I too have been thinking of getting an emergency generator this year and have not started the homework on size, brands, features yet. The 2nd link you posted is good, it's useful to think about start up wattage and voltage vs. just running levels. My wife said, "we just need it for the fridge" and I immediately thought, if the power goes out and we have a generator we are going to want to power other things like the computer, TV...... I agree with the recommendations here and above, go for larger if you can afford one and ensure you buy enough capacity to handle the start up loads.

Also, I think these should be treated like snow blowers, run them every year to test them so you are not trying to make it work in the worst conditions and when you really need them to work.