The short answer
A typical refrigerator needs about 150 W running and up to 600 W to start, averaging about 60 W over time. A full day needs roughly 1,694 Wh of battery.
The load and who can run it
| Item | Typical value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 150 W | typical planning value |
| Starting watts | 600 W | typical planning value |
| Duty cycle | 40% | share of time drawing power |
| Average draw | 60 W | running watts × duty cycle |
Compressor cycles on and off; the surge happens each time it starts.
Power stations that can run it (79)
Wattstanding calculationWattstanding calculation — runtime = capacity × 85% ÷ (running watts × duty cycle). Showing the 30 lowest-priced of 79 qualifying stations.
Generators that can run it (157)
Total your own list with the appliance load & runtime calculator.
Questions readers ask
How many watts does a refrigerator use?
A typical one runs on about 150 W and can need 600 W to start; averaged over time it draws about 60 W. Check your own nameplate.
How many watt-hours do I need to run it for a day?
About 1,694 Wh of battery capacity for 24 hours, by our calculation (average draw × 24 h ÷ 85% efficiency).
Figures marked as Wattstanding calculations show their working; product figures come from the sources on each product page. How we work