Portable Generator Selector · Guides
Generators that can run a refrigerator and a freezer
The most common outage goal: keep food cold. The startup surge of the compressor dominates sizing, so a small generator that "should" cover the running watts often stalls on startup.
The bundle
- Refrigerator: 700 W running, 2,200 W starting
- Freezer: 600 W running, 1,800 W starting
- Lights: 200 W running, 200 W starting
- Router/modem: 20 W running, 20 W starting
Required after 20% headroom: 1,824 W running and 3,624 W starting (startup governed by the refrigerator).
Catalog units that qualify, cheapest first
| Model | Gasoline running / starting | Fuel | Outlets | Approx. price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201286 3500W | 3,500 / 4,375 W | gasoline | 5-20R, TT-30R, L5-30R | $429 | Manufacturer page |
| Champion 201267 3550W | 3,550 / 4,450 W | gasoline | 5-20R, TT-30R, L5-30R | $479 | Manufacturer page |
| Westinghouse WGen3600DFc | 3,600 / 4,650 W | gasoline + propane | 5-20R, TT-30R, L5-30R | $549 | Manufacturer page |
| Champion 201213 3500W Dual Fuel | 3,500 / 4,000 W | gasoline + propane | 5-20R, TT-30R, L5-30R | $579 | Manufacturer page |
| Champion 201489 3500W Wireless Start | 3,500 / 4,375 W | gasoline | 5-20R, TT-30R, L5-30R | $599 | Manufacturer page |
| Champion 201505 5500W Dual Fuel | 5,500 / 6,875 W | gasoline + propane | 5-20R, L14-30R | $799 | Manufacturer page |
| Champion 201463 6250W Dual Fuel | 6,250 / 7,850 W | gasoline + propane | 5-20R, L14-30R | $899 | Manufacturer page |
| Champion 201281 7500W Dual Fuel | 7,500 / 9,375 W | gasoline + propane | 5-20R, L5-30R, L14-30R | $999 | Manufacturer page |
| Westinghouse iGen4500DFc | 3,700 / 4,500 W | gasoline + propane, inverter | 5-20R, TT-30R | $999 | Manufacturer page |
| Westinghouse WGen7500DF | 7,500 / 9,500 W | gasoline + propane | 5-20R, L14-30R | $1,099 | Manufacturer page |
| Champion 201319 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter | 3,500 / 4,500 W | gasoline + propane, inverter | 5-20R, TT-30R | $1,099 | Manufacturer page |
Not your exact appliances? Size your own load
Specifications are copied from manufacturer product pages or official operator manuals; prices are approximate retail ballparks for ranking only, not live quotes. Verify appliance starting requirements and manufacturer data before purchase. Audit dates are listed per model.