Generator wattage chart for common appliances
Knowing rough wattage numbers for common appliances makes it easier to plan generator size and decide what to run at the same time.
This chart gives ballpark running wattage ranges for typical household and RV loads.
Common appliance wattage chart
These are typical ranges, not exact numbers. Always check the labels or manuals for your specific appliances, especially for startup (surge) wattage on motors.
| Appliance | Approx. running watts |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator / freezer | 600–1,200W |
| Chest freezer | 400–900W |
| Microwave | 800–1,500W |
| Coffee maker | 600–1,200W |
| Toaster | 800–1,400W |
| Electric kettle | 1,200–1,800W |
| Window A/C (small) | 500–1,000W |
| Central A/C (3 ton) | 3,000–4,500W+ |
| Gas furnace blower | 400–800W |
| Sump pump | 500–1,000W |
| Well pump | 700–2,000W |
| Television | 50–200W |
| Wi‑Fi router & modem | 10–30W |
| Laptop computer | 50–100W |
| Phone charger | 5–15W |
| LED light bulb | 5–15W |
| Electric clothes dryer | 3,000–5,000W |
| Electric range (one burner) | 1,200–2,000W |
Reliable generators for common needs
Once you know your wattage, here are good starting points (links go to Amazon):
- For essentials (fridge, lights): 2000W-2500W Inverter Generators are super quiet and efficient.
- For appliances (A/C, microwave): 4500W Inverter Generators handle RV A/C units and larger home appliances easily.
- For whole-home backup: 10,000W+ Portable Generators offer specific high-power output for big outages.
Tip: you can always use the calculators on the GeneratorCalc home page to turn these ideas into rough numbers for your specific generator and situation.
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