Izzy, I have a Honda EX-1000 generator that I bought several years ago. It is 1000W and starts on first pull every time. I paid $599 plus shipping from Harbor Freight. It weighs 65 pounds, takes just under a gallon of gas and will run all night on a light to moderate load.

This model has been replaced by the EU1000, 1000 watts, and weighs only 29 pounds. I don't know how them managed to shed so many pounds. I see it on eBay in the 500-600+ range. One is advertised for $638 with free shipping. (Item 7545465729). These little Hondas cost more than others but they run forever and are well built. To see a bunch of Hondas, search eBay "HONDA GENERATORS". There are several used ones for sale. Some are probably bargains but I am leery of a used one not knowing if it has been abused, do all the accessories and manual come with it, etc. You won't go wrong with Honda no matter what size you buy. They have several model 7500's going for around $900. I wish I could afford one of them. Problem with a big generator is the seller doesn't want to ship and if he does, the shipping is rather high although I got a big one from Chicago about ten years ago and it was only $30 to West Kentucky by motor freight.

An added feature of these little generators is they come with a little cable and clips to charge 12V batteries.

I have had three big generators, all with Briggs engines and they all blew up. The last one, not very old threw the piston completely thru the aluminum housing. Needless to say, I couldn't patch this hole with J B Weld. It was just out of warranty and Briggs essentially said, "Tough luck". Had the I/C engine too! No more Briggs for me. It had low oil shutoff but it failed to work and the engine blew. <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />