The Honda inverter series of generators are nice because they won't fry the electronics in your fridge, computer, etc. Nice clean sine wave output and they're quiet. You'll likely need more than 3kw to run a hot water tank if you want showers. Should also consider one around 5kw with an electric start if your wife is home alone.

I just went through this process and had an electrician put an interlock plate over my panel with a full phase 120/240V plug outside. No need to run extension cords through doors or windows in winter time. After a couple months of watching, I scored a great deal on ebay for a new Honda 7kw inverter. We went 8 days without power after the big blow a couple years ago and lost frozen items that I couldn't fit into my folk's freezer. Didn't want a repeat. Hope this helps....