This is a timely topic - I have been intensely researching inverter generators in particular for the past few days. I have been comparing brands, models and buyer reviews.
Here is my rationale: I live on the Gulf Coast and am always seeking improvements for hurricane readiness. The last Hurricane, Ike, knocked out power in my neighborhood for two weeks. That time, we used Coleman LED camping lanterns to see at night, cooked outside on a propane stove and sweltered in the heat. I vowed to be more comfortable next time and have already completed a number of improvements.
1) I installed a completely independent and parallel lighting system in my house that uses Cree LED bulbs powered by a cheap Harbor Freight 400 watt power inverter supplied by some deep-cycle golf cart batteries. The rooms are bright enough to read in comfortably. That system will run a week before the batteries have to be recharged.
2) I already have a conventional 2,000 watt camping generator that can charge the golf cart batteries and also run a freezer or a small A/C window unit (probably not at the same time). However, it is loud and consumes gas faster than I would like. After a hurricane, gas will be scare. I can only stockpile so much gas.
The inverter generators run at lower speeds under light loads, thus less wear and consuming less gas. They are quieter and generate pure sine-wave power at regulated voltage and perfect 60 Hz frequency.
I want to buy a very small inverter generator that would at least run the lights, fans and small appliances for extended periods after the 1st week without frequent refueling, particularly at night. External fuel tank kits are sold for the Honda EU1000i and EU2000i models that allow continuous running at for at least 24 hours (which is the oil-change interval anyway).
The only brands that I would consider buying are Honda or Yamaha, due to their reputation for reliability. Yes, they are darned expensive, but I’ll have no regrets.
No hurricans here in MN, but power outages due to cable cuts,winter snows, and tornadoes .
Not sure I’d ever recoup my investment.
What do you think of solar powered generators. In TX, we mainly rely on gasoline and, as you said, the pumps won’t be working.