Yes, a portable power station can run a refrigerator—provided it has enough rated power, surge power, and battery capacity.Many modern household refrigerators typically consume around 100–300W while the compressor is running, although energy-efficient models may consume even less. During startup, the compressor may briefly require 600–1,500W, depending on the refrigerator type.

In this guide, you'll learn how much power a refrigerator needs, how to estimate runtime, what size portable power station to choose, and which VTOMAN models are best for different scenarios.

Although the compressor only runs for a few seconds during startup, its startup wattage is typically two to three times higher than the running wattage, although some refrigerators may require an even higher surge. This is why some power stations with enough battery capacity may still fail to start a refrigerator if their output isn't high enough.

Here's a general reference for common refrigerator types:

Keep in mind that the exact power consumption varies depending on factors such as the refrigerator's size, age, energy efficiency rating, ambient temperature, and how often the door is opened.

The easiest way to find your refrigerator's actual power requirements is to check the specification label inside the refrigerator or consult the manufacturer's user manual.

If your refrigerator label lists amps (A) instead of watts, you'll first need to convert the electrical specifications before choosing a portable power station. Our guide on How Many Amps Are Needed for a Refrigerator? explains how to interpret amp ratings and estimate power requirements accurately.

For example:

However, this calculation estimates the running power only. The startup surge is usually much higher and should also be considered when selecting a portable power station.

The 0.85 factor accounts for energy loss during power conversion, giving you a more realistic estimate.

For example, if your refrigerator uses 150W and your portable power station has a 1,000Wh battery:

1,000Wh × 0.85 ÷ 150W ≈ 5.7 hours

The estimated runtimes above are based on typical refrigerator power consumption. Actual performance may vary depending on your appliance and usage habits. For a more detailed explanation of how portable power station runtime is calculated for different devices, see How Long Can a Portable Power Station Run?

Keep in mind: These estimates assume the refrigerator is actively drawing power the entire time. Because compressors cycle on and off, many refrigerators can operate for considerably longer under normal conditions.

Tip: If you're planning for emergency home backup, choose a power station that provides enough runtime for your expected outage or can be recharged with solar panels during extended blackouts.

Tip: If you plan to power a refrigerator together with devices like lights, a router, or a CPAP machine, choose a model with extra capacity to avoid running out of power sooner than expected.