What Size Generator Do I Need For A Freezer And Refrigerator? A Crucial Point To Consider

Are you one of those who wonder What Size Generator, Do I Need For A Freezer And Refrigerator? And is the generator to run a fridge? Yes, fridge generator size matters a lot!

Look! Whether small or large, all homes have basic appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, coffee makers, heating systems, and air conditioners.

All these essential appliances, refrigerators, and freezers need 24 hours of electricity to function because they are both used to keep food items cool and fresh for some days.

The basic function of these hefty investments is the same; the difference is their temperature and size.

If both stop working due to an electricity shortage, or a power outbreak, your food items may get rotten and wasted.

To avoid this frustrating situation, we suggest looking for an alternative power source. Yes, we are talking about generators.

If you are worried about What Size Generator, Do I Need For A Freezer And Refrigerator? Then stay along because we have come up with the answer.

To keep the refrigerator and freezer running continuously for some hours, you need to go for at least a 2000 watts generator for a small-size freezer and fridge and a 3000-watt generator for bigger ones.

Now you have a clear idea about how many size matters. Bigger items need more power. So, you have to check the appliances’ running and starting watts and pick the feasible option.

This article also covers what type of generator suits you best. So read from top to bottom, and let’s keep your investment in safe hands.

How To Find The Right Size Generator?

At first, it is basic to check the total power used by the refrigerator and freezer. They both used different starting and running watts, and the same is the case with a generator.

If you buy a smaller one, there is a possibility that it won’t run your booth appliances at once. If you spend your precious money on too big generators, this is a waste.

So, always determine the size of the generator by looking into the appliances box, or a sticker placed inside the doors or somewhere else that will tell the power needs.

Find out the amperage needs of both appliances. For example, if one appliance is rated at 6.5 amps, and you plug it into the outlet of 120V.

You have to multiply the amps by volts to know the correct amount of watts you need from the generator. Such as, in this example, 6.5 x 120= 780. Do it the same with another device, add both watts, and here you go.

 A figure will tell you how big of a generator you need. This is typically two to three times more than the running watts of a generator. It means you need at least 1500 to 2000-watt generators.

Remember, freezers and refrigerators need an extra power surge when their motor or compressor turns on. Here, you can resolve the query: What Size Generator Do I Need For A Freezer And Refrigerator?

Determining The Size Of A Generator For Your Refrigerator Or Freezer

In order to calculate which generator will be the right option for you, determining the output wattage will be helpful. This is because buying a larger generator although seems impressive but is not always the right choice and also not an affordable option. Similarly going with an affordable and smaller generator is also not a seemingly wise option because a generator is capable of running only a specific load and appliances beyond that wattage will not function.

Thus you have to know the required wattage and then make an educated purchase. You can determine the suitable wattage of your upcoming generator by following given three simple steps.

Step 1 – Make the list of devices you want to run

Step 2 – Use the calculator above to calculate the total power requirements for your selected appliances.

Step3 – Choose a generator slightly bigger than your needs

If you are not sure how much wattage the refrigerator and freezer at your home require then you can check out the given table to have an overview of refrigerators’ starting and running wattage.

What Size Generator To Run Refrigerator And Freezer?

What size generator do I need to run a refrigerator? When answering this crucial question, you can avoid the running watts of the generator instead of staying focused on the starting watts.

A 2000W small portable generator produces 1600 running watts and 2,000W starting watts. So, a refrigerator that runs using 2,000 starting watts will comfortably run on the 500 running wattage.

It also depends on the size of the freezer and refrigerator; if we keep the logic mentioned above in mind, we come to know that you need at least a 1000 watts generator for the refrigerator and freezer. Go for a 3000 watts generator for running standard-size freezers and refrigerators. 

This is the commonly recommended generator for running these heavily invented appliances. If you wonder what a 5000-watt generator should handle, this is enough power to run huge refrigerators and freezers.

Still, mostly no one owns this many big freezers or refrigerators. There is a possibility that restaurant owners may own this much bigger fridge or freezer.

So, you have to always consider 1000 to 3000-watt generators depending on your power needs, and the best recommendation for a 3000-watt generator is Briggs & Stratton 30545 generator.

Spending money on a less noisy inverter generator from a renowned and classic brand would be great.

What Do You Think Of Portable Generator: Is It A Suitable

Experts mostly suggest spending money on dual-fuel generators that can run efficiently on propane and gasoline. You can save money and effort because propane is less costly than gasoline.

A good quality 3000 watts portable generator is considered a perfect option for a refrigerator and some other appliances.

The ideal pick would be a quiet, portable inverter generator because it produces clean energy that best suits many sensitive electronics such as TVs, laptops, and smartphones.

You can choose from the Honda, Champion Power equipment, or Westinghouse generators as they belong to the world’s top brands.

It Would Help If you Also Considered The Generator Type For Refrigerator And Freezer:

Although knowing: What Size Generator I Need For A Freezer And Refrigerator is an important question, you should also consider the type of generator for running big appliances.

Below we mentioned some of the best options to choose from. These are different in terms of fuel usage and size.

Let’s have a look!

●  What About Dual-Fuel Generators?

Dual Fuel generators run on propane and gasoline, which is easily available at need. Propane is cheap and saves more money, which otherwise you have to spend on gasoline.

These generators comfortably run refrigerators and freezers when the tanks are filled and have enough oil levels.

●  Standby Generators:

People install standby generators at the backside of large homes to provide a continuous power supply for running basic appliances.

Standby generators run using either liquid propane or gas. The best thing is their automatic start; they run themselves whenever a sudden power outbreak occurs.

●  What Do You Think Of Battery-Powered?

Generally, battery-powered generators suit the indoor needs of the home. You can charge them through solar energy or via a wall socket.

To run a refrigerator or freezer, always get a unit that produces 2000 watts of power. These newer options are also environmentally friendly.

FAQs

1.   Which Is The Best Portable Generator For A Refrigerator And Freezer?

A portable generator for a freezer and a refrigerator need to have at least 3.5KW output wattage as a freezer will need anywhere between 700 to 1000 running watts and 2100 to 2500 starting watts. To power LED or CFL lights, you would have to have a higher wattage therefore a 3500 watts portable generator will be the best option for a refrigerator and freezer.

2.   Can A Generator Damage A Refrigerator?

There are plenty of sensitive electronics that need pure sine wave electricity to operate normally and they would be damaged severely otherwise. Therefore, these sensitive appliances like laptops and audio systems require inverter generators to work best. But a refrigerator or a freezer will not be damaged by a generator because both of these don’t classify as sensitive appliances and will operate properly with the help of an open-frame generator.

3.   Can A 5000 Watt Generator Run A Refrigerator And Freezer?

The straightforward answer to this depends upon the type of appliance you have at home. A standard refrigerator and a freezer will both be functional with a 5 KW generator. If you are looking forward to powering some heavy-duty appliances besides your refrigerator and a large fridge then you would have to buy a bigger generator with higher output wattage.

4.   How To Calculate What Size Of A Generator I Need?

You can calculate the size of a generator required to power your household appliances by enlisting all the electrical devices you want your generator to run. Then list the wattage of all those enlisted devices and add them together. The final wattage obtained after totaling the individual wattage will give you an idea about the output wattage of a suitable generator for you. The role of the thumb is to go with a generator with a slightly higher wattage than the total wattage of your appliances.

5.   Why Won’t My Generator Run My Refrigerator?

The generator will only power those appliances that are under its output wattage and therefore if you want to know why your refrigerator is not being powered then check out its wattage on the label and find out the root cause. Generators will only run the described load and any extra burden will be laid off. If your wattage is under the desired then there may be a problem with the power cables or transfer switches.

6.   Is An Inverter Better Than A Generator?

Inverter generators use pure sine wave technology to produce clean and consistent power that is independent of the speed of the motor. The inverter power supply is nearly similar to the one you have from the grid supply line and therefore it will not cause any damage to the sensitive electrical appliances at home. Furthermore, inverters are much more quitter portable than conventional generators and are therefore a better option than generators.

Final Words:

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