What Size Generator Do I Need To Run A Refrigerator And Freezer?

  • By: James S
  • Date: October 10, 2021
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A typical freezer or refrigerator consumes anything between 800-1000 watts. It means a generator with 2000 starting watts will be sufficient to run both appliances.

Generators are essential backups at the time of power breakouts. They are the source of running appliances at home, including refrigerators, freezers, TV, and more. Are you wondering what size generator you need to run a fridge and freezer?

Sizing The Generator For Your Refrigerator:

Firstly, you need to find out the power of your freezer or refrigerator. The power requirement for each household appliance varies from one model to another. The older appliances are usually made to consume double energy.

Whereas the newer models on the market are energy-efficient. Refrigerators and freezers typically come with stickers within the door where the power requirements are mentioned.

Look for the number of amperes you need for running an appliance. For instance, a refrigerator consumes seven amps with a standard 120-volt wall outlet. You have to multiply both values and get the calculated watts.

However, you might need extra power to start the compressor when you switch on the freezer and refrigerator. In such cases, the power requirement or running watts is 2-3 times higher than the average value.

This indicates the average generator for running the refrigerator and freezer is around 1560 watts.

Determining the Generator Type:

The next thing you need to know about using the generator is the generator type. The fuel types required for generators include natural gas, gasoline, propane, battery, or diesel.

To find out a suitable generator, consider the equipment you will power with it. Make sure you seek a generator with permanent or temporary installation. You need to ensure whether you’ll use it outdoors or indoors.

Gasoline:

Gasoline generators are easy to use and famous when we talk about portable generators. You might face extra noise with such generators. Inverter generators are also available on the market, regulating engine speed. If the load is less, the generators will lead to less noise.

Propane:

Propane generators are also standard when we talk about installed or portable generators. They are quieter and cleaner than gasoline generators. Propane fuel type is also available in inverter generators plus dual fuel models. They can run with either propane or gasoline.

Natural Gas:

If you plan to install generators with permanent installation, natural gas generators are perfect for cleaning and quiet operation. Their limitation is that you need to install the gas line within your home or building. You’ll love these generators because they can run the air conditioner, lighting, and more along with the refrigerator and freezer.

Diesel:

Diesel generators are best for rural areas. They serve well for areas where there are no gas lines. The diesel generators come with huge motors to support large loads like a hospital building, monumental building, and others. Such generators are quite noisy and cannot be used for residential purposes. They are too large to run the refrigerator.

Battery:

Battery generators run efficiently indoors. They can be recharged using solar and utility power. Plus, they are easy to install. However, you need to change batteries after every three to four years. This might add cost to the entire investment.

Can an Inverter Generator Run A Refrigerator?

An inverter generator is the one that can convert DC battery power to 120-volts AC household power for running appliances like freezers and refrigerators. Inverters are present in different capacities, so the power generators are perfect for running the fridge.

Which One Serves as The Best Portable Generator for A Refrigerator?

The best portable generator for running refrigerators is Briggs and Stratton P3000 watts inverter generator. They work well for RV, camping trips, and a backup supply for home. It comes with enough power to run the freezer and refrigerator.

Which Solar Battery Generators Can Power A Fridge?

The solar battery generator that can power the refrigerator and freezer is EF EcoFlow EFDelta. However, several other solar battery-powered generators can run refrigerators and freezers effortlessly.

Can A 1200w Generator Run A Fridge?

The average fridge runs at 800 watts. While cooling, the average household freezers and refrigerators run at 800-1200 starting watts. It means you can use a 1200w generator to run a fridge.

Can I Put the Freezer‘s Switch Directly into Generators?

Yes, you can put the freezer‘s switch directly into generators. If they come with a plug and offer enough power supply for running freezers and refrigerators, it becomes easier.

How Many Watts Does A Refrigerator Need?

To calculate the watts your refrigerator needs, you need to convert the volts into amps. You can find the values present on the door or at the back. Old refrigerators and freezers use around seven amps and 115 volts which multiplies to use around 805 watts.

The conventional refrigerators have a starting wattage measuring 800-1200 watts each day. Whereas running wattage measures around 150 watts hours daily.

Which Portable Gas Generators Can Power A Fridge?

Several portable gas generators in the market can power a fridge. Such generators include:

Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

Generac GP3300 Portable Generator

Briggs & Stratton 30545 P3000 PowerSmart Series

How Big Size of a Generator Do I Need to Run A Freezer?

If talking about average generators depends on the generators’ size, power, and wattage of home freezers and refrigerators. They need around 1000-2000 watts of starting power. So, the generators with 2000 watts can run the freezer and refrigerator.

Can A 2000-Watt Generator Easily Run A Refrigerator?

Yes, a 2000-watt generator can run a refrigerator and freezer. Most likely, these appliances need around 1000-1200 starting watts, which means generators with this power will be enough to run them.

Conclusion:

Hope this guide helps you understand which generators, size, and power will run a refrigerator. With the different types of generators on the market, you can now evaluate each type’s pros and cons. Finalize the one suitable for meeting your needs and preference.

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