Before this, I had never had a generator. I always wished I had one whenever the power went off. However, after the power was restored, I would forget about it until the next storm approached. This is some guidance: On a June day without a cloud, go purchase a generator. Then, when the storm hits, you’ll have time to wait in line at the supermarket for five hours behind folks who’ve just realized they need a metric ton of Pepperidge Farm whole-grain honey wheat.
I’m now in day four of Generator Life, and so far I’ve picked up a few things. Allow me to educate you on the finer details of generator selection and operation now that I have some authority in portable power generation-related subjects.
In This Article...
You Want an Inverter Generator
Inverter generators may adjust their rpm automatically in response to the load. So they can ramp up when a fridge turns on and then idle back down rather than running continuously at 3,600 rpm (the constant rpm that sends out 120-volt AC at 60 Hertz). They therefore operate more quietly, consume less fuel, and generate considerably cleaner power. The sine wave is pure and steady because the power is essentially filtered through the inverter (AC to DC and back to AC).
Clean power is preferred by electric gadgets, particularly microprocessors. Although a normal generator won’t damage your TV, an inverter generator will make your large Samsung TV work more smoothly.
You Probably Don’t Need a Huge Generator
This tiny Honda EU2200i appears to be transportable in a carry-on bag. From the standpoint of pure watts, it appears small. But how much power do you actually need to operate? A couple hundred watts could be used if you turned on all of your home’s LED lamps. A refrigerator turning on will initially consume a lot of power (let’s say 1,200 watts), but after a while it will stabilize at 200 watts.
Get a 7,000-watt generator if your home has a transfer switch that enables one generator to supply power to the entire building. But this is what I’m currently running on the EU2200i: a Super Nintendo, a coffee maker, three fans, a TV, a fridge, and a tankless gas hot water heater. To start my charcoal grill, I’ve also used a 1,500-watt electric torch and a 3/4-horsepower garbage disposal. The secret is to control your load. You can get by with a considerably smaller generator if you can manage picking between, say, the coffee maker or the electric torch.
How big of a Honda generator do I need to power a fridge?
You can disregard looking at the running watts when selecting the correct size generator for a refrigerator and freezer. The initial wattage of a generator is what counts most.
A 2,000W generator, for instance, will provide 1,600 running watts and 2,000 starting watts. A refrigerator that needs 2,000W of starting power will use 500W of running power.
Following this reasoning, the following categories represent the size of generators required for various refrigerators and freezers:
- All mini-fridges and the majority of environmentally friendly Energy Star-rated refrigerators and freezers require a 1,000W generator.
- All very large and enormous refrigerators and freezers are powered by a 5,000W+ generator. But not many people possess such a sizable refrigerator.
- For all common refrigerators and freezers, a 3,000W generator. The most popular generator for running a refrigerator is one with a 3,000W output.
You’re looking at a 1,000W or a 3,000W generator in more than 95% of the time. Obviously, purchasing the most noise-free inverter generators is the best option. For instance, Honda makes the greatest generators overall.
Generator Recommendations For Mini Fridges And Energy-Star Fridges (1,000W)
If you need a recommendation, the Honda EU1000I is the best 1,000W generator for compact refrigerators and freezers. It has an inverter motor, is quiet, and serves multiple purposes.
The best generators are made by Honda, but they are of course more expensive. You can choose a PowerSmart 1,000W generator if you need an inexpensive 1,000W generator to power a refrigerator and freezer.
Generator Recommendations For Standard Refrigerators And Freezers (3,000W)
The refrigerator and freezer in the majority of homes require a 3,000W generator to operate.
The Honda EU3000IS is the quietest generator on the market and the top-of-the-line 3,000W generator for refrigerators and freezers. The greatest option to supply the required beginning watts to start and run a refrigerator and freezer is this generator, which is among the most widely used overall.
The Craftsman C0010030 3000i is an other choice if you’re seeking for a 3,000W generator that is less expensive and of poorer quality.
This is a primer on choosing a generator’s proper size for a refrigerator and freezer. Use the comments section below to describe your scenario if you have any questions about a particular refrigerator (the running and startup wattages of the refrigerator would be helpful), and we’ll do our best to assist you with the calculation.
You may also read our post on what size generator I need for my house here for more information on general generator sizing. You’ll discover a straightforward, three-step process for sizing a generator for your home.
Can a Honda 2000 generator power a fridge?
A 2,000-watt generator can help you manage with a power loss at home by providing enough power for the minimal necessities.
To begin with, you may keep your freezer and refrigerator running to prevent food from spoiling. You can also turn on the lights, however you might want to use them less frequently than usual in order to save gasoline and electricity.
Alternately, you can power certain other significant home appliances if you leave the lights off. A refrigerator and the normal 1,200 watts needed by a sump pump are both capacities shared by your generator. If you have more than one refrigerator or freezer in your home, you can also keep one of them running.
However, don’t anticipate being able to operate your home as you would if there were no power outages. A 2,000-watt generator cannot provide enough power for your washer and dryer, any heating or cooling systems in your house, or any other electrical appliances. Additionally, a typical home has a lot of lightbulbs, which means that just turning on the lights might consume several hundred watts of electricity.
A 2200 watt generator can power what?
With a Honda EU2200i 2,200 Watt Generator, What Can I Run?
- a freezer or refrigerator.
- Chargers for tools and phones.
- Dehumidifier or a sump pump.
- Small RV air conditioner.
- Small room air conditioner
- Power tools, such as a sawzall, grinder, and drill.
- kitchen appliances, such as an electric frying pan or microwave.
- Fan and lighting.
EU2200i
With just.95 gallon of gasoline, the Honda EU2200i portable generator has a runtime of 3.2 to 8.1 hours. It can produce a maximum of 120 volts and 2200 watts at 18.3 amps. The well-known Eco Throttle feature raises fuel economy by lowering speed as necessary. As it is not always operating at full speed, the generator’s noise level is reduced. Additionally, the generator can be automatically switched off if it detects low fuel. It is also praised for being very quiet. Everything is more affordable than the Honda EU2000i’s predecessor.
EU2200i Camo
Everything that is in Honda EU2200i is also in Honda EU2200i Camo. The Realtree APG wrap is the sole additional feature it possesses. It fully eliminates the customary red color and gives the machine a superb concealment. It is fantastic for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hunters.
EU2200i Companion
There are certain technical improvements in Honda EU2200i Companion in addition to the features in Honda EU2200i. This type substituted a 20A 125V duplex outlet for the conventional 12V DC outlet and is equipped with a 30A locking plug. Additionally, it features a 20A, 125V single outlet.
Can a Honda EU2200i run very far?
The EU2200i is made to start up quickly and easily. The amount of force required to start the engine is greatly decreased using Honda’s automated mechanical decompressor technology. Gray color-coding of operational contact points helps the user navigate the commencing operation swiftly.
With a weight of slightly more than 47 pounds, the EU2200i is exceptionally portable and light. Honda’s inverter technology makes it simple to move and store.
The EU2200i offers excellent fuel efficiency thanks to our unique Eco Throttle System. Depending on the load, runs for between 3.2 and 8.1 hours on a single tank. It is therefore excellent for overnight power.
How much electricity does a refrigerator require?
Depending on the model’s age, a refrigerator typically uses 300 to 800 watts of power. The typical refrigerator draws between 3 and 6 amps at 120 volts. One of the bigger electrical appliances in your home that is always on is your refrigerator. Understanding how many watts of electricity a refrigerator consumes is a crucial piece of the jigsaw if you’re trying to reduce your electricity bill or calculate how many solar panels you need to keep your home operating.
A 2000 watt generator can power what simultaneously?
The majority of 2000 watt inverter generators can run a variety of appliances, including deep freezers, light bulbs, electric stoves, hot plates, water pumps, and small power tools—items frequently used while camping, traveling by RV, and around the house. These household, camping, and caravanning applications are described further below. Typically, 2000 watts is sufficient to operate a 500-watt deep freezer, one element of an electric stove, a freezer, a 650-watt microwave (using 1000 watts), and a few lights.