Diesel fuel won't go bad. I've used when well over 10 years old with zero-problems. Main thing is, if you suspect there's any water in it, you need to add some bacteria-algae killer.
Propane is usually the absolute worst buy, when it comes to energy for the buck. But if you happen to live in one of those western areas where propane is half what it is here in NY, it might be a good idea. Here in NY, today's price is $2.50 for the lowest "bulk" rate, and $2.75 otherwise (per gallon). If you already have a large propane bulk tank, then getting a propane genset makes even more sense.
Generally speaking, the high-speed air-cooled Gensets do not have the lifespan, fuel efficiency, or quality of AC power output that the slower, water-cooled units have. But, since the air-cooled versions are likely much cheaper, it might not matter for what you want. The lower-quality power might not matter either. It mostly shows up when trying to use battery chargers, but some newer large appliances with complex electronics also can have trouble.
In regard to the Detroit-Diesel Delco gensets, you can get any part for them. In fact, you can get just about anything for most of the older gensets. New replacement parts just tend to be better, that's all. When I got my 1960-era Fairbanks Morse, the voltage regulator wasn't working properly. I bought a new universal, higher-tech reg that works great.
No matter what you get, you're always going to have the inherent issue of all AC gensets. If big, and you don't use big-demand power from them, they waste fuel. If small, you don't get big-demand power when you need it. One approach many people use is . . . to get a genset only sized big enough to run essentials in the house. Then have backups for other things that don't need electricity - i.e. non-hard-vented LP heaters, small propane or gas camp stove for cooking, etc. You mentioned wanted to use an electic range,and that can be a big power user. It would make more sense (to me) to forget the electric stove, and get a smaller generator. But, if you are not worried about fuel effeiency, that maybe you don't mind having a big genset. In my mind, I want to know I can keep going for a few days with no grid-power, if needed. Truth is, I could go for months, but I just happen to like having many backup systems.
Check out this Website for info on those Delco Gensets. Probably much more then what you've got in mind, but they're still impressive, even to read about. I've seen the 12KW units sell for $1500, now and then. That's a good-running take-out. Many places now refurbish them and resell. This place I linked is one of the more pricey places, but has a lot of good info.
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