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1000 watts is pretty small. They are good to throw in the car or boat for a party outdoors, but a motor load (like a fridge) can drag it down pretty quickly. 2000 - 2500 is pretty good for the use you are describing. Trouble is, once you have the fridge on, and the deep freeze, you tend to want the microwave on, and some lights, a TV, maybe a fan, and before you know it you have the outdoor Christmas lights on, so the neighbours all know you aren't suffering along with them. Ask me how I know.
You are right on the Honda. They are fantastic. A league ahead of the competition. The difference is so great, that you should think about selling one of your other expensive toys to allow you to get one. We had three or four Hondas in the family (2000 w - 3500 w), I've used Craftsman and similar, and I actually used to sell Generac many years ago (although they were larger units than this, starting at around 10 kW).
If you don't get a Honda unit, you can find some that use Honda engines with other generators and controls added on. I would be less confident about running electronics on some of those.
We usually put a welding outlet, or dryer outlet, in the garage. We built a male/male patch cord, turned off the main breaker, and powered up both sides of the house panel. I am sure that didn't meet any known code, but it worked very well. Alternatively, you can run an extension cord.
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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White
Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
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