Best Quiet Propane Generator Reviews and Buying Guide

Whether you want to live off-grid, need to make sure you can power the devices in an RV, or are just worried about storms knocking out your electricity, a power generator can come in handy for many people. Unfortunately, power generators tend to be extremely loud to the point that they can cause permanent hearing damage.

That is why we put together a list of the 5 best quiet propane generator reviews, highlighting what each one does best. We also provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can figure out what you need out of a propane generator when sorting between volume and power.

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Best Seller
Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start
Top Pick
Champion Power Equipment 100402 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Parallel Ready
Best Value
DuroMax XP4850EH Generator-4850 Watt Gas or Propane Powered-Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Green
DuroStar DS5500EH 224cc 5,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Home Back Up & RV Ready, 50 State Approved
Westinghouse WGen5500 Portable Generator - 5500 Rated Watts & 6850 Peak Watts - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant - Transfer Switch Ready
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Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start
Champion Power Equipment 100402 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Parallel Ready
DuroMax XP4850EH Generator-4850 Watt Gas or Propane Powered-Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Green
DuroStar DS5500EH 224cc 5,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Home Back Up & RV Ready, 50 State Approved
Westinghouse WGen5500 Portable Generator - 5500 Rated Watts & 6850 Peak Watts - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant - Transfer Switch Ready
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Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start
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Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start
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Champion Power Equipment 100402 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Parallel Ready
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Champion Power Equipment 100402 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Parallel Ready
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DuroMax XP4850EH Generator-4850 Watt Gas or Propane Powered-Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Green
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DuroMax XP4850EH Generator-4850 Watt Gas or Propane Powered-Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Green
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DuroStar DS5500EH 224cc 5,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Home Back Up & RV Ready, 50 State Approved
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DuroStar DS5500EH 224cc 5,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Home Back Up & RV Ready, 50 State Approved
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Westinghouse WGen5500 Portable Generator - 5500 Rated Watts & 6850 Peak Watts - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant - Transfer Switch Ready
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Westinghouse WGen5500 Portable Generator - 5500 Rated Watts & 6850 Peak Watts - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant - Transfer Switch Ready
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Best Quiet Propane Generator Reviews

Best Seller: Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start

Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start
  • Dual Fuel – Operate your 3400-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 0.6-quarts...
  • Convenient Electric Start with 3-Position Ignition Switch – Battery included, plus Quick Touch Panel allows you to access all your...
  • Ultra-Quiet Operation – 59 dBA is perfect for RVs, tailgating, your next project or backup power for your home, featuring 3400 starting...

Despite the name, Champion Power Equipment does not specialize in generators or secondary power products, instead offering a wide range of different options that use a large engine. It is also worth noting that Champion is nowhere near the most experienced company on our list, though they have been around for over a decade and a half.

That said the Champion 100263 Inverter Generator comes out on top in terms of units moved and gets our best-seller spot for a few reasons. By far one of the main reasons people opt for this model over others that are arguably better for an RV or larger setup is its inverter capability.

Part of the reason this generator made it so high on our list is that it maintains a surprisingly quiet action at only 59 dB when positioned 23’ away– the recommended distance. This volume makes the Champion 100263 Inverter Generator no louder than your average conversation or a standard dishwasher unit.

Not only does the Champion 100263 Inverter Generator come with an inverter, but it goes the extra mile by providing a sine wave inverter. This is especially important for our modern-day life as sine wave inverters generate clean power with a low harmonic distortion of less than 3% THD, making them suitable for use with high-end electronics.

While some of the other generators we reviewed can push significantly more power, few of them can compete with the Champion 100263 Inverter Generator in terms of THD. That said, it is worth noting that in getting such clean energy, this generator is not nearly as powerful as some with only 3100 running watts.

Of course, you can increase the total running wattage of the Champion 100263 Inverter Generator by running it parallel with another unit– another uncommon feature on our list. However, this generator is already expensive, and purchasing another model, on top of the adapter unit, only increases that cost.

In terms of outlets, the Champion 100263 Inverter Generator meets the standard needs while offering a little bit extra by providing a single 120V 30A RV outlet and two 120V 20A household outlets as well as a DC outlet. While the DC outlet that requires no hardwiring is a welcome surprise, it comes at the expense of GFCI-protected household outlets.

Another solid quality of the Champion 100263 Inverter Generator is its build which supplies a 6 ⅖ hp 192cc 4-stroke engine for long-lasting durability. To further increase the durability of this generator, the engine sits in a closed chassis connected to a wheeled base to both make it easier to transport as well as prevent debris from gaining access to the engine.

Another solid quality of the Champion 100263 Inverter Generator is its ability to accept both propane and gasoline, providing you some flexibility in terms of fuel source. Keeping with the multiple options route, this generator also offers two different start methods with the standard recoil start complemented by an electric flip start.

Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start

Features

  • Purrs at a quieter 59 dB noise level
  • Comes equipped with a large 6 ⅖ hp 192cc engine
  • Produces a total of 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts
  • Provides numerous outlets, including a 12V DC outlet, 120V/240V 30A RV outlet, and two 120V 20A household outlets
  • Can start up with recoil pull start or electric flip switch

Verdict
Were it not for its high price point combined with mediocre specs, the Champion 100263 might easily be our top pick thanks to its fairly low noise volume. Keep in mind, the wattage generated is not ideal but still more than enough for most individual devices, and this generator can be run in parallel while producing clean energy for high-end electronics.

Pros

  • Only produces 59 dB
  • Has a 6 ⅖ hp 192cc engine
  • Has an electric start
  • Is easy to transport
  • Can run in parallel
  • Produces 3% THD power

Cons

  • Is more expensive
  • Not the most powerful

Top Pick: Champion Power Equipment 100402 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Parallel Ready

Champion Power Equipment 100402 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Parallel Ready
  • Using gasoline, produces 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts. Using propane, it produces 1800 starting watts and 1440 running watts.
  • Ez Start dial -- Operate your 2000-Watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus Ultra-Quiet operation of...
  • Parallel ready -- If you choose to buy the optional parallel kit, The space-saving design is parallel ready and can connect with another...

Champion Power Equipment makes another appearance on our list and earns the top pick spot not because it does everything better than its competition but because it succeeds in the most important quality for our purposes: volume. Quite simply, there is no other power generator we reviewed that can boast a volume level as low as the Champion 100402 Generator Inverter.

At only 53 dB, this power generator falls somewhere between your average refrigerator unit and moderate rainfall in terms of the amount of noise generated from the recommended distance of 23’ away. Granted, a big part of that comes from the fact that it does not have the hardware capable of generating that kind of noise.

For example, this power generator has the smallest engine on our list, producing only 2 ⅔ hp from an 80cc block– though it is still solid all things considered. The real issue with the Champion 100402 Generator Inverter is that it only generates 1600 running watts which are not enough for even most RV units.

Thankfully, this Champion power generator, like many others, can run in parallel with another unit to generate more total power. While this might be a bit of a budgetary constraint for Champion’s higher-end models, the Champion 100402 Generator Inverter can handle this setup without hitting too hard in the pocketbook.

It is also worth noting that this Champion power generator features the sem kind of inverter as some of its brethren, allowing it to produce cleaner sine-wave power. This continues to be especially important for people who want to use high-end electronics as the THD of less than 3% means you do not have to worry about frying your electronics or getting a subpar performance.

However, this power generator is not suitable for powering an RV as it only comes with a single 12V DC outlet and two 120V 20A household outlets– neither of which are GFCI-protected. Another solid aspect of the Champion 100402 Generator Inverter is that it is easy to transport despite not having a wheeled chassis thanks to a lightweight design that tips the scales at a svelte 47 ⅗ lbs. The single carrying handle on top of the chassis helps make carrying this generator easier, though the chassis is still made out of plastic.

The Champion 100402 Generator Inverter is easy to use in one context but does not feature an electric start, instead of requiring you to use a recoil start. Thankfully, the EZ Start Dial at least makes selecting the fuel source and degree of choke easier than many other units– though finding the right spot for the propane fuel source can be a bit tricky.

Something else to consider is that the smaller engine and running watts output might limit the size of your unit this generator can fully power, but it also means that the Champion 100402 Generator Inverter boasts one of the best propane runtimes on our list of 12 hours when running at 50% capacity.

Champion Power Equipment 100402 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Parallel Ready

Features

  • Purrs at the quietest 53 dB noise level
  • Comes equipped with a solid 2 ⅔ hp 80cc engine
  • Produces a total of 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts
  • Provides numerous outlets, including a 12V DC outlet and two120V 20A household outlets
  • Can start up with a recoil pull start

Verdict
The Champion 100402 earns the top pick on our list primarily because it is the quietest model we reviewed, but that comes at the cost of general specs like wattage generation. Granted, like other Champion generators, you can run this model in parallel and it produces high-end clean energy.

Pros

  • Only produces 53 dB
  • Has a 2 ⅔ hp 80cc engine
  • Easy to use
  • Is easy to transport
  • Can run in parallel
  • Produces 3% THD power

Cons

  • Has a finicky starter
  • Not the most powerful

Best Value: DuroMax XP4850EH 4850 watt Dual Fuel Hybrid generator with Electric Start

DuroMax XP4850EH Generator-4850 Watt Gas or Propane Powered-Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Green
  • Plenty of Power – With 4,850 starting watts and 3,850 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a...
  • Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice
  • Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 210cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high...

DuroMax is another company that has only been around for a decade and a half, though it tends to focus a bit more on power generators and the most direct applications of those engines rather than branching off into various tools and equipment. That said, the DuroMax XP4850EH Generator really makes its mark on our list as a budget-friendly model that earns the best value pick.

One thing to keep in mind regarding the DuroMax XP4850EH Generator is that it is nowhere near as quiet as the best models, but it is still quieter than most of the generators on the market at 69 dB. Though it can get as loud as your average bit of traffic or a vacuum cleaner, this should not matter too much if you can position away from windows or other openings that might let noise in.

That said, you may very well pay for the value in time, energy, and additional cash depending on your luck when receiving this item. Specifically, the DuroMax XP4850EH Generator comes with more quality control issues than many other models we found, and those issues tend to be more expensive to fix as well.

While this would not necessarily be a huge issue given the low cost of this unit, it becomes a bit more frustrating when the customer service is not noted for being all that helpful and a litany or replacement parts are on perpetual “backorder”. That said, if you happen to get a unit without these concerns or can fix it yourself, the DuroMax XP4850EH Generator is a solid option.

While it is not the most powerful quiet generator on our list, this model still comes with a 7 hp 208cc engine that runs well and has a long lifespan. The engine can handle a starting or peak watt surge of 4850 watts with 3850 running watts which may not run a household but manages one or two larger appliances without issue.

One of the nicer qualities of the DuroMax XP4850EH Generator is its ability to switch between fuel sources and provide a good runtime for either. With gasoline, you can expect 10 hours of use per tank running at 50% capacity, while propane only sees a modest drop-off with a 9-hour runtime at the same capacity.

The DuroMax XP4850EH Generator is also a reasonably easy power generator to move from place to place, even though it weighs a hefty 125 lbs. This decent portability comes thanks to a wheeled metal chassis that uses 8” never-flat wheels, though it may still struggle a bit getting over large bumps.

While nothing special, the DuroMax XP4850EH Generator ensures that you can power an RV with its 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet. On top of that, this power generator also provides two 120V 20A household outlets that come with GFCI-protection to keep your electronics and appliances safe.

It is worth noting that you can hardwire a DC connection to the DuroMax XP4850EH Generator, though it does not seem to produce consistently good results through that method. This power generator also provides an electric flip start to complement the recoil pull-start, to make getting it up and running a bit easier.

DuroMax XP4850EH Generator-4850 Watt Gas or Propane Powered-Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Green

Features

  • Purrs at a quiet 69 dB noise level
  • Comes equipped with a massive 7 hp 208cc engine
  • Produces a total of 4850 starting watts and 3850 running watts
  • Provides numerous outlets, including a 120V/240V 30A twist lock RV outlet and two 120V 20A GFCI household outlets
  • Can start up with a recoil pull start and electric flip switch

Verdict
What the DuroMax lacks in quality control it makes up for with a fairly decent level of all-around specs combined with an extremely low pierce point. The quieter volume of this model may be a bit too loud for some of the more delicate consumers, but it is not much louder than a vacuum cleaner outside of the house.

Pros

  • Generates 3850 running watts
  • Has an electric key start
  • Has a 7 hp 208cc engine
  • Has a solid runtime
  • Okay to transport
  • Is less expensive

Cons

  • Not sinewave energy
  • Not the quietest

Runner Up: DuroStar DS5500EH 5500 Watt Portable Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator

DuroStar DS5500EH 224cc 5,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Home Back Up & RV Ready, 50 State Approved
  • Plenty of Power – With 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a...
  • Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice
  • Powerful Engine – The DuroStar 224cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high...

DuroStar is a bit interesting in that it is another brand under the DuroMax company heading with very little difference in terms of the functional aspects. The main difference between the two brands is that DuroStar is made in a different factory than DuroMax and tends to be a bit less budget-friendly.

In terms of noise, the DuroStar sits similarly with other power generators in the under general Duro- company product lines and is quieter than some at only 69 dB. Of course, that may require you to be particular about where you set the DuroStar DS5500EH Generator, taking special care to position it away from windows and other openings to reduce its traffic-level volume.

While the price difference between Duro brands normally would not be a big enough to note, it appears as if the factory that produces DuroStar earns its goosed cost by suffering from fewer and less involved quality control issues. Keep in mind, the DuroStar DS5500EH Generator still suffers from its own fair share of quality control issues.

But, these issues are often easier to fix and do not necessarily require you to pay for the shipping of replacement parts quite as often as DuraMax branded generators do. Regardless, the DuroStar DS5500EH Generator, much like its DuroMax sibling, really makes a name for itself due to a low price point.

That said, part of the value this power generator provides is in the fact that you get so much power at that price point. For instance, the DuroStar DS5500EH Generator comes in second on our list in terms of the most powerful generator we reviewed with a 5500 starting watt surge and 4500 running watts.

Granted, this still means that you may not be able to power all of your control systems, appliances, and devices simultaneously. Thankfully, the DuroStar DS5500EH Generator should still be able to handle an AC wall unit or your average central heating unit for when the weather knocks the power out.

This power generator also comes with an impressive 7 ½ hp 225cc engine, though the mechanically inclined may want to do a light breakdown to make sure everything is as it should be before trying to use this generator. While that powerful engine helps generate the solid running watts the DuroStar DS5500EH Generator produces, it also guzzles fuel.

In terms of versatility, this power generator does not deviate too much from the parent model with two 120V 20A household outlets that provide GFCI protection. The DuroStar DS5500EH Generator combines these outlets with a singular solid 120V/240V 30A twist lock RV outlet.

While not the shortest on our list, this power generator sits between the middle and below-average mark depending on whether you fuel it with gasoline or propane. One area you do not have to worry about the DuroStar DS5500EH Generator’s durability is in its overall build thanks to an all-metal construction.

This power generator is not exactly lightweight, tipping the scales at a hefty 129 lbs– the second-highest on our list. However, the DuroStar DS5500EH Generator follows the DuroMax suit by attaching 8”, never-flat wheels to the frame, making it easy to pull so long as you do not need to go over large bumps.

DuroStar DS5500EH 224cc 5,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Home Back Up & RV Ready, 50 State Approved

Features

  • Purrs at a quiet 69 dB noise level
  • Comes equipped with a massive 7 ½ HP 225cc engine
  • Produces a total of 5500 starting watts, 4500 running watts
  • Provides numerous outlets, including a 120V/240V 30A twist lock RV outlet and two 120V 20A GFCI household outlets
  • Can start up with a recoil pull start and electric flip switch

Verdict
Similar to other products under the company umbrella, the DuroStar DS5500EH Generator produces the second-most watts on our list and is quieter at 69 dB. While it cannot run an entire household or RV unit, it can still power some energy-hungry systems, though it may require some TLC out of the box.

Pros

  • Generates 4500 running watts
  • Has an all-metal construction
  • Has 7 ½ HP 225cc engine
  • Has an electric start
  • Okay to transport
  • Is less expensive

Cons

  • Not sinewave energy
  • Not the quietest

Also Consider: Westinghouse WGen7500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator 7500 Rated & 9500 Peak Watts, Gas or Propane Powered, Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, CARB Compliant

Westinghouse WGen5500 Portable Generator - 5500 Rated Watts & 6850 Peak Watts - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant - Transfer Switch Ready
  • 5500 Running Watts and 6850 Peak Watts; Recoil Start; Up to 15 Hours of Run Time on a 6. 6 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge
  • Features Two GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) 5–20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle and One L14-30R 120/240V Twist-Lock...
  • Plug-and-Play: Comes With Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly...

Of all the companies on our list, Westinghouse is easily the oldest and most experienced with a history that stretches back over 180 years. That said, Westinghouse is one of the least specialized brands that we reviewed with numerous divisions that produce almost every kind of consumer electronics.

As far as our list goes, this is easily the least quiet model we reviewed, which is a big part of why it sits at the bottom, but it is still fairly quiet compared to other generators within its spec range. You can always find a quieter generator out there, but you likely will have difficulty doing so while also achieving the same level of power and specs that this entry affords.

The Westinghouse WGen7500DF Generator can be seen as the best power generator on our list in some respects, most notably if you need to power numerous devices simultaneously. However, the current spate of technical and quality control issues the model suffered in the past year forces us to drop it on our list.

Keep in mind, we are not opposed to overlooking some minor issues that can be solved with a quick-fix for budget-friendly power generators. However, the Westinghouse WGen7500DF Generator is anything but a “budget-friendly” model and comes with a hefty price tag that makes these issues more egregious.

Granted, if you need a power generator with plenty of juice, the Westinghouse WGen7500DF Generator puts out an impressive 7500 watts with the ability to handle 9500 starting or peak surge watts. All of this energy comes from the power generator’s monstrous 12 ⅘ hp 420cc engine that is easily the largest on our list.

As if that were not enough, the Westinghouse WGen7500DF Generator also boasts some of the best runtimes we encountered with 11 hours for gasoline and a solid 8 hours for propane, both running at 50% capacity. This extensive runtime comes courtesy of the power generator’s massive 6 ⅗ gal fuel tank that is also the largest on our list.

In terms of powering individual devices, the Westinghouse WGen7500DF Generator also tops our list with a bevy of different outlets including a list-leading four 120V 20A GFCI-protected household outlets. On top of that, this power generator also provides a single 120V/240V 30A RV outlet and a 5V DC outlet with two USB ports.

It truly is a shame that the recent run suffers from quality control issues as the Westinghouse WGen7500DF Generator also boasts some impressive start-up features. For example, not only is this power generator the only one with an electric start button, but it also comes with a remote keyfob starter with an outrageous range of 109 yards.

One thing to consider with the Westinghouse WGen7500DF Generator is transportation which seems equivalent to competing models but comes up a bit short. Part of the issue comes from the fact that this power generator tips the scales at a whopping 192 lbs which is heavy even when assisted.

However, another issue comes from the fact that this power generator also employs 10” wheels which do not hold up well under the weight unless pulled along even ground. Of course, if you only need the Westinghouse WGen7500DF Generator to power your RV or even house in a time of emergency, you can use the company’s Smart ST Switch.

Westinghouse WGen5500 Portable Generator - 5500 Rated Watts & 6850 Peak Watts - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant - Transfer Switch Ready

Features

  • Purrs at a quiet 72 dB noise
  • Comes equipped with a monstrous 12 ⅘ hp 420cc engine
  • Watts: 9500 starting watts and 7500 running watts
  • Provides numerous outlets, including a 5V DC port with two USB ports, 120V/240V 30A twist lock RV outlet, and four 120V 20A GFCI household outlets
  • Can start up with a recoil pull start, electric push start, and wireless keyfob

Verdict
While the Westinghouse WGen7500DF Generator may not be the most reliable model on our list, it certainly provides the most power and is better able to run an entire RV unit or household than others. To help reduce the noise generated, a thick gauge extension cord can allow you to position it farther away from your house without a loss in power.

Pros

  • Has plenty of outlets
  • Generates 7500 running watts
  • Has a 12 ⅘ hp 420cc engine
  • Has a push and remote start
  • Has a solid runtime
  • Is less expensive

Cons

  • Not sinewave energy
  • Not the quietest

Best Quiet Propane Generator Buying Guide 2020

Volume

When gauging a propane power generator in terms of noise produced, you should look for the decibels the engine puts out as part of its combustion. It is also worth noting that decibels follow exponential growth progression, not linear, so the difference between 10 and 20 more decibels is 100 times the volume– not simply doubled.

Given the subject of our list, we feel that the volume is the most important factor to consider, though it comes with the caveat that you have to give up something in return. Essentially, the quieter a power generator is, generally the less powerful the motor and the fewer watts it produces.

Watts

While the volume a power generator produces might be the most important quality on our list, there is no getting around the fact that you want a generator that can put out as many watts as possible. While many electronics include a starting or peak wattage as well as a running wattage, you generally only need to worry about the latter.

However, power generators buck that trend as you need the generator to be able to handle the peak surge wattage required to start a device in the first place. Generally, power generators will provide 1000 more starting watts above the running watts, but heavy-duty generators might offer more.

One thing to keep in mind is that the more power a generator can produce, generally the louder the generator will be. If volume is paramount and you are willing to spend the money, it might be a better idea to get multiple generators that produce fewer total watts.

Engine

The engine can be a bit tricky as it roughly correlates both with the amount of energy put out as well as the amount of noise produced. However, correlation is not causation, and two engines of similar sizes might produce more or less of either energy or volume with no clear distinction of why.

However, there is no getting around the fact that if you need a single generator to produce more power, you will need one with a larger engine that also generates more noise. Like with wattage, the best way to avoid this issue is by purchasing multiple generators with smaller engines, if you can.

One thing that tends to follow is that between two equally well-made engines that are equally maintained, the larger engine will have a longer lifespan. Granted, the difference may be negligible depending on the difference in the size, but larger components have higher thresholds and can resist more abuse.

Outlets

Regardless of how much energy a power generator can put out, it does not do any good if you cannot get it from the generator to your devices. That said, not all equipment that power generators run can draw it from the same kind of connections, so having a variety of different ports and outlets is also useful.

If you have an RV, you want to make sure that your power generator comes equipped with at least one 120V/240V 30A RV outlet. For most other devices, the standard 120V 20A household outlets should suffice, but look for ones that have GFCI protection to prevent any damage from a short circuit.

Runtime

Depending on why you need a power generator, this might be one of the more important factors, especially if the devices it powers are vital at that moment. If you use your power generator to supplement your electricity or for specific, short-term uses, it is not quite as vital but should not necessarily be overlooked.

One thing to keep in mind is that different fuel sources are more efficient than others with gasoline generally being more efficient and able to fuel a power generator longer than propane. On top of that, you also need to consider how powerful the engine is when compared to the size of the fuel tank, whether gas or propane.

Waveform and Circuit

The first of these two, the waveform is important because not all electronics respond as well to electricity depending on the polarity change in the voltage of electricity provided. To wit, a pure sine-wave will provide the cleanest energy that works the best for high-end electronics like computers and smart devices.

The circuit refers to how the power generator can directly connect to different devices, whether that be another generator or an electric system. For the latter, some generators can work seamlessly with household wiring, while the former can allow you to chain multiple generators together to produce more electricity.

Build

The build can be judged in a couple of different ways with the most common being in what materials and processes are used in manufacturing the propane generator. Due to the amount of heat, force, and electricity produced by power generators, you should favor metal components over less durable plastic ones where applicable.

One build factor that can help decrease the amount of noise that a power generator creates, regardless the size of the engine, is a housing that covers the entire generator. That said, this will inherently increase the temperature of the engine, so make sure the case provides enough ventilation.

Another build aspect to consider, especially as it relates to power generators, is the quality control the company conducts before the product leaves the factory. While this is not as much of a problem for other products, power generators more than most tend to suffer from these issues which can cause them to fail when needed most or require costly repairs.

Start

The method of starting a power generator traditionally relied on a recoil starting method that manually pulled the crankshaft to start the engine. However, many power generators allow you to connect a battery to the engine and use an electric starter with an alternator and spark plug much like you would with an automobile.

As far as the interface goes, most electric starting power generators employ a switch activation, though this can be a bit clumsy– especially at night or other dark circumstances. In response to this inconvenience, some manufacturers include a push-button start or even a remote start.

FAQ

Why Use Propane vs Gas?

Though our list focuses primarily on quiet power generators, it also tackles the subclass of models that can run on propane fuel rather than just gasoline. For the experienced user, this could be seen as a bit of a misstep since propane fuel is not as efficient as gasoline, requiring more to get the same effect.

However, propane comes with its own benefits that are especially useful for power generators which tend to be used either in emergencies or a dozen times a year at most. One of the more important factors regarding this usage is the fact that, unlike gasoline, propane does not expire in a short time, able to last for decades when properly stored.

Another excellent quality of propane is that you house it in strong metal tanks which are up to 40 times as durable as the traditional gasoline canister. Finally, propane is an environmentally friendly fuel source that burns clean which means you not only are reducing your carbon footprint but futureproofing yourself against future regulations.

In our testings, we did not discover that propane is quieter than a gasoline generator. Fortunately, the generators we have listed are hybrids which allows us to run on both gas and propane as their fuel source.

What Power Level Should I Look for in a Propane Generator That Is Also Quiet?

There is no single answer to this question as each person will have a different set of energy needs that will drive their decision. When you combine this variable set of energy needs with a divergent range of budgets, the best idea is to figure out how much you can spend and select your power level from there.

A good way of figuring this out is by identifying what devices or appliances you definitively need and making sure you can at least run those. For example, if you want a power generator to ensure that you still have electricity should inclement weather knock out the powerlines, you likely want to make sure that the generator can keep your refrigerator going to prevent food spoilage.

Conversely, if you want a power generator to supplement your energy needs for an RV, you likely should look for a model that provides significantly more power and is able to run multiple large appliances at once. Remember to consider the starting wattage of your appliances and make sure your generator can handle them.

To reiterate, if volume is a major concern, it might be a better idea to skip the more powerful generators, even if you need to power an RV or other array of appliances and devices. If you can afford it, getting multiple generators that produce less power and noise might be a better approach.

What to Look For in Quiet Propane Generator?

Outside of low noise production and high energy generation, there are a few other features that can either make a power generator more convenient or viable depending on your needs. For example, something many people overlook is the voltage of the energy produced.

While less complicated electronics do not need to worry about this factor as much, any device with a microprocessor needs a power generator that produces sine-wave energy for the best results. Square or step-wave energy can prevent microprocessors from working properly or outright ruin them.

Outside of “clean: energy production, getting a power generator with an electric start feature can make using it significantly more convenient– though you will need a battery. Finally, consider the different types of outlets on a power generator to ensure that the model you choose can power the devices you want.

Conclusion

As we can see, someone looking for a quiet propane power generator will often have to make a tough choice between how much they want to spend, how much power the generator produces, and how quiet the generator actually is. Because you can often use multiple generators to account for less power, those who value quiet over everything else are often willing to spend more.

It is worth noting that you can find strategic locations around your property or RV to reduce the noise produced by more powerful generators and use extension cords to position them further away. However, if you absolutely need a power generator that will not disturb you, one of the two Champion products is best for you.