What Size Generator Do You Need to Run Kitchen Appliances?
By the Generator Size Calculator Team · Updated · 7 min read
Quick answer: A fridge, a microwave and a coffee maker add up to about 3,075 running watts and a peak near 4,575 watts while the fridge starts, so a 5,000-watt generator fits comfortably. Heating appliances use the most: Honda lists a 4-slice toaster at 1,650 watts, a coffee maker at 1,750 and an 8-inch range element at 2,100. Run them one at a time and a 3,500-watt generator can cover most kitchens.
Watts for kitchen appliances
| Appliance | Running watts | Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator or freezer | 700 | 2,200 |
| Microwave oven (625 W) | 625 | 800 |
| Coffee maker | 1,750 | 1,750 |
| Toaster, 2-slice | 1,050 | 1,050 |
| Toaster, 4-slice | 1,650 | 1,650 |
| Dishwasher | 1,450 | 1,800 |
| Electric range, 6-inch element | 1,500 | 1,500 |
| Electric range, 8-inch element | 2,100 | 2,100 |
These are Honda's typical figures, and a microwave's real draw is usually higher than its cooking-power label (a "1,000 W" microwave often draws closer to 1,500 watts). Check your labels. Heating appliances, like the coffee maker, toaster and range, have no start-up surge, but they use a lot of power the whole time they are on.
Example: fridge, microwave and coffee maker
| Load | Running watts |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 700 |
| Microwave oven | 625 |
| Coffee maker | 1,750 |
| Running total | 3,075 |
With the fridge compressor starting on top, the peak is about 3,075 plus 1,500, or 4,575 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.
Which generator size works
| Kitchen setup | Generator |
|---|---|
| Fridge and microwave only | 3,000 W (1,325 running, about 2,825 peak) |
| Fridge, microwave and coffee maker, one heating appliance at a time | 3,500 W with care, 5,000 W comfortably |
| Add a dishwasher or 8-inch range element | 5,000 to 7,500 W |
The more heating appliances run together, the higher the size. For the whole house, see what size generator runs a whole house, and for a fridge alone see generator size for a refrigerator.
List the appliances you want to use at the same time.
Tips to keep the load down
- Take turns. Brew coffee, then use the microwave, then toast. Do not run them all at once.
- Cook on gas or a camp stove if you can, outdoors and not on the generator.
- Leave the dishwasher for later. It is a big, long load.
- Use the right cord. Check the extension cord calculator for heavy appliances.
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 microwave use?
Honda lists a 625-watt microwave at 625 running and 800 starting watts, but many full-size microwaves draw 1,000 to 1,500 watts. Check the label on yours.
Can a 3500-watt generator run a fridge, microwave and coffee maker?
It can carry the running load of about 3,075 watts, but that is above the 80% mark, and the fridge surge brings the peak to about 4,575 watts. A 5,000-watt generator is the more comfortable choice.
How many watts does a coffee maker use?
Honda lists a coffee maker at about 1,750 watts. It is a heating load with no start-up surge.
Can a generator run an electric stove?
One 8-inch element is about 2,100 watts, and a full range with the oven can be several thousand watts, so you generally need a large generator. Bob Vila lists an electric oven at about 5,000 watts.
What is the best way to run a kitchen on a small generator?
Run one heating appliance at a time and keep the fridge on all the time.
Related calculators
Sources: Appliance and tool running and starting watts from the Honda generator wattage guide (kitchen appliances); microwave draw and electric oven figures from Bob Vila. Generator ratings in the examples apply the 80% running rule and a starting capacity about 25% above rating.