Discover the best propane generators for off-grid living so you use this easy-to-store fuel type without the long journeys caused by technical issues.
Best off-grid living propane generators top picks
- Champion 200977 4250 – Best off-grid living propane generator (4250 peak watts)
- Champion 200961 2500 – Best small off-grid living propane generator (2500 peak watts)
- Westinghouse iGen4500DF (4050 peak watts)
- DuroMax XP9000iH – Best large off-grid living propane generator (8550 peak watts)
- Westinghouse wGen9500DF (11,200 peak watts, non-inverter, tri fuel version available)
These are all dual fuel (can use propane or gasoline) generators because the online propane-only models are not as reliable.
Similarly, off-grid living does not always require that much energy but besides the Champion 200961 2500 (and even this model), reliability tends to be less optimal at lower power levels.
I also mainly selected inverter propane generators since you likely don’t want to risk having to travel all those miles to fix/replace a device with damage from “dirty” high THD power.
How we selected our top picks
Our experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of the best propane generators for off-grid living.
Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:
- Reliability, fuel options, run time, power capacity, outlets, portability, noise levels, etc.
- User reviews
- Anecdotal reviews from experts
- Price
- Brand trustability and reputation
- The performance categories below
If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 200977 4250 | 9.5 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | 7.5 | <3% | 8 | 6.5 | $$ | Check Price |
| Champion 200961 2500 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | <3% | 7.5 | 9.5 | $$ | Check Price |
| Westinghouse iGen4500DF | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9.5 | <3% | 8.5 | 7.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
| DuroMax XP9000iH | 7 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 7 | <5% | 8.5 | 5 | $$$$$$ | Check Price |
| Westinghouse wGen9500DF | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 6.5 | 6 | <23% | 8 | 5.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input
5 Best off-grid living propane generators reviews
If you know more or less what you want in an off-grid living propane generator, the list of top picks could be enough to find the best model for you.
On the other hand, the more detailed reviews of each of the options can help you make sure you are choosing the right propane generator for your off-grid situation.
1. Champion 200977 4250 – Best off-grid living propane generator
Our top pick for the best propane generator for off-grid living is the Champion 200977 4250 thanks to the great combination of features, reasonable price, and reliability.
When running on propane, this generator offers 4250 peak watts and 3150 running watts.
This should be enough power to run appliances and tools like a combination of an energy-friendly refrigerator, an energy-friendly freezer, a microwave oven, and a drill.
These devices may be more than you plan to run but it is worth noting that smaller propane generators seem to have technical issues more often.
Pros
- Champion 200977 4250 offers 4250 starting watts, 3150 running watts, 30/26.6 amps, and 120 volts (propane)
- Parallel capability
- Reasonable noise levels of 64 dBA
- Long run time of 21 hours at 25% load on a 20-lb propane tank
- Less than 3% THD
- Weight of 79 lb (35.8 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- No wheels so moving the propane generator can be challenging
- A few very exceptional cases where the first model customers got had issues
The Champion 200977 4250 is also reasonably fuel-efficient which allows it to run for 21 hours at 25% load on a 20-lb propane tank.
Even if you have to travel a long time for additional propane, the Champion 200977 4250 allows you to stay off-grid reasonably long.
One thing to note is that you may want to give your Champion 200977 4250 a test run before moving to your off-grid living location.
There are a few very exceptional cases where the first machine people got did not function optimally.
However, even the people in these exceptional cases often admit the replacement Champion 200977 4250 they got thanks to the three-year warranty is a great propane generator.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 200977 4250 | 9.5 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | 7.5 | <3% | 8 | 6.5 | $$ | Check Price |
2. Champion 200961 2500 – Best small off-grid living propane generator
If you don’t need that much power and want to be able to easily move your propane generator inside and outside of your cabin or RV, the Champion 200961 2500 could be the right choice.
Before going into the positives, you do want to know there are a decent number of reviews where customers found it hard to start this portable generator on propane.
It looks like customer support does send a replacement generator or parts to solve this when you contact them.
At the same time, this does mean you likely want to try out the Champion 200961 2500 a few times before you go off-grid.
Pros
- Champion 200961 2500 offers 2500 starting watts, 1665 running watts, 20.8/13.9 amps, and 120 volts (propane)
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel means generator can run on gasoline too
- Relatively low noise levels of 53 dBA
- Impressive run time of 34 hours at 25% load on a 20-lb propane tank
- Less than 3% THD
- Light weight of 39 lb (17.7 kg)
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- You may need more running watts
- Some cases where the first few starts were challenging
While you do want to know about the starting challenges, it is also fair to say the Champion 200961 2500 is one of the most reliable and quality small dual fuel generators out there.
This propane generator also stands out with its light weight of 39 lb (17.7 kg) which keeps things easy to move.
Additionally, while the 53 dBA is not quite as silent as an off-grid forest, these noise levels are still on the low side compared to the other options on this list.
In short, you can consider the Champion 200961 2500 if you want a very portable model. If not, you will likely prefer the previous generator in most of the important areas.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 200961 2500 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | <3% | 7.5 | 9.5 | $$ | Check Price |
3. Westinghouse iGen4500DF
The Westinghouse iGen4500DF is similar to the Champion 200977 4250 in terms of power capacity but with slightly more technical issues and a higher price.
Because moving from off-grid living locations to replace/repair the generator can be annoying, this model gets a lower place on the list.
At the same time, it is also worth noting that the Westinghouse iGen4500DF is still one of the best propane-compatible off-grid living generators on the market.
If you value quieter operation and a screen with more in-depth performance tracking, you may still prefer this option over the Champion 200977 4250.
Pros
- Westinghouse iGen4500DF offers 4050 starting watts, 3330 running watts, 30/27.8 amps, and 120 volts (propane)
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel means generator can run on gasoline too
- Relatively low noise levels of 52 dBA
- Long run time of 22 hours at 25% load on a 20-lb propane tank
- Less than 3% THD
- A lot of performance tracking metrics
- Optional CO sensor
- Weight of 104.7 lbs (47.5 kg)
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Navigating bumpy terrain can be inconvenient
- Some customers find changing the oil challenging
Additionally, the wheels make it just a bit easier to move the Westinghouse iGen4500DF although you should still expect a challenge on uneven surfaces.
This generator also gets more power out of a tank of LPG propane.
Good fuel efficiency like this can help you reduce the number of unwanted returns from your off-grid living adventures.
So while many people will prefer the Champion 200977 4250, there are also some good reasons to consider the Westinghouse iGen4500DF instead.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse iGen4500DF | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9.5 | <3% | 8.5 | 7.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
4. DuroMax XP9000iH – Best large off-grid living propane generator
You can generally set up off-grid living situations in a way where you don’t need that much power.
However, if you have a more luxurious lodging with power-hungry devices like for example an AC and other tools and appliances, you could consider the DuroMax XP9000iH.
Some details you do want to know first are that it is generally not the most reliable propane generator, does not have a 50 amp outlet, and is relatively expensive.
If you don’t need the convenience of having a single generator, you may even prefer putting two of one of the previous models in parallel.
Pros
- DuroMax XP9000iH offers 8550 starting watts, 7200 running watts, 30 amps, and 240 volts (propane)
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel means generator can run on gasoline too
- Noise levels of 68 dB
- Run time of 9 hours at 25% load on a 20-lb propane tank
- Less than 5% THD
- Electric and remote start
- Four GFCI outlets
- CO sensor
- Weight of 237 lb (107.5 kg)
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Expensive compared to other off-grid propane generators
- Does not have a 50 amp outlet
- Some cases of early technical issues
- A few cases where the generator does not offer the running watts mentioned
At the same time, as I mention in the DuroMax XP9000iH review, there are just not that many good alternatives when it comes to powerful dual fuel inverters.
There are still a good amount of customers who are happy with their investments in this house-compatible propane generator too.
In turn, the electric start, remote start, four GFCI outlets, CO sensor, and good warranties could still convince you to get this propane generator for your more luxurious off-grid living situation.
Do remember that more power also means using more propane as the somewhat shorter run times of the DuroMax XP9000iH imply.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuroMax XP9000iH | 7 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 7 | <5% | 8.5 | 5 | $$$$$$ | Check Price |
5. Westinghouse wGen9500DF
The first thing to note about this Westinghouse wGen9500DF is that it is not an inverter propane generator.
In simpler words, that means the THD is not suited for running sensitive electronics unless you have your own way to “clean up” the energy.
If you take the precautions or don’t mind this, the Westinghouse wGen9500DF is an extremely powerful and solid dual fuel generator.
Something that really stands out is how many kWh this generator gets out of a pound or gallon of propane.
This can be helpful for off-grid situations where getting extra fuel is a challenge in itself.
Pros
- Westinghouse WGen9500DF offers 11,200 starting watts, 8500 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts (propane)
- Dual fuel means generator can run on gasoline too
- Tri fuel version to run on natural gas available too
- Noise levels of 74 dBA
- Nice run time of 7 hours at 50% load on a 20-lb propane tank
- Good fuel efficiency
- Weight of 211 lb (95.7 kg)
- Has electric and remote start
- Four GFCI outlets
- CO sensor
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- THD of less than 23% is not suited for sensitive electronics
- A few exceptional cases of initial shipping and technical issues
There is even a tri fuel generator version of this model which can be a good choice if natural gas is more convenient in your off-grid living situation.
Besides a few exceptional initial issues, the main thing to keep in mind is that the Westinghouse WGen9500DF is a relatively loud generator.
Your ears and the people in nearby cabins or RVs will likely not appreciate the noise levels of 74 dBA.
In short, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF is another example of a propane generator that not too many people will consider for their off-grid living adventures.
At the same time, you may be one of the individuals that could benefit from this model anyway.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse wGen9500DF | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 6.5 | 6 | <23% | 8 | 5.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
FAQ
How long will a 1000-gallon propane tank run a generator?
While other models typically vary, a 1000-gallon propane tank would run our 4250 peak watt top pick for the best off-grid propane generator for about 445 hours at 25% load.
What is the best propane generator for off-grid living?
It is possible that you are still unsure about what propane generator is the best for your off-grid living situation.
When in doubt, our top pick, the Champion 200977 4250, is often a good choice.
With 4250 peak watts and 3150 running watts, you have enough power to run a fridge or freezer or two with a good amount of spare watts for other off-grid tools and appliances.
