Buy a name brand. And do NOT let it sit around for years without running it.
I have an 8500 watt Briggs & Stratton with an electric start. I pull it out and fire it up every 3 months. And I don't shut it off... I close the fuel live valve, let it use all the fuel in the system and run itself dry. I do the same thing with the outboard on our 11' Zodiac.
Whatever brand you get, it’s recommended that you get an inverted type generator. Or if you get a normal generator, get an inverter to run after the generator and then plug your electronics into that.
the inverter prevents power spikes that could fry your sensitive stuff like power heads etc.
Inverter style generators are also a lot quieter than standard ones so make running them on your back porch nicer when it’s time to sleep. Lol
I have a dual fuel and only run it on propane. This way there is no worries of gas going bad or the carburetor getting plugged up. It’s a Champion brand 3,100 watt inverter type generator which is pretty quiet. I think a 5 gallon propane tank runs approx 19 hours.
We have a Champion dual fuel, electric start inverter generator that we run off Propane. I believe it’s a 3400w, so will run the tank, refrigerators, laptops, etc. We’ve got PSPS’s coming soon so need to be prepared!