Disclosure: our picks are independent. Some links are affiliate links (we may earn a commission at no cost to you). How we choose
Contents
Quick answer
About 1,000 Wh keeps a typical fridge running 10 to 20 hoursA strong 1 kWh pick is the Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2. Check price
About 2,000 Wh covers one to two daysThe BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 packs roughly 2 kWh in one box. Check price
4,000 Wh and up for multi-day outagesThe EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is our home backup pick. Check price
Keeping the fridge cold is the number-one reason people buy a power station for outages. The good news: a modern refrigerator uses less energy than most people think, because the compressor only runs part of the time.
How much power does a fridge use?
A typical full-size refrigerator draws around 100 to 200 W while the compressor runs, but the compressor cycles on and off. Over a full day most modern fridges use roughly 1 to 2 kWh. Older models, side-by-sides with ice makers and fridges in hot garages sit at the high end.
The exact figure is on the yellow EnergyGuide label (in kWh per year): divide it by 365 to get your daily use. A plug-in watt meter gives the most accurate number.
Estimated runtime by power station size
| Power station | Efficient fridge (~1 kWh/day) | Average fridge (~1.5 kWh/day) | Older fridge (~2 kWh/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 Wh | ~10 h | ~7 h | ~5 h |
| 1,000 Wh | ~20 h | ~13 h | ~10 h |
| 2,000 Wh | ~1.7 days | ~1.1 days | ~20 h |
| 4,000 Wh | ~3.4 days | ~2.3 days | ~1.7 days |
Figures assume about 85 % usable energy after inverter losses, and nothing else plugged in. Real-world runtime varies with room temperature and door openings.
How to make the battery last longer
- Keep the door closed. A full, closed fridge holds its temperature for hours.
- Turn off the ice maker and any "quick cool" mode.
- Cycle it: unplug for an hour, plug back for an hour, and check the temperature with a cheap fridge thermometer (keep it at 40 °F / 4 °C or below).
- Recharge with solar during the day for multi-day outages. See our guide to home backup power stations.
Video: “What Size Power Station Do You REALLY Need?” by CleverJoe Off Grid (YouTube). Not affiliated with Grid Out Ready.
Which power station should you choose for your fridge?
For short outages of a few hours, 1 kWh is plenty. If outages in your area regularly last overnight or longer, aim for 2 kWh or an expandable system. For a full sizing walkthrough with other appliances, read what size power station do I need.
Method: runtimes are estimates calculated from typical refrigerator consumption figures (EnergyGuide ranges) and an assumed 85 % usable capacity. Your fridge may differ.