Full-Size Refrigerator Power Sizing
A full-size fridge is a different sizing problem than almost anything else on this site: the running wattage is modest, but the compressor cycles on and off around the clock for as long as the outage lasts, so capacity — not peak wattage — is what actually limits you.
Real draw numbers
A french door refrigerator/freezer draws roughly 195-207W while the compressor is actually running, with a real-world duty cycle around 40% — the compressor isn't running the whole time, just cycling on and off to maintain temperature.
This project's refrigerator-backup.json models the continuous-equivalent draw at 200W for sizing purposes, rather than the lower duty-cycle-averaged figure, as a deliberately conservative choice — better to overestimate the load than run out of power mid-outage.
How this differs from mini-fridge.json
A full-size fridge draws roughly double a mini-fridge's 50-150W running range. It also doesn't move — it stays in the kitchen — so unlike mini-fridge.json (which weights portability for RV/camping use), refrigerator-backup.json drops portability entirely and weights capacity and price per Wh instead.
Key Facts At a Glance
- French door fridge/freezer: ~195-207W running, ~40% duty cycle
- Startup surge: roughly 2-3x running wattage when the compressor kicks on
- Size for 48 hours of continuous cycling, not a single charge
- No portability weighting — a full-size fridge stays put
Sources
- GeneratorChecker: Running a Refrigerator on a Portable Power Station
- https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/electricity-use-in-homes.php