Quick Answer
For a refrigerator, router, phone charging, and one laptop, many homes should compare portable power stations in the 1,500Wh to 2,000Wh range. Smaller units can work for short outages, but overnight coverage needs more headroom.
Runtime Formula
Add the running watts of every device, multiply by the hours you need, then divide by usable efficiency.
A practical formula is total watts x backup hours / 0.85. The result is the minimum usable Wh you should compare against product capacity.
Common household loads
| Device | Typical watts | 12 hour planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 120-200W | Plan for compressor surge and cycling behavior. |
| WiFi router | 10-20W | Easy essential load with predictable runtime. |
| CPAP | 30-60W | Humidifier and heated hose settings can raise consumption. |
| Laptop | 45-90W | Battery state and charger size affect draw. |
Recommended Capacity Ranges
Choose 500Wh to 800Wh for phones, laptops, and routers; 1,000Wh to 1,500Wh for a light outage kit; and 1,500Wh to 3,000Wh for refrigerator-focused backup.
Product recommendation blocks
EcoFlow DELTA 2
Apartment outages, Router and laptop backup, Short refrigerator cycling
MOQ 1 · 12d partner response
- Capacity
- 1,024Wh
- AC output
- 1,800W class
- From
- $699
Check refrigerator surge
Request partner quote Manufacturer specs
Anker SOLIX C1000
Quiet home office backup, Router and laptops, Short outages
MOQ 1 · 10d partner response
- Capacity
- 1,056Wh
- AC output
- 1,800W class
- From
- $749
Capacity may be tight for fridge plus many devices
Request partner quote Manufacturer specs
Bluetti AC180
Essential loads, Router and fridge cycling, Value-focused LiFePO4 buyers
MOQ 1 · 12d partner response
- Capacity
- 1,152Wh
- AC output
- 1,800W class
- From
- $499
Check support and return policy by region
Request partner quote Manufacturer specsBefore you buy
- Confirm inverter surge rating for your largest motor load.
- Compare LiFePO4 cycle life and warranty terms by region.
- Check expansion battery options if you want overnight refrigerator coverage.
- Decide whether solar input matters for multi-day outages.
Related next reads
FAQ
Can a portable power station run a refrigerator?
Yes, but you need enough Wh capacity and inverter surge headroom. Many households should start by comparing 1,000Wh to 2,000Wh LiFePO4 units.
Should I size by running watts or surge watts?
Use running watts for runtime, then check surge watts separately so the inverter can start motors like refrigerator compressors.
How much capacity is lost in real use?
Plan around 80% to 90% usable efficiency after inverter losses, temperature, age, and device behavior.
Next Step
Save the quote-prep checklist
Send yourself the key decisions from this guide before comparing products, quotes, or installer recommendations.