Refrigerators and freezers are energy-consuming appliances, which is why it is super important for everyone to know what size of generator they can use to run them.
Keep in mind that using the wrong generator can damage the internal components of your cooling devices. But things can get worse. Overloading can cause permanent damage to your generator, and you will then have to spend hundreds or thousands of bucks to get a new one.
You should have at least a 2000-watt generator to run a refrigerator and a freezer. It is okay to get the one that offers more than 2000 starting watts. However, it is unacceptable to get a less powerful generator, or else it may damage your appliances.
Continue reading, as I have explained the best generators you can get to power your refrigerator and freezer later in this article.
Table of Contents
Why Does a 2000-Watt Generator Suit Refrigerator and Freezer
A 2000-watt generator is a suitable choice for running a refrigerator and freezer because it can handle the power requirements easily. However, it is always a good idea to check the starting watts.
Let’s delve further.
Refrigerator and Its Wattage Requirements
Most fridges run on less than 1500 watts, which means you can easily power them with 2000-watt generators. However, a very few standard and side-by-side refrigerators have higher starting watts, which a 2000-watt generator can’t fulfill.
You might be wondering- “How Can I know what’s the starting and running watts of my refrigerator and freezer?” Well, it’s simple. You can check the manual of these devices to know about all the details.
If you have lost the manual, then don’t worry. You can contact the seller/manufacturer and directly ask about the watts. The representatives of the sellers/manufacturers will let you know all the details about the refrigerator and freezer models.
Here’s the table about different refrigerators and then watt requirements:
|
Fridge |
Running watts |
Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
|
Small Mini-Fridges |
50W |
200W |
|
Small Energy Star Fridge |
132W |
528W |
|
Small Fridge |
400W |
1200W |
|
Standard Mini Fridge |
75W |
300W |
|
Standard Energy Star Fridge |
192W |
768W |
|
Standard Fridge |
700W |
2900W |
|
Big Mini Fridge |
100W |
400W |
|
Big Energy Star Fridge |
250W |
1000W |
|
Big Side-By-Side Fridge |
1000W |
4000W |
|
Biggest Fridge |
1500W |
6000W |
Freezer and Its Wattage Requirements
If you also own a freezer, then there is good news for you. You can run every model with a 2000-watt generator without worrying about anything. Almost every freezer model consumes less than 800 watts. The starting watts are also low.
So you can power your freezer and other electronic appliances easily.
Here’s the table about freezers and the watt requirements:
|
Freezer |
Running Watts |
Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
|
Small Chest Freezer |
80W |
240W |
|
Small Upright Freezer |
150W |
500W |
|
Medium Chest Freezer |
100W |
300W |
|
Medium Upright Freezer |
200W |
600W |
|
Large Chest Freezer |
150W |
450W |
|
Large Upright Freezer |
250W |
800W |
Just like in the case of a refrigerator, you can check the manual to know about the running and starting watts of your freezer model.
Wondering if you can run both the refrigerator and freezer at the same time with a 2000-watt generator? Absolutely, you can. However, I advise you to confirm the total watts of both machines. Note that they must be below 2000W. If they are above (which is very rare), then get a more powerful generator.
But wait. Using a poor-quality and inferior 2000-watt generator can also cause lots of problems for you. Imagine your generator keeps shutting down, producing high levels of noise, overheating, or malfunctioning! Plus, power fluctuation is a common problem with inferior generators that can damage your electronic appliances.
If you want to avoid these troubles, then you should benefit from my experience and get the ones that I suggest.
Best Generator Models For Running Refrigerators and Freezers
Different brands have launched several 2000-watt generator models, but I have seen people complaining about most of them. Don’t worry. After analyzing features and customer reviews, I have shortlisted the top three generators that you can get to power up your refrigerator and freezer.
Honda EU2200ITAN1- Best Overall
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reliable performance.
- Powerful 121cc engine
- Features CO-Minder technology
- Great value for money
Cons
- Runs on gasoline only.
Honda EU2200I is the best generator you can get to run your refrigerator and freezer. Why? Well, it is a perfect combination of reliability, durability, and performance. It is an upgraded version of EU2200 and delivers 10 percent more power than typical devices.
Many people have also praised its Commercial grade engine. It can produce power and keep your home powered up in case of an outage.
Furthermore, it is also lightweight, which means you can move it around easily. It is also ideal for outdoor trips, like hiking or camping, because of its compact design.
That’s not it. Honda EU2200I is also super safe. It has CO Minder technology, which automatically senses the carbon monoxide levels in the air and powers them down immediately. This will keep you safe from any respiratory and lung issues.
On top of this, Honda EU2200I produces extremely low noise levels. You might not even hear any sound from a few feet away. It’s that quiet!
Another thing I admire about Honda EU2200I is that you can control it with Honda’s exclusive app. You can simply start and stop this device by lying on your bed. Furthermore, the app also lets you monitor the generator’s performance and give updates about the oil.
WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator
Pros
- Portable
- Generates clean energy
- Versatile panel
- Low noise levels
- Around 10 hour run time
Cons
- The engine is less powerful than the Honda EU 2200i
WEN 56200i is another great choice to run a refrigerator and freezer. Just like EU2200, it is super lightweight. It only weighs around 48 pounds, which means it is portable.
Similarly, the WEN 56200i is super quiet. It only produces 53 dB levels of the nose. Let me tell you this- our normal conversation with other people is louder than 53 dB. So, if you are looking for a quiet, compact generator to power up your refrigerator and freezer, then WEN 56200i is for you.
However, its engine is less powerful than Honda’s EU2200i. WEN has added a 79 cc OHV engine, while Honda uses 121 cc.
Still, WEN 56200i is good enough to keep the refrigerator and freezer running. You may also use it to power other appliances. However, I suggest you first calculate the total running watt before you do this.
Is that it? Nope!
When I read its reviews, I was surprised to learn that people use it to charge sensitive devices like smartphones, earbuds, laptops, etc. After researching, it became clear that WEN 56200i produces clean and stable energy only. It uses cutting-edge inverter technology, which makes it an ideal source of powering any sensitive devices as well.
Also, note that WEN 56200i is CARB compliant- which means it is safe for the environment too. There is also an Eco-mode that will not allow the device to add smoke and harmful gasses into the air around you.
Generac 7117 Gp2200I W 50St Inverter
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Compact design
- Powerful 4-stroke engine
- Features Economy mode
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- It runs on gasoline only
Generac GP 2200I is my last pick for you to run a refrigerator and freezer. The feature that made me select this generator is its running time. Generac GP 2200I can power up your appliances for more than 10 hours easily at 25 percent load. Its starting output is 2200W, while the running wattage is around 1700W.
But this does not mean that Generac GP 2200I is a big machine. It is lightweight and weighs around 47 pounds only. Its tank volume is also low, which is only 1.2 gallons. The best part? It has a built-in handle, which makes carrying this device easy.
Another great quality of the Generac GP 2200I is that it is really easy to operate. If you haven’t used any generator before, you will still not find it difficult to use this model. The reason is that it has Off/Run/Choke knobs that makes using this device simple.
There’s more. Generac GP 2200I has an economy mode, which you can turn on when the oil is low. It will enhance fuel efficiency and reduce noise levels. Furthermore, you can also monitor the low-oil levels by checking the LED light status.
What’s more? Well, the Generac GP 2200I has charging ports too. You can plug in your mobile, tablet, and other devices to it and charge them directly. You will really appreciate this feature during a long power outage.
So, that’s all about which generators you can use to power up a refrigerator and freezer easily.
Related: What Can I Run With a 5000 Watt Generator?
Final Words
In summary, a 2000-watt generator is suitable for running a refrigerator and freezer. Both of them don’t have much starting and running watts. A refrigerator usually takes up to 1000W, while a freezer consumes around 400W.
The best 2000-watt generator you can use to power up your refrigerator and fridge is Honda EU2200i. It generates clean and stable energy that can keep your refrigerator and freezer running for hours.
Plus, it is lightweight and safe. Thousands of people are already using it to run electronic appliances, and all of them have given it five stars. So, get a Honda EU2200i and power your refrigerator and freezers without any worry.