Portable Propane Generators

Portable propane generators are a great choice for anyone who needs portability, reliability, and dependability. Because they're portable, you can take them anywhere you need them to go; whether it’s work, camping, recreation, or simply around the yard of your home. Using propane has many advantages compared to gasoline or diesel gas powered generators, and only a couple, avoidable drawbacks.

Advantages of Portable Propane Generators

For starters, many top of the line brands such as Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Cummins Onan, Honda and Generac sell portable propane generators of various sizes. Instead of calling them fuel tanks, their referred to as cylinders. Cylinders range in size from small 5-gallon grill cylinders to larger cylinders of 200-1,000 gallons that can be installed underground for backup emergency situations. It has a longer shelf life and is the cleanest burning alternative fuel available.
Fuel is very easy to come by, and because it lasts longer than gas or diesel, you spend less time refueling. When you do have to refuel your cylinder, you can simply go to the nearest gas station, or set up a delivery time and date. As for cost, at one point portable propane generators were the most expensive gensets on the market. But as time passed, and manufacturers saw the benefits of propane, the prices came down. Nowadays, portable propane generators are among the cheapest for the initial cost. Unlike gasoline, the price of propane has remained stable over time. There has not been any spikes in the price during the past 10 years. You can fill up a 5-gallon cylinder at the gas station for $10-$20, and it will last you (using it continuously) for a week.

Disadvantages of Portable Propane Power Generators

There are only a couple of disadvantages when choosing propane. If you decide one day that you want to transform your portable generator into a backup emergency generator, it’s recommended you have a licensed electrician come to your house and install it for you. This of course has a price, however if an emergency does occur it will pay itself off in a short period of time. As for the other drawbacks, it’s the same with any generator. There’s always a chance of carbon monoxide poisoning or leaks due to the engine exhaust. Electric shock, burns and fires are also a possibility. But as long as you read the instruction manual that comes with the generator, and understand how to handle and maintain it properly, you should be okay.