If you live off the grid and you also generate your own power then you will need a backup plan, like a generator. Way too many things can go wrong while living off the grid and it is always smart to have at least one backup system. Generally speaking, most people who live off the grid do use a generator, some as a backup, and some as a main source of power. A lot of people who are new to living off the grid go and get a gas power generator, as these tend to have a higher BTU and they generate more power.
The truth is that you do not really need that much power for an off grid homestead, most people use power for illumination, charging devices, a small fridge, and maybe an AC unit. Most gas-powered and propane generators will have no problem with powering the previously mentioned devices. If you have ever powered an Air Conditioning unit on a generator you have probably noticed that the startup wattage is fairly high and some generators will struggle.
No matter if you use propane or a gas-powered generator you can actually stop the spike of power any AC unit needs with a small device called Easy Starter, you will have to install this on the AC unit. What I like most about propane generators is that they are clean, and extremely low maintenance. Propane has a lower BTU than gas, and this is why it generates less power, although with a 3000-watt generator, you can power your entire homestead.
The main reason why I use a propane generator is that storing the actual propane is extremely easy, and propane has a lot longer shelf life than gas. Gas on the other hand in a couple of months it starts to gunk up, and if you have left some fuel in the generator for several months then get ready for some intense cleaning. The gunking up is actually what is destroying most of the gas-powered generators. If you are wondering how much would it cost you to live off the grid then check out my recent article How much does it cost to live off the grid? ( $38,095 ).
Best Off Grid Propane Generators
When living off the grid, having a reliable power source is crucial, and propane generators offer a practical and efficient solution. Propane generators are known for their versatility, ease of use, and long-lasting fuel supply. They provide a reliable source of electricity when solar or wind power is not sufficient, making them an excellent backup option for off-grid living. The best off-grid propane generators are designed to be fuel-efficient, quiet, and capable of producing sufficient power to meet your energy needs. They are built with durability in mind, able to withstand harsh weather conditions and extended operation. Additionally, propane is a readily available and easily stored fuel, making it convenient for off-grid living.
1. Champion 3800
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This is a dual fuel generator which means that it can both use gas and propane as well. It has a starting power of 4750 watts and 3800 running watts, this is more than enough for off grid living. It has both a manual start and an electric start, although when I first got it I had to use the manual start as the battery powering the electric starter didn’t have any power. In a couple of minutes of running the generator, the battery was powered up and from then on I could start the generator with just the push of a button.
If you are using propane as a fuel source then the starting amp is 35.6A and the running amp is 28.5A, both generating 120V at 60Hz. It can run around 10 hrs with a full 20 lbs propane tank, and you can stretch this time out a lot, just keep in mind that this is not meant to be your main power source. The brand is one of the most reputable ones on the market and it also offers a 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support which is for free. If you are wondering what are your options when it comes to having internet off the grid then check out my recent article How to have off grid Internet? ( Top 15 Ways ).
2. DuroMax XP12000EH
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This is also a dual fuel generator, and it is probably one of the most powerful generators on the market currently. The starting watts are at 12 000 and the running watts are at 9500, although for only off grid living it is definitely an overkill. These kinds of generators can be often seen where people are building an off grid cabin or homestead. It can easily power any power tools which require high amps.
What is great about this generator is that it can generate 120V and 240V as well, in fact, you can use both 120V and 240V at the same time. So if you have some electrical devices or power tools from Europe you can use them with this generator. It has 3 different types of outlets, a heavy-duty outlet for both 120V and 240V, twist-lock for both 120V and 240V, and a household outlet at 12V. My main problem with this generator is that it can generate 50 Amps but the household outlet is only for 20 Amps and the twist-lock is only for 30 Amps.
3. Wen DF475T 4750
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As you have guessed, the DF in this generator’s name stands for dual fuel. Wen is one of the most reputable companies when it comes to generators and their generators started to get very popular among off gridders. When using propane to fuel this generator it has a starting power of 4350 watts and a running power of 3500 watts. This generator can generate both 120V and 240V, although it can not do it simultaneously.
It has three types of outlets, one GFCI outlet for 120V, one twist lock for 120V and 240V both at 30A, and a 12V DC plug. It can run for about 7 hours on the half load while being fueled by propane and around 11 hrs with gas.
4. Westinghouse WGen7500DF
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This is an excellent dual fuel generator when fueled with propane its starting watts are around 8550w and its running watts of 6750. This is one of the higher-end propane generators on the market, it even has a remote for starting it remotely, however, the ignition has to be on if you want to use the remote control function and this will use the power from the onboard battery. So if you are using this generator only occasionally then you shouldn’t use the remote control feature.
The Westinghouse WGen7500DF can generate both 120V and 240V although it can not do it simultaneously. The generator has two GFCI plugs both at 120V and a twist-lock outlet for 120V and 240V. It also has some kind of noise reduction although generators that generate so much power tend to be fairly noisy.
5. Green-Power America GN1750D
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This is a low-end generator which generates a lot less power, although it is also a lot cheaper. This is a dual fuel generator and the starting watts with propane are 1200W and the running watts are 900W if you fuel it with gas then both the starting and the running watts are significantly higher. Generally speaking, if you are on a budget this is a great generator, although it is limited to how many devices it can power.
If you have an air conditioning unit this most likely won’t be able to run it as AC units need a lot of starting power. The generator has two AC plugs for 120V and one 12V DC outlet. It also has a special feature that stops the generator when the oil is low, this way the generator will not break down due to low oil.
6. Champion 3400
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This is a dual fuel inverter generator, and in my opinion, this is one of the best generators for off grid living. The starting power is at 3400W and the running power is at 3100W, it comes with several outlets like one 120V outlet for RV’s, two 120V household outlets, and one 12V DV outlet which has a dual USB adapter. The generator also has an automatic shutdown feature when the oil gets too low. Besides the power which it can generate I love Champion’s confidence in its own products by giving a 3-year warranty.
7. Sportsman GEN4000LP
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This generator can only be powered with propane, its starting watts are 4000W and it runs at 3250W. The generator is equipped with two 120V AC power outlets and one 12V DC outlet. The average runtime on half power with a full propane tank is around 10 hrs, which is fairly impressive. As the running power is at 3250W this generator won’t have any problems powering your homestead, even if you use an AC unit.
The generator comes with an inbuilt low oil shut off system, in order to prevent damage. The generator does not have an eclectic start so you will have to use the recoil start. My pro tip is to install some rubber legs on it as it tends to vibrate a lot and it is kind of loud.
8. All Power America APGG10000GL
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This is a dual fuel generator when fueled with propane the peak power is 8500W and the running power is at 7000 watts. If you want to fuel it with gas then this generator has an 8-gallon gas tank, which is one of the largest in this section of generators. The generator comes with 4 duplex AC 120V outlets, one twist-lock at 120V, one twist-lock outlet at both 120V and 240V, and one 12V DC outlet.
The generator also comes with an electric starter, it is EPA certified but not CARB compliant.
9. Rainier R4400DF
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This is a dual fuel generator when fueled with propane the peak power is at 4000W and the running power is at 3300W. This generator is both EPA and CARB compliant, and it even has 3 year warranty. The generator has two 120V outlets for households, one L5-30R 120V outlet, and one TT-30R 120V outlet. The generator also comes with a failsafe when the oil is getting too low, this way it doesn’t damage the generator.
10. Pulsar 5,250W
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This is a dual fuel generator when fueled with propane the peak power is at 4700W and the running power is at 3800W. this generator has 2 120V AC outlets, 1 RV port, and one twist-lock outlet at 120V and 240V. This generator has a low oil indicator and an automatic shutdown if the oil gets too low. It also has a special feature, with which you can switch from gas to propane while the generator is still active.
My biggest problem with this generator is it only has a 1-year warranty, generally speaking, most generators tend to have a 3-year warranty.
11. Firman H03652
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The Firman H03652 is a dual fuel generator when fueled with propane the peak power is at 4100W and the running power is at 3300W. The generator comes with one 120V outlet meant for RV’s, two duplex 120V outlets, and one L5-30R 120V outlet. It has an inbuilt system that shuts down the generator when the oil gets too low, thus preventing damage. When it comes to noise, the generator makes more or less the same amount of noise as other generators with similar power outputs.
Key Takeaways
- Best Off Grid Propane Generators are Champion 3800, DuroMax XP12000EH, Wen DF475T 4750, Westinghouse WGen7500DF, Green-Power America GN1750D, Champion 3400, Sportsman GEN4000LP, All Power America APGG10000GL, Rainier R4400DF, Pulsar 5,250W, and the Firman H03652.
- Propane generators have advantages such as cleaner emissions, longer fuel shelf life, and reduced maintenance requirements compared to other generator types.
- When choosing a propane generator, consider factors such as power output, fuel consumption rate, runtime, and reputable brands that offer reliable performance and good customer support. Regular maintenance and proper storage of propane fuel are also crucial for optimal generator performance.
