Discover the smallest propane generators so you can get power from this fuel type in compact and relatively budget-friendly ways.
Smallest propane generators overview
It is worth noting that these are all dual fuel generators since there are not that many propane-only models.
- A-iPower SUA2000iD – Smallest propane generator (1800 peak watts)
- Sportsman GEN2200DFi (1980 peak watts)
- Champion 100900 (2000 peak watts)
- Pulsar PG2200BiS (2000 peak watts)
- Bonus: WEN DF250i – Best small propane generator (2250 peak watts)
Additionally, small propane generators lower on the list could still be the right option for your situation.
Other details I looked at
To get the list above, I searched for the propane-compatible portable generators with the lowest amounts of peak watts.
When two options were the same in this area, the model with the smaller dimensions got the advantage.
Additionally, I included the best small propane inverter generator as a bonus option since this is likely relevant for you.
To make the in-depth reviews below more helpful I also looked at some of the following details:
- Run time, fuel efficiency, outlets, portability, 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 | Power Capacity | Compact Size | Portability | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-iPower SUA2000iD | 7.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | <3% | 7 | 8 | 7.5 | $$ | Check Price |
| Sportsman GEN2200DFi | 8 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 9.5 | Inverter | 7 | 7.5 | 7 | $ | Check Price |
| Champion 100900 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 | <3% | 8 | 8 | 7 | $$$ | Check Price |
| Pulsar PG2200BiS | 8 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 8.5 | Inverter | 8.5 | 8.5 | 7 | $$$ | Check Price |
| WEN DF250i | 8.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 9.5 | <1.2% | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | $ | Check Price |
*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input
4 Smallest propane generators reviewed in detail
Having a small propane generator can be helpful but you likely care about other details too.
The detailed reviews of the options on the list can help you find the right propane generator for your preferences and needs.
1. A-iPower SUA2000iD – Smallest propane generator
The A-iPower SUA2000iD is the smallest propane generator in terms of its 1800 peak watts.
Additionally, you should have no problem fitting in the compact dimensions of 20.9″ L x 12.4″ W x 21.1″ H in your car, RV, or boat.
That being said, in terms of overall quality, you will likely prefer investing in one of the A-iPower SUA2000iD alternatives on this list.
One reason for this is that there are a few cases where customers have issues starting this small propane generator.
Pros
- A-iPower SUA2000iD offers 1800 starting watts, 1500 running watts, 15 amps, and 120 volts (propane)
- Parallel capability
- Dimensions of 20.9″ L x 12.4″ W x 21.1″ H
- Relatively low noise levels of 52 dB
- Dual fuel means generator can run on gasoline too
- Good run time of 34 hours at 25% load on a 20-lb propane (LPG) tank
- Less than 3% THD
- Light weight of 48 lb (21.8 kg)
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
Cons
- Some cases where the first few starts were challenging
- Some cases where the first generator customers got did not work as desired
Additionally, there are reviews where the generator customers got at first simply did not work as desired.
It is still true that the A-iPower SUA2000iD is a small quiet propane generator.
This allows you to enjoy your power without annoying yourself and your neighbors too much.
The run time of 34 hours at 25% load on a 20-lb propane (LPG) tank also keeps the frequency of refuel sessions small.
That being said, the things above still apply.
You likely want to pass on the A-iPower SUA2000iD due to the rate of issues in the reviews.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Compact Size | Portability | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-iPower SUA2000iD | 7.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | <3% | 7 | 8 | 7.5 | $$ | Check Price |
2. Sportsman GEN2200DFi
The Sportsman GEN2200DFi is even smaller than the A-iPower SUA2000iD in terms of its dimensions of 19″ L x 11″ W x 18″ H.
However, even if you like this aspect, there are again enough reasons to pass on this small propane generator too.
The main reason for this is the lacking reliability the customer reviews imply.
There are a decent number of cases where the Sportsman GEN2200DFi shows early signs of wear and tear and/or does not provide the rated watts.
Pros
- Sportsman GEN2200DFi offers 1980 starting watts, 1620 running watts, 16.5 amps, and 120 volts (propane)
- Parallel capability
- Dimensions of 19″ L x 11″ W x 18″ H
- Relatively low noise levels of 53 dB at zero load
- Dual fuel means generator can run on gasoline too
- Nice run time of 18 hours at 50% load on a 20-lb propane (LPG) tank
- Inverter technology for low THD power
- Light weight of 48 lb (21.8 kg)
- 1 year limited residential and 30 days limited commercial warranties
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Short warranties
- Decent number of cases of early wear and tear
- A few reviews where it did not offer the rated watts
- Fuel efficiency is not that good
In combination with the short warranties, you likely want to pass on the Sportsman GEN2200DFi.
Even though it is budget-friendly.
The run time of 18 hours at 50% load on a 20-lb propane tank and light weight of 48 pounds make operating and moving the Sportsman GEN2200DFi somewhat more convenient.
However, as you can see in the more in-depth Sportsman GEN2200DFi review, these details are about average when it comes to small propane generators.
So again, you likely don’t want to invest in this option.
Even if you are on a budget, the value and risk you get are too suboptimal.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Compact Size | Portability | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsman GEN2200DFi | 8 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 9.5 | Inverter | 7 | 7.5 | 7 | $ | Check Price |
3. Champion 100900
The Champion 100900 is the first small propane generator on the list you actually want to consider investing in.
If you value a compact size, you will also be glad to hear that the Champion 100900 has the smallest dimensions on the list.
In combination with the light weight of 39 pounds, the Champion 100900 is relatively easy to fit in your car or RV and easy to move around.
You do want to know the Champion 100900 is not perfect either.
There are a few mentions of challenging starts. Especially when running on propane.
Additionally, there are a few exceptional cases of technical issues. These are not ideal even when you consider Champion support does tend to resolve these.
Pros
- Champion 100900 offers 2000 starting watts, 1530 running watts, 16.6 amps, and 120 volts (propane)
- Parallel capability
- Dimensions of 17.3″ L x 11.5″ W x 17.7″ H
- Low noise levels of 53 dBA
- Dual fuel means generator can run on gasoline too
- Good run time of 36 hours at 25% load on a 20-lb propane (LPG) tank
- Less than 3% THD
- Light weight of 39 lb (17.7 kg)
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- A few mentions of challenging starts
- Some exceptional cases of technical issues
That being said, positive points of the Champion 100900 like the long run time of 36 hours at 50% load on a 20-lb propane (LPG) tank do make up for the reliability to some extent.
You may also like how quiet this 2000 watt generator is.
Your camping trip, DIY sessions, or tailgating parties should not involve too much annoyance from the noise levels.
In short, the Champion 100900 is a compact and solid propane inverter generator.
Whether you actually want to invest in this option depends on how much you like the last two models.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Compact Size | Portability | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 100900 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9.5 | 9.5 | <3% | 8 | 8 | 7 | $$$ | Check Price |
4. Pulsar PG2200BiS
The Pulsar PG2200BiS is a small propane generator that stands out in its reliability and nice propane fuel efficiency.
In simpler words, these things mean the rate of technical issues is seemingly relatively low and how many kWh (quantity of power) you get out of a pound of propane is above average.
Because of the good fuel efficiency, the Pulsar PG2200BiS can save you a bit of money in the long term. You will have to get new propane less often too.
At the same time, you do want to know about Pulsar PG2200BiS downsides like the short one-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Pulsar PG2200BiS offers 2000 starting watts, 1600 running watts, 16.6 amps, and 120 volts (propane)
- Parallel capability
- Dimensions of 19.2″ L x 11.2″ W x 17.9″ H
- Reasonable noise levels of 60 dB
- Dual fuel means generator can run on gasoline too
- Good run time of 25 hours at 50% load on a 20-lb propane (LPG) tank
- Nice propane fuel efficiency
- Inverter technology for low THD power
- Light weight of 46.5 lb (21.1 kg)
- Relatively positive customer reviews
Cons
- 1 year limited warranty is somewhat short
- A few exceptional cases of technical issues
- A few cases of challenging starts
There are also still a few exceptional cases where customers have technical issues with their Pulsar PG2200BiS or find starting the small propane generator challenging.
That being said, the Pulsar PG2200BiS is still relatively reliable overall and good in other areas.
For example, the run time of 25 hours at 50% load on a 20-lb propane (LPG) tank should make it relatively convenient to power an energy-friendly refrigerator overnight.
The 60 decibel rating may sound high compared to other options but this is still around the noise level of a regular conversation.
In short, the Pulsar PG2200BiS could be the best small propane generator for you. Especially if you stumble upon a good deal.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Compact Size | Portability | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulsar PG2200BiS | 8 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 10 | 8.5 | Inverter | 8.5 | 8.5 | 7 | $$$ | Check Price |
Bonus: WEN DF250i – Best small propane generator
There are a few close seconds but ultimately the WEN DF250i gets the title of best small propane generator.
Before going into the positive points, one thing worth mentioning is the small number of customer reviews at the time of writing.
This adds a certain uncertainty about the quality of the WEN DF250i at high volume.
That being said, since customers tend to be positive about WEN generators and the WEN DF250i is solid overall, it still deserves a mention.
Pros
- WEN DF250i offers 2250 starting watts, 1800 running watts, 18.7 amps, and 120 volts (propane)
- Parallel capability
- Dimensions of 19″ L x 11.5″ W x 18.2″ H
- Dual fuel means generator can run on gasoline too
- Relatively low noise levels of 52 dBA
- Run time of 17.5 hours at 50% load on a 20-lb propane (LPG) tank
- Less than 1.2% THD
- Light weight of 48.5 lb (22 kg)
- 2 years limited residential and 90 days limited commercial warranties
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Relatively short commercial warranty
- Not that many customers for this specific model
A benefit of the WEN DF250i over the smallest propane generators is that it has 2250 peak watts.
This is relevant because bigger refrigerators tend to need around 2200 watts to get started.
Additionally, the WEN DF250i offers this extra power in a relatively budget-friendly, quiet, lightweight, and compact way.
It is true that the warranties and run time of the WEN DF250i are somewhat average. However, at this price point, you can consider this to be a benefit.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Compact Size | Portability | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN DF250i | 8.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 9.5 | <1.2% | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | $ | Check Price |
What is the smallest propane generator?
The A-iPower SUA2000iD is the smallest propane-compatible generator in terms of its 1800 peak watts and compact dimensions of 20.9″ L x 12.4″ W x 21.1″ H.
That being said, if you really want the best small propane generator overall, the WEN DF250i with 2250 peak watts is generally the smarter choice.
