What You Need to Power a Refrigerator in an Outage (Fridge + Freezer Chart)
The list, with sourced watts
| Appliance | Running watts | Starting (surge) |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator/freezer (standard household) | 1,000 | 2,200 |
| Small / compact refrigerator | 500 | 2,000 |
| Chest / deep freezer | 720 | 1,890 |
| LED light (per bulb/fixture, 60W-equivalent class) | 13 | — |
| Cell phone charger | 25 | — |
| Wi-Fi router + modem | 20 | — |
The arithmetic, both ways
Full kit (every item below, at once): 1,778W running + 1,200W largest surge = 2,978W → × 1.2 = ~3,600W
Generators for the refrigerator/freezer alone
Spec: official_press
As an Amazon Associate, needwatts.com earns from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links — this never affects our wattage math or which units we list.
See Honda EU3200i on Amazon →Spec: manufacturer_pdf
As an Amazon Associate, needwatts.com earns from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links — this never affects our wattage math or which units we list.
See Generac iQ3500 (7127/7723) on Amazon →Spec: manufacturer
As an Amazon Associate, needwatts.com earns from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links — this never affects our wattage math or which units we list.
See Champion 201531 (4500W Dual Fuel Inverter, CO Shield) on Amazon →Covering the full kit (~3,600W)
Spec: manufacturer
As an Amazon Associate, needwatts.com earns from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links — this never affects our wattage math or which units we list.
See WEN 56380i on Amazon →Spec: manufacturer
As an Amazon Associate, needwatts.com earns from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links — this never affects our wattage math or which units we list.
See Champion 201320 (4500W Open Frame Inverter) on Amazon →Adjust this list in the calculator →
How many watts do I need for a refrigerator/freezer?
1,000 running watts with 2,200W available at startup; ~2,700W rated recommended. The full kit on this page needs ~3,600W.
Why do starting watts matter?
Motor-driven appliances (fridges, pumps, AC compressors) briefly draw 2–4× their running watts at startup. A generator must cover running load plus the largest single surge, or the motor stalls and breakers trip.
Is a bigger generator always better?
No — oversized open-frame units burn more fuel and run louder. Size to your real list with ~20% headroom.
Sources
- Wattage Worksheet '3R0WATTGUIDE' (generator reference guide, Home Depot-hosted PDF) (vendor)
- A-iPower Wattage Chart (Sam's Club-hosted PDF) (vendor)
- Champion Power Equipment 'Choosing a Generator' wattage flyer (manufacturer)
- Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative generator sizing chart (utility)
- Grounded Electric generator wattage chart (licensed electrical contractor) (vendor)
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Bulbs At A Glance (energystar.gov PDF) (gov)
Figures are conservative sizing values chosen from the range these sources report. Your appliance's nameplate is authoritative.