How many watts does a freezer use
A running freezer uses 100 to 500 W. Starting it takes 500 to 1,000 W for one second. A portable of 2,000 W is the smallest one that can run it.
How much a freezer uses: running and starting watts
| Load | Running | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Chest or upright freezer | 100 to 500 W | 500 to 1,000 W |
Chart source: Champion wattage chart, 04-17-26. Check your freezer's nameplate for the exact wattage or amperage. Use 120 V to multiply amps, or use 240 V only with a two-pole breaker load, such as a well pump.
Smallest generator for starting it
The generator must handle 500 W at 80% of its rating or less. For starting, it must provide 1,000 W. With room to spare, 2,000 W is the smallest common portable size that does both. Other loads use the same generator, adding their running watts to it.
Other loads with a chest or upright freezer
| Chest or upright freezer plus | Running | Peak at a start | Smallest portable |
|---|---|---|---|
| lights, TV and the router | 1,070 W | 1,570 W | 2,000 W |
| a 1/2 hp sump pump and lights | 1,700 W | 2,800 W | 3,000 W |
| a microwave | 1,700 W | 2,200 W | 3,000 W |
| a 1 hp well pump | 2,500 W | 4,500 W | 4,000 W |
| a window AC, 10,000 BTU | 1,700 W | 2,900 W | 3,000 W |
Running watts add up, while only the biggest motor start sits on top. Starting output sits about 25% higher than the running rating of a portable. The appliance wattage chart lists every load.