Portable generators are an extremely useful appliance to have. They have many different uses and can suit all kinds of different needs.
You can use portable generators in a domestic setting as a backup generator for your home.
In the event of a power loss they will keep all of your essential appliances up and running, so you don’t lose all the food you have in your refrigerator and freezer and your air conditioning stays up and running.
This is particularly useful in hurricane season! They can also be used to power job sites as they can run multiple power tools.
You can take your generator camping to power appliances or even to power your RV. Portable generators can also be used for parties to run lighting systems and sound systems. Or they can be used to power medical equipment.
Once you have decided that you need a portable generator, it can be difficult to choose the right one. There are so many on offer, all promising different features and levels of performance.
There are varying fuel tank sizes, different controls, and a selection of engine sizes. To make it easier for you, we have put together a list of the best portable generators available which can be fuelled with natural gas.
We have also provided some information on how to choose the right product for you, and answered some common questions about generators. Keep reading to find out more and choose your perfect portable generator.
OUR TOP PICK
The DuroMax XP12000EH Generator has dual fuel technology, allowing it to run on propane or gasoline.
This gives you more freedom and flexibility when it comes to powering your appliances. It is powered by a powerful 4 stroke OHV engine that is 475cc.
This generator is approved for use in all 50 states so you can take it with you wherever you go and the sturdy solid-fill tyres make it easy to move around.
It also has a handle kit to make it easy to pull over rugged terrain.
The generator has 12000 starting watts and 9500 running watts so it can handle heavy loads.
You can use it for appliances like refrigerators, for lighting systems, air conditioning units, and power tools.
This means it is suitable to be used as a backup generator for your home, to power a job site, or to take camping to use with your RV.
The DuroMax MX2 technology allows you to get the maximum power from each of the 120 volt receptacles.
You can choose between operating the generator at both 120 V and 240 V Simultaneously, or at 120 only with full power. The control panel also includes a voltmeter, circuit breakers, low oil indicator, idle control.
The all metal construction with copper windings makes this generator durable and reliable. The copper windings are covered by a 3 year factory. It is also eco-friendly.
It has a 50 Amp outlet and an 8.3 gallon fuel tank. Included in the box is a user manual, an oil funnel, a spark plug wrench, a tool set, a wheel kit and DC cables.
The unit measures 30 inches by 29 inches and is 26 inches high. It’s assembled weight is 224 pounds. The metal frame is strong and durable with fully isolated motor mounts.
It also has a noise reducing muffler with a built-in spark arrestor. This means that you can operate the generator smoothly and quietly.
EDITORS CHOICE
The Westinghouse outdoor dual fuel portable generator is powered by a 420cc 4 stroke OHV engine. It is covered by a 3 year limited service, labour and parts guarantee.
It has an electric push-button start for convenience and the additional option of a remote key fob so you can start and stop your generator from up to 260 feet away.
For extra peace of mind, there is also the option to start the generator using a traditional recoil start.
This generator is dual fuel which means you can choose between propane and gasoline, depending on what suits your needs.
You can switch easily between the two types of fuel with a dial on the control panel.
This can even be done while the generator is running. There are also multiple outlets on the control panel, all with rubber covers for additional safety.
The generator has a 6.6 gallon fuel tank with a fuel gauge which can keep the generator running for 11 hours.
When fuelled by gasoline it has 7500 Rated Watts & 9500 Peak Watts, and when fuelled by propane it has 6750 Rated Watts & 8550 Peak Watts.
The engine includes a cast iron sleeve for durability. The automatic low oil shut down feature protects the ginger and there is a digital hour meter.
There is an air-cooled overhead valve that helps the engine to operate more efficiently.
Included with the generator is a propane hose and regulator. It also comes with a user manual, the remote start key fob, a tool kit, oil and an oil funnel, and a 12 volt battery charger.
These are extra items that you might otherwise have to purchase separately.
The 120/240 volt 30 Amp outlet allows you to connect the generator directly to your household power circuits with an extension cord.
The ST switch will automatically start the generator when a power loss is detected so you can have immediate backup power for your essential appliances.
This generator can easily be taken on the go with you, as it has sturdy wheels, a foam grip handle, a hardened-steel frame and added roll bars.
BEST VALUE
The DuroStar dual fuel portable generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the flexibility to choose the fuel type that is best for you.
It is powered by a mighty 500cc engine that can handle power tools, high voltage appliances and home air conditioning systems.
It has plenty of power with 13,000 starting watts and 10,500 running watts.
This generator is perfect for powering a job site, for an RV or camping, or for being used as a backup generator for your home.
To save fuel and reduce noise, the idle control lowers the rpms of the generator when not in use.
This is perfect for when you want to use the generator on job sites as the power is only needed intermittently.
The control panel includes a range of outlets to be compatible with various appliances, as well as a digital voltmeter.
The metal construction is very durable with copper windings for long pasting performance. The engine has a push button start for convenience and a low oil sensor for protection.
There is also an AC breaker and DC charging ability. The unit measures 30 inches by
30 inches and is 26 inches high. It weighs 231 pounds when fully assembled.
The unit is easy to transport, with two grab handles and durable wheels. This means you can take it with you on the go and easily bring power to remote, hard to reach areas.
RUNNER UP
The ETW portable generator can be fuelled by gasoline or propane, which means you can choose the fuel type that works best for you or switch between the two depending on what you have available.
It is powered by a 7 horsepower 4 stroke OHV engine with an air cooling system for better efficiency. The engine has a recoil start and an electronic ignition for more convenience.
With 3,600 starting watts and 3,200 running watts, it is suitable for high voltage appliances, power tools and much more.
At a 50% load, the 4 gallon fuel tank will keep the generator running for 13 hours. The engine is protected by a low oil shutdown feature, which will help your engine to last longer.
This generator is approved for use in all 50 states so you can take it with you wherever you go. The unique folding handle makes it easy to pull the generator along on the sturdy 8 inch solid wheels.
The unit has a digital 3 in 1 indicator which enables you to run multiple appliances simultaneously. It also runs quietly so noise will not be an issue.
The control panel is easy to access and simple to use. This generator is ideal for use on a job site or as a backup generator for your home.
RUNNER UP
The A-iPower dual fuel generator runs on both propane and gasoline which makes it flexible to meet your needs.
You can easily switch between the two types of fuel with the digital control pad, which is very useful if you run out of one type of fuel.
It is powered by a 459cc 4 stroke OHV engine.
The engine has an electric start up for convenience and includes a low oil shutdown feature for protection, complete with warning lights. This will help your engine to last longer.
When running on gasoline the unit has 2000 peak watt & 9000 running watt, and when running on propane it has 10800 Max Watt & 8500 running watt.
The large 7 gallon fuel tank can keep the generator running for 7 hours on 100% load or 9 hours at a 50% load.
The outlets have a weather resistant cover which allows you to use the generator in any weather conditions.
This is an ideal generator to use in an emergency, as it can power all of your major appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners and lights.
It can also be used to power job sites as you can run multiple power tools from it.
Best Portable Natural Gas Generators Buyer's Guide
Now that we have shown you the best portable generators on offer that can be fuelled with natural gas, it is time to choose which one will be right for you. But how do you narrow down your selection?
Each product is a great option and will do the job, but we have put together some advice on how to identify which generator will be best for your individual needs.
There are several things you will want to consider when choosing your generator. The first, is whether the dual fuel feature is important to you. The products we have looked at can all be powered by propane or gasoline.
If you think it is likely that you will be using both kinds of fuel, then it might be beneficial to choose a generator with a function that lets you easily switch between the two fuel types.
Some generators even let you switch whilst the generator is in use. This could be very handy if you suddenly realize you are running out of one type of fuel but you are halfway through a job, or you are powering important appliances that you don’t want to turn off.
Another thing you will want to look at when choosing between generators is the size of the fuel tank.
The bigger the fuel tank, the longer the generator will be able to run for. However, it will also make the unit heavier and larger, and more cumbersome to move around. It is also more expensive to run a larger fuel tank.
If you are mainly using your generator as a backup power source for your home, then running time is probably more important than portability. However, if you want to use the generator to power a job site or to take with you on the road then you will want to be able to move it around easily.
Different generators have various types of handles, so look for one that will be comfortable and sturdy to wheel across uneven terrain. Solid-fill tyres are ideal as they will not puncture and deflate. The structure is also important, as metal roll bars will give the unit extra protection.
If you plan on leaving the generator outside overnight and for long periods of time, then consider getting one with a weather resistant control panel to protect the outlets. Some outlets also have rubber coverings for extra safety which is a good feature.
Some generators have additional functionality when you buy add-on products, like the ability to automatically connect to certain power circuits in your household in the event of power loss.
This often needs to be configured by an electrician, but is a useful feature if you live in an area where adverse weather events cause you to lose power.
The final thing to think about is that additional things come included with the generator. Some generators come with tool kits, oil funnels, adapters, cables, battery chargers, and more.
These can be very useful items which you would otherwise have to purchase separately, so it is worth considering the additional items when choosing a generator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Better - Propane Or Gasoline?
The type of fuel you use comes down to personal preference. Propane is less expensive and offers cleaner burning.
Propane is better for the environment than gasoline, and it can be stored indefinitely. It also reduces the amount of maintenance you need to do on your engine.
However, gasoline usually provides higher wattage and is generally a more efficient source of fuel, producing more BTUs per gallon. It is also easier to get hold of, especially when you are on the road.
What Can Portable Generators Be Used For?
There are many possible uses for portable generators. Some people use portable generators as a backup power source for their homes in the event of power loss, such as an outage or an adverse weather event.
They can be used to power medical equipment, which is useful if you are running a mobile clinic or if you have medical equipment in your home. You can use them as a source of power for an outhouse or garage, turning into a more usable workspace or workshop.
Some people use portable generators to power a job site and run their power tools. Portable generators are also very popular with campers and people who own RVs. As they are easy to wheel across uneven terrain, they are perfect for bringing power to more remote areas.
How Do You Turn On A Portable Generator?
Some basic generators only have a traditional recoil start up. Others are more advanced and have an electric push start ignition which is much more convenient.
The top of the range generators include a key fob which allows you to start and stop the generator from over 200 feet away.
Are Portable Generators Noisy?
Some portable generators include a noise cancelling or reducing feature which makes them quieter to run.
Without this feature they can be quite loud, so you might want to consider this when choosing where to place your generator.
Jeremiah Pike
I'm an environment and energy blogger who teaches outdoor and energy enthusiasts how to be better informed when it comes to purchasing or maintaining a generator, solar panel system, or anything else related to your energy needs.