What Size Generator Do You Need to Run an Electric Stove or Oven?
By the Generator Size Calculator Team · Updated · 6 min read
Quick answer: Honda lists an electric range 6-inch element at 1,500 watts and an 8-inch element at 2,100 watts, and Bob Vila puts a full electric oven range at about 5,000 watts. A 3,000-watt generator runs one burner, 4,500 watts two burners, and about 7,500 watts an oven. Heating elements have no surge, but they draw a lot the whole time.
Burner and oven watts
| Appliance | Running watts | Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range, 6-inch element | 1,500 | 1,500 |
| Electric range, 8-inch element | 2,100 | 2,100 |
| Electric oven (range) | 5,000 | 5,000 |
The burner figures are from Honda and the 5,000-watt oven figure is Bob Vila's, which varies by model. A full range runs on 240 volts, and with several burners and the oven on at once the load climbs well past 5,000 watts. Check the nameplate on your range.
Which generator size to choose
| What you cook on | Load | Generator at 80% |
|---|---|---|
| One 6-inch burner | 1,500 W | About 2,500 W |
| One 8-inch burner | 2,100 W | About 3,000 W |
| One 6-inch and one 8-inch burner | 3,600 W | About 4,500 W |
| Electric oven | 5,000 W | About 7,500 W |
If you add the fridge, lights and a furnace fan, the numbers add up. For a full kitchen see what size generator runs kitchen appliances.
How an oven connects
A full-size range is hardwired or plugged into a 240-volt outlet, so a portable generator needs a matching 240-volt output and a safe connection. This is a job for a licensed electrician with a transfer switch or interlock. See how to connect a generator to your house.
Add the burner, the fridge and lights.
Easier ways to cook
- Use a microwave (625 W) or a single-burner hot plate instead of the oven.
- Cook one burner at a time. One 8-inch burner is 2,100 watts.
- Use a camp stove or outdoor grill, outdoors and away from the house.
- Skip the oven and its 5,000-watt draw during a short outage.
Run the generator outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents. Never in a garage or shed, even with the door open. Never use an oven or a gas range to heat the house. See how far a generator should be from your house.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts does an electric stove use?
Honda lists a 6-inch element at 1,500 watts and an 8-inch element at 2,100 watts. Bob Vila lists an electric oven range at about 5,000 watts.
Can a 3500-watt generator run an electric stove?
One burner, yes, with a few other loads. The oven at about 5,000 watts needs a bigger generator.
Can a 5000-watt generator run an oven?
An oven at about 5,000 watts is at 100% of the rating, so a 7,500-watt generator is a better size.
Does an electric stove have a starting surge?
No. Heating elements draw about the same at start-up as when running.
What is the easiest way to cook in an outage?
A microwave, a single burner or an outdoor grill or camp stove used safely away from the house.
Related calculators
Sources: Running and starting watts from the Honda generator wattage guide (electric range elements); the electric oven figure from Bob Vila. Generator sizes apply the 80% running-load rule. Check your range's nameplate.