Appliance Wattage Chart for Generator Sizing
Knowing the running and starting wattage of your appliances is the foundation of proper generator sizing. This comprehensive reference chart lists over 80 common household, workshop, medical, and outdoor appliances with their accurate running watts and starting watts. Running watts represent the continuous power draw during normal operation, while starting watts represent the brief surge needed when motor-driven appliances first turn on.
Use this chart as a quick reference when planning your generator purchase, or visit our interactive calculator to select specific appliances and get an automated generator size recommendation. Click on any appliance name to see detailed information including a full description, which scenarios include that appliance, and tips for running it on generator power.
Wattage values shown are typical for standard residential models. Your specific appliance may draw more or less depending on the brand, model, age, and condition. When in doubt, check the nameplate on your appliance (usually found on the back or bottom) for the exact rated wattage or amperage. To convert amps to watts, multiply amps by voltage (typically 120V for standard outlets or 240V for large appliances like dryers and central AC).
Complete Wattage Reference Table
| Appliance | Category | Running Watts | Starting Watts | Surge Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIG/Stick Welder | Power Tools | 7,500 W | 10,000 W | 2,500 W |
| EV Charger (Level 2, 240V) | Garage & EV | 7,200 W | — | — |
| Hot Tub / Spa | Other | 6,000 W | 7,500 W | 1,500 W |
| Electric Dryer | Laundry | 5,400 W | — | — |
| Electric Water Heater | Water & Plumbing | 4,500 W | — | — |
| Central Air Conditioner (3-Ton) | HVAC & Climate | 3,500 W | 4,500 W | 1,000 W |
| Electric Oven / Range | Kitchen | 2,500 W | — | — |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Water & Plumbing | 2,000 W | 4,200 W | 2,200 W |
| Table Saw | Power Tools | 1,800 W | 3,600 W | 1,800 W |
| Miter Saw (Compound) | Power Tools | 1,800 W | 2,700 W | 900 W |
| Portable Induction Cooktop | Kitchen | 1,800 W | — | — |
| Dishwasher | Kitchen | 1,500 W | 1,800 W | 300 W |
| Portable Space Heater | HVAC & Climate | 1,500 W | — | — |
| Air Compressor (1 HP) | Power Tools | 1,500 W | 4,500 W | 3,000 W |
| Hair Dryer | Other | 1,500 W | — | — |
| Pool Pump (1 HP) | Other | 1,500 W | 2,500 W | 1,000 W |
| Electric Pressure Washer | Power Tools | 1,500 W | 2,500 W | 1,000 W |
| Infrared Heater | HVAC & Climate | 1,500 W | — | — |
| Electric Grill / Griddle | Kitchen | 1,500 W | — | — |
| Electric Fireplace | HVAC & Climate | 1,500 W | — | — |
| EV Charger (Level 1, 120V) | Garage & EV | 1,440 W | — | — |
| Circular Saw | Power Tools | 1,400 W | 2,100 W | 700 W |
| Electric Kettle | Kitchen | 1,200 W | — | — |
| Window AC Unit (10,000 BTU) | HVAC & Climate | 1,200 W | 1,500 W | 300 W |
| Angle Grinder | Power Tools | 1,200 W | 1,800 W | 600 W |
| Clothes Iron | Other | 1,200 W | — | — |
| Mini-Split Air Conditioner (12,000 BTU) | HVAC & Climate | 1,200 W | 1,800 W | 600 W |
| Reciprocating Saw | Power Tools | 1,100 W | 1,650 W | 550 W |
| Vacuum Cleaner | Other | 1,100 W | — | — |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | Water & Plumbing | 1,050 W | 2,150 W | 1,100 W |
| Microwave Oven | Kitchen | 1,000 W | 1,500 W | 500 W |
| Well Pump (1/2 HP) | Water & Plumbing | 1,000 W | 2,100 W | 1,100 W |
| Belt Sander | Power Tools | 1,000 W | 1,500 W | 500 W |
| Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker | Kitchen | 1,000 W | — | — |
| Portable Air Conditioner (8,000 BTU) | HVAC & Climate | 900 W | 1,200 W | 300 W |
| Toaster | Kitchen | 850 W | — | — |
| Coffee Maker | Kitchen | 800 W | — | — |
| Furnace Blower Fan | HVAC & Climate | 800 W | 1,300 W | 500 W |
| Sump Pump (1/3 HP) | Water & Plumbing | 800 W | 1,300 W | 500 W |
| Drill Press | Power Tools | 750 W | 1,200 W | 450 W |
| Gas Dryer | Laundry | 700 W | 1,800 W | 1,100 W |
| Treadmill | Other | 700 W | 1,800 W | 1,100 W |
| Dehumidifier | HVAC & Climate | 650 W | 800 W | 150 W |
| Garage Door Opener | Garage & EV | 550 W | 1,100 W | 550 W |
| Garbage Disposal | Kitchen | 500 W | 1,200 W | 700 W |
| Window AC Unit (5,000 BTU) | HVAC & Climate | 500 W | 600 W | 100 W |
| Whole House Fan | HVAC & Climate | 500 W | 800 W | 300 W |
| Halogen Lights (10-Bulb String) | Lighting | 500 W | — | — |
| Washing Machine | Laundry | 500 W | 1,200 W | 700 W |
| Portable Power Station Charger | Other | 500 W | — | — |
| Blender | Kitchen | 400 W | 600 W | 200 W |
| Pellet Stove | HVAC & Climate | 400 W | 600 W | 200 W |
| Home Theater System | Entertainment & Electronics | 350 W | — | — |
| Battery Charger (12V Automotive) | Power Tools | 350 W | — | — |
| Fluorescent Shop Lights (4 fixtures) | Lighting | 320 W | 480 W | 160 W |
| Outdoor Security Lights | Lighting | 300 W | — | — |
| TV Plasma 55-inch | Entertainment & Electronics | 300 W | — | — |
| Desktop Computer | Entertainment & Electronics | 300 W | — | — |
| Oxygen Concentrator | Medical Equipment | 300 W | 500 W | 200 W |
| Slow Cooker / Crock Pot | Kitchen | 250 W | — | — |
| Gaming Console | Entertainment & Electronics | 200 W | — | — |
| Electric Blanket | Other | 200 W | — | — |
| Upright Freezer (Large) | Kitchen | 200 W | 700 W | 500 W |
| Fish Tank / Aquarium Equipment | Other | 200 W | 250 W | 50 W |
| Refrigerator | Kitchen | 150 W | 600 W | 450 W |
| Window Fan (Twin) | HVAC & Climate | 150 W | 200 W | 50 W |
| Miscellaneous Small Electronics (Power Strip) | Other | 150 W | — | — |
| Chest Freezer | Kitchen | 100 W | 500 W | 400 W |
| LED Lights (10-Bulb String) | Lighting | 100 W | — | — |
| Hot Water Recirculation Pump | Water & Plumbing | 100 W | 200 W | 100 W |
| Medical/Insulin Refrigerator | Medical Equipment | 100 W | 300 W | 200 W |
| Sewing Machine | Other | 100 W | — | — |
| Portable Box/Stand Fan | HVAC & Climate | 100 W | 120 W | 20 W |
| TV LED 55-inch | Entertainment & Electronics | 80 W | — | — |
| Ceiling Fan | HVAC & Climate | 75 W | 100 W | 25 W |
| Laptop Computer | Entertainment & Electronics | 60 W | — | — |
| CPAP Machine | Medical Equipment | 60 W | — | — |
| Emergency Radio / HAM Radio | Other | 50 W | — | — |
| Water Softener | Water & Plumbing | 50 W | 100 W | 50 W |
| Sprinkler / Irrigation Controller | Water & Plumbing | 50 W | — | — |
| Nebulizer | Medical Equipment | 40 W | — | — |
| Phone / Tablet Charger | Other | 25 W | — | — |
| WiFi Router / Modem | Entertainment & Electronics | 20 W | — | — |
Kitchen Appliances
A full-size electric oven or range with multiple burners and an oven cavity. Electric ovens use resistive heating elemen...
View details → Portable Induction CooktopA portable single-burner induction cooktop for efficient stovetop cooking. Induction cooktops are resistive loads with n...
View details → DishwasherA standard household dishwasher with a water pump motor and heating element for drying. The starting surge comes from th...
View details → Electric Grill / GriddleAn indoor electric grill, griddle, or panini press with a resistive heating element. There is no starting surge. Electri...
View details → Electric KettleAn electric kettle uses a resistive heating element to rapidly boil water. With no motor, there is zero starting surge. ...
View details → Microwave OvenA standard countertop or over-the-range microwave oven rated at approximately 1000 watts of cooking power. The actual el...
View details → Instant Pot / Pressure CookerAn electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot or similar) that uses a resistive heating element under a sealed pressure vesse...
View details → ToasterA standard two-slice or four-slice toaster uses resistive heating coils to brown bread. As a purely resistive load with ...
View details → Coffee MakerA standard drip coffee maker uses a resistive heating element to heat water, drawing approximately 800 watts during brew...
View details → Garbage DisposalA standard under-sink garbage disposal unit with a 1/2 HP to 3/4 HP motor. The starting surge is significant relative to...
View details → BlenderA standard countertop blender used for smoothies, soups, and food preparation. The motor has a brief starting surge as t...
View details → Slow Cooker / Crock PotA slow cooker or crock pot uses a resistive heating element wrapped around a ceramic cooking vessel. On the low setting,...
View details → Upright Freezer (Large)A large upright frost-free freezer with 15 to 20 cubic feet of capacity. Upright freezers draw more power than chest fre...
View details → RefrigeratorA standard household refrigerator with a compressor motor that cycles on and off. The starting wattage accounts for the ...
View details → Chest FreezerA standalone chest freezer used for long-term food storage. Chest freezers are very energy efficient during operation, d...
View details →HVAC & Climate Appliances
A 3-ton (36,000 BTU) central air conditioning system is the most common size for medium to large homes in the United Sta...
View details → Portable Space HeaterA standard 1500-watt portable electric space heater using either ceramic, oil-filled radiator, or fan-forced heating tec...
View details → Infrared HeaterAn infrared space heater that uses quartz or carbon heating elements to provide radiant warmth. Like other resistive hea...
View details → Electric FireplaceAn electric fireplace insert or standalone unit with a resistive heater and LED flame effect display. The heater element...
View details → Window AC Unit (10,000 BTU)A medium window-mounted air conditioner rated at 10,000 BTU, capable of cooling a room up to about 450 square feet. This...
View details → Mini-Split Air Conditioner (12,000 BTU)A ductless mini-split air conditioning system rated at 12,000 BTU (1 ton). Mini-split systems are highly efficient and m...
View details → Portable Air Conditioner (8,000 BTU)A portable floor-standing air conditioner rated at 8,000 BTU with an exhaust hose vented through a window. Portable AC u...
View details → Furnace Blower FanThe blower fan motor in a gas or oil furnace that circulates heated air through ductwork. Even though the furnace itself...
View details → DehumidifierA portable or whole-house dehumidifier that removes moisture from the air using a compressor and heat exchanger. The sta...
View details → Window AC Unit (5,000 BTU)A small window-mounted air conditioner rated at 5,000 BTU, suitable for cooling a single room up to about 150 square fee...
View details → Whole House FanA whole house fan mounted in the ceiling that pulls air through the house and exhausts it through attic vents. These fan...
View details → Pellet StoveA pellet stove that burns compressed wood pellets for space heating. While the combustion provides the heat, the stove r...
View details → Window Fan (Twin)A twin-fan window unit that can intake and exhaust air to create airflow through a room or whole house. Window fans draw...
View details → Portable Box/Stand FanA standard portable box fan or oscillating stand fan. These fans draw very little power and provide meaningful comfort d...
View details → Ceiling FanA standard 52-inch ceiling fan provides air circulation for comfort cooling. Ceiling fans use very little electricity, m...
View details →Lighting Appliances
Ten halogen light bulbs rated at approximately 50 watts each. Halogen bulbs are resistive loads with no starting surge b...
View details → Fluorescent Shop Lights (4 fixtures)Four fluorescent shop light fixtures, each with two T8 tubes at approximately 40 watts per tube. Fluorescent lights have...
View details → Outdoor Security LightsA set of outdoor security floodlights, typically two to four fixtures with LED or halogen bulbs. This estimate assumes a...
View details → LED Lights (10-Bulb String)A set of ten LED light bulbs rated at approximately 10 watts each, equivalent to traditional 60-watt incandescent bulbs ...
View details →Water & Plumbing Appliances
A standard 40 to 50-gallon electric tank water heater with one or two 4,500-watt heating elements. Electric water heater...
View details → Well Pump (1 HP)A submersible or jet well pump rated at 1 horsepower, used for residential wells serving homes with higher water demand ...
View details → Sump Pump (1/2 HP)A basement sump pump rated at 1/2 horsepower, used in homes with higher groundwater levels or larger basements. The larg...
View details → Well Pump (1/2 HP)A submersible or jet well pump rated at 1/2 horsepower, commonly used for residential wells serving homes with low to mo...
View details → Sump Pump (1/3 HP)A basement sump pump rated at 1/3 horsepower, the most common residential size for managing groundwater infiltration. Su...
View details → Hot Water Recirculation PumpA small recirculation pump that provides instant hot water by continuously or intermittently circulating water between t...
View details → Water SoftenerA whole-house water softener system with a control valve motor and timer. Water softeners draw very little power during ...
View details → Sprinkler / Irrigation ControllerAn electronic sprinkler or irrigation controller with solenoid valves. The controller draws minimal power, and each sole...
View details →Laundry Appliances
A standard household electric clothes dryer using a 240-volt heating element and drum motor. Electric dryers are one of ...
View details → Gas DryerA household gas-powered clothes dryer that uses natural gas or propane for heat and electricity only for the drum motor,...
View details → Washing MachineA standard household top-loading or front-loading washing machine. The running wattage covers the motor driving the agit...
View details →Entertainment & Electronics Appliances
A complete home theater setup including an AV receiver, surround sound speakers, and a streaming device or Blu-ray playe...
View details → TV Plasma 55-inchAn older 55-inch plasma television. Plasma TVs draw significantly more power than modern LED models, up to three to four...
View details → Desktop ComputerA standard desktop computer with a monitor, including the tower, display, and basic peripherals like a keyboard and mous...
View details → Gaming ConsoleA modern gaming console such as a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch (docked). Gaming consoles have no starting surge...
View details → TV LED 55-inchA modern 55-inch LED or OLED television. Current LED TV technology is remarkably energy efficient, drawing only about 80...
View details → Laptop ComputerA standard laptop computer being charged or running from the charger. Laptops draw very little power from the wall, maki...
View details → WiFi Router / ModemA home WiFi router and cable or DSL modem. These devices draw very little power and have no starting surge. However, the...
View details →Power Tools Appliances
A MIG or stick welder rated at approximately 180 to 220 amps. Welders are among the most power-hungry portable tools and...
View details → Table SawA standard contractor or cabinet table saw with a 1.5 to 2 HP motor. Table saws have one of the highest starting-to-runn...
View details → Miter Saw (Compound)A 10 or 12-inch compound miter saw used for precise crosscuts and miter cuts in woodworking and framing. Similar to circ...
View details → Air Compressor (1 HP)A 1 HP portable air compressor used for pneumatic tools, tire inflation, and various workshop applications. Air compress...
View details → Electric Pressure WasherAn electric pressure washer with a pump motor rated at approximately 1.5 to 2 HP. The starting surge occurs when the pum...
View details → Circular SawA standard 7-1/4 inch corded circular saw commonly used in construction and woodworking. The starting surge occurs when ...
View details → Angle GrinderA 4-1/2 to 5-inch angle grinder used for cutting, grinding, and polishing metal and masonry. The high-speed motor has a ...
View details → Reciprocating SawA corded reciprocating saw (Sawzall) used for demolition, renovation, and rough cutting. The motor has a moderate starti...
View details → Belt SanderA portable belt sander used for rapid stock removal and surface preparation in woodworking. The motor startup surge is m...
View details → Drill PressA benchtop or floor-standing drill press with a 1/2 to 3/4 HP motor. The starting surge occurs when the motor brings the...
View details → Battery Charger (12V Automotive)A standard 12-volt automotive battery charger used to charge car, truck, or equipment batteries. These chargers are resi...
View details →Medical Equipment Appliances
A home oxygen concentrator that extracts oxygen from ambient air and delivers it to patients requiring supplemental oxyg...
View details → Medical/Insulin RefrigeratorA small dedicated refrigerator used to store insulin, medications, and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies. The...
View details → CPAP MachineA CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine used to treat sleep apnea. CPAP machines draw very little power, ty...
View details → NebulizerA medical nebulizer that converts liquid medication into a fine mist for inhalation, used by patients with asthma, COPD,...
View details →Garage & EV Appliances
A Level 2 electric vehicle charger operating on a 240-volt circuit, typically drawing 30 amps and providing 20 to 30 mil...
View details → EV Charger (Level 1, 120V)A Level 1 electric vehicle charger that plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet. Level 1 chargers typically draw...
View details → Garage Door OpenerA standard residential garage door opener with a 1/2 HP motor. The starting surge occurs when the motor engages to lift ...
View details →Other Appliances
A standard 240-volt hot tub or spa with a heater, circulation pump, and jets. Hot tubs are among the most power-intensiv...
View details → Hair DryerA standard household hair dryer with a heating element and fan motor. Despite having a motor, the heating element is the...
View details → Pool Pump (1 HP)A 1 HP swimming pool circulation pump used to filter and circulate pool water. Pool pumps have a significant starting su...
View details → Clothes IronA standard clothes iron with a resistive heating element and steam function. Irons draw significant power for their size...
View details → Vacuum CleanerA standard upright or canister vacuum cleaner with a suction motor. Despite having a motor, the startup surge on most va...
View details → TreadmillA motorized treadmill with an electric drive motor, incline motor, and electronics console. The starting surge occurs wh...
View details → Portable Power Station ChargerA portable power station or battery backup system being recharged from a generator. Many people use a combination of a p...
View details → Electric BlanketA standard electric blanket or heated mattress pad. Electric blankets are a remarkably efficient way to stay warm during...
View details → Fish Tank / Aquarium EquipmentComplete aquarium equipment including a filter pump, heater, and lighting for a 50 to 100-gallon tank. The filter pump h...
View details → Miscellaneous Small Electronics (Power Strip)A power strip with assorted small electronics including clocks, phone chargers, a baby monitor, night lights, and simila...
View details → Sewing MachineA standard household or hobby sewing machine. Modern electronic sewing machines draw approximately 75 to 100 watts durin...
View details → Emergency Radio / HAM RadioAn emergency weather radio, CB radio, or amateur (HAM) radio transceiver. During transmit, HAM radios may draw up to 200...
View details → Phone / Tablet ChargerA smartphone or tablet charger drawing approximately 20 to 25 watts. Modern fast chargers may draw up to 45 watts during...
View details →Understanding Appliance Wattage for Generator Sizing
Every electrical appliance has a power rating measured in watts that tells you how much electricity it draws during operation. For generator sizing, two numbers matter: running watts and starting watts. Running watts (also called rated watts or continuous watts) is the power the appliance draws during steady-state operation. Starting watts (also called surge watts or peak watts) is the brief spike of additional power that motor-driven appliances need for the first fraction of a second when they turn on.
Appliances fall into two categories based on their starting behavior. Resistive loads like heaters, toasters, light bulbs, and coffee makers use heating elements or simple circuits and draw the same wattage from startup to shutdown with no surge. Inductive loads (motor-driven) like refrigerators, pumps, compressors, power tools, and air conditioners contain electric motors that require extra current to begin rotating against inertia. The starting surge for inductive loads can be 1.5 to 3 times the running wattage, with air compressors and well pumps having the highest ratios.
When calculating your total generator load, you do not add the starting watts of every appliance together. Instead, you add the running watts of all appliances that will operate simultaneously, then add the starting surge gap of the single appliance with the highest surge. This accounts for the realistic worst case: the moment when the highest-surge appliance starts while everything else is already running. This methodology prevents oversizing your generator, which wastes money on capacity you will never use.
Tips for Reducing Your Generator Load
If the total wattage of your desired appliances exceeds your generator capacity or budget, consider these strategies for reducing the load. First, replace incandescent and halogen bulbs with LEDs to save 80% or more on lighting wattage. Second, consider a gas dryer instead of electric to reduce laundry wattage from 5,400 watts to 700 watts. Third, use a mini-split AC instead of central AC to cool only the rooms you are actually using. Fourth, practice load management by staggering high-draw appliances rather than running them all simultaneously. Fifth, use a portable power station charged from the generator to run low-draw devices overnight without running the generator.