The ERAYAK inverter generator combines dual-fuel capability with a clever automatic switching feature. This system prioritizes gasoline but will automatically switch to propane if the gasoline runs out, providing uninterrupted power—a significant benefit during critical situations. With 4500 peak watts on gas, it offers ample power for home essentials in a compact form.
Weighing only 54 pounds, it is one of the more portable options in its power class. Its parallel-ready capability also means you can connect a second compatible unit to double your power output, offering a scalable solution for your needs.
Westinghouse 2550 Peak Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator
For those in apartments, condos, or homes with lower power requirements, this Westinghouse inverter is an ideal candidate. It’s exceptionally lightweight at just 42.4 pounds and operates at a whisper-quiet 52 dBA, making it suitable for use in noise-sensitive environments. It provides clean power for sensitive electronics and includes USB ports for direct device charging.
Its fuel efficiency is a major advantage; the “Economy Mode” extends run time to up to 12 hours on a small 1.16-gallon gas tank. This generator proves that you don’t need a large, loud machine to keep your most critical devices and small appliances running.
Champion Power Equipment 9375-Watt Dual Fuel Generator
Champion is a trusted name in power equipment, and this model lives up to that reputation with a powerful 9375-watt dual-fuel design. It operates on gasoline or propane right out of the box and is equipped with the CO Shield carbon monoxide auto shutoff system for safety. The electric start with an included battery makes ignition simple and reliable.
The built-in Intelligauge is a useful feature, allowing you to easily monitor voltage, hertz, and run-time hours at a glance. This helps you manage the generator’s load and keep track of maintenance intervals, ensuring long-term reliability for your home backup system.
Generic Recoil Starter Assembly for Generac Generator
This product is a replacement part, specifically a recoil starter assembly designed for Generac 7117 and GP2200i inverter generators. It is intended for users who need to repair their existing generator’s pull-start mechanism. Ensuring you have functional parts is crucial for maintaining the reliability of your backup power system.
If your generator fails to start with the pull cord, this assembly could be the solution to restore its functionality. It is important to verify compatibility with your specific generator model before purchasing to ensure a proper fit and operation.
DuroMax XP13000HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The DuroMax XP13000HX is a high-performance generator built for serious home backup power. While specific details for this listing were not provided, DuroMax is known for producing powerful and durable generators. Models in this series typically offer high wattage outputs suitable for running a majority of a home’s circuits and are built with a robust engine for long life.
DuroMax generators often include features like electric start, multiple outlet options including 240V, and a durable steel frame. For homeowners seeking a powerful and reliable dual-fuel unit from a reputable brand, the DuroMax XP13000HX is a model worth investigating further.
What to Look For in a Propane Generator for Home Backup
When the power goes out, having a reliable generator can make all the difference. I’ve found that propane is a fantastic fuel choice for home backup because it doesn’t go bad like gasoline and burns cleaner than diesel. But before you pick one from a list of the 10 best propane generators for home backup, there are a few key things you need to think about.
First up is power output, measured in watts. You need to figure out how much power you actually need. Start by making a list of the essential appliances you want to run—things like your refrigerator, a few lights, your furnace fan, and maybe a well pump. Add up their starting watts (which are always higher than running watts) to get your total requirement. A good rule of thumb I use is to aim for a generator that can handle at least 5,000 to 7,500 watts to cover the basics of a typical home. If you want to power your entire house, including central air conditioning, you’re likely looking at a large standby unit with 20,000 watts or more.
Next, consider the run time. How long can the generator operate on a standard propane tank? This is usually listed based on a 50% load. A longer run time means less frequent tank changes and more peace of mind during a multi-day outage. If you have a natural gas line, you might also look for a dual-fuel or tri-fuel model that can run on either propane or gasoline, giving you extra flexibility.
Portability versus permanence is another big decision. Portable generators are less expensive and can be stored away, but they require you to manually start them and use extension cords. Home standby generators are permanently installed and kick on automatically within seconds of an outage, seamlessly powering your home through a transfer switch. They are a significant investment but offer the ultimate convenience and power.
Finally, don’t forget about features like carbon monoxide detection, which is a critical safety measure, especially for portable models. Low-THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) is also important if you plan to run sensitive electronics like computers and flat-screen TVs, as it provides cleaner, more stable power similar to what you get from the grid.
FAQ
How long will a propane generator run on a 20-pound tank?
This is one of the most common questions I get. The run time varies a lot depending on the generator’s size and how much load you’re putting on it. As a rough estimate, a typical 5,000-watt generator running at a 50% load might run for about 10-12 hours on a standard 20-pound BBQ tank. A smaller, more efficient 2,000-watt inverter model could last 20 hours or more. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for the most accurate numbers for your specific model.
Is a propane generator better than a gasoline generator?
Both have their pros and cons. From my perspective, propane has some clear advantages for home backup. Propane fuel has an almost indefinite shelf life, while gasoline can degrade in just a few months, causing problems for your generator when you need it most. Propane also burns cleaner, which means less engine wear and tear and simpler maintenance. The main downside is that propane contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, so you might get slightly less power and shorter run times from the same engine size.
Can I connect a portable propane generator to my home’s electrical panel?
Yes, but you must do it safely. You should never just plug the generator into a wall outlet—this is called “backfeeding” and is extremely dangerous for utility workers and your home. The correct and safe way is to use a transfer switch. A licensed electrician can install a manual transfer switch that isolates your home from the grid and connects your generator to selected circuits. For a more seamless solution, an automatic transfer switch works with a standby generator to restore power without you lifting a finger.
What maintenance does a propane generator require?
Even though propane is a cleaner-burning fuel, your generator still needs regular maintenance to be reliable. I recommend following the manufacturer’s schedule, but generally, this includes checking and changing the oil, replacing the air and spark filters, and testing the battery (on standby models). It’s also a good habit to run your generator for 15-20 minutes every few months to keep the engine parts lubricated and ensure it’s ready to go.
Are propane generators safe to run in an enclosed space?
Absolutely not. No fuel-burning generator should ever be operated inside a home, garage, shed, or any partially enclosed space. All generators produce deadly carbon monoxide gas that is odorless and colorless. You must always place the generator outside, far away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home. This is non-negotiable for your safety.
What size propane tank do I need for a whole-house generator?
For a whole-house standby generator, a 20-pound tank won’t cut it for long. You’ll want a much larger tank, typically a 100-gallon, 250-gallon, or even a 500-gallon tank. The size you need depends on your generator’s fuel consumption and how long you anticipate needing backup power. A 500-gallon tank can often power a typical home for about a week. It’s best to consult with your generator installer and propane supplier to determine the right tank size for your specific energy needs and local weather patterns.