What size generator to run a refrigerator?
Refrigerator draws about 700W while running and surges to 2,200W on startup. Allowing 20% headroom, size for at least 2,700W of starting capacity.
Compressor surge is brief but large. A full fridge holds temperature for hours, so it does not need to run continuously.
The surge is the number that matters. A generator rated to 700W will stall the moment the motor kicks in, because for a fraction of a second it needs 2,200W. Manufacturers advertise running watts, which is why people routinely buy one size too small.
Units that cover it
- Predator 3500 Watt Super Quiet Inverter
3,500W starting · 59% headroom · $799.99
Comfortable headroom without overpaying for capacity, has a CO shutoff sensor, runs at 56 dB.
Check price - Champion 201122
2,500W starting · 14% headroom
Sized close to your load with a little room to spare, has a CO shutoff sensor, runs at 53 dB, runs on propane as well as gasoline.
Check price - A-iPower SUA2600i
2,600W starting · 18% headroom · $549.99
Sized close to your load with a little room to spare, has a CO shutoff sensor.
Check price
Running more than one thing
Most people are not powering one appliance. Add everything you need at once and the calculator works out the real peak — your total running load plus the single largest surge, not the sum of every surge.
Size the whole load