I have installed many of these and here is some thing I can pass along to think about if you are considering getting one. The most important thing to consider is what you want to run. To give you some perspective what the watts numbers mean, a single 20 Amp circuit in your house is 1500 Watts Max. What this means is you can draw 80% of this on a single breaker before it trips (1200 Watts). So if your looking to run 6 to 8 circuits on emergency power then a gas powered portable generator would probably work for you. If you want more then you will have to consider a better route and look at gas or propane units. If your looking to run your entire 100 Amp service on emergency power then a 6 or 8 KW (6000 or 8000 Watts) units would be min here. A 200 Amp service would start at 12 KW or 12,000 Watts. Be warned these are the low side for what you are looking to run but if your not using all of your circuits capability they could work for you.
Now you know what size and type you are looking at I would suggest to think about location next. You DO NOT want to place them near a window or door. The noise and exhaust could enter the house as it is running. So choose a place that it will be best suited for your desires and safety. Check with your local codes and utility company for any restritions they may have with installing them. There can be many stipulations by either one or both. A quailified electrician is the best bet for doing this. In my area there is strict codes in place by both on how it is exceptable for Emergency Generators to be wired.
Differences with manual or automatic transfer switches. Manual transfer switches require you to do some actions. Depending on what you have in place and what generator you have installed. If you have a portable gas powered unit. Then you would have to connect the unit to a plug or transfer switch to run the power to your panel. Then start the unit, turn on the amount of breakers you want power too (be sure you have tested these circuits so the unit you have can support the amount of draw you desire to power). Flip some type of switch to ensure the main breaker is NOT powered and desired breakers are. Monitor fuel for unit to continue to run.
Manual Switches with stationary units. You still have to start the unit and manually flip a transfer switch or some may start when you manually flip the switch. Still there will be somethings you have to do manually.
Automatic Transfer Switches. Thes most generally turn the unit on and switch power to an emergency generator panel automatically. They do have a cycle program and I reccommend you set it up at minimum to run every 2 weeks for 20 minutes. Be sure to set this time to run when you will notice it. This will be when to correct issues to repair instead of when you actually need it.
In my personal opinion the best gas powered unit is Honda. I have one of these and it is over 10 years old and still runs great. I would put it up against any new one today. They are awesome for fuel consumption and a tank will get you past 24 hours. Stationary units I definately prefer Generac, but Kohler is also a good choice.
Hope this helps and if you have further questions please post them here so others can also learn.
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