What Battery Do You Need to Run a Refrigerator? A Complete Guide

Is There A Battery That Can Power A Refrigerator?

Yes. A battery backup for refrigerator use can safely power your fridge, and many people already use battery systems to keep refrigerators running during blackouts. The key questions are how big the battery needs to be, how long you want the fridge to run, and how simple you want the setup to be.

This guide explains in simple and clear steps how to select a battery backup for refrigerator protection during a power outage, and how to estimate the battery capacity you need.

How Much Power Does A Refrigerator Use?

Every refrigerator has two important power numbers:

• Running power (watts)

• This number shows how much power the fridge uses while it runs.

A typical modern household fridge usually draws 100–250 watts while the compressor is on.

Starting surge (higher short burst)

When the compressor starts, the fridge may briefly pull 2–3 times its normal running power.

Your inverter and battery system must handle this short surge so that the fridge can start smoothly.

How You Can Find Your Refrigerator’s Power Use

You can use these simple steps:

• l  You can check the label inside the fridge or on the back. The label often lists watts (W) or voltage (V) and current (A).

• l  You can multiply voltage × current to get watts if the label does not show watts directly.

• l  You can use a plug-in power meter if you want a more exact number over a full day.

• l  You can then estimate how many hours per day the compressor runs. For many fridges, the compressor runs about 30–40% of the time in normal conditions.

Types Of Batteries That Can Power A Refrigerator

You have several options. Each option has a different level of cost, simplicity, and flexibility.

Portable Power Stations

Portable power stations are “all-in-one” units.

A portable power station has a built-in battery, inverter, and AC outlets.

You can plug your refrigerator directly into the AC outlet, just like a wall socket.

A small portable unit can keep a fridge running for a few hours. A larger one can cover most of a day.

Portable stations are simple and flexible, but large models can be expensive for the amount of energy they hold.

Home Backup Battery Systems

Home backup battery systems, especially wall mounted battery units, are fixed or wall-mounted power solutions that connect to your home circuits.

A system like Avepower uses high-capacity lithium battery modules, an inverter, and smart controls.

An electrician can connect the system to essential circuits, such as the refrigerator, lights, and Wi-Fi.

The system can charge from the grid and, in many setups, from solar panels during the day.

When the grid fails, the inverter sends AC power to your refrigerator automatically. You do not need to move plugs or wires. This type of system is often the most comfortable solution for homes that face frequent or long outages.

Battery + Inverter Setups

Some people build their own battery banks.

A DIY setup uses separate batteries, an inverter, a charger, and protection devices.

A well-designed DIY system can work, but it needs careful design, correct wiring, and proper safety protection.

If you are not very familiar with DC wiring and safety rules, a ready-made system or a professional home backup battery is usually a safer choice.

Which Battery Option Fits Your Needs?

Option	Setup Difficulty	Typical Capacity	Best For
Portable power station	Very easy (plug-in)	0.5–3 kWh	Short outages, renters, camping
Home backup battery (Avepower etc.)	Needs installer	5–20+ kWh	Whole-home backup, solar integration
Battery + inverter	DIY, not recommended	Very limited	Emergency only, short runtime

How Avepower Batteries Can Power A Refrigerator

An Avepower home backup battery system is designed to keep key loads, such as your refrigerator, running during an outage.

An installer connects the Avepower inverter to your home’s essential circuits.

When the grid works, the system charges and stays on standby.

When the power fails, the system switches to battery power and keeps the refrigerator circuit alive.

From your point of view, you simply keep using the refrigerator. You do not move plugs or start a generator. The system takes care of the changeover.

Flexible Options For Different Home Sizes

Different homes need different levels of backup.

A small apartment with one modest fridge may only need a few kilowatt-hours of storage.

A larger home with multiple fridges, a freezer, and other loads may need more than 10 kWh.

Avepower offers modular home backup batteries, so you can start with one unit and expand capacity later if your needs grow.

If you are not sure how much capacity you need, you can list your essential loads (fridge, some lights, router, maybe a small fan) and estimate their power use. A supplier or installer can then match that list to an Avepower system size.

Everyday Use, Not Just Emergencies

A modern home battery is not only a “break glass in emergency” device.

A system like Avepower can store cheap off-peak power or extra solar power during the day.

The system can help you use more of your own solar energy and less grid power.

This way, you gain both backup protection and daily bill savings from the same battery.

If you already consider a battery to keep your refrigerator safe during blackouts, it often makes sense to think about how the same system can work for you every day.

Final Thoughts

There is a battery that can power your refrigerator. In fact, there are many. The key is to:

• l  Understand your fridge’s power use.

• l  Decide how long you want it to run during an outage.

• l  Choose a battery solution that matches your needs and budget.

If you want a more complete and long-lasting solution, a home backup battery system from a manufacturer like Avepower can protect your refrigerator and other important loads, especially when combined with solar.

When you are ready, you can speak with a local installer or an Avepower partner, share your fridge’s power rating and your backup time goal, and let them help you design a calm, reliable backup plan for your home.