Best mini-generator...

[corwise]

How's it going? This might be slightly off topic, but does fit into the 'survival' aspect that a lot of folks discuss here. With all the massive snowstorms running through Colorado, NM, Kansas, etc, and the accompaning power outagess, does anyone have opinions on the best gas burning generators for your house in case you lose power?
I live a tad in the boonies, my neighborhood would be the absolute lowest priority to get power back, so I could expect to not have any power for a week or so. Since I have a well, without power I can't pump water, etc. I'm not looking for something to keep my entire house going, but run a few extension cords into the house to plug in a light or two, a portable heater, etc, would make life a lot easier. Thanks.
Dave

 

[mete]

Mini-generator ? My pump requires 220 ,the smallest generators can't do that .You really have to give serious thought to how much you need . The Honda website IIRC has a chart to calculate that .You have to look at pump, freezer and refrigerator ,light s etc. If you want to switch over easily PLEASE have an electrician install it .We lost a lineman here because someone didn't install it properly !!!

 

[Wildewinds]

From my portable generator research a while ago, you can trade off loudness for price. The quieter you want it to be, the more expensive it'll get. I wanted one that could power an air conditioning unit for an RV. Noise was an issue. The best bet ended up being two smaller Honda units. About $1500. A much louder option with the same amount of power was as low as $500.

 

[puukko]

Whatever you get, make sure it is powered by a Honda engine. They go forever, run quieter than anything out there and are just dependable. My fire department has switched our small engine equipment to Honda whenever we have been able to. Our Hurst tool (jaws of life) is powered by Honda also. Many other departments have done the same. Yeah it costs more but if you want it to run when you need it........ Good luck in your search!!!