On this page
A generator runs as long as its tank lasts, and the tank empties faster the harder the generator works. How much gas does a generator use per hour? The listings in this guide state no per-hour figure, so the answer comes from your own generator: its manual states a tank size and a runtime, and the per-hour use is the tank size divided by the runtime. This guide shows how to read those figures, what changes them, and the fuel caddies that carry the gas you need.
SolarKitHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.
The quick answer: how much gas does a generator use per hour
There is no fixed per-hour figure that fits every generator. A generator under a heavy load burns more gas per hour than the same generator under a light load, so the figure you need is the one for the load you run. Find the tank size and the runtime the maker states for that load, then divide the tank size by the runtime. That gives the per-hour use for your generator at that load, in the same fuel unit as the tank size.
How to work out your generator’s per-hour use
Start with the manual or the tank label. Read the tank size, then read the runtime the maker states for the load you plan to run. Divide the tank size by that runtime. If the runtime is stated for a lighter load than the one you run, the real per-hour use will be higher, so use the runtime that matches your load. Keep the fuel fresh and the tank sealed between uses, and refuel with the engine off and cool.
What changes the per-hour figure
Load is the main factor. A generator running a fridge and lights uses less gas per hour than the same generator running a fridge, lights and a heater, because the engine works harder as the load grows. The caddies in this guide hold 12, 14 or 15 gallons, so pick the size that covers the hours you plan to run. For refuelling speed, the Scepter Flo ‘N Go states a 2.0 GPM siphon-mode flow rate, and the VEVOR states up to 2 GPM at a 1 m lift and about 1.6 GPM on level ground, so a caddy with a pump and a hose refuels faster than a slow pour from a can.
The gear: fuel caddies for the gas you need
Once you know the per-hour figure, the caddies below carry the gas you need, with a pump and a hose for refuelling without lifting a full tank.
Scepter Flo 'N Go 14 Gallon Gas Caddy
A 14-gallon fuel caddy with a 10-foot hose and a pump handle, built for refuelling generators, mowers and farm gear without lifting a full tank.
Pros
- 14-gallon (53L) capacity with a 10-foot hose that reaches equipment
- 2 fueling modes: gravity flow when elevated, manual pump and siphon on the ground
- Siphon-mode flow rate of 2.0 GPM stated
- Child safety lock, brass shut-off valve and spill-proof shut-off mechanism stated
Cons
- No diesel or kerosene use is stated for this caddy
- Manual pump needs continuous use in siphon mode
- No fuel gauge is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 14-gallon (53L) fuel caddy with a 10-foot automotive-grade rubber hose, 6-inch wheels, a heavy-duty top handle and HDPE construction that prevents corrosion and denting. It states 2 fueling modes: gravity flow when the caddy is elevated above the tank being filled, and a manual pump and siphon mode when the caddy is on the ground, with a siphon-mode flow rate of 2.0 GPM. The pump handle is a gas station-style stop and start handle, and the listing states a child safety lock, a brass shut-off valve, a spill-proof shut-off mechanism and an anti-kinking hose sleeve. Weight is stated as 19.0 pounds, with a 1 Year Limited warranty.
Who it's for: anyone refuelling a generator, mower or farm machine who wants a pump handle and a long hose instead of lifting a can. Who should skip it: anyone who needs diesel or kerosene, which this listing does not state.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 3/5: 82 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 14 gallon (53L) |
|---|---|
| Hose | 10-foot automotive-grade rubber hose |
| Flow | 2.0 GPM in siphon mode |
| Wheels | 6-inch wheels with heavy-duty top handle |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 13 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Child safety lock, brass shut-off valve and spill-proof shut-off mechanism stated, so safety scores 8 of 10. 1 Year Limited warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 3 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
JustSmart 15 Gallon Fuel Caddy with Pump
A 15-gallon caddy with a 10 FT hose, a manual pump and a 360-degree rotating nozzle, stated for gasoline, diesel and kerosene.
Pros
- 15-gallon (57 liter) capacity with a 10 FT hose and a 360-degree rotating nozzle
- Two fueling modes: tilt for flow feeding, manual pump with an ergonomic D-handle
- Two brass shutoff valves at the tank and hose connections
- Stated for gasoline, diesel and kerosene
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No flow rate in GPM is stated
- No fuel gauge is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 15-gallon (57 liter) portable gas tank in HDPE that resists UV exposure, corrosion, scratches and dents. It states two fueling modes: tilt the tank for flow feeding, or use the manual pump with an ergonomic D-handle, squeezing the pump head to build pressure and guiding fuel through a flexible reinforced hose and a 360-degree rotating nozzle. Two brass shutoff valves sit at the tank and hose connections, and the listing states two rugged 6-inch wheels and a molded top handle. It states gasoline, diesel and kerosene, and a weight of 25.31 pounds.
Who it's for: anyone who wants the largest capacity in this guide and gasoline, diesel and kerosene, with a pump for controlled refuelling. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a stated warranty term or a stated flow rate, which this listing does not give.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 0/5: 82 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 15 gallon (57 liter) |
|---|---|
| Hose | 10 FT hose, 360-degree rotating nozzle |
| Fueling | Tilt flow or manual pump with D-handle |
| Wheels | Two 6-inch wheels, molded top handle |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 13 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Two brass shutoff valves and an anti-leak shutoff system stated, so safety scores 8 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
VEVOR Fuel Caddy 15 Gallon with Hand Pump
A 15-gallon caddy with a hand pump and a 10 ft hose, stated for gasoline and diesel refuelling by gravity or hand pump.
Pros
- 15-gallon capacity with a 10 ft delivery hose
- Hand pump delivers up to 2 GPM at a 1 m lift and about 1.6 GPM on level ground
- Gravity or hand pump refuelling, stated for gasoline and diesel
- Reset-locking nozzle helps avoid overfill
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No fuel gauge is stated
- No kerosene use is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 15-gallon caddy with a hand pump that delivers up to 2 GPM at a 1 m lift and about 1.6 GPM on level ground, and a 10 ft delivery hose. The HDPE body resists corrosion, scratches and sunlight exposure, and the listing states a reset-locking nozzle, a steel-wire hose and an integrated copper valve for a tight seal during transport and storage. It states gasoline and diesel for vehicles and machinery, and a weight of 19.62 pounds.
Who it's for: anyone who wants a stated flow rate and gravity or hand pump refuelling at a 15-gallon size. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a stated warranty term, a fuel gauge or kerosene use, which this listing does not give.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 0/5: 79 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 15 gallon |
|---|---|
| Hose | 10 ft delivery hose |
| Pump | Up to 2 GPM at a 1 m lift, about 1.6 GPM on level ground |
| Fueling | Gravity or hand pump, gasoline and diesel |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 13 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Reset-locking nozzle, steel-wire hose and integrated copper valve stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Scepter 12 Gallon Portable Marine Gas Can
A 12-gallon marine fuel tank with a built-in fuel gauge and a 2-way vented cap, stated for boats and outboard motors.
Pros
- 12-gallon (45L) capacity with a built-in fuel gauge and fuel pick-up
- 2-way vented cap releases pressure above 5 PSI
- EPA and CARB compliant
- 5-layer crush-resistant HDPE tank shell, made in Canada
Cons
- No pump or hose is stated, and the fuel line is sold separately
- Marine tank fittings (1/4 NPT) do not match a generator filler neck directly
- Smallest capacity in this guide at 12 gallons
- No flow rate is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 12-gallon (45L) portable marine gas tank at 22.9 by 14.3 by 13.9 inches, with a 2-way vented cap that allows air flow while refuelling and releases pressure above 5 PSI. A built-in fuel gauge and fuel pick-up sit in the tank, and the listing states standard 1/4 NPT marine tank fittings, with the fuel line sold separately. The tank shell is a rugged one-piece, 5-layer crush-resistant HDPE shell that resists rust, corrosion and UV damage, and the listing states EPA and CARB compliance and a weight of 6.75 pounds, with a 1 Year warranty.
Who it's for: boat owners who want a vented marine tank with a gauge for an outboard motor. Who should skip it: anyone refuelling a generator, who needs a pump and a hose, which this listing does not state.
Its Solar Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 21/35, build 20/25, value 16/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 3/5: 68 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 12 gallon (45L) |
|---|---|
| Size | 22.9 x 14.3 x 13.9 inches |
| Cap | 2-way vented cap, releases pressure above 5 PSI |
| Gauge | Built-in fuel gauge and fuel pick-up |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 13 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. EPA and CARB compliant; 2-way vented cap releases pressure above 5 PSI, so safety scores 8 of 10. 1 Year warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 3 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
FAQ: power away from the grid
How much gas does a generator use per hour?
There is no fixed figure. The load sets the burn, so work it out from your generator’s tank size and runtime: divide the tank size by the runtime the maker states for the load you run.
How do I work out the per-hour figure for my generator?
Read the tank size and the runtime from the manual, then divide the tank size by the runtime. Use the runtime stated for the load you plan to run, since a lighter load gives a longer runtime and a lower per-hour figure.
How much gas should I keep on hand for a generator?
Multiply the per-hour figure by the hours you plan to run, then pick a caddy that holds that much. The caddies in this guide hold 12, 14 or 15 gallons, with pumps and hoses for refuelling without lifting a full tank.
Can I use a fuel caddy for diesel and gasoline?
The JustSmart and VEVOR caddies state gasoline and diesel, and the JustSmart also states kerosene. The Scepter marine tank states diesel and ethanol-blended fuels. The Scepter Flo ‘N Go states no diesel or kerosene use, so check the listing for the fuel you plan to carry.
Related solar guides
See the best inverter generators guide, the benefits of an inverter generator, and the best 12V battery for a generator. See every Camping and Emergency Gear guide.
