Generator Size for a Refrigerator
Find the right generator for a refrigerator. Enter its running and startup watts to see the recommended generator size, with headroom for the compressor surge.
Runs locally in your browser — no upload, no trackingTry: Refrigerator running watts=150, Refrigerator startup (surge) watts=800 → 150 W, 800 W, 960 W, 2 kW
How to use
A fridge compressor surges two to five times its running watts for a second when it kicks on, so the generator must cover that brief spike, not just the steady draw. Enter your appliance's running and startup (surge) watts and press Calculate. The recommended size adds a 20% safety margin to the surge so the generator is never running at its limit.
These are typical figures — the plate on your fridge may read differently. If you run more than one device together, use the multi-appliance calculator instead.
FAQ
What size generator will run a refrigerator?
Most fridges draw about 150 running watts and 800 starting watts. A 2 kW inverter generator covers a single fridge comfortably; anything smaller may stall on the compressor surge.