A fridge full of spoiled food is the last thing you need during a power outage. CNET's lab testing has now revealed which portable power stations can keep your refrigerator running the longest, turning a stressful blackout into a manageable inconvenience.
CNET's team of engineers and product testers put dozens of portable power stations through rigorous lab tests to measure actual runtime powering a standard refrigerator. The results, published this month, identify the top performers for emergency home backup. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and grid reliability concerns growing, having a reliable fridge power station backup has moved from nice-to-have to essential for many households.
The tests simulated real-world outage conditions, using a mid-sized refrigerator drawing approximately 150 watts under normal cycling. Each power station was charged to 100% and connected to the fridge until the battery was depleted. The team recorded runtime, efficiency, and any issues with inverter compatibility or surge handling. CNET has tested over 50 portable power stations in the past two years, but this focused fridge runtime test provides actionable data for emergency preparedness.
Key findings: mid-range power stations in the 1000–1500 watt-hour (Wh) range consistently delivered 8 to 12 hours of fridge runtime. The top performers included the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro (13.2 hours), the EcoFlow DELTA 2 (11.8 hours), and the Anker 757 PowerHouse (10.5 hours). Smaller units under 500Wh lasted only 3 to 5 hours, insufficient for extended outages. CNET noted that actual runtime can vary based on fridge age, ambient temperature, and how often the door is opened. The lab controlled for these variables, but users should expect lower performance in hot climates or with older compressors.
Beyond raw runtime, the analysis highlights the importance of pure sine wave inverters for sensitive refrigerator compressors. Modified sine wave models, while cheaper, can cause compressor buzzing, reduced efficiency, and even damage over time. CNET recommends choosing a power station with a pure sine wave output of at least 300W continuous to safely start and run a typical fridge. Additionally, stations with expandable battery capacity, like the EcoFlow line, offer a future-proof solution for growing backup needs.
Looking ahead, the portable power station market is evolving rapidly. Newer models with LiFePO4 batteries offer longer cycle life and better performance in extreme temperatures. Solar charging capability is another emerging trend, allowing users to recharge during multi-day outages. CNET plans to update its list as new products launch, particularly as competition drives prices down and capacities up. For now, the tested recommendations provide a solid starting point for any household prioritising fridge power station backup.
Whether you live in hurricane-prone Florida, wildfire-threatened California, or anywhere with aging grid infrastructure, knowing which portable power station can keep your fridge running is a simple but powerful step toward peace of mind. CNET's lab data cuts through marketing hype and delivers real-world numbers you can trust.
Technology
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Our Lab Data Revealed the Portable Power Stations That Will Keep Your Fridge Running During Outages
Fridges are one of the most important home appliances to keep powered during an outage. Our lab testing revealed the power stations that can keep yours running the longest.
Ajay Kumar
CNET
3 min read
5/10
Key Takeaways
- CNET lab testing measured fridge runtime on over 20 portable power stations using a 150W mid-size refrigerator under controlled conditions.
- The Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro led the field with 13.2 hours of continuous fridge runtime, followed by the EcoFlow DELTA 2 at 11.8 hours and the Anker 757 PowerHouse at 10.5 hours.
- Power stations below 500Wh (e.g., Jackery Explorer 290) delivered only 3–5 hours, insufficient for most extended power outages.
- Pure sine wave inverters are critical for refrigerator compressors; modified sine wave models risk reduced efficiency and potential long-term damage.
- LiFePO4 battery chemistries in newer models (e.g., EcoFlow, Anker) offer 3,000+ charge cycles versus 500–800 for older lithium-ion packs, improving long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Runtime depends on the power station's battery capacity and the fridge's power draw. In CNET's lab tests, stations with 1000–1500 Wh ran a standard fridge for 8–13 hours. Smaller units under 500 Wh lasted only 3–5 hours. Actual runtime varies by fridge efficiency, temperature, and door openings.
A power station with at least 1000 watt-hours (Wh) of capacity and a pure sine wave inverter rated for 300W continuous is recommended for a typical refrigerator. This provides 8–12 hours of backup. For longer outages, consider expandable models that allow adding extra battery packs.
Yes, if the power station uses a pure sine wave inverter and has enough surge capacity to handle the compressor startup. Most modern portable power stations are designed for sensitive electronics. Always check that the inverter rating exceeds the fridge's starting wattage, typically 2–3 times its running wattage.
CNET's lab tests identified the Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro (13.2 hours), EcoFlow DELTA 2 (11.8 hours), and Anker 757 PowerHouse (10.5 hours) as top performers for fridge runtime. All feature pure sine wave inverters and LiFePO4 batteries for longevity.
A typical modern refrigerator uses 100–200 watts when the compressor is running, cycling on and off to maintain temperature. Starting surge can be 2–3 times higher. The average daily consumption is around 1–2 kWh depending on size, age, and efficiency settings.
Simply plug the refrigerator's power cord directly into the AC outlet on the power station. Ensure the station is turned on and the inverter is active. Avoid using extension cords if possible to minimize voltage drop. For permanent readiness, some users install a transfer switch or dedicated outlet near the fridge.
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