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Was looking at Honda EU 3000IS or the Yamaha EF4500i SE. Not sure the difference between one that has 120v only and one that has both 120 and 240. I also came across a PowerMate with a Honda 390 engine in it. Is the engine what makes the generator or is it more factors than that?

So its better to spend the $$ now and get a solid reliable one, than buy a $700 crapper and worry down the road?

So with the occasional outages living in the northeast (Buffalo) I found myself looking for a generator the last 2 days. I was able to find one left, a Westinghouse but decided I wasnt going to drop $1000 on something I didnt know was good or not. So now the storm has pasted and Im going looking for a generator for the next time. I dont know any good brands other than Honda, Yamaha & Honeywell. I see there are generators out there (Powermate/Rigid) that come with a Honda & Yamaha engine. Are those still going to be as good as a normal Honda/Yamaha? Are $800 (5000w) generators just as good as a $1700 (5000w generator)? I dont mid spending the money for something decent, but dont want to wish I bought something different later.

Will be using when power goes out (maybe once or twice a year) maybe.

-fridge
-sump pump
-furnace
-tv
-lights
-blu ray

The $100 cheapy's aren't cutting it anymore. Looking to spend around $300-$350. I know I want a straight shaft. Any suggestions on brand and models. Was looking at Echo, Stihl and Redmax. Have no idea which is better. Being used for large residential home. 2 times a week.

Here is my two cents. Two days ago I bought a new snow thrower. It was going to either be a used Honda 1132 for $1700 or brand new Ariens Pro 28 for $1999. I did not like the fact of spending that much on a used thrower. So I went with the Ariens. (this was 2 days ago). Today I thought, If I was spending that much money, I should do myself the service of at least checking out a new Honda. So I went to the local dealer and took a look at the HS1332. Let me say. Upon just looking at it, the quality is superior to any other snow blower I have seem. The crank chute is top notch. The exhaust is top notch. The quality is absolutely amazing.

Here's what I like:
-Quality. Did I say top notch yet? Stunning all around
-Crank chute. Best on the market
-Engine, not much else to say 390cc (which probably feels much more powerful than that)
-Probably will last 30 years if well taken care of. Probably longer'

Here's what I don't like;
-Price is obvious
-Track or wheeled version. Hard to turn. Cant even move the track version when its not running. At least I couldn't at the dealer, nor could the salesmen.

So seeing as I just purchased a $2000 sno-thro, I'm going to say this. I was very very close to canceling my delivery with the Ariens dealer. But the two negatives, were enough for me to keep what I have coming.

-Would I buy a Honda: YES
-Are they worth it: YES
-Overpriced: As far as throwing snow (which is its only purpose) yes it is overpriced because other machines can move snow from here to there. Your paying to quality, longevity, and reliability. For that reason they are NOT overpriced. You decide.

Here is my take on top brands IMHO!!!!!! With keeping $$ in mind. Excluding Yamaha not sold in USA)

1) Ariens (best bang for the buck. Good quality. Proven. Reliable, lots of choices) without breaking the bank
2) Toro (Proven, reliable, use more plastics than I like)
3) Honda (Not best bang for the buck, but best quality) Difficult to turn, PRICY. Would pay the extra $$ for a Honda, than settling for any of the other brands.
4) Simplicity
5) Husqvarna
6)Deere
7) TIE among the rest
-Craftsman
-Troy-Built
-Cub Cadet

Just my .02 and my opinion alone

Went with the Ariens yesterday and very happy I did. Think I was getting too caught up with the Honda engine part. Briggs has been in business a long time, and I'm sure Ariens wouldn't put just anything on their sno-thro's without facts backing up reliability and longevity. $1700 for a used 3 year old Honda seemed kinda crazy after thinking about it for a few days. Got me a can of DuPont Teflon Snow & Ice repellant for the chute and auger to prevent clogging. Plan on a 5-10 hour engine break-in before switching to a synthetic 5w30. Never thought I'd spend $2000 on a snowblower but MAN, do I feel GOOD! And can't wait to take care of that baby real good for the next 30 years. She wont ever feel hungry, because here in Buffalo, there's a lot for her to eat.