After a recent ice storm and power outage, I have begun looking into installing a standby generator for my important items in the event of a power failure. Anyone have experience with these devices? Anyone have any recommendations or feedback from personal experience? I'm open to suggestions and I am leaning towards an 8 to 10 KW unit. It will be LP powered and wired to an automatic transfer switch.

Any help would be appreciated.

JudyKayTee can tell you what not to do because she recently had one installed.

Briggsandstratton has introduced a unique transfer panel that allows one to automagicly prioritize loads. Not enough info on their website though.

I've done several B&S standby units. I haven't heard of this new technology yet though.

The new Generac units are real nice. Very quiet.

How Standby Power Works : Buying Guide : Home Generator Systems (http://www.homegeneratorsystems.com/buying_guide/works/index.cfm)

Command Central Upgrade

LP is good, if you have natural gas available that works great also.

The size will depend on what you have, freezers, electric heat or gas heat and more.

Generac does make some nice units, Some can be set to turn thierself on at least once a month to do self tests and more

Some can be set to turn thierself on at least once a month to do self tests and more
Every standby unit I have ever seen or wired has this feature.
Typically it's once a week for 10-20 minutes

I live in an area where Huricanes and the outages can be severe. I see some people wanting 200 Amps from Generator so their Central Air, Water Heaters, As if there is no outage. Most of the people I work for don't have that much, and are happy having A refrigerator, Lights, fans, Necessities.
Plus your fuel last longer for the essientials.
Running at 200 Amps Eats Fuel.
Easiest and cheapest would be a 50 Amp power inlet on the side of the house(Generator Location) and run to panel with a interlock kit(To make safe and stop backfeeding)
Generator InterLock Kit (http://www.interlockkit.com/)
Then have all breakers off except all necessary and room breakers. Only have a light on when you need it, turn it off when you leave.

Bet you could get away with using something like this, if not, they make Larger, Good Luck:
Pramac Generator 7.5Kw- Home Standby Kit - 04992 at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100428049&categoryID=524796)
Automatic WILL cost more.