Can You Run A Refrigerator On A Battery Backup?

Power outages are unpredictable and can hinder the function of your electronic appliances.

Most times, these power cuts result from power overload or load shedding. However, to curb distressing situations like this, it is essential to have backup power for crucial electronics like your refrigerator.

This solution leaves the question, can you use a battery backup to power your refrigerator?  

You can run your refrigerator on a battery backup, though you must adequately size the load characteristics of the fridge and the backup capacity. Battery backup systems are capable of carrying a full-size refrigerator without any hitches. You must ensure the backup battery can carry the load of the fridge.

Can You Use a Battery Backup for a Refrigerator?  

You can use a battery-powered generator to run your refrigerator. But, first, you must ensure the battery backup can power the refrigerator without glitches.

Battery backups can be an alternative to electricity during a power outage to run fridges and freezers. 

An ideal battery generator should be able to power your refrigerator for as long as 4 to 15 hours.

You can charge these battery backups with electricity or solar panels. In addition, some battery generator models do not exude carbon monoxide, a health benefit to your home. 

Battery backup systems are one of the best alternatives in the absence of electricity for the following reasons:

#1. Ease of Use and Control

Battery backups for refrigerators are easy to install and control. They do not require expertise to operate, and you can easily connect them to your refrigerator.

You can also power it with electricity, solar power, or a gas-powered inverter.

#2. Portable

Most battery backup systems are easy to move because of their lightweight. Other heavier models come with wheels for ease of movement.

You can also use a battery backup system for trips or recreational activities.

#3. Instantly Powers Your Fridge

You can easily switch your refrigerator from electric power to a battery-powered generator.

The battery backup instantly powers your fridge upon connection. In this way, the content of your fridge remains intact and fresh. 

#4. Eco-friendly

The components of a battery backup system do not emit dangerous substances or gases.

As a result, it is highly safe to use in your home. Most models are also noiseless, preventing noise pollution during use.

What Size Battery Do I Need To Run a Refrigerator?            

You will require a battery capacity of about 50,000mAh to 300,000mAh (Milliampere-hours) to run your fridge for a day.

A 50,000mAh battery-powered generator is capable of carrying a small 12-volt refrigerator. On the other hand, a 300,000mAh battery backup system can power a full-size fridge.

However, before purchasing a battery backup for your refrigerator, ensure you have considered your fridge’s capacity and have calculated the requirements of the battery backup system. Before buying your battery backup, consider the following factors: 

#1. Amount of Power Your Fridge Consumes

Before selecting the proper battery backup to power your refrigerator, this factor is the first thing you must consider.

It would be best if you had an idea of how much power your refrigerator consumes to select the perfect battery backup capacity for your fridge. 

Once you know the power consumption of your refrigerator, it will keep you from purchasing a battery backup system that is incapable of providing the suitable power capacity that your fridge requires.

Therefore, check your fridge manual to find out your refrigerator watts consumption. If it is unavailable, look for an information sticker at the back or side of the refrigerator. 

You can also get the manual online or contact the manufacturer for information on the fridge watt consumption.

After finding out the volts and amps capacity, your refrigerator consumes, multiply both values to determine the amount of wattage your fridge consumes. 

#2. The Battery Capacity You Require

A battery-powered generator can run a freezer if the battery backup has the correct load specification for the fridge.

The generator must be of an appropriate design to fit the requirements of your refrigerator. 

The amount of power an appliance requires to run varies with the amount of power it consumes, which is why you need to figure out the amount of electricity that powers your fridge.

You can find this information on a sticker on your fridge door, on the package, or in the manual. 

If your fridge runs for 10 hours and consumes about 60 watts per hour, you will need a battery backup with a capacity of 600 watts.

This calculation means you will require a battery backup system with a higher power rating if your fridge is bigger.

Moreover, if your fridge is smaller, you might not need a high-rated battery-powered generator.

To calculate the battery size, you need to run your refrigerator and multiply the daily consumption of the fridge in Wh (Watt per hour) by the total days you will use the battery.

Then, divide the value by 0.5 if the batteries are lead-acid and by 0.8 if it is a lithium battery. 

Best Refrigerator Battery Backup 

Various refrigerator battery backups can power your fridge, but you must select the best capacity for an uninterrupted power supply during a power outage.

Below are the five best battery backups, in no particular order, capable of running your fridge:

#1. Geneverse HomePower One Battery Backup

The Geneverse HomePower One battery-powered generator is a reliable and portable backup battery.

It has a capacity of 278,400mAh, capable of running your refrigerator for up to seven days on a full charge.

Last update on 2024-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The refrigerator battery backup is fast charging with three AC (Alternative Current) outlets. You can charge it with your car, solar power, or electricity.

#2. BougeRV Power Station

The BougeRV battery power station is a battery-powered lithium generator with a watts capacity of 1100Wh.

It is capable of powering your fridge for about three days. The refrigerator battery backup has ten different types of power outlets, ranging from USB ports to car charging power outlets.

Last update on 2024-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

In addition, the BougeRV backup battery has a fast charge MPPT technology with an 18-month warranty.  

#3. Bluetti Power Station

The Bluetti Power station is one of the recent backup battery products available.

Last update on 2024-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It has a wattage capacity of 2048Wh and comes with a 3xPV200 solar panel to charge. The battery-powered generator can power a 90-watt fridge for 18 hours.    

#4. Ecoflow Power Station

The Ecoflow battery backup system is a 3300Wh capacity solar battery generator.

Last update on 2024-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Though it is the penultimate backup battery on this list, it is the best refrigerator power station. It can power a 120-watt fridge for 8 to 15 hours. 

#5. Renogy Inverter Battery Backup

The 2000W 12V Renogy Inverter is also a great backup battery for your refrigerator in case of power outages.

Last update on 2024-01-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Its Pure Sine Wave Inverter can convert the DC power in your home appliances without causing any damage to your appliance. 

Backup Battery	Pros	Cons
Geneverse HomePower ONE	Long-lasting and has a fast-charging feature.5-year warranty.Multiple power outlets.	No solar panels.Heavy for frequent movement and hikes.
BougeRV Power Station	Massive power capacity. It has a built-in sine-wave inverter with a high surge rating. It comes with built-in BMS intelligence.	It might be higher than your budget. Slow charging.No wireless charger.
Bluetti Ac200max Power Station	It has different charging methods.Portable.It has power monitoring technology.	It is costly. Change in weather and temperature affects its power output.
Ecoflow Portable Power Station	Eco-friendly. It is fast charging with multiple power outlets. Highly efficient.In-built Xstream technology.	Charging capacity reduces over time. Noisy fans are not portable.
Renogy Pure Sine Wave Inverter	Low heat emission.Portable.Easy to control and set up.	The inverter can only support a 12V battery capacity. Requires expertise to connect inverter batteries.

Can We Use UPS for Refrigerators?   

You can use a UPS to run small refrigerators, but it may not run without issues. Uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) are not for powering heavy appliances like your refrigerator for a long time.

A UPS will not power full-sized fridges because it can cause power overload and damage your refrigerator. 

UPS systems provide short-term power in case of emergencies during a power outage. Though your UPS might run your small fridge, it will not power it for long.         

Can a Power Bank Run a Refrigerator? 

Significantly few power banks can power refrigerators. Like the UPS, a fridge will not run a power bank for the long term.

It mainly can serve small devices like laptops, phones, and TVs. Some power banks, like the 434Wh capacity Anker PowerHouse, is capable of running mini-fridges. 

Summary

Before purchasing your refrigerator battery backup, you must consider the power consumption of your fridge and the battery capacity you need to run the refrigerator.

However, miscalculating your appliance wattage can result in purchasing a lesser battery backup capacity for your fridge.