Fridge Backup Calculator

How long can a portable power station keep your fridge cold during a power outage? Select your fridge type and battery size. This calculator accounts for compressor duty cycles — fridges don't run at full power continuously.

Estimated Fridge Runtime

36.5

hours

Mini-Fridge on 1024Wh battery

Surge requirement

130W

Your power station must handle at least 130W surge when the compressor kicks on.

How we calculated this

  • Compressor watts: 65W
  • Duty cycle: 33% (compressor cycles on/off)
  • Average draw: 21W
  • Efficiency: 85%
  • Reserve: 10%
  • Usable: 870 Wh → After reserve: 783 Wh

Real fridge runtime varies heavily by ambient temperature, door openings, thermostat setpoint, and compressor age.

Fridge Runtime

36.5 hrs

Surge needed

130W