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Backup power for a refrigerator

A full-size fridge runs at 132–400 W but needs up to 1,200 W to start, so on its own it needs a 1,500 W class generator. Because the compressor cycles, it uses only 1.1–2.1 kWh a day: a 1,024 Wh power station runs it for about 10–19 hours.

Start with a common setup

Pick the closest match, then fine-tune the list below.

Keep food cold: a full-size fridge and a chest or upright freezer. Change anything below.

Your appliances

2 items · adjust quantities or edit watts

  • Refrigerator (full-size)

    400 W running · 1,200 W starting

    1
    Motor start surge

  • Freezer (chest or upright)

    500 W running · 1,000 W starting

    1
    Motor start surge

Add appliances

86 household appliances, tools and RV loads

Essentials2 added8

  • Refrigerator (full-size)

    400 W running · 1,200 W starting

    1
    HON · highMotor start surge

  • Freezer (chest or upright)

    500 W running · 1,000 W starting

    1
    CHA · mediumMotor start surge

  • Mini fridge or cooler

    100 W running · 600 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surge

  • Sump pump 1/3 HP

    800 W running · 1,600 W starting

    CHA · highMotor start surge

  • Sump pump 1/2 HP

    1,050 W running · 2,150 W starting

    CHA · highMotor start surge

  • Well pump 1/2 HP

    1,000 W running · 2,000 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surgeMay need 240V

  • Well pump 1 HP

    2,000 W running · 4,000 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surgeNeeds 240V

  • Electric water heater

    4,500 W running · 4,500 W starting

    HON · highNeeds 240V
Heating and cooling14

  • Furnace fan 1/8 HP (gas or oil)

    300 W running · 500 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • Furnace fan 1/6 HP (gas or oil)

    500 W running · 750 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • Furnace fan 1/4 HP (gas or oil)

    600 W running · 1,000 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • Furnace fan 1/3 HP (gas or oil)

    700 W running · 1,400 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • Furnace fan 1/2 HP (gas or oil)

    875 W running · 2,350 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • Window air conditioner 5000 BTU

    600 W running · 1,200 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surge

  • Window air conditioner 10000 BTU

    1,500 W running · 2,400 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • Central air conditioner 2 ton

    2,500 W running · 4,500 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surgeNeeds 240V

  • Central air conditioner 3 ton

    3,500 W running · 6,000 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surgeNeeds 240V

  • Central air conditioner 4 ton

    5,000 W running · 8,000 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surgeNeeds 240V

  • Electric space heater

    1,500 W running · 1,500 W starting

    CHA · high

  • Radiant heater

    1,300 W running · 1,300 W starting

    HON · high

  • Ceiling fan

    75 W running · 75 W starting

    CHA · high

  • Box or window fan

    200 W running · 200 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surge
Kitchen13

  • Microwave oven

    1,500 W running · 1,500 W starting

    CHA · high

  • Coffee maker

    1,200 W running · 1,200 W starting

    HON · medium

  • Toaster

    1,200 W running · 1,200 W starting

    GEN · medium

  • Electric range (one burner)

    2,400 W running · 2,400 W starting

    CHA · highMay need 240V

  • Electric fry pan

    1,500 W running · 1,500 W starting

    HON · high

  • Electric grill (tabletop)

    1,650 W running · 1,650 W starting

    CHA · high

  • Slow cooker

    270 W running · 270 W starting

    HON · high

  • Blender

    600 W running · 1,200 W starting

    HON · mediumMotor start surge

  • Air fryer

    1,500 W running · 1,500 W starting

    CHAPDF · lowCheck your nameplate

  • Portable induction cooktop

    1,800 W running · 1,800 W starting

    CHA · medium

  • Electric smoker

    1,200 W running · 1,200 W starting

    CHA · medium

  • Dishwasher (cool dry cycle)

    216 W running · 540 W starting

    HON · mediumMotor start surge

  • Dishwasher (heated dry)

    2,400 W running · 2,400 W starting

    CHA · medium
Laundry3

  • Washing machine

    1,200 W running · 2,300 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • Electric clothes dryer

    6,000 W running · 6,750 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surgeNeeds 240V

  • Gas clothes dryer

    700 W running · 2,200 W starting

    SMH · lowMotor start surgeCheck your nameplate
Electronics9

  • TV (flat screen 20 to 55 inch)

    400 W running · 400 W starting

    CHA · high

  • Desktop computer

    800 W running · 800 W starting

    HON · medium

  • Laptop or phone charger

    250 W running · 250 W starting

    CHA · medium

  • LCD monitor

    30 W running · 30 W starting

    HON · high

  • Printer

    600 W running · 600 W starting

    HON · medium

  • Wi-Fi router or modem

    20 W running · 20 W starting

    CHA · high

  • Satellite receiver

    250 W running · 250 W starting

    HON · medium

  • Radio

    200 W running · 200 W starting

    HON · high

  • Home security system

    40 W running · 40 W starting

    CHA · high
Lighting1

  • LED bulb (each)

    15 W running · 15 W starting

    CHA · high
Medical2

  • CPAP machine (no heated humidifier)

    60 W running · 60 W starting

    CHA · medium

  • CPAP machine (heated humidifier)

    120 W running · 120 W starting

    CHA · medium
RV and outdoor8

  • RV air conditioner 11000 BTU

    1,010 W running · 1,600 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • RV air conditioner 13500 BTU

    2,000 W running · 3,500 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • RV air conditioner 15000 BTU

    2,500 W running · 4,500 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • RV refrigerator

    600 W running · 1,000 W starting

    HON · mediumMotor start surge

  • RV microwave

    1,200 W running · 1,200 W starting

    CHA · medium

  • RV water heater (electric)

    1,500 W running · 1,500 W starting

    CHA · medium

  • String or LED camp lights

    200 W running · 200 W starting

    CHA · medium

  • Portable projector

    300 W running · 300 W starting

    CHA · medium
Garage and tools21

  • Garage door opener

    720 W running · 1,420 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • Circular saw (7-1/4 in)

    1,800 W running · 3,600 W starting

    CHA · highMotor start surge

  • Table saw (10 in)

    3,000 W running · 6,000 W starting

    CHA · highMotor start surge

  • Miter saw (10 in)

    1,800 W running · 3,600 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surge

  • Reciprocating saw

    1,200 W running · 2,400 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surge

  • Angle grinder (4-1/2 in)

    1,800 W running · 3,600 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surge

  • Electric drill (1/2 in)

    600 W running · 1,200 W starting

    CHA · highMotor start surge

  • Hammer drill

    1,200 W running · 2,400 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surge

  • Belt sander

    1,200 W running · 2,400 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surge

  • Air compressor 1/2 HP

    975 W running · 1,600 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • Air compressor 1 HP

    1,600 W running · 4,500 W starting

    CHA · highMotor start surge

  • Air compressor 2 HP

    2,500 W running · 7,500 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surgeNeeds 240V

  • Air compressor 3 HP

    3,500 W running · 10,500 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surgeNeeds 240V

  • Pressure washer 1500 PSI

    1,500 W running · 3,000 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surge

  • Pressure washer 2500 PSI

    2,500 W running · 5,000 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surge

  • Welder (120V)

    2,500 W running · 5,000 W starting

    CHA · mediumMotor start surge

  • Welder (240V)

    8,000 W running · 16,000 W starting

    CHA · lowMotor start surgeNeeds 240VCheck your nameplate

  • Work light (LED)

    25 W running · 25 W starting

    CHA · high

  • Work light (halogen 500 W)

    500 W running · 500 W starting

    CHA · high

  • Job-site heater

    3,000 W running · 3,000 W starting

    CHA · medium

  • Battery charger (heavy duty)

    2,000 W running · 2,000 W starting

    CHA · medium
Motors (by horsepower)7

  • Motor 1/4 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run)

    400 W running · 850 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • Motor 1/3 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run)

    450 W running · 975 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • Motor 1/2 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run)

    600 W running · 1,300 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surge

  • Motor 3/4 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run)

    850 W running · 1,900 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surgeMay need 240V

  • Motor 1 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run)

    1,000 W running · 2,300 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surgeMay need 240V

  • Motor 1.5 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run)

    1,600 W running · 3,200 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surgeNeeds 240V

  • Motor 2 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run)

    2,000 W running · 3,900 W starting

    HON · highMotor start surgeNeeds 240V
Running900 W
Peak1,700 W
Size2,500 W
Recommended generator size2 items

2,500W class

Your 1,700 W peak + 20% margin = 2,040 W, rounded up to the next 500 W.

Running
900W
Everything on at once
Peak
1,700W
+800 W when the refrigerator starts

Of the 11 generators we track:4 fit well6 fit, but tight1 won’t work

Honda generatorEU3000iS

Comfortable
Running
2,800 W
Starting
3,000 W
Outlets
120V

Rated 2,800 W covers your 1,700 W peak plus 20%.

Published runtime: 6.9 h at full rated load · 19.6 h at 1/4 load · 3.4 gal tank. At your load (32%): between 6.9 h and 19.6 h per tank (estimate between the published points).

Manufacturer spec page (opens in a new tab)Checked 2026-09-26

Generac generatorGP3500iO

Comfortable
Running
3,000 W
Starting
3,500 W
Outlets
120V

Rated 3,000 W covers your 1,700 W peak plus 20%.

Published runtime: 8.0 h at 50% load · 2.37 gal tank.

Manufacturer spec page (opens in a new tab)Checked 2026-09-26

Honda generatorEU7000iS

Comfortable
Running
5,500 W
Starting
7,000 W
Outlets
120/240V

Rated 5,500 W covers your 1,700 W peak plus 20%.

Published runtime: 6.4 h at full rated load · 16 h at 1/4 load · 5.1 gal tank. At your load (16%): about 16 h per tank (published 1/4-load figure).

Manufacturer spec page (opens in a new tab)Checked 2026-09-26

Champion generator100705 (2000W inverter)

Works, little headroom
Running
1,600 W
Starting
2,000 W
Outlets
120V

Covers your 1,700 W peak, but is under the 2,040 W target.

Published runtime: 11 h (load level not stated on listing).

Manufacturer spec page (opens in a new tab)Checked 2026-09-26

Champion generator201230 (2000W dual fuel inverter)

Works, little headroom
Running
1,700 W
Starting
2,000 W
Outlets
120V

Covers your 1,700 W peak, but is under the 2,040 W target.

Published runtime: 11.5 h (load level not stated on listing).

Manufacturer spec page (opens in a new tab)Checked 2026-09-26

Honda generatorEU2200i

Works, little headroom
Running
1,800 W
Starting
2,200 W
Outlets
120V

Covers your 1,700 W peak, but is under the 2,040 W target.

Published runtime: 3.2 h at full rated load · 8.1 h at 1/4 load · 0.95 gal tank. At your load (50%): between 3.2 h and 8.1 h per tank (estimate between the published points).

Manufacturer spec page (opens in a new tab)Checked 2026-09-26

Champion generator201271 (2400W dual fuel inverter)

Works, little headroom
Running
1,800 W
Starting
2,400 W
Outlets
120V

Covers your 1,700 W peak, but is under the 2,040 W target.

Published runtime: 11 h (load level not stated on listing).

Manufacturer spec page (opens in a new tab)Checked 2026-09-26

Champion generator201046 (2500W inverter)

Works, little headroom
Running
1,850 W
Starting
2,500 W
Outlets
120V

Covers your 1,700 W peak, but is under the 2,040 W target.

Published runtime: 11.5 h (load level not stated on listing).

Manufacturer spec page (opens in a new tab)Checked 2026-09-26

Champion generator201122 (2500W dual fuel inverter CARB)

Works, little headroom
Running
1,850 W
Starting
2,500 W
Outlets
120V

Covers your 1,700 W peak, but is under the 2,040 W target.

Published runtime: 11.5 h (load level not stated on listing).

Manufacturer spec page (opens in a new tab)Checked 2026-09-26

Champion generator201285 (1200W)

Won’t start the refrigerator
Running
1,200 W
Starting
1,500 W
Outlets
120V

Starting output of 1,500 W is below your 1,700 W peak.

Published runtime: 10 h (load level not stated on listing).

Manufacturer spec page (opens in a new tab)Checked 2026-09-26
Assumptions: 20% margin, 85% usable battery

Sources suggest 20–25% headroom over peak demand TTH · medium.

Inverter and battery losses. 85% is a common rule OUP · medium; EcoFlow’s own runtime examples imply 80%.

How we calculate

Daily energy by fridge type

TypekWh a dayOn a 1,024 Wh station
Top freezer1.1–1.415–19 h
Side-by-side1.6–1.911–13 h
French door1.6–2.110–13 h
Mini fridge0.6–121–35 h

ENERGY STAR and DOE ranges via TheGreenWatt (medium confidence). A hot room or frequent door opening raises daily use. Duty cycle is about 33–40% at 70°F.

Generators we track, for the fridge alone

GeneratorRunning / startingVerdict
Champion 201285 (1200W)1,200 / 1,500 W Works, little headroom
Champion 100705 (2000W inverter)1,600 / 2,000 W Comfortable
Champion 201230 (2000W dual fuel inverter)1,700 / 2,000 W Comfortable
Honda EU2200i1,800 / 2,200 W Comfortable
Champion 201271 (2400W dual fuel inverter)1,800 / 2,400 W Comfortable
Champion 201046 (2500W inverter)1,850 / 2,500 W Comfortable
Champion 201122 (2500W dual fuel inverter CARB)1,850 / 2,500 W Comfortable
Honda EU3000iS2,800 / 3,000 W Comfortable
Generac GP3500iO3,000 / 3,500 W Comfortable
Westinghouse iGen45003,700 / 4,500 W Comfortable
Honda EU7000iS5,500 / 7,000 W Comfortable

Verdicts use a 20% margin over peak. Add the rest of your list in the planner above.

Before you plug in