5 Best Battery Backup For Refrigerators During Power Outages [2025]

Flickering lights during the storm and power outages are an inevitable part of life. It can leave your home without electricity for several hours, making your home appliances inoperative. One of the essential kitchen appliances that runs 24*7 is your refrigerator. When the power goes out due to harsh weather, a battery backup for refrigerators can help you keep your food healthy by supplying stable electricity.

Jackery Portable Power Stations are powerful and portable home battery backups ideal for powering refrigerators and freezers. They are available in different sizes and capacities, so you can keep food and medicines fresh in the refrigerator. For example, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station for refrigerators can keep portable appliances running during camping and RV trips. On the other hand, the essential home backup solution, like the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus, can power refrigerators during extended power outages.

AI Takeaways 

• A battery backup for a refrigerator is a portable power station that keeps your fridge running during outages to prevent food from spoiling.
• You need a battery backup solution to avoid food waste, maintain safe storage temperatures, and stay prepared during unexpected blackouts or emergencies.
• Jackery Portable Power Stations store electricity in advance and power your fridge instantly during an outage, with optional solar recharging for extended use.
• Most standard refrigerators use 300 - 800 watts when running, while mini-fridges and freezers may need less or more depending on size and efficiency.
• How to choose the best battery backup for a refrigerator.

What Is Battery Backup For Refrigerator?

In simple words, a battery backup for a refrigerator is a reliable power source that can supply electricity to the appliance when the primary electricity grid is down. Batteries typically store the generated power and then deliver it to the appliances whenever they need it. Solar battery backup solutions are increasing in popularity as they are eco-friendly and reliable.

Jackery Portable Power Stations are battery backups that store solar power generated by Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels and supply to appliances like refrigerators. They are available in different sizes and capacities, so you can choose the one that meets your power needs and budget preferences.

Why Do You Need A Battery Backup for a Refrigerator? 

Even though your refrigerator can keep food items safe and healthy for some time after the power outage, you'll need a battery backup to keep the refrigerator powered during the long outages. If you are unsure if battery backup for refrigerators is a good fit, here are a few reasons to check out.

Supply Power During Outages: When the electricity grid fails to supply power, there are many options available to provide electricity. Out of all these, battery-powered generators are the most reliable choice for providing uninterrupted power. The essential home backup solutions, like the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus, can connect to the home's electricity panel with Manual Transfer Switch that activates in just a few seconds after a power interruption.

Easy to Move: The portable power stations that come with wheels and foldable handles, like Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus, are easy to move and can be transported from one place to another.

Cost-Effective Option: Natural calamities can disrupt the power supply, spoiling the food and drinks that are stored in the refrigerator. A battery backup for refrigerators will ensure you can cost-effectively charge the appliance and avoid spoiling the food.

Peace of Mind: Having a battery backup ensures your refrigerator will continue operating during blackouts, brownouts, or power outages, providing peace of mind.

How Does Jackery Battery Backup For Refrigerator Work?

Jackery Portable Power Stations can supply stable electricity to different types of refrigerators and freezers. You can connect the power station to the refrigerator using the compatible cables to keep your fridge cold during power outages.

The portable power station can be easily charged using Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, a car outlet, or a wall outlet. If you want to use clean and green energy to power your refrigerator, it's best to opt for Jackery Solar Generators — the combination of Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels and an Explorer Portable Power Station.

The solar panels are portable and lightweight with a foldable handle, making them an excellent choice for charging the power stations. Since the battery backup features multiple output ports, you can simultaneously charge other devices, like AC, sump pumps, CPAP machines, etc.

Below are a few benefits of investing in portable battery backup for refrigerators.

• Simple to Use: These solutions have plug-and-play functionality. You can plug your refrigerator into the battery outlet and start charging your appliance.
• Rechargeable:Portable battery backup solutions can be recharged using solar panels, wall outlets, or car outlets. Hence, you can enjoy a continuous stream of electricity.
• Easy to Transport:These battery backups are lightweight and feature a portable handle, so they can be relocated easily.

For Joseph Schentrup, a Florida software engineer and new father of twins, power outages stopped being an inconvenience and became a real disruption. Between late-night wake-ups, interrupted client calls, and his wife’s craft fairs, he needed something dependable. With the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus and a smart transfer switch, Joseph kept the essentials, his office, kitchen appliances like refrigerators, and the kids’ rooms. See how the power station gave his family both power and peace by reading his Jackery story.

How Many Watts Does A Refrigerator Use?

A home refrigerator typically consumes 300 to 800 watts. It generally has much lower running watts than their stated average watts because they cycle on and off throughout the day. You can divide a refrigerator's wattage by 3 to estimate the actual energy usage. That means a 500W refrigerator will actually use around 167 running watts.

Choosing the best battery backup for refrigerators depends on their size, model, and power needs. Below are the common types of refrigerators and their power consumption.

• Large Refrigerator: This refrigerator is generally found in homes or businesses. It consumes nearly 100 to 400 watts of power for running. However, its starting watts lie between 1800-2000 watts.
• Average Refrigerator:These refrigerators require 100-250 watts of running watts. On the other hand, the starting watts lie between 500-1000.
• Small Refrigerator:It requires nearly 75-150 running watts and 400-600 starting watts. These are generally used during outdoor adventures.
• Mini Coolers:These are smaller versions of refrigerators that require only 50-100 running watts. The starting watts of these mini coolers are nearly 200-400.
• Compact or RV Refrigerators: RV owners or campers usually own a compact refrigerator that uses around 40-50 running watts and 80-120 starting watts.

The following table reveals how many watts refrigerators use and breaks down by time period.

Best Battery Backup For Refrigerator

Jackery offers many best battery backups for refrigerators and freezers that can keep appliances powered during power outages, blackouts, and camping. If you are wondering can Jackery power a refrigerator, the answer is yes. But to understand which Jackery can power a refrigerator, you'll need to understand the power requirements of the appliance and choose the right size of the power station.

For example, if you want to run the 300W refrigerator, the working hours of the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus can be calculated with the help of the Running Time Calculator on the product page. In this case, the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus will run a refrigerator (300W) for 9.5 hours. This will help you understand what size generator to run refrigerators and freezers is ideal. 

All the Jackery Portable Power Stations have LiFePO4 batteries that can be recharged using Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, wall outlets, or car chargers. These power stations support pass-through charging technology, meaning these battery backups can power appliances even when they are being recharged. Here is the list of some best battery backup solutions for refrigerators from Jackery: 

Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus

The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is a powerful and essential home backup solution that can keep fridges powered for up to 14 days. It is the world's lightest, smallest 3.6kWh LFP power station and features double wheels so you can roll the battery backup anywhere you go. It is also expandable up to 21kWh per unit or 43kWh when two batteries are connected in parallel, ensuring your appliances stay powered for days. It is also compatible with the Jackery Manual Transfer Switch to ensure essential circuits start powering in just 10 milliseconds with one touch.

Appliances Running Time 

• Top Freezer Refrigerator (800W): 3.7H
• Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (500W): 5.8H
• Average Refrigerator (250W): 11.2H
• Small Refrigerator (150W): 17.7H
• Mini Fridge (100W): 25.0H
• Compact or RV Refrigerator (50W): 42.3H

Who Should Buy This 

If your area faces frequent grid failures that lead to spoiled food in the fridge, you can consider the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus, which can run refrigerators and freezers for up to 14 days.

Customer Review

Very easy to set up, solar charge, great support! Going to buy more batteries!

— Mike Palmer.

Jackery HomePower 3000 

The Jackery HomePower 3000 is an essential home battery backup solution that can keep core appliances, such as fridges, fans, and lights, powered for over a day. This battery backup solution has dual-sided handles for easier transportation from the kitchen to the bedroom or even the garage. It has a UPS switching that allows you to switch from on-grid power to battery backup in just 20 milliseconds, whenever an outage happens. If you want a portable battery backup for fridges and other core household appliances, you can consider this Jackery HomePower 3000.

Appliances Running Time 

• Top Freezer Refrigerator (800W): 3.2H
• Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (500W): 5.0H
• Average Refrigerator (250W): 9.6H
• Small Refrigerator (150W): 15.2H
• Mini Fridge (100W): 21.4H
• Compact or RV Refrigerator (50W): 36.3H

Who Should Buy This 

If you are looking for an essential home backup solution for refrigerators and other appliances that ensures food does not spoil during short-term outages, the Jackery HomePower 3000 is an ideal choice.

Customer Review

So far, I have only used the grid to charge the unit, but it holds a charge like nothing I have seen before. I have the Fridge, Deep Freezer, Entertainment Center, Router, Desktop Computer, and one lamp, and I only hafta plug it in to recharge every 38 hours.

— Michael Meeder.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station

Short power outages can also spoil essential medicine, food, or drinks. For such scenarios, you'll need a reliable midsize power station. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station is ideal for brief power interruptions. It can power essential household appliances, including different types of refrigerators. It also provides expandable capacity from 2kWh to 24kWh with the ability to add multiple Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus. If you're wondering how long will a Jackery 2000 run a refrigerator, you can expect a working time of 6.2H for a 250W freezer when powered with the help of this Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station.

Appliances Running Time 

• Top Freezer Refrigerator (800W): 2.0H
• Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (500W): 3.2H
• Average Refrigerator (250W): 6.2H
• Small Refrigerator (150W): 10.0H
• Mini Fridge (100W): 14.2H
• Compact or RV Refrigerator (50W): 24.6H

Who Should Buy This 

If you want an expandable battery backup for a refrigerator that can grow based on your power needs, you can consider going ahead with the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station.

Customer Review

I like this thing; it's got a lot of power. It powered my air conditioner on high. It powered power tools. It's really not that heavy. It doesn't take too long to charge. And I'll be buying everything to expand the whole system eventually. I like it. It's nice and portable.

— Michael Wheeler.

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station

If you are looking for a portable power station that's ideal for both indoor and outdoor uses, you may go ahead with the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station. The foldable handle ensures you can carry the power station to the camping location and charge mini coolers or RV refrigerators. You can also power small refrigerators drawing 150W at home for 10 hours. Additionally, you can power other household appliances for long hours. Thus, it's a great solution for power outages and outdoor adventures.

Appliances Running Time 

• Top Freezer Refrigerator (800W): 2.0H
• Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (500W): 3.2H
• Average Refrigerator (250W): 6.2H
• Small Refrigerator (150W): 10.0H
• Mini Fridge (100W): 14.2H
• Compact or RV Refrigerator (50W): 24.6H

Who Should Buy This 

If you want a compact yet powerful battery backup solution that can run appliances like fridges for hours or even days, you can consider this Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station.

Customer Review

Never thought it would work so well. Just had it up at my camp for a week. It’s off the grid. Only used my generator once to charge up the Jackery from 1 percent to 100 percent in one and a half hours. Love it. Good job, Jackery!

— Martin.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station

If you want a portable battery backup for fridges designed for people on the move, you may consider the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station. You can take the battery backup during camping or RV trips by storing it in the rear compartment of the vehicle and keeping compact-sized freezers or mini coolers. If you need more power for refrigerators and other household appliances, you can expand the battery capacity from 1.25kWh to 5kWh with the add-on battery packs. If you want to know how long a Jackery 1000 runs a 12V fridge drawing 100W, this Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station can run it for 8.8 hours.

Appliances Running Time 

• Top Freezer Refrigerator (800W): 1.3H
• Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (500W): 2.0H
• Average Refrigerator (250W): 3.9H
• Small Refrigerator (150W): 6.2H
• Mini Fridge (100W): 8.8H
• Compact or RV Refrigerator (50W): 15.2H

Who Should Buy This 

If you often plan outdoor trips like RV living or camping in remote locations and need a refrigerator to keep drinks cool and food fresh, this Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station has got your back.

Customer Review

We had a huge windstorm in our area, knocking down over 600 power poles. With the Jackery we were able to run appliances including our freezer, kinda important. We have a smaller one also. My husband put a tag on it and dated when it was charged. It was a year ago, it was still at 100%. We were without electricity for 5 days, it wasn't that bad because of the Jackery.

— Kathy Reece.

How To Choose The Best Battery Backup For Refrigerator?

In order to choose the best battery backup for refrigerators, you need to understand the refrigerator's wattage and the runtime needed. Investing in the best battery backup for the refrigerator is essential to cover any dips in the main electricity grid. However, not all battery backups can meet the high power demands of a fridge. In this section, we will focus on the vital factors one must consider while choosing a backup battery.

Battery Capacity

The total amount of power a power bank for refrigerators can store is called capacity. Generally speaking, the higher the capacity of a battery, the higher its power output.

If you want to charge a large refrigerator that has high watt consumption, it's better to have one high-capacity battery.

If you are confused about which battery backup to choose, consider Jackery Portable Power Stations. These battery backups feature a high battery capacity that seamlessly powers most of the home or outdoor appliances whenever needed.

Recharging Options

The next important factor in choosing the power station is its recharging options. If you want to power the battery backup using the grid, outlet charging is necessary.

Alternatively, those wanting to power the battery using solar panels must ensure the system supports solar charging.

Jackery Portable Power Stations support three charging options: solar panels, car outlets, and wall outlets. With Jackery, you can rest assured you are prepared for unplanned long-term power outages.

Battery Type

When deciding on the best battery backup for a refrigerator, consider the cost, longevity, safety, etc. Lithium-ion batteries used in Jackery Portable Power Stations are generally preferable over other types. This is because they have a long lifespan and high depth of discharge.

Weight

Battery backups with high capacity are generally heavier than those with less capacity. But that's not the case if you choose Jackery Portable Power Stations. These high-capacity battery backup solutions are light in weight and feature a foldable handle for easy carrying.

The higher capacity models like Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station have wheels and a pull rod, making them easier to carry from one place to another.

Silent Operation

Gas generators are one of the most common charging solutions available. However, they are noisy and emit harmful gases during operation. For this reason, many people opt for solar battery backup systems that produce little to no noise.

Jackery Portable Power Stations have a low decibel rating, meaning they are quieter than a whisper. You can use them indoors or during your outdoor adventure to charge most of your appliances. If you are looking for a UPS battery backup for refrigerators, you may consider investing in the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station. The UPS will not only offer outstanding performance but also ensures a response time of less than 20 milliseconds. The UPS for refrigerator ensures continuous operation of your refrigerator or freezer during power outages or voltage fluctuations, ensuring there is no damage caused to the appliance.

Battery Backup for Refrigerator FAQs

When to hook up battery to refrigerator? At first sign of power outage or after a few hours when refrigerator starts to warm up?

You can hook up the battery immediately when there is a power outage, but make sure the battery backup has enough capacity to handle the refrigerator's running and starting wattage. If your refrigerator draws around 500W running and has a 1500W starting wattage, you can go with Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus.

Can a battery backup run a fridge?

Yes. You can plug the refrigerator into the backup battery system and connect it to solar panels or a wall outlet for a power supply.

Jackery Solar Generators combine Explorer Portable Power Stations and SolarSaga Solar Panels to ensure reliable power supply to refrigerators and other appliances.

All you need to do is use the solar cables to connect solar panels to the power station, which is plugged into the refrigerator.

What size battery is needed to run a fridge? How long can a battery generator run a refrigerator?

The size of the battery needed for the refrigerator will depend on the type, power consumption, and size of the refrigerator. For example, if you have a larger fridge that consumes more power, you'll need a large-capacity solar generator to keep it powered. You can easily calculate the working hours of the Jackery Portable Power Stations by using the Running Time Calculator available on the product pages. Let's say you want to power a refrigerator (300W) with the help of the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus. On the product page, scroll down to find the calculator and enter the appliance wattage (300W) to get an estimated runtime, which is 9.5 hours.

How to prepare your refrigerator for a power outage?

When power outages occur, everything suddenly goes dark and silent. Here are a few ways to be prepared for a power outage.

• Avoid opening the refrigerator again and again to put in more things as it gradually reduces the time the freezer would have maintained its temperature.
• Invest in a battery-powered generator or battery refrigerator that will supply electricity to the refrigerator when power goes out.
• Choose a cooler with ice to store perishables if the power outage lasts for over four hours.

How to reduce the energy consumption of your refrigerator?

Below are a few simple ways to help you reduce your refrigerator's energy consumption, save money on electricity bills, and make your home energy-efficient.

• Locate your fridge in a cooler area of your home and away from the stove and windows.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator door frequently, as it allows warm air to enter the refrigerator.
• Do not place the hot containers in the refrigerator. The best practice is to let them cool close to room temperature before refrigerating them.
• Consider purchasing a solar battery backup like Jackery Portable Power Stations to reduce reliance on the electricity grid and gas generators.

Can a portable power station run a refrigerator?

Yes, a portable power station can run a refrigerator or freezer. However, it depends on the size and capacity of the power station and the refrigerator. For example, a large refrigerator will use a lot of energy and might not be able to run on a small power station, but a compact refrigerator can likely be powered by a smaller power station.

Can a generator damage a refrigerator?

No. If you're charging the refrigerator with a reliable solar generator, you don't have to worry about damage. Jackery Solar Generators are reliable charging solutions featuring upgraded BMS technology that offers protection against over circuit and overvoltage.

Final Thoughts

The battery backup for refrigerators helps you to reduce your dependence on the electric grid and prepare against power outages. Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations offer reliable, eco-friendly energy to power different types of appliances.

Whether you're looking for a solar generator for a refrigerator or an essential home backup solution, Jackery's line of products has something for everyone. While larger solar generators like Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus are suitable for powering appliances during long-term power outages, compact versions like Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station might be your best companions during outdoor adventures.

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