Hello, Just starting to shop generators. This one
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Champio...e-Powered-Portable-Generator-201004/315273522 / caught my eye. I like the remote start feature. Any other units to consider in the $1200.00 & under price range? Want to get a power transfer or interlock switch installed as well. Thanks P.S. House is 1800 sq ft. / 3 person dwelling, well & septic 1 refrigerator.
I went through this early this year. My choice after a lot of consideration were 2 Westinghouse 9,500 Watt Dual Fuel Models. I likes the features. (high wattage output, dual fuel compatible, electric remote starting, automatic choke, and plenty of outlets to distribute the load). The price was excellent for what they offered. I purchased one from Lowe's, and one from Home Depot. Both had a good price and a good delivery and return policy.
I bought from both outfits because they were hard to find in stock. Now it appears they are becoming more available. I looked at the big Westinghouse V-Twin model, but I ended up getting 2, 9,500 Watt models for less than what one 12,000 watt V-Twin would have cost. It was the better buy. More power for less money.
If you look at the various brands, the dynamo's all look identical, and the engines are all Honda clones. My guess is they're all manufactured in China at some big industrial complex, then branded and featured under contract by whoever is buying them. Be it Westinghouse, Duo-Max, Champion, etc.
Both of mine have been excellent, and started right up, and run like scalded dogs. I took the time to break in both of them carefully, gradually increasing the load. They're both ready for their first oil change, so today or tomorrow I'll get rid of the 10W-30, and go with Mobil 1 15W-50.
It gets really hot here in the Summer, and that is when we're most likely to experience power outages. With 19 KW available between both units, I shouldn't have any issues. And with 2 units it's nice to have the redundancy should one go out. I still need to get the house wired with transfer switches, etc. That will be next.