Refrigerators are lifesaving electronics special during the disaster like hurricane and ice storm. 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 the heavy appliances during the long RV trip, 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 Refrigerator – 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
What Size Generator Will You Need To Run Refrigerator?
Before starting the discussion on the top-notch generator, you should have a clear idea about the sizing of the generator and refrigerator.
Generators and refrigerators both have the starting watt and running watt.
You know starting watt means that an electronic gadget needs the exact watt to start. And the running watt means that the amount of watt needs to run the engine continuously.
In the case of the refrigerator, the starting watt is more than the running watt. So, if you have a refrigerator that needs 1100 watts to start you should go for the generator that provides at least 10% more wattage.
For example, you have a 1100 watt refrigerator (starting watt). so you need 1100 + (10% of 1100) = 1100+ 110 = 1210 watt generator.
I hope you have understood the calculation.
Inverter Vs Open Frame Generator
Now, let me clear 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 the laptop, mobile charger, desktop, 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
Here is the review of the top product for the refrigerator.
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, 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, 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 with this one to double the power.
Pros
- Economy mode for extending the engine shelf life and saves fuel
- Quieter technology
- Perfect for camping, RV, tailgating and home backup
- 3-years warranty and lifetime technical support
Cons
- Though the manufacturer claim 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 charge 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
- Sometime 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 line. 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 telescoping handle
- RV and Camping ready
- LED display to monitor the overall performance
- One of the lightest generator 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 the 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.
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.
Also read the Review Of
Recent Posts
Generators are essential equipment that provides backup power in case of power outages. However, during cold weather, generators can be prone to freezing, which can cause significant damage to their...
If you have an outdoor generator, you may have found that it can be a bit of an eyesore. In addition, the noise it produces can be a nuisance for you and your neighbors. Luckily, there are...