Appliance wattage table
Running and start-up watts for 97 appliances you might want on backup power. 25 of them have a published start-up surge, which is the number that decides whether a power station's inverter can start them. Every row links to its source.
- Medical
- Electronics and internet
- Lighting
- Kitchen
- Heating, cooling and air
- RV and camping
- Pumps and outdoor
- Power tools
Medical
| Appliance | Running | Start-up | Average | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ResMed AirSense 11 CPAP | 56 W | — | — | ResMed's AirSense 11 user guide lists typical power consumption of 56.1 W and peak power consumption of 73.2 W with the 65 W power supply. | nihstrokenet.uc.edu |
| Home oxygen concentrator (5 LPM, CAIRE IntenOxy 5) | 350 W | — | — | CAIRE lists power consumption under 350 W at 5 LPM for the IntenOxy 5; this uses 350 W as the upper bound. Draw is lower at lower flow settings. | caireinc.com |
Electronics and internet
| Appliance | Running | Start-up | Average | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable/DSL modem | 6 W | — | — | EWEB lists an always-on cable or DSL modem at a typical 6 W. | eweb.org |
| Wi-Fi router | 6.5 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 6-7 W typical wattage for an always-on wireless internet router. | eweb.org |
| Smartphone charger | 10 W | — | — | The DR Power (Generac) generator wattage worksheet lists a cell phone charger at an approximate 10 running watts. | dam.generac.com |
| Blu-ray disc player (ENERGY STAR) | 13 W | — | — | EWEB lists an ENERGY STAR Blu-ray disc player at a typical 13 W while playing. | eweb.org |
| Satellite TV dish | 15 W | — | — | EWEB lists a satellite dish at a typical 15 W. | eweb.org |
| Tablet (charging) | 20 W | — | — | The DR Power (Generac) generator wattage worksheet lists a tablet at an approximate 20 running watts. | dam.generac.com |
| Starlink Mini | 33 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of the 25-40 W average power consumption on Starlink's Mini specification sheet (input rating 12-48 V, 60 W). | api.starlink.com |
| MacBook Air (35 W adapter) | 35 W | — | — | Apple lists 30 W, 35 W, 67 W and 70 W adapters for MacBook Air (2022 or later); 35 W is the adapter rating, not a measured average. | support.apple.com |
| Laptop computer | 50 W | — | — | The EPA typical-wattage list gives a laptop computer nameplate rating of 50 W. | waterrights.utah.gov |
| MacBook Pro 14-inch (70 W adapter) | 70 W | — | — | Apple lists 67 W, 70 W and 96 W adapters for the 14-inch MacBook Pro (2021 or later); 70 W is the adapter rating, not a measured average. | support.apple.com |
| Desktop computer | 80 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 40-120 W typical wattage for a desktop computer in active use. | eweb.org |
| Inkjet printer | 83 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 45-120 W typical wattage for an inkjet printer while printing. | eweb.org |
| Computer monitor | 85 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 20-150 W typical wattage range for computer monitors. | eweb.org |
| Starlink Standard kit | 88 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of the 75-100 W average power consumption on Starlink's Standard specification sheet. | api.starlink.com |
| MacBook Pro 16-inch (140 W adapter) | 140 W | — | — | Apple ships the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021 or later) with a 140 W USB-C power adapter, so this is the maximum charging draw rather than a measured average. | support.apple.com |
| LED/LCD TV (about 45-inch) | 162 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 110-213 W typical wattage for a 45-inch LCD or LED television. | eweb.org |
| Sony PlayStation 5 (gaming) | 218 W | — | — | Sony's ecodesign disclosure measures the PS5 CFI-2016 at 217.7 W during active UHD gaming (three-game average) and about 47 W on the home menu. | playstation.com |
| Hair dryer | 1,500 W | — | — | The DR Power (Generac) generator wattage worksheet lists a hair dryer at an approximate 1,500 running watts. | dam.generac.com |
Lighting
| Appliance | Running | Start-up | Average | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED bulb (60 W equivalent) | 9 W | — | — | EWEB lists a 60 W-equivalent LED lamp at a typical 9 W. | eweb.org |
| CFL bulb (60 W equivalent) | 16 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 13-18 W typical wattage for a 60 W-equivalent compact fluorescent lamp. | eweb.org |
| Incandescent bulb (60 W) | 60 W | — | — | EWEB lists a 60 W incandescent lamp at its rated 60 W. | eweb.org |
| High-intensity LED flood light (250 W equivalent) | 88 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 75-100 W typical wattage for a 250 W-equivalent high-intensity LED fixture. | eweb.org |
| Quartz halogen work light | 1,000 W | — | — | The DR Power (Generac) generator wattage worksheet lists a quartz halogen work light at an approximate 1,000 running watts. | dam.generac.com |
Kitchen
| Appliance | Running | Start-up | Average | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact mini fridge (3.3 cu ft, Midea MRM33S8BSL) | 115 W | — | 30 Wruns 26% of the time | Midea's user manual lists a rating of 115 V, 1.0 A (115 W nameplate). ENERGY STAR lists this model at 260 kWh/yr, an average of about 29.7 W, so dutyCycle is derived as 29.7 / 115. | midea.com |
| Full-size refrigerator (ENERGY STAR) | 160 W | — | 51 Wruns 32% of the time | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 150-170 W typical wattage, with dutyCycle derived from EWEB's 200-260 run hours per 720-hour month (midpoint 230 h). | eweb.org |
| Compact chest freezer (ENERGY STAR) | 180 W | — | 56 Wruns 31% of the time | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 160-200 W typical wattage, with dutyCycle derived from EWEB's 180-260 run hours per 720-hour month. | eweb.org |
| Refrigerator, top-mount freezer (no icemaker) | 195 W | — | 66 Wruns 34% of the time | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 170-220 W typical wattage, with dutyCycle derived from EWEB's 215-280 run hours per 720-hour month. | eweb.org |
| Upright freezer with auto defrost (ENERGY STAR) | 220 W | — | 70 Wruns 32% of the time | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 200-240 W typical wattage, with dutyCycle derived from EWEB's 190-270 run hours per 720-hour month. | eweb.org |
| Refrigerator, side-by-side with icemaker | 230 W | — | 78 Wruns 34% of the time | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 210-250 W typical wattage, with dutyCycle derived from EWEB's 215-280 run hours per 720-hour month. | eweb.org |
| Slow cooker | 250 W | — | — | The DR Power (Generac) generator wattage worksheet lists a slow cooker at an approximate 250 running watts. | dam.generac.com |
| Blender (standard countertop) | 300 W | 650 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a blender at 300 running watts and 650 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Dishwasher (ENERGY STAR) | 633 W | — | — | EWEB lists an ENERGY STAR dishwasher at a typical 633 W. | eweb.org |
| Refrigerator (conservative generator-sizing value) | 700 W | 2,200 W | — | Champion's quick-reference generator chart lists a refrigerator at 700 running watts and 2,200 starting watts, a conservative sizing value rather than a measured average. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Microwave oven (compact) | 925 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of the 750-1,100 W nameplate range in the EPA typical-wattage list. | waterrights.utah.gov |
| Blender (1,000 W class) | 1,000 W | — | — | The DR Power (Generac) generator wattage worksheet lists a blender at an approximate 1,000 running watts. | dam.generac.com |
| Electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot Duo 6 qt) | 1,000 W | — | — | Instant Pot lists the Duo 6QT multi-use pressure cooker at 1,000 watts, 120 V~ 60 Hz. | instantpot.com |
| Toaster (2-slice) | 1,100 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of the 800-1,400 W nameplate range in the EPA typical-wattage list. | waterrights.utah.gov |
| Toaster oven | 1,225 W | — | — | The EPA typical-wattage list gives a toaster oven nameplate rating of 1,225 W. | waterrights.utah.gov |
| Drip coffee maker | 1,300 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 1,100-1,500 W typical wattage for a coffee maker while brewing. | eweb.org |
| Electric range burner (small) | 1,300 W | — | — | DTE Energy's GenerLink appliance usage guide lists a small range burner at an average 1,300 running watts with a starting factor of 1. | dteenergy.com |
| Microwave oven (1.25 cu ft) | 1,500 W | — | — | EWEB lists a 1.25 cu ft microwave oven at a typical 1,500 W. | eweb.org |
| Electric kettle (1.7 L, Cuisinart CPK-17) | 1,500 W | — | — | Cuisinart rates the PerfecTemp CPK-17 cordless kettle at 1,500 watts. | cuisinart.com |
| Single-serve coffee maker (Keurig K-Classic) | 1,500 W | — | — | Target lists the Keurig K-Classic (K50) at a 1,500 W wattage output; it draws this while heating water, not continuously. | target.com |
| Electric grill | 1,650 W | — | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists an electric grill at 1,650 running watts with no added starting load. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Air fryer (6 qt, Cosori TurboBlaze) | 1,725 W | — | — | Cosori lists the TurboBlaze 6.0-quart air fryer at a rated power of 1,725 W on AC 120V, 60Hz. | cosori.com |
| Induction cooktop, single burner (Duxtop 9600LS) | 1,800 W | — | — | Secura lists the Duxtop 9600LS at an 1,800 W rating with 20 power levels from 100 W to 1,800 W on a standard 120V 15A outlet; lower settings draw less. | thesecura.com |
| Electric range burner (large) | 2,400 W | — | — | DTE Energy's GenerLink appliance usage guide lists a large range burner at an average 2,400 running watts with a starting factor of 1. | dteenergy.com |
Heating, cooling and air
| Appliance | Running | Start-up | Average | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric blanket (single) | 60 W | — | — | The EPA typical-wattage list gives a single electric blanket a nameplate rating of 60 W. | waterrights.utah.gov |
| Air purifier | 65 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 30-100 W typical wattage for an air purifier. | eweb.org |
| Humidifier | 75 W | — | — | EWEB lists a humidifier at a typical 75 W. | eweb.org |
| Oscillating fan (16-inch) | 95 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 90-100 W typical wattage for a 16-inch, 300 CFM oscillating fan. | eweb.org |
| Electric blanket (double) | 100 W | — | — | The EPA typical-wattage list gives a double electric blanket a nameplate rating of 100 W. | waterrights.utah.gov |
| Ceiling fan | 120 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of the 65-175 W nameplate range for ceiling fans in the EPA typical-wattage list. | waterrights.utah.gov |
| Window fan | 153 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of the 55-250 W nameplate range for window fans in the EPA typical-wattage list. | waterrights.utah.gov |
| Furnace fan (efficient variable-speed motor) | 200 W | — | 48 Wruns 24% of the time | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 100-300 W typical wattage, with dutyCycle derived from EWEB's 150-200 intermittent run hours per 720-hour month. | eweb.org |
| Window air conditioner (5,000 BTU, LG LW5016) | 440 W | — | — | LG's LW5016 spec sheet lists 440 watts and 4.1 rated amps at 115 V for this 5,000 BTU unit (not ENERGY STAR). The compressor's start-up surge is not published. | lg.com |
| Furnace fan (standard motor) | 500 W | — | 120 Wruns 24% of the time | EWEB lists a standard-motor furnace fan at 500 W, with dutyCycle derived from its 150-200 intermittent run hours per 720-hour month. | eweb.org |
| Dehumidifier (30-70 pint) | 535 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 350-720 W typical wattage for a 30-70 pint dehumidifier. | eweb.org |
| Furnace blower (1/4 HP) | 600 W | 1,000 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a 1/4 HP furnace at 600 running watts and 1,000 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Window air conditioner (8,000 BTU, LG LW8016ER, ENERGY STAR) | 660 W | — | — | LG's LW8016ER spec sheet lists 660 watts and 6.2 rated amps at 115 V for this ENERGY STAR 8,000 BTU unit. The compressor's start-up surge is not published. | lg.com |
| Room (window) air conditioner, typical | 1,200 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of EWEB's 1,000-1,400 W typical wattage for a room air conditioner. | eweb.org |
| Portable space heater (high setting) | 1,500 W | — | — | The EPA typical-wattage list gives portable heaters a 750-1,500 W nameplate range, so 1,500 W is the high setting and low settings draw about half. | waterrights.utah.gov |
| Window air conditioner (13,000 BTU) | 1,800 W | 2,800 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a 13k BTU window AC at 1,800 running watts and 2,800 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Central air conditioner (3-ton) | 5,400 W | 7,200 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a 3-ton central AC at 5,400 running watts and 7,200 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
RV and camping
| Appliance | Running | Start-up | Average | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12V diesel air heater (Webasto Air Top 2000 STC) | 29 W | 75 W | — | Webasto lists power consumption of 1.25-2.45 A (14-29 W) at 12 V while running, and its installation manual says the heater requires 75 W during start-up. It runs from a 12V DC outlet, not the AC inverter. | webasto.com |
| 12V portable fridge (Engel MT45) | 48 W | — | 11 Wruns 23% of the time | OutdoorGearLab measured 47.6 W while cooling to 35°F and a 10.8 W steady-state average, so dutyCycle is derived as 10.8 / 47.6. | outdoorgearlab.com |
| 12V portable fridge (Anker EverFrost 40) | 50 W | — | 6 Wruns 12% of the time | OutdoorGearLab measured 50.1 W while cooling to 35°F and a 5.8 W steady-state average, so dutyCycle is derived as 5.8 / 50.1. | outdoorgearlab.com |
| 12V roof vent fan (MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe) | 54 W | 108 W | — | An etrailer expert reply says the MaxxFan Deluxe (MA00-06401K) draws about 4.5 A running and around 9 A at start-up on 12 V, so about 54 W running and 108 W at start. Lower speeds draw much less. It runs from a 12V DC outlet. | etrailer.com |
| 12V portable fridge (Dometic CFX5 45) | 58 W | — | 7 Wruns 12% of the time | OutdoorGearLab measured 58.2 W while cooling to 35°F and a 6.8 W steady-state average, so dutyCycle is derived as 6.8 / 58.2. | outdoorgearlab.com |
| RV rooftop air conditioner (13,500 BTU) | 1,500 W | 2,800 W | — | Micro-Air gives a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner approximately 1,500 running watts and up to 2,800 starting watts. | microair.net |
| RV rooftop air conditioner (15,000 BTU) | 1,800 W | 3,500 W | — | Micro-Air gives a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner approximately 1,800 running watts and up to 3,500 starting watts. | microair.net |
Pumps and outdoor
| Appliance | Running | Start-up | Average | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pond pump (1/8 HP) | 93 W | — | — | EWEB lists a 1/8 HP pump typical for a small pond at 93 W running continuously. | eweb.org |
| E-bike charger (48V, 3A) | 164 W | — | — | EMMO lists its 48V/3A e-bike charger output as 54.6V/3A (about 164 W delivered to the battery) with input of AC120V, 3.0A max. Draw at the wall is somewhat higher than the output because of charger losses, and it tapers near full charge. | emmo.ca |
| Electric string trimmer | 350 W | 875 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a string trimmer at 350 running watts and 875 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Electric hedge trimmer | 450 W | 1,200 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a hedge trimmer at 450 running watts and 1,200 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Well pump (1/3 HP) | 750 W | 2,250 W | — | DTE Energy's GenerLink guide lists a 1/3 HP well pump at 750 average running watts with a starting factor of 3, giving 2,250 starting watts. | dteenergy.com |
| Sump pump (1/3 HP) | 800 W | 1,300 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a 1/3 HP sump pump at 800 running watts and 1,300 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Electric lawn edger | 950 W | 2,400 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists an edger at 950 running watts and 2,400 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Submersible sump pump (1/2 HP) | 1,000 W | 3,000 W | — | DTE Energy's GenerLink guide lists a 1/2 HP submersible sump pump at 1,000 average running watts with a starting factor of 3, giving 3,000 starting watts. | dteenergy.com |
| Well pump (typical residential) | 1,000 W | 2,100 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a well pump at 1,000 running watts and 2,100 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Garage door opener (1/2 HP) | 1,050 W | 3,150 W | — | DTE Energy's GenerLink guide lists a 1/2 HP garage door opener at 1,050 average running watts with a starting factor of 3, giving 3,150 starting watts. | dteenergy.com |
| Electric chainsaw (corded) | 1,200 W | 2,400 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a chainsaw at 1,200 running watts and 2,400 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Electric lawn mower (corded) | 1,200 W | 2,400 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a lawn mower at 1,200 running watts and 2,400 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Electric pressure washer | 1,200 W | 2,400 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a pressure washer at 1,200 running watts and 2,400 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
Power tools
| Appliance | Running | Start-up | Average | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion tool battery charger | 360 W | — | — | The DR Power (Generac) generator wattage worksheet lists a lithium-ion battery charger at an approximate 360 running watts. | dam.generac.com |
| Corded drill | 600 W | 900 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a drill at 600 running watts and 900 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Hand (palm/orbital) sander | 600 W | 1,200 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a hand sander at 600 running watts and 1,200 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Wet/dry shop vacuum | 900 W | — | — | The DR Power (Generac) generator wattage worksheet lists a wet/dry vac at an approximate 900 running watts. | dam.generac.com |
| Airless paint sprayer | 1,080 W | — | — | The DR Power (Generac) generator wattage worksheet lists an airless paint sprayer at an approximate 1,080 running watts. | dam.generac.com |
| Circular saw | 1,200 W | 2,000 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a circular saw at 1,200 running watts and 2,000 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Belt sander | 1,200 W | 2,400 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a belt sander at 1,200 running watts and 2,400 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Upright vacuum cleaner | 1,220 W | — | — | Representative value: midpoint of the 1,000-1,440 W nameplate range for vacuum cleaners in the EPA typical-wattage list. | waterrights.utah.gov |
| Reciprocating saw | 1,440 W | — | — | The DR Power (Generac) generator wattage worksheet lists a reciprocating saw at an approximate 1,440 running watts and flags it as needing extra wattage at start-up. | dam.generac.com |
| Air compressor (1 HP) | 1,600 W | 4,500 W | — | Champion's quick-reference chart lists a 1 HP air compressor at 1,600 running watts and 4,500 starting watts. | help.championpowerequipment.com |
| Table saw (10-inch) | 1,800 W | — | — | The DR Power (Generac) generator wattage worksheet lists a table saw at an approximate 1,800 running watts and flags it as needing extra wattage at start-up. | dam.generac.com |
Using these numbers
Add up the running watts of everything you want on at once and compare the total with a station's continuous AC output. Then check the largest start-up figure against its surge rating. The runtime calculator does both and turns the result into hours for any power station we rank.
Real appliances vary by model and age, so treat these as planning figures. The label on the back of an appliance, or a plug-in watt meter, gives the exact draw for yours.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between running watts and starting watts?
Running watts are what an appliance draws once it is going. Starting (surge) watts are the brief spike a motor or compressor needs to get moving, often two to three times higher. A power station needs enough surge capacity for the spike and enough continuous output for the running load.
How many watts does a refrigerator use?
A typical full-size ENERGY STAR refrigerator draws around 150 to 250 W while the compressor runs, but it only runs about a third of the time, so its average draw is far lower. See the kitchen rows for the figures we use.
Where do these wattage numbers come from?
Each row links to its source: utility appliance-use tables, ENERGY STAR and Department of Energy data, generator sizing charts and manufacturer spec sheets. Where a source gives a range, we use the midpoint and say so in the notes.