Appliance runtimes

Will a power station run it?

Watts, start-up draw and runtime for common home appliances on a portable power station, with how many current models can run each one.

By Hamza Ahmad Aslam · Last verified October 9, 2026

Illustration

Quick answer

Three numbers decide it. The station's continuous AC output must cover the appliance's running watts, its surge rating must cover the start-up draw of anything with a motor or compressor, and its battery size sets how long it lasts. A fridge averaging 60 W runs about 13 to 15 hours on a 1,000 Wh station; a 1,500 W space heater runs well under an hour.

Pick an appliance

Runtimes are for one appliance on a full charge, with 80 to 90% of the battery reaching it. "Models that run it" counts the 13 current models in our database whose output and surge ratings cover it. Start-up figures are volts times starting amps (VA), as motor and compressor makers publish them; comparing them with surge watts errs on the safe side.

Kitchen

Refrigerator (full-size, ENERGY STAR)

Draws: 60 W average
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 13 h to 15 h
On 2,000 Wh: 27 h to 30 h

13 of 13 models run it

Full runtime table · Check on a specific model: Refrigerator (full-size, ENERGY STAR)

Kitchen

Chest freezer (ENERGY STAR)

Draws: 24 W average
Start-up: Up to 833 VA
On 1,000 Wh: 33 h to 38 h
On 2,000 Wh: 67 h to 75 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Chest freezer (ENERGY STAR)

Kitchen

Mini fridge (compact, 1.6-4.5 cu ft, ENERGY STAR)

Draws: 26 W average
Start-up: Up to 833 VA
On 1,000 Wh: 31 h to 35 h
On 2,000 Wh: 62 h to 69 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Mini fridge (compact, 1.6-4.5 cu ft, ENERGY STAR)

Medical

CPAP without humidifier (ResMed AirSense 10/11 class)

Draws: 8 to 20 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 40 h to 113 h
On 2,000 Wh: 80 h to 225 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: CPAP without humidifier (ResMed AirSense 10/11 class)

Medical

CPAP with heated humidifier (ResMed AirSense 11 / 10)

Draws: 56.1 to 73.2 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 11 h to 16 h
On 2,000 Wh: 22 h to 32 h

13 of 13 models run it

Full runtime table · Check on a specific model: CPAP with heated humidifier (ResMed AirSense 11 / 10)

Medical

Travel CPAP (ResMed AirMini)

Draws: 6.3 to 27 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 30 h to 143 h
On 2,000 Wh: 59 h to 286 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Travel CPAP (ResMed AirMini)

Internet and electronics

Wi-Fi router plus cable modem

Draws: 6 to 16.4 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 49 h to 150 h
On 2,000 Wh: 98 h to 300 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Wi-Fi router plus cable modem

Internet and electronics

Laptop (notebook computer)

Draws: 3.4 to 110 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 7.5 h to 265 h
On 2,000 Wh: 15 h to 529 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Laptop (notebook computer)

Internet and electronics

Phone charging (USB power adapter)

Draws: 5 to 20 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 40 h to 180 h
On 2,000 Wh: 80 h to 360 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Phone charging (USB power adapter)

Lighting

LED light bulb (60 W equivalent, 800 lumens)

Draws: 5.9 to 10.5 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 76 h to 153 h
On 2,000 Wh: 152 h to 305 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: LED light bulb (60 W equivalent, 800 lumens)

Other

TV (LED/LCD, 50-55 in, ENERGY STAR)

Draws: 61 to 114 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 7 h to 15 h
On 2,000 Wh: 14 h to 30 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: TV (LED/LCD, 50-55 in, ENERGY STAR)

Kitchen

Microwave oven (countertop)

Draws: 1,350 to 1,500 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 32 min to 40 min
On 2,000 Wh: 1 h to 1.5 h

12 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Microwave oven (countertop)

Kitchen

Coffee maker (12-cup drip)

Draws: 900 to 1,000 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 48 min to 1 h
On 2,000 Wh: 1.5 h to 2 h

12 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Coffee maker (12-cup drip)

Water and pumps

Sump pump, 1/3 HP (115 V)

Draws: 575 to 600 W
Start-up: Up to 1,668 VA
On 1,000 Wh: 1.5 h
On 2,000 Wh: 2.5 h to 3 h

12 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Sump pump, 1/3 HP (115 V)

Water and pumps

Sump pump, 1/2 HP (115 V)

Draws: 750 to 920 W
Start-up: Up to 2,645 VA
On 1,000 Wh: 52 min to 1 h
On 2,000 Wh: 1.5 h to 2.5 h

10 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Sump pump, 1/2 HP (115 V)

Water and pumps

Well pump, 1/2 HP submersible (240 V, 4-inch)

Draws: 655 to 960 W
Start-up: Up to 7,406 VA
On 1,000 Wh: Needs 240 V
On 2,000 Wh: Needs 240 V

1 of 13 models run it (240 V models only)

Check on a specific model: Well pump, 1/2 HP submersible (240 V, 4-inch)

Water and pumps

Well pump, 1 HP submersible (240 V, 4-inch)

Draws: 1,160 to 1,600 W
Start-up: Up to 11,201 VA
On 1,000 Wh: Needs 240 V
On 2,000 Wh: Needs 240 V

0 of 13 models run it (240 V models only)

Check on a specific model: Well pump, 1 HP submersible (240 V, 4-inch)

Heating and cooling

Gas furnace blower (furnace fan)

Draws: 174 to 425 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 2 h to 5 h
On 2,000 Wh: 4 h to 10 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Gas furnace blower (furnace fan)

Heating and cooling

Window air conditioner, 5,000-6,000 BTU

Draws: 347 to 545 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 1.5 h to 2.5 h
On 2,000 Wh: 3 h to 5 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Window air conditioner, 5,000-6,000 BTU

Heating and cooling

Window air conditioner, 8,000 BTU

Draws: 500 to 734 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 1 h to 2 h
On 2,000 Wh: 2 h to 3.5 h

12 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Window air conditioner, 8,000 BTU

Heating and cooling

Portable electric space heater (1,500 W)

Draws: 900 to 1,500 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 32 min to 1 h
On 2,000 Wh: 1 h to 2 h

12 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Portable electric space heater (1,500 W)

Heating and cooling

Electric blanket (queen)

Draws: 400 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: Not enough data
On 2,000 Wh: Not enough data

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Electric blanket (queen)

Medical

Home oxygen concentrator (5 LPM)

Draws: 275 to 350 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 2.5 h to 3.5 h
On 2,000 Wh: 4.5 h to 6.5 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Home oxygen concentrator (5 LPM)

Kitchen

Upright freezer (full-size, ENERGY STAR)

Draws: 50 W average
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 16 h to 18 h
On 2,000 Wh: 32 h to 36 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Upright freezer (full-size, ENERGY STAR)

Kitchen

Dishwasher (built-in, 120 V)

Draws: 852 to 1,440 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 33 min to 1 h
On 2,000 Wh: 1 h to 2 h

12 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Dishwasher (built-in, 120 V)

Kitchen

Electric kettle (1.7 L)

Draws: 1,500 to 1,800 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 27 min to 36 min
On 2,000 Wh: 53 min to 1 h

11 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Electric kettle (1.7 L)

Kitchen

Toaster (2-slice to 4-slice)

Draws: 700 to 1,800 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 27 min to 1.5 h
On 2,000 Wh: 53 min to 2.5 h

11 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Toaster (2-slice to 4-slice)

Kitchen

Air fryer (5-6 qt basket)

Draws: 1,500 to 1,700 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 28 min to 36 min
On 2,000 Wh: 56 min to 1 h

11 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Air fryer (5-6 qt basket)

Kitchen

Slow cooker (6 qt)

Draws: 260 to 275 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 3 h to 3.5 h
On 2,000 Wh: 6 h to 7 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Slow cooker (6 qt)

Kitchen

Electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot Duo, 3-8 qt)

Draws: 700 to 1,200 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 40 min to 1.5 h
On 2,000 Wh: 1.5 h to 2.5 h

12 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot Duo, 3-8 qt)

Kitchen

Blender (full-size, high power)

Draws: 1,100 to 1,800 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 27 min to 49 min
On 2,000 Wh: 53 min to 1.5 h

11 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Blender (full-size, high power)

Kitchen

Portable induction burner (single, 1,800 W)

Draws: 100 to 1,800 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 27 min to 9 h
On 2,000 Wh: 53 min to 18 h

11 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Portable induction burner (single, 1,800 W)

Kitchen

Rice cooker (5.5-10 cup)

Draws: 672 to 1,000 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 48 min to 1.5 h
On 2,000 Wh: 1.5 h to 2.5 h

12 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Rice cooker (5.5-10 cup)

Internet and electronics

Desktop computer (tower, without monitor)

Draws: 4.7 to 260 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 3 h to 191 h
On 2,000 Wh: 6 h to 383 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Desktop computer (tower, without monitor)

Internet and electronics

Computer monitor (21-32 in, ENERGY STAR)

Draws: 11 to 25 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 32 h to 82 h
On 2,000 Wh: 64 h to 164 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Computer monitor (21-32 in, ENERGY STAR)

Internet and electronics

Gaming console (PS5, Xbox Series X|S)

Draws: 61 to 218 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 3.5 h to 15 h
On 2,000 Wh: 7.5 h to 30 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Gaming console (PS5, Xbox Series X|S)

Internet and electronics

Tablet charging (USB power adapter)

Draws: 10 to 20 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 40 h to 90 h
On 2,000 Wh: 80 h to 180 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Tablet charging (USB power adapter)

Internet and electronics

Wi-Fi security camera or video doorbell (each, wired)

Draws: 9 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: Not enough data
On 2,000 Wh: Not enough data

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Wi-Fi security camera or video doorbell (each, wired)

Internet and electronics

Cordless phone base station

Draws: 0.5 to 4.3 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 186 h to 1,800 h
On 2,000 Wh: 372 h to 3,600 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Cordless phone base station

Heating and cooling

Ceiling fan (52 in, ENERGY STAR, fan only)

Draws: 1.9 to 46 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 17 h to 474 h
On 2,000 Wh: 35 h to 947 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Ceiling fan (52 in, ENERGY STAR, fan only)

Heating and cooling

Box fan or pedestal fan (16-20 in)

Draws: 57 to 102 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 8 h to 16 h
On 2,000 Wh: 16 h to 32 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Box fan or pedestal fan (16-20 in)

Heating and cooling

Portable air conditioner (10,000 BTU)

Draws: 1,125 to 1,370 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 35 min to 48 min
On 2,000 Wh: 1 h to 1.5 h

12 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Portable air conditioner (10,000 BTU)

Heating and cooling

Dehumidifier (portable, 35-50 pint, ENERGY STAR)

Draws: 346 to 616 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 1.5 h to 2.5 h
On 2,000 Wh: 2.5 h to 5 h

12 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Dehumidifier (portable, 35-50 pint, ENERGY STAR)

Heating and cooling

Central air conditioner, 3 ton (240 V split system)

Draws: 2,872 to 3,673 W
Start-up: Up to 20,700 VA
On 1,000 Wh: Needs 240 V
On 2,000 Wh: Needs 240 V

0 of 13 models run it (240 V models only)

Check on a specific model: Central air conditioner, 3 ton (240 V split system)

Heating and cooling

Electric water heater, tank (4,500 W elements, 240 V)

Draws: 4,500 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: Needs 240 V
On 2,000 Wh: Needs 240 V

1 of 13 models run it (240 V models only)

Check on a specific model: Electric water heater, tank (4,500 W elements, 240 V)

Other

Washing machine (top-load, 120 V)

Draws: 1,200 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: Not enough data
On 2,000 Wh: Not enough data

12 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Washing machine (top-load, 120 V)

Other

Electric clothes dryer (240 V)

Draws: 5,600 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: Needs 240 V
On 2,000 Wh: Needs 240 V

1 of 13 models run it (240 V models only)

Check on a specific model: Electric clothes dryer (240 V)

Other

Hair dryer

Draws: 1,600 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 30 min to 34 min
On 2,000 Wh: 1 h

11 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Hair dryer

Other

Garage door opener (LiftMaster wall-mount)

Draws: 120 to 180 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 4.5 h to 7.5 h
On 2,000 Wh: 9 h to 15 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Garage door opener (LiftMaster wall-mount)

Other

Aquarium heater (10-55 gal tank)

Draws: 50 to 200 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 4 h to 18 h
On 2,000 Wh: 8 h to 36 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Aquarium heater (10-55 gal tank)

Other

Circular saw, corded 7-1/4 in (15 A)

Draws: 1,800 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: Not enough data
On 2,000 Wh: Not enough data

11 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Circular saw, corded 7-1/4 in (15 A)

Other

EV charging, Level 1 (120 V)

Draws: 1,300 to 1,920 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 25 min to 42 min
On 2,000 Wh: 50 min to 1.5 h

7 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: EV charging, Level 1 (120 V)

Medical

Nebulizer (compressor type)

Draws: 80 to 140 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 5.5 h to 11 h
On 2,000 Wh: 11 h to 23 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Nebulizer (compressor type)

Medical

Power wheelchair or scooter charger (24 V, 8 A)

Draws: 230 to 360 W
Start-up: No surge listed
On 1,000 Wh: 2 h to 4 h
On 2,000 Wh: 4.5 h to 8 h

13 of 13 models run it

Check on a specific model: Power wheelchair or scooter charger (24 V, 8 A)

In this section

A stainless steel refrigerator between white kitchen cabinets

How long will a power station run a refrigerator?

Estimate refrigerator backup runtime using EnergyGuide data, battery capacity, and startup power. Includes food safety guidance for outages.

A CPAP machine on a bedside table, plugged into a portable power station on the floor, with a lamp on and dark houses outside the window

How long will a power station run a CPAP?

Estimate CPAP battery runtime with and without heated humidification, compare power requirements, and understand UPS and DC adapter limitations.

How to read these numbers

Every card above answers the same three questions for one appliance.

Will it start?

Motors and compressors, such as pumps, freezers and air conditioners, draw extra power for a moment when they start. A station's surge rating has to cover that moment. Where a maker publishes a start-up figure, we show it and check it against each model.

Will it run?

While running, the appliance's draw has to stay under the station's continuous AC rating. Add up everything you plan to run at the same time.

For how long?

Battery size in watt-hours divided by the appliance's average watts gives the runtime. We assume 80 to 90% of the battery reaches the appliance after inverter losses, so every runtime is a range.

Appliances that are hard for batteries

Heat-making appliances use the most energy. A 1,500 W space heater empties a 1,000 Wh station in about 30 to 40 minutes, and a coffee maker in about 50 minutes to an hour. Loads like these work better in short bursts or on a larger station.

Well pumps and central air conditioners often need 240 V. Only a few portable models in our database supply it, and their start-up draw still needs checking against the pump or air conditioner's nameplate.

Running several appliances at once

The cards show one appliance at a time. To plan for a fridge, Wi-Fi, lights and a CPAP together, use the size calculator. It adds up your list and shows which models cover it for one day or longer.

Questions readers ask

How do I find my appliance's watts?

Look for a label on the back or bottom, or in the manual. If it lists amps and volts instead, amps times volts gives a rough upper figure. A plug-in power meter gives the most accurate number for things that cycle, like a fridge.

Why does a fridge run longer than its watts suggest?

Its compressor switches on and off. We use its average draw over a day, about 60 W for a full-size ENERGY STAR model, not the higher draw while the compressor runs.

What does "start-up may exceed surge rating" mean?

Motors draw a short burst of extra power when they start. If that burst is higher than the station's surge rating, the station may shut off instead of starting the appliance.

Can a power station run 240 V appliances like a well pump?

Only models with 120/240 V output can. Most portable stations supply 120 V only.

Quick answer

Pick an appliance

Chest freezer (ENERGY STAR)

Mini fridge (compact, 1.6-4.5 cu ft, ENERGY STAR)

CPAP without humidifier (ResMed AirSense 10/11 class)

Travel CPAP (ResMed AirMini)

Wi-Fi router plus cable modem

Laptop (notebook computer)

Phone charging (USB power adapter)

LED light bulb (60 W equivalent, 800 lumens)

TV (LED/LCD, 50-55 in, ENERGY STAR)

Microwave oven (countertop)

Coffee maker (12-cup drip)

Sump pump, 1/3 HP (115 V)

Sump pump, 1/2 HP (115 V)

Well pump, 1/2 HP submersible (240 V, 4-inch)

Well pump, 1 HP submersible (240 V, 4-inch)

Gas furnace blower (furnace fan)

Window air conditioner, 5,000-6,000 BTU

Window air conditioner, 8,000 BTU

Portable electric space heater (1,500 W)

Electric blanket (queen)

Home oxygen concentrator (5 LPM)

Upright freezer (full-size, ENERGY STAR)

Dishwasher (built-in, 120 V)

Electric kettle (1.7 L)

Toaster (2-slice to 4-slice)

Air fryer (5-6 qt basket)

Slow cooker (6 qt)

Electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot Duo, 3-8 qt)

Blender (full-size, high power)

Portable induction burner (single, 1,800 W)

Rice cooker (5.5-10 cup)

Desktop computer (tower, without monitor)

Computer monitor (21-32 in, ENERGY STAR)

Gaming console (PS5, Xbox Series X|S)

Tablet charging (USB power adapter)

Wi-Fi security camera or video doorbell (each, wired)

Cordless phone base station

Ceiling fan (52 in, ENERGY STAR, fan only)

Box fan or pedestal fan (16-20 in)

Portable air conditioner (10,000 BTU)

Dehumidifier (portable, 35-50 pint, ENERGY STAR)

Central air conditioner, 3 ton (240 V split system)

Electric water heater, tank (4,500 W elements, 240 V)

Washing machine (top-load, 120 V)

Electric clothes dryer (240 V)

Hair dryer

Garage door opener (LiftMaster wall-mount)

Aquarium heater (10-55 gal tank)

Circular saw, corded 7-1/4 in (15 A)

EV charging, Level 1 (120 V)

Nebulizer (compressor type)

Power wheelchair or scooter charger (24 V, 8 A)

In this section

How to read these numbers

Will it start?

Will it run?

For how long?

Appliances that are hard for batteries

Running several appliances at once

Questions readers ask

Keep planning