It is essential to buy the right size generator for a refrigerator and freezer in case of emergency.
Most people do not know how to find the right generator size, let alone how to calculate it.
So we have made this simple guide that helps you find the right size generator for your refrigerator and freezer. Also, we added our top recommendation.
Click Here To Check Recommended Generators
What size generator to run refrigerator and freezer?
Refrigerators and freezers use between 100 and 800 amps per hour. A generator that can deliver at least 2000 starting watts will be sufficient to run both the refrigerator and the freezer without any problems.
| Generator Size | Starting Watts | Recommended Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 1200W | Generac 1200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator |
| Medium | 2500W | Champion Power Equipment 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator |
| Large | 4500W | Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator |
How Many Watts Does a Refrigerator And Freezer Use?
We have added a chart below for you to understand it better:
| Type Of Fridge | Running Watts | Starting Watts | Recommended Generator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Fridge | 85 – 100 W | 127 – 150 W | Honda 1000 Watt Inverter Generator |
| Smart Fridge | 250 – 500 W | 375 – 750 W | Generac 1200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator |
| Under-Counter Refrigerator | 90 – 140 W | 120 – 210 W | TogoPower 1000 Watts Gasoline Generator |
| Modern Fridge (From 2001- To ..) | 100 – 400 W | 150 – 600 W | WEN 2000 Watt Gas Powered Inverter Generator |
| Side-by-Side Fridge | 792 W | 1,188 W | Champion Power 2500 Watt Portable Inverter |
| Refrigerator Showcase | 210 W | 315 W | Buffalo 1000 Watt Inverter Generator |
| Old Type of Fridge (1993-2000) | 200 – 800 W | 300 – 1,200 W | PowerSmart 2200 Watts Portable Inverter Generator |
| Mini Glass Refrigerator | 140 W | 210 W | XtremePower 1200W Gas-Power Generator |
| Mini Freezer | 35 – 50 W | 52 – 75 W | Ryobi Digital RYi1000 Inverter Generator |
| Deep Freezer (Chest) | 350 – 500 W | 525 – 750 W | Pulsar 2,300W Gas-Powered Generator |
| Counter-Top Fridge | 160 W | 240 W | Firman 1500/1200 Watt Recoil Start Gas Portable Generator |
But for the most accurate result, the first thing you need to do is figure out how much electricity your refrigerator and freezer are using.
This will help us determine what size generator would be best for you!
To find the power usage, just look at the box that attaches to your circuit breaker panel in your basement or garage. It should have a sticker with amps written on it.
Next, divide this number by 120 volts (or 240 if all of your appliances run off of 240).
The key takeaway here is that there really isn’t such a thing as “one size fits all” when it comes to generators (or anything in life, for that matter).
You want to make sure you’re getting the right size and features. Otherwise, you might end up frustrated with your generator and spend more money than necessary.
** You can also use our free home generator size calculator to find the perfect one.
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4 best generator for a refrigerator or freezer
1. Generac 7117 Gp2200I W 50St Inverter Generator
Are you looking for a generator that is best for a refrigerator and freezer? Then Generac 7117 Gp2200I W 50St Inverter will be perfect for your needs.
This inverter generator has many great features that make it perfect for everyday use.
The first feature is that it has a quiet and compact design. This allows you to use the generator in tight spaces without too much noise.
It also features easy-to-use controls, including an integrated ON/OFF/RUN switch with LED status lights for added convenience.
The AC rated output running Watts is 1700 while the AC maximum output starting Watts is at a rating of 2200.
And with the AC input: 120 VAC Amperage, you’ll be able to use this generator for longer periods without needing any other power source!
This Generac model also includes TruePower technology which provides excellent fuel economy and noise reduction while still being powerful enough to provide what you need.
It also includes a built-in handle to make transporting the unit even easier than it already is.
And an integrated OFF/RUN/CHOKE knob that simplifies startup procedures for you.
The Generac GP2200I W 50ST Inverter is perfect for those who use their generator outside of their home on a regular basis.
With an economy mode that provides excellent fuel economy and noise reduction, you’ll be able to use the generator in any situation.
The parallel ready design also allows this inverter model to work with other Generac generators of the same type for increased efficiency!
2. WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator
The WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator is a fantastic choice for refrigerator and freezer.
It also produces clean power to safely operate sensitive electronics such as phones, tablets, televisions and computers without causing damage.
The generator includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle and one USB port.
It also comes with a power cord for connecting to your vehicle’s battery (not included).
The WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator is EPA III and CARB compliant. This means it produces clean power with minimal emissions.
This Inverter Generator weighs 48 lbs and has a noise level of 53 dB when powering electronics, which is not too loud but still noticeable within 50 feet.
It does produce some noise while running on gasoline that can be heard from 100 feet away, but the sound is not too bothersome.
One of the best features of this generator is that it has two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC outlet and a USB port.
This means you can power your fridge or freezer without worrying about how much electricity you use because there are plenty of outlets to choose from!
Another great feature is its CARB compliant 79.74 cc four-stroke OHV engine that produces 2000 surge watts and only 1600 rated watts.
So it is perfect for powering refrigerators or freezers without overheating.
Lastly, the WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator has a convenient fold out handle on top which makes it easy to carry and transport.
3. Champion Power Equipment 2500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The Champion Power Equipment 2500-Watt portable generator can be used to power your refrigerator or freezer.
It has an inverter which helps provide clean electricity. So this unit does not need as much fuel as other generators.
You will also find two covered 120V household outlets on the back of the unit. The generator weighs 39 pounds and is 53 dBA from 23 feet away.
It has an 11.0 hour run time on a full tank with 2500 starting watts, 1850 running watts which gives you enough power to support your refrigerator or freezer for hours at a time.
This inverter generator is a great solution to keep your food from spoiling.
The Champion Power Equipment 2500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is worth every penny.
With the inverter, it produces clean electricity which will save you money on fuel costs over time because the unit requires less gas than other generators.
It is also lightweight, so it is easy to transport.
Also, it features two 120V household outlets that are clean electricity with less than 3% THD.
Lastly, the Champion Power Equipment includes a three year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts.
4. Pulsar G2319N 2,300W Portable Gas-Powered Inverter Generator
Pulsar is a company that specializes in quality portable gas-powered generators.
The Pulsar Generators are perfect if you need to power your refrigerator or freezer during brownouts, outages, storms, emergencies, or any other natural disaster.
This generator runs on gasoline and can run up to four hours on half load.
It weighs less than 47 lbs for easy handling and is compact enough to fit in a suitcase with the power cord wrapped around its barrel handle.
One of the best features of the Pulsar Generator is its stable sine wave technology.
This provides pure, safe electrical power for powering and charging your laptops, cell phones, or other sensitive electronic devices.
It also has an easy to read LED display which tells you what mode it’s in as well as how much fuel is left (in hours) so that you can prepare.
There are many benefits to owning a Pulsar Generator because it is portable, affordable, and easy to use.
It can power your refrigerator or freezer during any natural disaster. So you don’t have to worry about food spoiling while being out of town or away from home.
The generator has an LED display that tells you how much fuel you have left so that you are always prepared.
It has a stable sine wave technology which ensures safe electrical power for powering and charging your laptops, cell phones, or other sensitive electronic devices.
Question To Ask Before Getting a Generator for Your refrigerator and freezer
- Is your refrigerator older or newer? Earlier models use more energy than newer ones.
- Do you have a smaller or larger fridge? Bigger models take up more power and need bigger generators to run them.
- Is your freezer on the top of the fridge? This uses way less electricity and doesn’t require as big of a generator.
- Does it have a built-in freezer? This one also uses way less power.
- Does it have an ice maker & dispenser? If so, you’ll need a generator that can produce more power.
- Do you use your fridge as an additional freezer? You may want to invest in a bigger generator.
- How often do you use your fridge? If it’s on for more than 12 hours at a time, you’ll need a bigger generator.
- How much power is your refrigerator running on? The more watts of electricity it uses, the larger a generator you’ll need to run it.
- How many days do you usually go without power? If your generator is too small, the fridge will eventually get warm and stop working.
- How much money would you like to spend on a generator? A larger, more expensive unit will last longer and cost less in the long run.
- Does your refrigerator come with a smart control panel and various sensors? A generator with this feature can keep it from running too much.
- Do you have an outdoor outlet for your generator? If not, there are some outdoor extension cord kits that will allow you to plug it in outside.
- Are you going to run other appliances at the same time? A larger generator will be able to power more at once.
- Do you live in an area with a lot of elevation? A smaller, portable unit might not work in this scenario.
- How big is the total capacity of your fridge? The more cubic feet it has, the bigger generator you’ll need.
- What size is your breaker panel? The larger it is, the higher wattage your generator should be.
How Long Can You Run Your Refrigerator A Generator Without Electricity?
A fridge could last up to 12 hours on a generator, but it depends largely on the size of the refrigerator and how often you use it.
If your refrigerator is filled with food, it will need to be on for a shorter period of time. Likewise, if you have plenty of food and only use the fridge occasionally, it can be on for a longer period.
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FAQs
1. Can A Generator Damage a Refrigerator?
No, generators cannot do any damage to a fridge. Generators produce 12 volts of electricity while a refrigerator runs on 120 or 240 volts – it would be like plugging a 12-volt car battery into the wrong socket.
2. Can An Inverter Generator Run A Refrigerator?
Yes, an inverter generator can run a fridge, but it will use more power than the refrigerator normally does. It’s best to use an alternator generator for this appliance. Generally, it just needs to produce the correct voltage – 120 volts is for US units and 240 volts is for international units.
3. Can A 2000 Watt Generator Run A Refrigerator?
A 2000 watt generator can run a refrigerator, but it will need to be on for at least 16 hours in order to work. Contrary to popular belief, a 2000 watt generator will not power a fridge for 24 hours.
4. Will A 750 Watt Inverter Run A Refrigerator?
A 750 watt inverter will not be able to run a refrigerator, but it may be able to run one or two lights at the same time.
5. How Many Solar Panels Does It Take To Run A Refrigerator?
One solar panel could power a fridge, but you would need to have it in direct sunlight all of the time.
6. Will A 100w Solar Panel Run A Fridge?
A 100w solar panel would not be powerful enough to run a fridge. You’ll need at least 250-500w of solar panels.
Final Thoughts
So, what size generator should you get to power your refrigerator and freezer in the event of a power outage?
If you have a standard 15 cubic foot fridge that’s running on electricity, then we recommend a 1200-1500 watt generator.
On the other hand, if you have a larger unit like 20 cubic feet or more – such as those found at most department stores – it would be best to go with something closer to 2200 watts.
And remember, even though these are just recommendations based on averages for refrigerators and freezers, they’re by no means set in stone.
You’ll want to pay close attention when buying one so that you can maintain proper cooling time where needed!
