Refrigerators are lifesaving electronics special during disasters like hurricanes and ice storms. If you live in a farmhouse or rural area, you probably can not go out in the bad weather.
So, at this time, your refrigerator plays a crucial role to save your foodstuffs.
Generators are a great alternative source of electricity. You can run your refrigerator continuously with a generator. Even a portable generator is enough to run heavy appliances during long RV trips, camping, and tailgating.
Here, I will discuss some of the best generators for refrigerators and freezers in the market. If you are looking to run your refrigerator during the blackout mainly, this guide will help to find the right generator for you!
Portable Generators for Refrigerators – Comparison Table
- 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts
- Noise level: 57 dB
- Runtime: 8.5 hours
- Weight: 110.8 lb
- 4000 surge watt and 3500 rated watt
- Noise level: 64 dBA
- Runtime: 17 hours
- 81.6 pounds
- Weight: 109.1 pounds
- 3500 starting and 3000 running watt
- Digital smart LCD monitors
- 12000 starting and 9500 running watt
- Weight: 217 pounds
- Dual fuel technology
- 8.3-gallon fuel tank
- Weight: 54.6 lbs
- 2,200 starting watts and 1700 running watts
- 1-gallon fuel tank
- 6.5 hours run time
Inverter Vs Open Frame Generator
Now, let me clear up the confusion about the inverter and open frame generator. Because in this review I have counted both inverted and open frame generators. If you don’t have a clear idea, you will be confused.
The main difference between the inverter and open frame generator is what type of current they produce.
An open-frame generator or the conventional generator produces AC electricity. On the other hand, the inverter generator produces 3 phases of more stable AC electricity (AC to DC then AC again).
An inverter generator is mandatory for sensitive appliances like a laptop, mobile chargers, desktops, etc.
For the refrigerator and freezer, an open frame or conventional generator is enough because the refrigerator is not listed as a sensitive appliance.
But you can run your refrigerator with the inverter generator. there is no problem here. It would be better to go for an inverter generator if you have some additional budget.
They are fuel-efficient and you can run all types of home appliances with the inverter generator.
Best Portable Generator for Refrigerator and Freezer
WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts
- Noise level: 57 dB
- 8.5 hours run time
- Weight: 110.8 lb
- 212 cc four-stroke engine
- Digital meter for fuel observation, voltage, frequency and runtime
- 15A outlet and 5V USB port
- Circuit breakers
- Manual shutoff switches along with automatic shut off
Whether you are looking for a portable generator for your refrigerator in-home or log cabin, you could consider this WEN 56380i Super Quiet inverter generator.
WEN 56380i is an RV-ready close-frame inverter generator. It produces 3800 peak wattage and 3400 running wattage. So, you can run your refrigerator along with other home appliances with this inverter generator.
I love this WEN 56380i because of its portable features. It is lighter and quieter than other generator brands. You can go on camping, or RV trip with this portable generator. This is an EPA III and CARB-compliant generator.
This inverter generator is easy to maintain because it comes with fuel shut-off features. So, it will maximize the engine performance and keep the generator good. Usually, you can run this generator for 8.5 hours continuously.
Since this is an inverter generator, you can run your laptop or desktop. Tablet and other sensitive devices with this generator. It’s an awesome feature indeed.
Pros
- A great option for the Camper
- CARB Compliant and EPA III inverter generator
- RV-ready and portable generator
- Electric start and auto shut-off features
- Perfect for sensitive appliances
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Some users complain about the fuel lines and fuel dumping
- The close frame is a bit expensive. You could also buy the same generator of open frames if you are on a tight budget.
- A bit heavy
Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series Open Frame Inverter with Quiet Technology
- Manual start
- 224cc engine
- Weight 81.6 pounds
- 4000 surge watt and 3500 rated watt
- 50% quieter and 20% lighter than other 4000-watt portable generators in the market
- Noise level: 64 dB
- 17-hours continuous runtime on gasoline
- Package includes battery charging cables, USB adapter and oil funnel
- 120 V AC and 12 V DC
I love the Champion generator for its performance. It is one of the best portable generators for RV, camping, and home backup. This is a lighter and quieter generator.
This particular Champion generator produces 4000-surge watts and 3500-rated watts. Moreover, this open-frame traditional inverter generator has a built-in eco mode to keep the engine condition good.
You can use this inverter generator with a 120V 30A RV and 120V 20A household appliances. Since it is a digital hybrid generator, you can connect another hybrid generator parallel to this one to double the power.
Pros
- Economy mode for extending the engine shelf life and saving fuel
- Quieter technology
- Perfect for camping, RV, tailgating, and home backup
- 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support
Cons
- Though the manufacturer claims it is less nosey than others, it is a bit noisy
Generac 7127 iQ3500-3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator Quieter Than Honda
- Weight: 109.1 pounds
- 3500 starting and 3000 running watt
- Dimension: 23.7 x 18 x 21.7 inches
- Digital smart LCD monitors
If you are looking for an ultra-quiet portable generator for your refrigerator, you could consider Generac. This particular Generac portable inverter generator is perfect for outdoor activities and home backup.
Moreover, if you own a DIY garage or woodworking shop, you could consider this small but powerful inverter generator for safe electricity.
The enclosure of this Generac inverter generator is made of steel. So, this one is a sturdy tool for outdoor activities. You will get 3500 starting-watt and 3000-running watts from this machine to run your refrigerator along with other small to large home appliances.
Pros
- Perfect for camping, tailgating, RV, outdoor recreation, and home backup.
- Super quiet generator
- Portable and sturdy steel body
- Perfect for the sensitive device
- USB port for directly charging mobile and Tablets
Cons
- Some users face issues with the fuel tank
Briggs & Stratton P3000 Power Smart Series Inverter Generator
- Weight: 54.6 lbs
- 2,200 starting watts and 1700 running watts
- 1-gallon fuel tank
- 6.5 hours run time
- 96 pounds
- Less than 3% total harmonic distortion
- 111 cc OHV engine
- 59 decibels noise level
If you are looking for a smaller generator to run your refrigerator along with the camping Or RV use, you could consider this Briggs & Stratton P2200. This comes with quieter technology and an LCD.
You will get 2200 starting watts and 1700 running watts from this Briggs & Stratton P2200. This portable and quieter generator has a 111 cc OHV engine that produces less noise. Since it is an inverter generator, it produces less harmonic distortion and safe electricity for sensitive electronics.
Though this one is a small portable generator and comes with a small fuel tank, you could run this generator for 6.5 hours at a stretch with a 25% load.
Additionally, this generator has a Parallel connector to connect another generator to produce more power. This is a cool feature indeed.
Pros
- 2-years warranty
- Inverter generator with quiet technology
- 120-volt outlets
- Parallel port to connect another generator
- DC outlet with USB adapter
- H-handle and easy to start
Cons
- Sometimes you may face a problem with the electric start in case of bad maintenance
WEN DF475T Dual Fuel 120V/240V Portable Generator
- Weight: 105.8 pounds
- 4750 surge wattage and 3800 running wattage in gasoline
- 4350 surge and 3500 running wattage in propane
- Compatible with 120 Volt and 240 volt
- 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine
- 4-gallon tank
Are you looking for a dual-fuel portable generator for your refrigerator and home backup? Well, you could consider this WEN DF475T. this one is one of the best dual-fuel generators in the market.
You have the flexibility to run this dual-fuel generator in both 120 V and 240 V lines. Also, this one is perfect for the transfer switch.
If you run this generator in the gasoline you will get 4750 starting watts and 3800 running watts. by running this generator with propane, you will get 4350 starting watts and 3500 running watts. It has an electric start option and is very easy to start. It has a 4-gallon fuel tank and you can run your generator up to 11 hours in a 50% load.
Package includes
- Two 120V GFCI outlets
- 120V/240V NEMA 30A twist lock
- 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug
- 47-inch LPG connection hose
- 1 bottle of oil
- wheel and handle kit
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- CARB compliant
- 11- hours runtime
- Electric start
- Transfer switch ready
Cons
- A bit tricky to maintain for the beginner
Related: How to Power Refrigerator with Generator?
Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
- Weight: 93 pounds
- 3700 running watt and 4500 peak watt
- 224 cc 7HP OHV engine
- 3.4-gallon fuel tank
- 18 hours run time in 25% load
- 5–20R 120V Duplex Household Outlet
- RV-Ready Tt-30R 30 Amp Outlet
- 2 USB Outlets
- 5-volt DC USB port
Are you looking for a portable inverter generator for your RV and home to run the refrigerator? Well, you could consider this Westinghouse iGen4500. This is an economical and very efficient inverter generator. it is smaller and lighter than other generators in this segment.
This is a gas-powered generator and it is very easy to start. You will get 2 starting options. One is a remote start and another is manual.
With this generator, you will get 3700 running and 4500 peak wattage. So, it is enough to power your refrigerator and AC in the home and long RV trip.
Westinghouse iGen4500 is a damn smart generator and you will get all the modern features here. It has a built-in display to monitor all the data. More interestingly, you could run this generator for up to 18 hours since it has a 3.4-gallon tank.
Pros
- 3-year limited service
- Recoil and Electric start
- Gas-powered and portable with a telescoping handle
- RV and Camping ready
- LED display to monitor the overall performance
- One of the lightest generators in the market
- 52 dBA noise level
- Safe for sensitive electronics
Cons
- A bit hard to operate for the beginner
Related: What Size generator to run refrigerator?
DuroMax XP12000EH Generator-12000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered
- Weight: 217 pounds
- 12000 starting and 9500 running watt
- 457 cc OHV engine
- Metal body
- 8.3-gallon fuel tank
- 50 Amp outlet
If you are looking for a large portable generator to run your refrigerator and home backup you could consider this DuroMax New XP12000E Generator.
It comes with 12000 starting watts and 9500 running watts. So, with this giant generator, you could run your heavy home appliances like the refrigerator, Air conditioner, Furnace, washing machine, central air conditioner, and other appliances easily.
This giant generator is powered by an 18 HP, 457 cc OHV engine. Moreover, you could run this generator with both 120-volt and 240-volt lines. But it works well with 120 volts.
Like all the mentioned generators on this list, you will get all the modern facilities here. This is a fuel-saving generator and it will automatically shut off when the fuel gets low.
Pros
- Perfect for home backup
- MX2 technology
- Whole-house backup
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- You may need to hire an electrician to install a transfer switch and all technical functionalities.
Related: Does Generator Charge Its Own Battery?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a portable generator to power my refrigerator?
Yes, you can use a portable generator to power your refrigerator during power outages or in situations where there is no access to the main power grid.
What size of generator do I need to power my refrigerator?
The size of the generator depends on the power requirements of your refrigerator. Typically, refrigerators have a wattage rating mentioned on their label or in the user manual. Make sure to choose a generator that can provide the necessary wattage to run your refrigerator and account for any additional power needs.
How do I determine the power requirements of my refrigerator?
To determine the power requirements, check the label on the refrigerator or refer to the user manual. Look for the wattage rating or the amps and volts specifications. If only amps and volts are provided, multiply them together to get the wattage (Watts = Amps x Volts).
What type of portable generator is best for powering a refrigerator?
It is recommended to use an inverter generator for powering sensitive electronics such as refrigerators. Inverter generators produce clean and stable power, which is essential for the smooth operation of appliances like refrigerators.
Can I power other appliances simultaneously with the generator?
Yes, depending on the capacity of the generator, you can power multiple appliances simultaneously. However, it’s important to ensure that the combined wattage of all the appliances does not exceed the generator’s rated capacity.
How long can a portable generator power a refrigerator?
The runtime of a generator depends on its fuel capacity and the load being powered. A rough estimate can be obtained from the generator’s fuel consumption rate and the capacity of its fuel tank. Keep in mind that running a refrigerator continuously will consume more fuel compared to intermittent usage.
Can I connect my refrigerator directly to the generator?
No, it is not recommended to directly connect your refrigerator to the generator. Instead, use a properly sized extension cord or a transfer switch to connect the refrigerator to the generator. This ensures safe and reliable power transfer.
Can I run my generator overnight to power my refrigerator?
Running a generator overnight can be done if necessary. But it is recommended to take breaks to let the generator cool down, refuel if needed, and ensure proper maintenance. Additionally, consider noise levels and any local regulations regarding generator usage during nighttime hours.
Final Thoughts
Portable generators are a blessing to us. It makes our life easier and more comfortable. I hope you have got the best portable generator for your refrigerator from this list.
You can use these generators as your home backup. Moreover, all the generators in this list are lightweight except for the last one. So, you can use the generators for RV, camping, and tailgating.
Thanks for reading. And please share this list if you think this is valuable to run your refrigerator during the blackout.
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