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Backup Power Planner

What can my generator run?

Pick your generator or power station in the My unit tab, or enter the running and starting watts from its nameplate. Every appliance we track is sorted into what fits with your list, what only fits on its own, and what’s too big.

Start with a common setup

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

Fridge, sump pump, furnace fan, five lights and the Wi-Fi router. Change anything below.

Your appliances

9 items · adjust quantities or edit watts

  • Refrigerator (full-size)

    400 W running · 1,200 W starting

    1
    Motor start surge
  • Sump pump 1/2 HP

    1,050 W running · 2,150 W starting

    1
    Motor start surge
  • Furnace fan 1/3 HP (gas or oil)

    700 W running · 1,400 W starting

    1
    Motor start surge
  • LED bulb (each)

    15 W running · 15 W starting

    5
  • Wi-Fi router or modem

    20 W running · 20 W starting

    1

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

    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

    1
    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 cooling1 added14
  • 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

    1
    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

  • Radiant heater

    1,300 W running · 1,300 W starting

  • Ceiling fan

    75 W running · 75 W starting

  • 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

  • Coffee maker

    1,200 W running · 1,200 W starting

  • Toaster

    1,200 W running · 1,200 W starting

  • 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

  • Electric grill (tabletop)

    1,650 W running · 1,650 W starting

  • Slow cooker

    270 W running · 270 W starting

  • 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

  • Electric smoker

    1,200 W running · 1,200 W starting

  • 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

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
Electronics1 added9
  • TV (flat screen 20 to 55 inch)

    400 W running · 400 W starting

  • Desktop computer

    800 W running · 800 W starting

  • Laptop or phone charger

    250 W running · 250 W starting

  • LCD monitor

    30 W running · 30 W starting

  • Printer

    600 W running · 600 W starting

  • Wi-Fi router or modem

    20 W running · 20 W starting

    1
  • Satellite receiver

    250 W running · 250 W starting

  • Radio

    200 W running · 200 W starting

  • Home security system

    40 W running · 40 W starting

Lighting5 added1
  • LED bulb (each)

    15 W running · 15 W starting

    5
Medical2
  • CPAP machine (no heated humidifier)

    60 W running · 60 W starting

  • CPAP machine (heated humidifier)

    120 W running · 120 W starting

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

  • RV water heater (electric)

    1,500 W running · 1,500 W starting

  • String or LED camp lights

    200 W running · 200 W starting

  • Portable projector

    300 W running · 300 W starting

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

  • Work light (halogen 500 W)

    500 W running · 500 W starting

  • Job-site heater

    3,000 W running · 3,000 W starting

  • Battery charger (heavy duty)

    2,000 W running · 2,000 W starting

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
Running2,245 W
Peak3,345 W
Size4,500 W
Recommended generator size9 items

4,500W class

Your 3,345 W peak + 20% margin = 4,014 W, rounded up to the next 500 W.

Running
2,245W
Everything on at once
Peak
3,345W
+1,100 W when the sump pump starts

Generac GP3500iO with your list

Works, little headroom

Covers your 3,345 W peak, but is under the 4,014 W target.

Also fits with your list (9)

Tap Add to put it on your list.

  • Mini fridge or cooler 100/600 W
  • Ceiling fan 75/75 W
  • LCD monitor 30/30 W
  • Wi-Fi router or modem 20/20 W
  • Home security system 40/40 W
  • LED bulb (each) 15/15 W
  • CPAP machine (no heated humidifier) 60/60 W
  • CPAP machine (heated humidifier) 120/120 W
  • Work light (LED) 25/25 W
Fits only if it runs on its own (57)

The unit can start it, but not on top of your current list.

  • Refrigerator (full-size) 400/1,200 W
  • Freezer (chest or upright) 500/1,000 W
  • Sump pump 1/3 HP 800/1,600 W
  • Sump pump 1/2 HP 1,050/2,150 W
  • Well pump 1/2 HP 1,000/2,000 W
  • Furnace fan 1/8 HP (gas or oil) 300/500 W
  • Furnace fan 1/6 HP (gas or oil) 500/750 W
  • Furnace fan 1/4 HP (gas or oil) 600/1,000 W
  • Furnace fan 1/3 HP (gas or oil) 700/1,400 W
  • Furnace fan 1/2 HP (gas or oil) 875/2,350 W
  • Window air conditioner 5000 BTU 600/1,200 W
  • Window air conditioner 10000 BTU 1,500/2,400 W
  • RV air conditioner 11000 BTU 1,010/1,600 W
  • RV air conditioner 13500 BTU 2,000/3,500 W
  • Electric space heater 1,500/1,500 W
  • Radiant heater 1,300/1,300 W
  • Box or window fan 200/200 W
  • Microwave oven 1,500/1,500 W
  • Coffee maker 1,200/1,200 W
  • Toaster 1,200/1,200 W
  • Electric range (one burner) 2,400/2,400 W
  • Electric fry pan 1,500/1,500 W
  • Electric grill (tabletop) 1,650/1,650 W
  • Slow cooker 270/270 W
  • Blender 600/1,200 W
  • Air fryer 1,500/1,500 W
  • Portable induction cooktop 1,800/1,800 W
  • Electric smoker 1,200/1,200 W
  • Dishwasher (cool dry cycle) 216/540 W
  • Dishwasher (heated dry) 2,400/2,400 W
  • Washing machine 1,200/2,300 W
  • Gas clothes dryer 700/2,200 W
  • TV (flat screen 20 to 55 inch) 400/400 W
  • Desktop computer 800/800 W
  • Laptop or phone charger 250/250 W
  • Printer 600/600 W
  • Satellite receiver 250/250 W
  • Radio 200/200 W
  • Garage door opener 720/1,420 W
  • Reciprocating saw 1,200/2,400 W
  • Electric drill (1/2 in) 600/1,200 W
  • Hammer drill 1,200/2,400 W
  • Belt sander 1,200/2,400 W
  • Air compressor 1/2 HP 975/1,600 W
  • Pressure washer 1500 PSI 1,500/3,000 W
  • Work light (halogen 500 W) 500/500 W
  • Battery charger (heavy duty) 2,000/2,000 W
  • RV refrigerator 600/1,000 W
  • RV microwave 1,200/1,200 W
  • RV water heater (electric) 1,500/1,500 W
  • String or LED camp lights 200/200 W
  • Portable projector 300/300 W
  • Motor 1/4 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run) 400/850 W
  • Motor 1/3 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run) 450/975 W
  • Motor 1/2 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run) 600/1,300 W
  • Motor 3/4 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run) 850/1,900 W
  • Motor 1 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run) 1,000/2,300 W
Too big for this unit (20)
  • Well pump 1 HP 2,000/4,000 W
  • Electric water heater 4,500/4,500 W
  • Central air conditioner 2 ton 2,500/4,500 W
  • Central air conditioner 3 ton 3,500/6,000 W
  • Central air conditioner 4 ton 5,000/8,000 W
  • RV air conditioner 15000 BTU 2,500/4,500 W
  • Electric clothes dryer 6,000/6,750 W
  • Circular saw (7-1/4 in) 1,800/3,600 W
  • Table saw (10 in) 3,000/6,000 W
  • Miter saw (10 in) 1,800/3,600 W
  • Angle grinder (4-1/2 in) 1,800/3,600 W
  • Air compressor 1 HP 1,600/4,500 W
  • Air compressor 2 HP 2,500/7,500 W
  • Air compressor 3 HP 3,500/10,500 W
  • Pressure washer 2500 PSI 2,500/5,000 W
  • Welder (120V) 2,500/5,000 W
  • Welder (240V) 8,000/16,000 W
  • Job-site heater 3,000/3,000 W
  • Motor 1.5 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run) 1,600/3,200 W
  • Motor 2 HP (capacitor-start capacitor-run) 2,000/3,900 W
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

By generator size

Reading your nameplate

Generators list two numbers. Running (or rated) watts is what it can supply continuously. Starting (surge, peak or maximum) watts is the short burst it can give while a motor starts. The big number on the box is usually the starting figure. Across the 11 generators we track, running watts are 80% of starting watts on average.

Power stations list capacity in watt-hours (how much energy is stored), continuous output in watts, and sometimes surge watts. If the surge isn’t published we say we can’t confirm a motor will start, instead of guessing.

More on running vs starting watts.