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What Size Power Station Do I Need?

List what you want to power and for how many hours a day. We'll work out the battery size, output and surge you need, then show which models fit, smallest first.

1What you want to power

  • RefrigeratorFull-size, ENERGY STAR. Cycles on and off: runs about 39% of the time
  • Wi-Fi router + modem
  • Phone chargingUSB
  • LED light bulb60 W equivalent
  • TV55-inch LED

2How long

Without recharging
For battery aging and cold weather
Settings & assumptions
Share of battery energy that reaches the AC outlets. 85% is typical.
Power the inverter uses just by being on. Matters most for small loads like a router or CPAP.
Running devices at the same time
"One at a time" assumes devices used less than 2 hours a day (microwave, kettle…) aren't switched on together.
Matching modelsModels

How we match models

Three numbers decide whether a power station can handle your list:

Models are then sorted smallest-first among those that meet all three, because a bigger battery costs more and weighs more. Specs come from each manufacturer's published documents; see how we calculate.

Questions

What size power station do I need for a power outage?
For the basics (a typical fridge, Wi-Fi, two phones and three LED bulbs) plan on about 2.3 kWh of battery per day, before any safety margin. Add a CPAP, TV or sump pump and it rises quickly. List your own devices above for an exact figure.
Why do you add a safety margin?
Batteries lose capacity with age and in the cold, and appliances often draw more than their typical rating. A 10–20% margin keeps you from running short. You can set it to zero.
What does "fits with extra battery" mean?
The model is too small on its own, but it accepts expansion batteries that raise its total capacity above what you need. Extra batteries are sold separately.
Do I need a 240 V model?
Only for 240 V appliances such as many well pumps, electric dryers and central AC. Most everyday plug-in devices in the US run on 120 V; dryers and some large appliances use special 240 V outlets.

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