Your fridge is the single biggest power drain during an outage, yet most portable power stations can't keep it running overnight. CNET's lab test of 19 models revealed that capacity alone doesn't tell the story—smaller, efficient units often outlast their larger rivals.
CNET engineers connected 19 portable power stations to a standard 18-cubic-foot refrigerator and measured how long each unit kept the fridge running before the battery died. The test simulated a real-world blackout scenario, accounting for the fridge's startup surge and normal cycling. The results upend the assumption that bigger always means better.
The market for portable power stations has exploded as homeowners seek backup for increasingly frequent blackouts. Brands like Jackery, EcoFlow, Goal Zero, Bluetti, and Anker dominate the space, with capacities ranging from 200Wh to over 3,000Wh. But runtime depends on more than watt-hours: idle power consumption, inverter efficiency, and the fridge's actual draw all matter. CNET's data shows that some compact models (<500Wh) ran the fridge for 12+ hours, while some 2,000Wh+ units fell short due to high self-consumption.
Key findings include: the EcoFlow River 2 Pro (768Wh) ran the fridge for 14.3 hours, outperforming the Jackery Explorer 1000 (1,002Wh) which managed only 10.1 hours. The top performer was the Bluetti AC200P (2,000Wh) at 31.2 hours, but the Anker PowerHouse 521 (299Wh) surprised with 7.8 hours—giving owners of smaller units viable short-term backup. The test also revealed that fridge age and ambient temperature affect runtime by up to 20%.
Industry analysts note that consumers often overpay for capacity they don't need. 'Bigger isn't just heavier and more expensive—it's often less efficient,' said one expert. 'The real metric is usable runtime, not spec-sheet watt-hours.' This shift could push manufacturers to optimise for low idle draw and better power management.
Expect more focus on run-time per dollar and per pound in portable power station marketing. Brands may introduce 'fridge mode' settings that optimise inverter output. For consumers, the lesson is clear: before buying, check real-world fridge runtime—your groceries depend on it.
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We Hooked 19 Power Stations Up to a Fridge. Here’s Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better
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
1 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
- The Bluetti AC200P (2,000Wh) ran the test fridge for 31.2 hours, the longest of any unit tested.
- EcoFlow River 2 Pro (768Wh) lasted 14.3 hours, beating the Jackery Explorer 1000 (1,002Wh) at 10.1 hours.
- Anker PowerHouse 521 (299Wh) managed 7.8 hours, proving small units can cover short outages.
- Fridge startup surge draws up to 3x running power; units with high surge capacity are critical.
- Lab conditions (70°F) vs. real-world (90°F+) can reduce runtime by up to 20% due to compressor cycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the power station's capacity and the fridge's energy draw. In CNET's lab test, the Bluetti AC200P ran an 18-cubic-foot fridge for 31.2 hours, while smaller units like the Anker PowerHouse 521 managed 7.8 hours. Average runtime for mid-sized stations (500-1,000Wh) is 10-15 hours.
For short outages (under 8 hours), a station with 300-500Wh can work. For overnight backup, aim for 1,000Wh or more. But efficiency matters: some 750Wh units outperform 1,000Wh models due to lower idle power draw.
Yes, but runtime will decrease. The power station's total output must exceed the combined running watts of all devices. Most fridges draw 100-200W continuous, leaving room for lights, phones, or a small TV.
Larger units often have higher idle power consumption (the energy they use to run their own inverter and display). If a big station wastes 20W per hour, it loses 480Wh over 24 hours—eating into capacity. Smaller, more modern units are optimised for low standby draw.
Divide the power station's usable watt-hours by the fridge's average running watts (check your fridge label). Multiply by 0.85 to account for inverter losses. Example: 1,000Wh / 150W × 0.85 = 5.7 hours. For more accurate results, use a watt-meter.
Based on CNET's test, the Bluetti AC200P offers the longest runtime (31.2 hours). The EcoFlow River 2 Pro provides excellent efficiency for its size. For budget-conscious buyers, the Anker PowerHouse 521 gives solid short-term backup at a low price.
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