I used to sell generators and power units. I believe the Honda 3000is is actually an inverter which is why it is so quiet, feul efficent and expensive. A normal generator gives you (in this example) 3000 watts all the time, and can handle peaks of a few hundred watts higher egnerally. An inverter only outputs however much you actually need (up to whatever it is rated, again 3000 watts in this example). They are great but expensive! We use a Pramac 7500 watt generator as standby here. It can run our sump pump, well, fridge, barn lights, some house lights, and Microwave. The big drain are when your appliances with an electric motor kick on (fridge, freezer, air conditioner, heat pump, ect.) If I had an unlimited budget, I\'d go for a 15 KW, Natural Gas unit with an automatic transfer switch
Of course that only works if you have access to natural gas... Our actual unit is gas, but it has saved our tails a time or two! If you want something dependable (and long lived)stay away from B&S, Generac or any chinese made engine (which alot of them are). Stick with a Kohler, Honda, or (hard to find) Wisconsin engine. No matter what generator you get, be sure to run it every few months and keep fresh gas with feul stabilizer in it at all times. Nothing more frustrating then being in an emergency and finding your carb all gummed up!
Did you see the BYC thread on \"the Bra Incubator\" ? LOL.
Edited because I can\'t spell quiet...