What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Coffee Maker and Toaster?
By the Generator Size Calculator Team · Updated · 5 min read
Quick answer: Honda lists a coffee maker at 1,750 watts, a 2-slice toaster at 1,050 and a 4-slice toaster at 1,650, with no start-up surge on any of them. A 2,500-watt generator runs the coffee maker, a 2,000-watt inverter a 2-slice toaster, and about 3,500 watts both together. Add a refrigerator and you want 5,000 watts, or simply take turns.
Coffee maker and toaster watts
| Appliance | Running watts | Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee maker | 1,750 | 1,750 |
| Toaster, 2-slice | 1,050 | 1,050 |
| Toaster, 4-slice | 1,650 | 1,650 |
| Electric fry pan | 1,300 | 1,300 |
These are Honda's figures. They are all heating appliances, so starting watts equal running watts, but they use that much power the whole time the element is on. A drip coffee maker cycles on and off while it brews.
Which generator size to choose
| Setup | Running load | Generator at 80% |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee maker alone | 1,750 W | About 2,200 W, so 2,500 W |
| 2-slice toaster alone | 1,050 W | About 1,300 W, so 2,000 W inverter |
| 4-slice toaster alone | 1,650 W | About 2,100 W, so 2,500 W |
| Coffee maker and 2-slice toaster | 2,800 W | About 3,500 W |
| Coffee maker and 4-slice toaster | 3,400 W | About 4,250 W, so 5,000 W |
Add a refrigerator (700 running watts, with a start-up surge of about 1,500) and the numbers climb again. For the rest of the kitchen, see what size generator runs kitchen appliances.
Example: breakfast with the fridge on
| Load | Running watts |
|---|---|
| Coffee maker | 1,750 |
| Toaster, 2-slice | 1,050 |
| Refrigerator | 700 |
| Running total | 3,500 |
With the fridge compressor starting, the peak is about 3,500 plus 1,500, or 5,000 watts. A 5,000-watt generator keeps the running load under its 80% mark (4,000 watts), and its approximate 6,250-watt starting capacity covers the peak.
Add the coffee maker, toaster, fridge and lights.
Tips to make it work on less
- Take turns. Brew the coffee, then toast the bread. Doing them one after the other roughly halves the size you need.
- Pour the coffee into a thermos so the warming plate does not stay on.
- Use a camp stove or a French press outdoors if you only have a small inverter.
- Check the cord. A heavy appliance on a thin extension cord can overheat. See the extension cord calculator.
Run the generator outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents. Never in a garage or shed, even with the door open. See how far a generator should be from your house.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts does a coffee maker use?
Honda lists a coffee maker at about 1,750 watts, with no start-up surge.
How many watts does a toaster use?
Honda lists a 2-slice toaster at 1,050 watts and a 4-slice at 1,650 watts.
Can a 2000-watt generator run a coffee maker?
A 1,750-watt coffee maker is above the roughly 1,600 running watts of a typical 2,000-watt inverter, so a 2,500-watt generator is the safer size.
Can I run a coffee maker and a toaster at the same time?
Yes, with a generator of about 3,500 watts for a 2-slice toaster, and 5,000 watts for a 4-slice. Running them one after the other needs less.
Can a 3500-watt generator run coffee, toast and a fridge?
The running load is about 3,500 watts, which is above its 80% mark, and the fridge surge adds more, so a 5,000-watt generator is more comfortable.
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Sources: Running and starting watts from the Honda generator wattage guide (coffee maker, toasters, electric fry pan, refrigerator). Generator sizes apply the 80% running rule and an assumed starting capacity about 25% above the running rating.