How many watts does it use?
Running watts, starting watts and daily kWh for 61 appliances, plus calculators that turn them into the generator or power station you actually need.
Size a generator or power station
Pick what you need to keep running. We add the running watts and the biggest starting surge, then suggest a size.
Browse by type
Every appliance page has typical and range watts, start-up surge, daily kWh, amps and runtime on common power stations.
Quick answers
The questions people search most, answered in a line.
How many watts does a refrigerator use?
About 150 W while running, with a start-up surge of up to 2,200 W. More
What size generator do I need for a house?
For outage essentials, often 3,000–5,000 running watts. Whole-house with central AC usually needs a standby unit. More
How many amps is 1500 watts?
12.5 A at 120 V, which is why space heaters stop at 1,500 W on a 15 A circuit. More
How long will a 1000 Wh power station run a fridge?
About 14 hours for a typical fridge that cycles, if its surge rating covers the compressor start. More
Running watts vs starting watts?
Running watts keep things going; starting watts are a short surge for motors. Add only the largest surge. More
Can I run a space heater on a power station?
Briefly. At 1,500 W it drains a 1,000 Wh unit in well under an hour. More
Guides
Generators, power stations, outages and the electricity basics behind them.
What size generator do I need? A simple sizing method
Add running watts, then the largest starting load. Worked examples for outage essentials, a well pump and whole-house central AC, plus a size chart.
How long will a power station last? Runtime math and examples
How long a power station will run a fridge, CPAP, router or Starlink: the Wh × 0.85 ÷ watts formula, fridge duty cycle, worked examples and solar recharge.
Watts to amps (and amps to watts): formulas and conversion table
Convert watts to amps (amps = watts ÷ volts) and amps to watts at 120 V and 240 V, with a chart, 1,500 W example, circuit limits, kWh and Ah to Wh.
What to run during a power outage: a priority list
What to keep running in a power outage: medical devices, food-safety times, sump pump, furnace, internet, plus sample 3,000 W generator and 1,000 Wh plans.
Power station vs generator: which is right for your outage?
Power station vs gas generator: capacity vs fuel, surge watts, indoor use, noise, solar recharge, battery cycle life and which fits your outage needs best.
Running watts vs starting watts: what the difference means
Running watts keep an appliance going; starting watts get motors moving. Which appliances surge, why you add only the largest, and rated vs peak.
Where the numbers come from
US Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR, EIA and manufacturer spec sheets and wattage charts, linked on every page. Real appliances vary, so check your model's label.
*Power strip example: runtime uses the fridge's 60 W cycling average, not its running watts.