As Cecil B mentioned those with the Honda engine are the best and easiest starting. Possibly a little more expensive but very dependable.
Quite a few engines start as well or better than a Honda. It's just hype
Hype? I guess hype is also why Honda is number one, by far, and that is with Chinese made Honda Clone engines made to the exact same spec and material costing 40% less. Hype doesn't keep the top market share for over 20 years, quality does...hands down the easiest to start, maintain, find parts for (which are not often needed) and most reliable, in every size and model.
Personally, I'm cheap and go with the off color clones over the Honda red. I have 8 engines, and not one takes two pulls to start, and never have taken 2.....well, the time I submerged the brand new pumps at full throttle under 3 feet of water, took a few extra tugs....lol
