I have a 3500w gen-set running off gasoline. I bought it during the '08 blackout after the ice-storm. Now I am pre-rigged to pull the furnace off the house circuit and plug it into the genny. For noise and CO management I have since attached a flange-and-cup thingie over the muffler out-put and added a length of exhaust tube.
The cheaper units put out 'dirty' electricty which might not be suitable for delicate electronics. You can get around that by powerring through battery back-ups which can cost almost as much as a gen-set. On a thread of the same topic it was suggested that you inquire at the electronics store which backup is compatible with your electronics.
I have heard nice things about the Honda product line (not what I have). They are quieter and more fuel efficient than what I use.
Natural gas &/or propane units are more convenient to fuel up and you don't have to worry about stale fuel issues. Portable propane units may be available at RV stores. Propane tanks can be stored for decades if protected from the elements.
Are you as thrifty as I am? lol. I got a couple old propane tanks at the dump and took them in for the 'swap.' It saved me $20 per tank at the self-service rack. Buying an empty tank brand new can run as much as $45 then you still have to fill it or swap it anyway. I use them for cooking purposes but this tip is good for anyone who wants to stock-pile propane. My town collects a fee to dispose of them and pays a charge to get rid of them so it's win-win for everyone except the recovery company.
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