Imagine this: a storm rages outside, and the lights go out. Your food in the fridge starts to warm up, and your phone is almost dead. What do you do? This is where a portable generator can be a lifesaver, but choosing the right one, especially one that runs on natural gas, can feel like a puzzle.
Many people worry about the cost, the noise, and how much power they actually need. Finding a generator that fits your budget and powers your essential appliances without being a nuisance is a big concern. You want to be prepared, but you don’t want to make a mistake that costs you time and money.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down everything you need to know about portable natural gas generators. You’ll learn what makes them a great choice, what to look for when buying, and how to keep your home running smoothly during any power outage. Get ready to feel confident about your power backup plan.
Top Portable Generator Natural Gas Recommendations
- Perfect as a backup power source for larger homes or a dependable source of portable power
- 14,500 peak watts, 11,500 running watts (gasoline); 13,500 peak watts, 10,500 running watts (propane); 12,000 peak watts, 9,500 running watts (natural gas)
- Powered by a heavy duty 550cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed with a durable cast iron sleeve; Runs for up to 19 hours on a 9.5 gal. fuel tank with built-in fuel gauge; up to 7 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
- Engineered with low THD, so it's safe for sensitive electronics. Power phones, computers, TVs and more. Stay connected with people, news and entertainment during power outages, or on jobsites and campsites. Durable copper windings help your generator produce cleaner power, run cooler and last longer
- All Westinghouse portable generators are gunctionally tested in the factory and may contain minimum residual oil and/or fuel odor; EPA compliant; Backed by 3-Year limited service, labor, and parts coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- 12500 Peak Watts, 9500 Running Watts (Gasoline); 11200 Peak Watts, 8500 Running Watts (Propane); 9500 Peak Watts, 7500 Running Watts (Natural Gas); Remote Start with Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 6. 6 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown, and Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, and Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- VERSATILE TRI-FUEL FLEXIBILITY - Run on gasoline, liquid propane, or natural gas with simple fuel selector dial, delivering 9500 running watts and 12500 starting watts, providing maximum power and fuel flexibility for any emergency or application
- EFFORTLESS ELECTRIC START SYSTEM - Push-button electric start with included rechargeable battery eliminates manual pull-cord cranking, delivering instant reliable power activation and hassle-free operation during stressful emergency situations and cold weather conditions
- EXTENDED MULTI-FUEL RUNTIME - Powerful 500cc Generac OHV engine with 7.5-gallon steel fuel tank provides up to 9.5 hours of runtime at 50% load on gasoline, with extended runtime options using propane or natural gas fuel sources
- LIFE-SAVING COSENSE PROTECTION - Advanced carbon monoxide detection technology continuously monitors hazardous CO levels and automatically shuts down the generator while alerting you, preventing dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning for ultimate family safety
- HEAVY-DUTY JOB SITE CONSTRUCTION - Rugged steel tube cradle frame, weather-resistant covered outlets for harsh environment protection, and heavy-duty never-flat wheels with fold-down handle deliver exceptional durability and easy transport across any terrain
- 13500 Peak Watts, 10500 Running Watts (Gasoline); 12500 Peak Watts, 9500 Running Watts (Propane); 10000 Peak Watts, 8500 Running Watts (Natural Gas); Remote Start with Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 19 Hours of Run Time on a 9.5 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R 20A Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R 30A, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R 50A; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 500cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown, and Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, and Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- With 13,000 watts of power, the XP13000HXT Tri Fuel generator will keep your whole home running during a storm or power outage, while protecting your family from harmful fumes with CO Alert
- Run your generator on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. With Tri Fuel, we offer the ultimate freedom and flexibility of fuel choice
- Powerful 500cc OHV Engine: At the heart of this generator resides a robust DuroMax engine designed to provide you with the most power.
- The XP13000HXT comes with a push button start, a front facing interface that allows you to change your fuel type in seconds, and a wide variety of outlets including a transfer switch-ready 50 amp outlet
- Push Button Start and Remote Start: Turn on your generator with a simple push of a button, or use the remote to conveniently start your generator from a distance.
- INVERTER BENEFITS, HOME BACKUP POWER: The Westinghouse iGen8200TFc is a tri fuel generator with all the benefits of an inverter, but also with home backup power and a 50A outlet; Gasoline: 6600 running/8200 peak watts, Propane: 5940 running/7380 peak watts, Natural Gas: 5280 running/6560 peak watts
- SAVE FUEL, SAVE MONEY, LESS NOISE: Inverter technology adjusts engine speed to meet power demand, significantly cutting fuel use compared to traditional generators. That's less refills and fuel runs–saving time, money, and hassle. It's also much quieter than open frames, around 60 dBA at 25% load
- TRANSFER SWITCH OR INTERLOCK KIT READY: One 120/240V 14–50R 50A outlet for home backup can run your air conditioner, refrigerator, sump pump, and more–all at once; One RV ready 120V TT-30R 30A outlet; One GFCI 120V 5–20R 20A standard duplex outlet
- LOW THD AND COPPER WINDINGS: With less than 3% THD, it's safe to power electronics like phones, computers and TVs to stay connected during outages, or on jobsites and campsites. Copper windings help the unit make cleaner power, run cooler and last longer
- DURABLE ENGINE WITH SAFETY BUILT-IN: Powered by a heavy duty 298 cc Westinghouse 4-stroke OHV engine with a cast iron sleeve; up to 17 hours of run time on a 3.9 gallon fuel tank at 25% load with automatic low oil shutdown and carbon monoxide (CO) sensor
- Switch between gasoline (14500 surge watts, 11500 running watts), propane (12500 surge watts, 10300 running watts), and natural gas (10500 surge watts, 8750 running watts) with a simple turn of the selection dial
- Operates at 120V and 240V, making it perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup
- The WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor helps protect both you and your family by automatically turning off the generator if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected
- Electric start powers the 500c 4-stroke OHV engine with the turn of a key, while the 8.2-gallon tank provides up to 12 hours of half-load runtime
- Includes four 120V 5-20R outlet, a 120V/240V transfer-switch-ready NEMA L14-30R outlet, a 120V/240V transfer-switch-ready NEMA 14-50R outlet, a 12V DC automotive outlet, a bottle of oil, a 6-foot LPG connection hose, an NG quick-connect adapter, and a three-year limited warranty
- Perfect as a backup power source for larger homes or a dependable source of portable power
- 14,500 peak watts, 11,500 running watts (gasoline); 13,500 peak watts, 10,500 running watts (propane)
- Runs for up to 19 hours on a 9.5 gal. fuel tank with built-in fuel gauge; up to 7 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
- Powered by a heavy duty 550cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed with a durable cast iron sleeve
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
Your Guide to Portable Natural Gas Generators
Why Choose a Natural Gas Generator?
Portable natural gas generators are a fantastic choice for powering your home or campsite. They run on natural gas, which is a clean-burning fuel. This means less pollution and often a quieter operation compared to gasoline generators. You also don’t need to store or worry about running out of fuel as long as you have a natural gas line nearby.
1. Key Features to Look For
Power Output (Wattage)
This is the most important feature. Generators are measured in watts. You need to know how much power your devices need. Add up the watts of everything you want to run at once. Look for a generator that has more watts than you need. This gives you extra power for starting up appliances, which often need more watts initially.
Fuel Inlet Size
Generators connect to your natural gas line with a hose. The inlet size tells you how big the connection is. Common sizes are 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch. Make sure it matches your gas line setup. A good connection ensures the generator gets enough fuel to run smoothly.
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Compatibility
An ATS is a smart device. It switches your home’s power from the grid to the generator automatically when the power goes out. Not all portable generators work with ATS. If you want this convenience, check if the generator is compatible. This makes powering your home during an outage much easier.
Run Time
Natural gas generators can run for a very long time. They don’t run out of fuel like gas generators. Your run time depends on how much gas your home uses. It’s good to know how much fuel your generator can handle. This helps you plan for longer power outages.
2. Important Materials
Engine Components
The engine is the heart of the generator. Look for generators with engines made from sturdy materials like cast iron. This makes them last longer and run better. High-quality engines handle tough jobs without overheating.
Frame and Housing
The generator’s frame protects the engine and other parts. Steel frames are strong and durable. The housing protects it from weather and dirt. Look for powder-coated steel for good rust protection. A well-built frame keeps your generator safe.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Brand Reputation
Some brands are known for making reliable generators. Do some research on different brands. Read reviews from other users. A good brand often means better quality and customer support.
Noise Level
Generators can be noisy. Natural gas generators are often quieter than gas ones. Look for generators with noise levels measured in decibels (dB). Lower numbers mean less noise. This is important if you use it in a neighborhood or for camping.
Ease of Use
A good generator should be easy to start and operate. Look for features like electric start. Also, consider how easy it is to connect to your gas line. Simple controls make using the generator less of a hassle.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Home Backup Power
Many people use portable natural gas generators for backup power at home. They can run essential appliances like refrigerators, lights, and heating systems. This is great for storms or power grid issues.
Outdoor Events and Recreation
These generators are also perfect for camping trips or outdoor parties. You can power lights, music, and cooking equipment. They offer a clean and quiet way to enjoy the outdoors without losing modern conveniences.
Job Sites
Contractors and builders can use them on job sites. They can power tools and equipment where electricity is not available. This makes work more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main advantage of a natural gas generator?
A: The main advantage is that it runs on natural gas. This fuel is clean and you don’t have to store it. It’s also often quieter than other types.
Q: How much power do I need?
A: You need to add up the watts of all the devices you want to run at the same time. Then, choose a generator with more watts than that total.
Q: Do I need a special connection for natural gas?
A: Yes, you need a natural gas line and a hose to connect the generator. The inlet size on the generator should match your gas line connection.
Q: Can I connect a natural gas generator to my home’s gas line?
A: Yes, you can. You’ll need a qualified professional to install the proper piping and ensure safety.
Q: Are natural gas generators safe to use indoors?
A: No, never use any generator indoors. They produce carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. Always use them outdoors and away from windows and doors.
Q: How long can a natural gas generator run?
A: They can run as long as there is a continuous supply of natural gas. This means they can run for days if needed.
Q: Are they as powerful as gasoline generators?
A: Yes, they can be just as powerful. Power output is measured in watts, and you can find natural gas generators with high wattages.
Q: Do I need to do maintenance on a natural gas generator?
A: Yes, like any engine, they need regular maintenance. This includes checking oil and air filters.
Q: Are they more expensive than gasoline generators?
A: The initial cost might be higher, but the fuel cost is often lower. They can be more cost-effective over time.
Q: What happens if my natural gas line has low pressure?
A: Low gas pressure can cause the generator to run poorly or not at all. Ensure your gas line can supply enough pressure for the generator’s needs.