When the power goes out, one of the first concerns many people have is keeping their refrigerator running. After all, who wants spoiled milk or defrosted ice cream? But here’s the question: what size generator do you actually need to keep your refrigerator up and running? Choosing the right generator can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll break it all down, so you’ll know exactly what to look for.
- 9500 Running Watts and 12500 Peak Watts (Gasoline); 8500 Running Watts, 11200 Peak Watts (Propane); Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 6. 6 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve With Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter. VFT display gives you real time updates with the voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours
- Plug-and-Play: Comes With a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- With 13,000 watts of power, the XP13000EH Dual Fuel generator will keep your whole home running during a storm or power outage
- DuroMax is the industry leader in Dual Fuel portable generator technology, with a full assortment ranging from digital inverters to generators that can power your entire home
- At the core of all our products resides a robust DuroMax engine. Designed for Power. Designed to Last
- The XP13000EH comes with a push button start, a front facing interface that allows you to change your fuel type in seconds, and a wide variety of outlets (including a transfer switch-ready 50 amp outlet)
- Constructed with a heavy-duty all metal frame and power panel – No plastic parts
- Perfect as a backup power source for larger homes or a dependable source of portable power
- 14,500 peak watts, 11,500 running watts (gasoline); 13,500 peak watts, 10,500 running watts (propane); 12,000 peak watts, 9,500 running watts (natural gas)
- Runs for up to 19 hours on a 9.5 gal. fuel tank with built-in fuel gauge; up to 7 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
- Powered by a heavy duty 550cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed with a durable cast iron sleeve
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- Keep your family safe with 5600 starting watts and 4500 running watts of power
- Electric start functionality turns the 224cc engine on with the press of a switch
- The WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor helps protect both you and your family by automatically turning off the generator if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected
- 4.3-gallon gas tank provide up to 12.5 hours of half-load run time
- Includes a wheel kit, two standard 120V 5-20R 20-amp outlets, one RV-ready 120V 30-amp TT-30R outlet, one transfer-switch-ready 120V 30-amp NEMA L5-30R twist lock receptacle, and a three-year limited warranty
- High Power Output: With a starting wattage of 4450W and a rated wattage of 3680W, this generator provides ample power for your home, RV, or job site needs.
- Extended Runtime: Equipped with a 2.7-gallon fuel tank, it offers an impressive 11 hours of runtime at 50% load, ensuring long-lasting performance without frequent refueling.
- Super Quiet Operation: Operating at a sound pressure level of 76dB(A) at 23 feet, this generator is designed to be quiet, making it ideal for use in residential areas or during camping trips.
- Durable and Portable: Weighing 68.8 lbs and featuring a compact design (21.2 x 17.7 x 20.9 inches), this generator is easy to transport and store, perfect for on-the-go power needs.
- Safety Features: Powered by an EPA Compliant 223cc 4-stroke gas engines and includes multiple safety warnings and features such as carbon monoxide detection, low oil level shutdown, and overload protection, ensuring safe and reliable operation.
- 【Inverter Generator For Home Use】The Erayak 2400P inverter generator is powered by a 79.7cc 4- stroke OHV gas engine, producing 2,400 starting watts with 1,800 running watts pure power to a house, RV, truck, camper and more. Includes two covered 120V 15A 5-20R household outlets, 12V DC receptacle, two 5V 2.1A USB ports. The clean power is perfect for home sensitivie appliances like phone, pad, coffee machine, LED system, TV, refrigerator, microwave, laptop, boiler heater A/C and more electronics.
- 【Portable & Lightweight】At only 42 pounds, this compact inverter generator is a portable and dependable power. With built-in handle and compact design, it is easy to carry.
- 【Super Quiet】52 dBA from 23 feet at quarter load, which is perfect for camping, tailgating or to backup a few home essentials.
- 【Easy to use】Smart generator with LED, LCD – Easy for you to manage the power. Fully assembled with hassle-free setup, which integrates 3 in 1 switch.
- 【ESC – Fuel Saving】Electronic Speed Control Mode (ESC Mode) optimizes engine performance to maximize runtime. When the 0.95-gallon gasoline tank is full, this inverter generator will run up to 14.4 hours at 25% load with the Economy mode. You can turn it on all night without getting up.
- 149cc engine generates up to 3600 surge watts and 2900 rated watts
- Produces clean power to prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as smart phones, tablets and laptops
- Ultralight body weighs in at a mere 46 pounds for easy transport and torage
- Fuel shutoff maximizes the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down
- Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, two 5V USB ports, and a three-year warranty
- Switch between gasoline (4750 surge watts, 3800 running watt) and propane (4350 surge, 3500 running) with the simple turn of the selection dial
- Voltage easily goes from 120V to 240V, perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup
- Electric start powers the 224cc 4-stroke OHV engine with the turn of a key
- 4-gallon tank provides up to 11 hours of half load run time
- Includes two 120V GFCI outlets (5-20R), a 120V/240V NEMA 30A twist lock (L14-30R), a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug, a bottle of oil, a wheel and handle kit, a 47-inch LPG connection hose, and a 2-year warranty
- SPEED UP YOUR RECHARGEABILITY: It takes only 2 hours to recharge 80% battery of the power station through the wall outlet and 60W PD USB-C port simultaneously. You can also recharge your power station with an AC adapator when at home, through the car outlet during a road trip or simply use a Jackery SolarSaga 100.
- SAFE & STEADY POWER SUPPLY: Armed with a 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack, the Explorer 300 features 2 Pure Sine Wave AC outlets that deliver stable and safe 300W power. The portable power station weighs only 7.1 pounds. You can simply rest assured in outdoor off-grid activities.
- POWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS: Featuring 2* AC outlet, 1* PD 60W USB-C port (input/output supported) , 1* fast charge 3.0 port, 1*USB-A port and 1* DC car port, the power station can recharge itself and charge (up to) 6 devices (e.g.Drones, Macbook, Cameras, etc.) at the same time to satisfy your outdoor needs.
- GREEN POWER SUPPLY: The power station is compatible with the Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel. The integrated MPPT controller enables the solar generator set to operate at its max power point, so that it speeds up the battery recharge, making them ideal portable power kits for tent camping, overland journey and etc.
- WHAT YOU GET: 1* Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station , 1*AC adapter, 1* car charger cable, 1* user guide
Understanding Your Refrigerator’s Power Needs
Before diving into generator sizes, let’s understand what kind of power a refrigerator consumes. Refrigerators don’t run on a single number; their power requirements fluctuate.
Wattage Ratings: The Basics
Every refrigerator has a wattage rating, typically mentioned on a label inside the appliance or in the user manual. This wattage has two key components:
- Starting (or surge) wattage: The power required to start the compressor.
- Running wattage: The steady power needed to keep it running.
For most modern refrigerators:
- Starting wattage ranges from 800 to 1,200 watts.
- Running wattage falls between 100 to 800 watts, depending on size and model.
Larger refrigerators or older models usually consume more power, while energy-efficient ones demand less.
Factor in Other Appliances
If you plan to run additional devices (like lights or fans) alongside the refrigerator, you’ll need to account for their wattage too.
Choosing the Right Generator Size
Now that we know the wattage needs of a refrigerator, let’s figure out the generator size.
Small Generators (1,000–2,000 Watts)
A portable generator in this range can handle a basic refrigerator and maybe a few small devices like LED lights or a phone charger. However, it’s not ideal if you’re looking to power additional appliances.
Mid-Sized Generators (3,000–5,000 Watts)
This is the sweet spot for most households. These generators can easily run a refrigerator along with other essentials like a fan, a few lights, and even a small TV. If you want peace of mind during outages, this range is a solid choice.
Large Generators (6,000+ Watts)
These are overkill if you’re just running a refrigerator. But if you want to power multiple appliances—like an air conditioner, microwave, or washing machine—then a larger generator is your go-to.
How to Calculate the Ideal Generator Size
Want to get a bit technical? Let’s crunch the numbers.
- Identify the starting and running wattage of your refrigerator (as discussed earlier).
- Add a safety buffer. Generators perform best when they’re operating at 50–75% of their maximum capacity.
- Consider what other appliances you might need. Add their wattage to your total.
For example:
- Refrigerator starting wattage: 1,000 watts
- Refrigerator running wattage: 200 watts
- Add a few lights (100 watts) and a fan (150 watts).
Total starting wattage = 1,250 watts
Total running wattage = 450 watts
In this case, a generator with 2,000 watts capacity would be ideal.
Portable vs. Standby Generators
When choosing a generator, you’ll also need to decide between a portable and a standby model.
Portable Generators
- Easy to move around.
- Ideal for short-term power outages.
- Require manual setup and fueling.
- Range from 1,000 to 10,000 watts.
Standby Generators
- Permanently installed and connected to your home.
- Automatically kick in during an outage.
- Can power multiple appliances simultaneously.
- Typically range from 7,000 to 20,000 watts.
For a refrigerator alone, a portable generator is usually sufficient unless you’re planning to power your entire home.
Fuel Options: Does It Matter?
Yes, it does! Generators come with different fuel options, and each has its pros and cons.
Gasoline Generators
- Common and easy to find.
- Affordable but burns fuel quickly.
- Best for short-term use.
Propane Generators
- Cleaner and more fuel-efficient.
- Longer shelf life for fuel.
- Great for extended outages.
Dual-Fuel Generators
- Offer flexibility with both gas and propane options.
- Ideal for emergencies when one fuel type is unavailable.
If you’re in an area prone to frequent outages, consider the availability and cost of fuel when choosing your generator.
Safety Tips for Using a Generator
Generators are incredibly useful, but they come with safety risks. Keep these tips in mind:
- Run your generator outdoors. Never use it indoors or in enclosed spaces due to carbon monoxide risks.
- Use a transfer switch. This ensures safe connection to your home’s electrical system.
- Don’t overload the generator. Stick to the wattage limits to avoid damage.
- Refuel with care. Always turn off the generator before adding fuel.
Is an Inverter Generator a Better Option?
If you’re leaning toward a more modern solution, an inverter generator might be worth considering.
What’s an Inverter Generator?
Unlike traditional generators, inverter generators produce clean and stable power, making them ideal for sensitive electronics like refrigerators, laptops, and smartphones.
Advantages
- Quieter operation.
- Fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly.
- Compact and portable.
However, inverter generators are usually more expensive. If you’re on a budget but need reliable power for a refrigerator, a traditional generator will do just fine.
Conclusion
So, what size generator is ideal to run a refrigerator? In most cases, a generator with a capacity of 1,000 to 2,000 watts is sufficient for a standard fridge. If you’re planning to power additional appliances, aim for a 3,000 to 5,000-watt generator.
The key is understanding your power needs and factoring in a safety buffer. Whether you choose a portable or standby model, prioritize quality and safety. And don’t forget to match your generator with the fuel option that suits your situation best.
FAQs
1. Can I use a small 1,000-watt generator for a refrigerator?
Yes, as long as the starting wattage of your refrigerator doesn’t exceed the generator’s capacity. However, you may not be able to run additional devices.
2. How can I find the wattage requirements for my refrigerator?
Check the manufacturer’s label or user manual. If it’s not available, a wattage meter can provide accurate readings.
3. Do I need a transfer switch for a portable generator?
Yes, if you plan to connect the generator to your home’s electrical system. It’s safer and prevents backfeeding, which can be dangerous.
4. How long can a generator run on a single tank of fuel?
This depends on the generator’s size and fuel type. Most portable generators run for 8–12 hours on a full tank.
5. Are inverter generators worth the higher price?
If you value quiet operation, fuel efficiency, and clean power, inverter generators are a great investment, especially for sensitive electronics.
