Are you looking for a generator that is nontoxic and produces fewer emissions? Do you wish to purchase a generator that is dual-fuel and can run on both gas and propane?
Enter propane generators.
While there are a lot of good things about propane generators, I particularly like the fact that it does not degrade in storage—which makes it a great option for people who use their generator occasionally.
Using my personal experience, I have shortlisted some of the quietest propane generators that you can buy right now. If you wish to learn how I evaluated all the products, you can also scroll down to the second half of the page to read the buying guide.
- 1. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel – Quiet Propane Generator for RV and Cabin Use
- 2. Sportsman GEN4000LP – Quiet Portable Generator on a Budget
- 3. Westinghouse WGen7500DF Dual Fuel – Quiet Portable Propane Generator
- 4. DuroMax XP10000EH Dual Fuel – Quiet Generator for Home-emergency Backup
- The Buying Guide: Factors to Consider While Purchasing the Product
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Bottom Line
Note: While propane generators are usually quieter than diesel and gasoline engines—if you want—you can still build a DIY generator silencer box to help you muffle the noise even further.
1. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel – Quiet Propane Generator for RV and Cabin Use
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Looking for a portable propane generator that is also great for RV use? The Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel ticks all the boxes.
It operates at 59 dBA that makes it one of the quietest models on my list.
It has got a run time of up to 7.5 hrs. on a full tank of gas or 14.5 hrs. on a 20 lb. propane tank. All the functions can be regulated very easily with the Quick Touch Panel.
It is a dual fuel propane generator that runs on both gas or propane. Its lightweight nature and wheel-kit make it a great pick for portability reasons—so you can move it around in RVs and cabins.
It also comes with parallel support so you can harness even more power by connecting it with another generator.
You can be assured that sensitive electronics will remain safe when supplied with power from these generators since they produce clean and stable electricity.
Low oil shut off feature is also included. The cast iron sleeve makes it durable.
Now, coming to the downsides…
The handle quality is sub-par, in my opinion. Perhaps I’m nitpicking, but I certainly think it could have been better. Also, the angle at which the wheels are located does not facilitate smooth movement. You will be required to slightly tilt it to roll it on the wheel else it simply drags to the ground. Lack of remote-control might be a bummer to some.
Despite these flaws, the Champion is a great choice with unmatched features and silent operation.
Pros:
- Produces clean electricity
- Quiet
- Portable
- Parallel ready
Cons:
- Mediocre handle quality
- Not remote-controlled
2. Sportsman GEN4000LP – Quiet Portable Generator on a Budget
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Are you hunting for a portable propane generator that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket? Well, Sportsman GEN4000LP Portable Generator might come to your rescue!
It’s fairly quiet with around 68 decibels (dB) of noise rating. However, if you’re looking for even quieter models, then try having a look at Champion 3400-Watt generator.
It has 4000 starting Watts and 3250 running Watts. At 50% load, it has got a run time of 10 hours which is significantly greater than that of Champion 3400-Watt generator.
It features a recoil start and is also provided with propane fuel hose and regulator. The auto fuel shut off feature gradually shuts off the generator in case of a shortage of fuel.
The battery of the set can be easily charged with the help of two 120V AC outlets and one 12V DC outlet. It is an EPA proved product which implies that it is environment-friendly.
The performance of this generator is noteworthy due to the 7 HP, 4-stroke OHV, recoil start engine.
There are a few negative points as well.
Firstly, the LPG propane tank is not included in the pack which means you will have to spend a little extra to get your hands on it. There’s no electric start mechanism.
Also, it is not recommended for high altitude use above 3,000 ft. At higher altitudes, the air contains less amount of oxygen, which disrupts the normal combustion of propane and produces less energy.
Pros:
- Portable
- Eco-friendly
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to use
Cons:
- No LPG propane tank
- No electric start
- not suitable for high altitude use above 3,000 ft
3. Westinghouse WGen7500DF Dual Fuel – Quiet Portable Propane Generator
Are you searching for a powerful generator that has both electric start and remote start mechanisms? If yes, the Westinghouse WGen7500DF might be what you’re looking for.
It has got an operating volume of 73 dBA. You may also try Sportsman GEN4000LP Portable Generator that is about 10% quieter than this model.
This electric and remote start generator works on both gas or propane. It has 9500 starting watts and 7500 running watts.
The run time is up to 16 hours on a 6.6 Gal. (25 L) gasoline fuel tank and up to 11 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank. The cast iron sleeve adds to its durability. It uses a 420cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine to generate power.
It is furnished with a built-in fuel gauge, automatic low oil shutdown, and GFCI household outlets for added safety. Features like the Push-Button Electric Start along with a wireless remote key fob make it user-friendly.
The L14-30R outlet is Transfer Switch Ready which implies that direct connection can be established to your home without using extension cords or power strips.
The product is backed by a 3-Year Warranty.
There are some drawbacks as well.
Portability takes a hit as its weight is a bit on the higher side. Secondly, while the noise rating is acceptable, it’s still slightly on the higher end. Some customers also added that the quality of the wheels could have been better to help facilitate easy and safe transportation.
Though it has a few minor flaws, it is still highly recommended due to its incredible run time and smart features.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Durable
- EPA, CARB and CSA compliant
- Remote start key fob
Cons:
- Slightly bulky
- Sub-par wheel quality
4. DuroMax XP10000EH Dual Fuel – Quiet Generator for Home-emergency Backup
Are you on the lookout for a durable generator that is also great for home emergency back-up? Well, DuroMax XP10000EH could be worth a look.
At 50% load, the product has got a run time of 8 hours with gas and 9 hours on a 40 lb tank of propane. At maximum, it generates about 72 decibels of noise. It is also equipped with a muffler to help keep the noise levels low. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator is a suitable alternative to this in this regard as it produces about 20% less noise than this model.
It has got an extra edge over many other products of its type since it allows the user to choose between operating at both 120-Volt and 240-Volt simultaneously or at 120-Volt only with full power.
It can operate on both gasoline or liquid propane. It has 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts. This dual fuel generator provides safe, reliable power.
The all-copper windings Genset makes it one of the most rugged and durable products. It uses the Duromax 440CC OHV engine to generate clean and stable electricity.
Other noteworthy features include low oil protection, AC and DC regulators and a spark arrestor. It supports both—electric start and recoil start.
Despite being one of the best propane generators, it has some flaws.
The wheels are not that dependable. Some cords need to be bought which could add to the overall cost.
The flaws are quite trivial and overall, I’d highly recommend buying this product, especially for domestic use.
Pros:
- Durable
- Portable
- Equipped with a muffler
- Powerful engine
Cons:
- Additional expenses in purchasing cords
- Mediocre battery life
The Buying Guide: Factors to Consider While Purchasing the Product
1. Output Power
This is one of the first and foremost points to keep in mind when going about purchasing a propane generator. After all, it is the output that will determine the efficiency of the machine in handling situations like power outages.
The greater the power, the more the number of appliances you can connect. In order to get the perfect set for yourself, the first step is to get a good idea of the total power requirement. Based on this data, you should go for a generator that can provide you with the desired electric power.
If you are looking for a really powerful propane generator as a home emergency backup, then, in my opinion, DuroMax XP10000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a great choice. It generates 8000 watts which can run the home appliances for considerable durations.
For RVs, Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator generating about 3400 watts is sufficient. It has both—electric start and recoil start. It is one of the best models in terms of portability.
Westinghouse WGen7500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator delivering 7500 watts of power is an ideal choice for job sites. Its rugged construction makes it very durable and its run time is sufficiently high.
2. Noise Level
This is another important parameter to consider when purchasing propane generators. These machines are generally used at homes, job sites, camping and RVs.
Of course, you wouldn’t like it if your generator creates earsplitting noise, would you?
Therefore, checking out the decibels rating of the different models in the market is important to get the quietest one.
One thing to note that noise levels are relative. No generator can be completely silent but you may go for the ones that have noise rating in the range of 55 dBA to 65 dBA.
One of the quietest generators on my list is Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator. You might also try having a look at DuroMax XP10000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator that uses a muffler to minimize noise.
3. Run Time
Run time is basically a measure of the duration for which the generator will run on a certain amount of fuel. It is basically measured at 25% or 50% of the load.
The generators that have a low run time consume less amount of fuel. Depending on your requirement, you may either go for one that has either low or high run time.
From the products mentioned in this article, the Westinghouse WGen7500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator has a high run time.
4. Portability
The portability of the generator is quite essential especially when the set is intended to be used in RVs and camping. The features that help in the easy carrying of the generator are wheels and handles. It must also be light in weight.
One of the best propane generators in terms of portability is Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator.
5. Budget
If the budget is not an issue, then Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator is a great option with numerous lucrative features. It is a perfect balance of efficiency and low noise levels.
And if you are on a budget, then you may try Sportsman GEN4000LP Portable Generator. Despite its low price, it is endowed with user-friendly features such as recoil start, auto fuel shut off, and much more. It is also a good pick in terms of portability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Many Watts Generator Do I Need for Home Use?
The most common appliances that we need to use during power outages may include a well-pump, refrigerator and freezer, and lights. For running all these at home, a generator that supplies about 5000 to 7500 watts is sufficient.
2. What is a Dual Fuel Generator?
Dual fuel generators can use two different types of fuels generally diesel and natural gas at the same time for their operation. The fuels can either be mixed in different proportions or used alone. They tend to be more eco-friendly.
3. Propane vs Gas Generator: Noise Level Comparison
Generally, a propane generator is quieter than the gas generators. This is so because the propane generators are clean burning.
4. Are Propane Generators More Efficient?
Well, gas generators seem to outweigh the propane generators in this regard. Propane generators produce fewer BTUs per gallon of fuel, though they are clean burning and much more eco-friendly.
5. What are the Benefits of Propane Generators?
Here are some of the benefits of propane generators?
- clean-burning
- environment-friendly
- quieter
- works efficiently even during cold winter days
- reliable
- durable
6. How Many dB is a Quiet Generator?
Generally, propane generators that emit about 50 to 65 dBA are considered quiet. There are many ways by which you can minimize the noise of your existing generators to reach the mentioned noise level.
7. How Long Do Propane Generators Last?
Propane generators will last for variable durations depending on largely on the maintenance. Therefore, it’s tough to give a solid number. Generally, they can last for as little as 3 years all the way up to 40 years in some cases.
The Bottom Line
Out of all the products listed here, Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator is the best propane generator for RVs, campsites, cabins, and many more. It is endowed with all the fanciest features you will ever need.
DuroMax XP10000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is known for the clean and stable electricity it generates that can be used for running household appliances. It is sure to last for long due to its rugged construction.
In terms of budget, Sportsman GEN4000LP Portable Generator is a great pick. It is portable, easy to use, and durable.