Opinions on Back up gas generator

Hey everybody... looking for some advice/insight on a gas portable generator for our home.

In a previous house, we were lucky to have a permanent NG back up generator.

Our new house is not so fortunate and we didn't want to go to the expense of installing a permanent back up.

We recently had some work done on a bathroom and the electrical panel was upgraded so we had them put in a transfer panel and wire it for a portable generator hook up. I am interested in powering our fridge, gas water heater, well pump, gas furnace fan, lights, fish tank. I am looking at in the 7-10K watt range.

I've narrowed down to 3 (but am happy to take other suggestion). Generac is leading the charge with 2 good models (XG8000E and the XT8000E) but the troybilt XP 7000

My question is this: I am leaning between either of the generacs 8000 series. There are some subtle differences between the two. I have posted a blurb from Lowes or Home Depot below but the big differences are:

Xg8000 has the OHVI, american made (i believe) engine that is highest rated
Xt8000 has the OHV, probably foreign made but does have idle control to help conserve fuel

My big question is what is more important... My gut is to do with the better engine but that throttle feature is pretty slick and I realize i'm probably buying a little extra generator than absolutely necessary.

Opinions, thoughts, advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

-Matt


Blurb from HD site on the 2 series:
Generac’s XT8000E and XG8000E portable generators are two very comparable units. Both of these portable generators feature a 120/240, 30 Amp outlet, which features a L14-30R twist-lock receptacle. These receptacles are protected by two 20 Amp circuit breakers. These generators also bestow two 120v, 20 Amp GFCI duplex outlets, however, the XT8000E’s duplex outlets are protected by a 30 amp, 2 pole circuit breaker, whereas the XG8000E is protected by two 30 Amp push-to-reset circuit breakers. Both of these portable generators feature a fuel shut off valve, functional choke, single touch electric start, and low oil shutdown. Furthermore, each unit is AC rated for 8,000 continuous running watts and 66.6 amps at 120v and 33.3 Amps at 240 volts.
There are however, several differences between these two portable generators as well. To start, Generac’s XT8000E features the OHV Engine (420cc), where as the XG8000E utilizes Generac’s OHVI Engine (407cc). Additionally, XT8000E features 10” wide, never-flat wheels and a comfort grip handle with a fold-down mechanism, while the XG8000E features 9.5” semi-solid wheels and a folding/locking handle. While the XT8000E features Idle Control, the XG8000E does not have this feature (Idle Control enables the engine to operate at a normal rpm when there is an electrical load present and automatically reduces the engine to a lower rpm when a load is not present). Moreover, the XT8000E has fuel tank capacity of 7.5 gallons (28.4L) and an 11 hour run time at 50% load, whereas the XG8000E features a fuel tank capacity of 9 gallons (34L) and a 10 hour run time at 50%. Lastly, the XT8000E also comes with a cord set, and the XG8000E comes with the first maintenance kit included.
Please note that there is no difference in the quality of power provided by either of these units. While the OHVI engine utilized in our XG8000E is the longest lasting engine in the industry, the idle control featured on the XT8000E will help the unit conserve fuel and reduce noise levels emitted from the unit. Should you need further assistance deciding which unit you would like to utilize, please contact Generac directly at 888-GENERAC (436-3722) with any further comments, questions, or concerns.

In doing some further research, in addition to the Generac XT8000 and GP8000 I mentioned above, there is an XP8000 which is a contractor grade "premium" generator that has both the OHVI engine and the idle control.

Interesting comment on generac FAQ though. Why would they still recommend the non-idle control for residential? I am leaning towards this newer, XP model now.

What are the fundamental differences between XG800E & XP800E? AT same price, which is better option for home emergencies?

"Our newest XP8000E includes several features that make it a more premium, contractor grade model, including idle control, an integrated lifting eye, full panel GFCI protected outlets, and a 3 year limited warranty.

The XG Series is designed for residential applications, with the PowerBar that monitors available wattage and a 2 year limited warranty. For less frequent home emergency use, we would recommend the XG8000E.
State: WI - Wisconsin

• STAFF

Yeah... just saw that the XP8000E runs about $2400 while the XG/XT runs more like $1400. The latter choice is more in my price range. So, back to original question: better engine or idle control b/c 2 options.

The Troybilt XP 7000 with digital monitor is seeming pretty awesome too and costs less at $900. Hmmmmm

Thanks for the input. From some rough calculations, I think 7-10kW is enough to do what we need and about max we're willing to pay for. Lastly, since unit is going to live in garage but probably be wheeled out in back yard, weight is a little bit of an issue too. Need it mobile enough.

Been happy with the generac brand and maintenance/support?

You run her outside in winter with any issues? Have read a few reviews on the air filter icing up. I am in Michigan... figure you get same cold weather in PA. Just wondering if i need to run in garage with door cracked, etc.

Hmmm... including the lights, TV, some light kitchen outlets, the wattage calculators I have come up with say 5-6K continuous and pushing 8-8500 peak. I know i will be fighting the battle with using more fuel and more frequent fill ups but don't want to be continuously taxing the generator.

I think the 7-10 range is going to be best. I am starting to like the Troybilt based on the reviews and it's top rated consumer reports (grain of salt taken of course)

http://www.lowes.com/pd_97483-348-3...currentURL=?Ntt=portable+generator&facetInfo=

I have read that the idle control is a non-issue for home backup... only works for intermittent usage. The second there is any significant draw, the throttle goes full so not an important option for backup generators. Better for job site with power tools/intermittent usage.

Thanks for the continued info guys... I lived in Harwinton and that house has an 8kW generac propane standby generator. It was awesome during the storms we had there. I am living out in Michigan now.

Thanks for the info on the tri-fuel. I think i would definitely look long and hard at that. We have NG here for the house. Not sure logistics about getting a line tapped off of that. Otherwise, propane is an option as well.

After consideration and research, I am leaning towards the Troy Bilt XP 7000 at Lowes. Pretty good reviews, top Consumer Reports (FWIW), and have a lowes close by. Looking like the wheels are crap and need instant upgrade... that's no problem. About 2-300 less than the Generacs I was looking at. I think i will go with the extended warranty sadly... these days, quality control on overseas built engines seems so hit or miss. Will probably go for the piece of mind.

Will keep you posted once I get it and get it hooked up.