What size power station do I need?
Add the appliances you want to keep running during an outage. We’ll estimate the battery capacity (Wh), continuous output (W) and surge rating to look for. Wattages are typical estimates; check your appliance labels. Fridges and freezers cycle on and off, so enter compressor run time (about 8 h a day), not 24 h.
Your recommendation
Battery capacity2,654 Wh
Continuous output256 Wall listed items at once, +25% headroom
Surge / peak rating1,255 Wrunning load + largest start-up spike
Look at 3,000 Wh-class units with at least 300 W continuous output and a 1300 W+ surge rating. Choose LFP batteries for home backup. Your surge need comes from a motor start-up, so check the peak rating, not just continuous output. Compare models →
Estimate only, not electrical advice. For whole-home circuits or a transfer switch, consult a licensed electrician.
Models to consider
Top picks from our full comparison; match the capacity and surge numbers above.
Jackery Explorer 2000 v2
Check price →Why we picked itEcoFlow DELTA Pro 3
Check price →Why we picked itFAQ
How is the recommended capacity calculated?
We add up watt-hours (watts × hours × quantity × outage days), divide by about 85% inverter efficiency, then add your chosen safety margin for battery ageing and cold weather.
What is surge and why does it matter?
Motors and compressors (fridges, freezers, sump pumps, AC) draw 2–3× their running watts for a moment when they start. The power station’s surge (peak) rating must cover everything already running plus the biggest start-up spike.
Are the appliance wattages exact?
No. Presets are typical estimates. Check the label on your appliance or use a plug-in watt meter for accurate numbers.
Related: What size power station do I need? · 2000W power stations