Inverter gens are much quieter. Propane generators are easier to store large amounts of fuel for over long terms, but they output a bit less power for the same size of gasoline engine. Honda engines seem to be among the more durable, which is why you often see them in professional work, such as you would see with professional welders. Make sure you run the thing every couple of months for at least 20 minutes, to make sure it is working, and to keep it working. Check the oil before you start it every time, and check the air filter once a year. If you plan to run electronics on it, I would suggest you get an uninterrupted power supply to put between the generator and the computer, to protect sensitive electronics from power spikes, and dirty power. The sine wave from a home generator is prone to wider variation than grid power.