Buy Honda!

No, you don't necessarily need statlizer as long as gas is fresh enough.  Toro has very good reputation for commercial mowners but not for residential ones.  Toro claims it only need one single pull to start but evey samesman at Home Depot doubt it.  Everyone recommends Honda due to its easiness of start.  We have a Honda for the last 10 years and it start every time though sometimes gas is old.  My experience is as long as gas is fresh enough (which means gas from the same season rather than from last year), it wouldn't have any problem to start.  I only buy a couple of gal of gas and it lasts for a whole season.  Usually change to fresh gas will solve the problem.  Otherwise, you may have to check if you need a new spark plug or air filter.