Best Propane Generator Size for a Florida Hurricane
Sizing a propane generator for hurricane backup comes down to two questions: what do you need to run, and for how long? Get those right and the cylinder count falls out naturally.
Address: 7214 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024
Key Takeaway
For a typical Florida household running essentials (fridge, lights, a window AC, phone chargers) during a hurricane outage, a 5–7 kW propane generator is the sweet spot. Plan on 4+ standard 20 lb cylinders for a multi-day outage or 1–2 larger 40 lb / 100 lb cylinders. Propane Refill Station in Hollywood, FL refills all of these. Call (954) 966-1763.
What size propane generator do I need for a Florida hurricane?
It depends on what you want to keep running:
- 3 kW: Bare minimum — phone chargers, a few lights, a small fan. Not much else.
- 5 kW: Fridge, lights, ceiling fans, phone chargers, a small TV. Good "survival" tier.
- 7 kW: All of the above plus one window AC unit. Most popular hurricane backup tier in South Florida.
- 9–12 kW: Central AC for a small home, fridge, lights, multiple appliances. The "live like nothing happened" tier.
- 20+ kW: Whole-home backup including AC for larger houses. Usually paired with a permanent ASME tank, not portable cylinders.
How much propane does a generator burn per hour?
Rough fuel consumption at half-load (typical real-world usage):
- 5 kW: 0.7 gallons (~3 lb) per hour
- 7 kW: 1.0 gallon (~4 lb) per hour
- 12 kW: 1.5 gallons (~6 lb) per hour
Full-load consumption is roughly double. Real-world: most households run their generator only 6–10 hours a day during an outage (cycling on for the fridge and key needs), not 24/7.
How many propane cylinders do I need for a multi-day outage?
Some practical math, assuming 8 hours of generator runtime per day:
- 5 kW generator, 1-day outage: 1 standard 20 lb cylinder
- 5 kW generator, 3-day outage: 2 standard 20 lb cylinders
- 7 kW generator, 3-day outage: 3 standard 20 lb cylinders
- 7 kW generator, 5–7 day outage: 5–7 cylinders, OR a 40 lb / 100 lb cylinder setup
- 12 kW generator, multi-day outage: Look at a permanent ASME tank from a delivery company, not portable cylinders
Should I get bigger cylinders or more 20 lb tanks?
Both work. The trade-off:
- Multiple 20 lb tanks: easier to carry, more flexible (some for grill, some for generator), but more swap-outs
- One 40 lb or 100 lb cylinder: longer runtime per fill, fewer swaps, but heavier and needs proper transport
A common setup: two 20 lb tanks for the grill and a 40 lb cylinder dedicated to the generator. Some households go bigger with a 100 lb cylinder permanently sited outside.
Where can I refill propane generator cylinders in South Florida?
Propane Refill Station at 7214 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024 refills 20 lb, 30 lb, 40 lb, and 100 lb cylinders. Serving Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Cooper City, Davie, and the broader South Broward / North Miami-Dade area. Drive-up, no appointment. Call (954) 966-1763.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size propane generator do I need for a Florida hurricane?
For most households, 5–7 kW handles essentials (fridge, lights, a window AC). 9–12 kW runs central AC and multiple appliances. 20+ kW is whole-home backup paired with a permanent tank.
How much propane does a 7 kW generator burn per hour?
Roughly 1.0 gallon (4 lb) per hour at half-load. Full-load consumption is roughly double. Real-world households typically run 6–10 hours per day during outages.
How many propane cylinders for a 3-day hurricane outage?
For a 5 kW generator running 8 hrs/day, plan on 2 standard 20 lb cylinders. For a 7 kW, plan on 3. For longer outages, scale linearly or move to 40 lb or 100 lb cylinders.
Are 20 lb or 40 lb propane cylinders better for hurricane backup?
Multiple 20 lb tanks are more flexible (split between grill and generator), 40 lb is fewer swaps but heavier. Many households use both: 20 lb for the grill, 40 lb for the generator.
Can I refill propane generator cylinders right before a hurricane?
Yes, but expect long lines. Better strategy: top off in early June at season start and again in mid-August. Refill stations and exchange cages get slammed once a storm enters the cone.
Where can I refill propane in Hollywood, FL for hurricane prep?
Propane Refill Station at 7214 Taft St in Hollywood, FL refills 20 lb, 30 lb, 40 lb, and 100 lb cylinders for South Florida hurricane prep. Drive-up access. Call 954-966-1763.
Stop by Propane Refill Station
7214 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024 · Drive up — no appointment needed.
Last updated: May 19, 2026