Running a 12 v compressor fridge (camping) on backup power
The short answer
A 12 v compressor fridge (camping) uses about 25–110 watts while running , and needs up to 320 watts for a split second when it starts. Over 24 hours it uses roughly 150–1,320 watt-hours.
Buy for the higher number in each range. 55 of the 58 products we track can run it. For example, the Zendure SuperBase V6400 would run it for 49.7–218.9 hours.
Sized in a full plan
This load is part of a plan we ran against every unit we track, with picks: The best portable power stations for camping with a fridge.
The numbers behind that
A compressor fridge cycles like a kitchen one. The low end is a small, well-insulated unit's measured steady draw in cool air; the high end is a large dual-zone unit's rated current in hot sun with a deep-freeze setpoint. Modern soft-start compressors surge little; older units can spike to several times their running draw.
What it draws while it is actually on.
The momentary surge when a motor or compressor kicks in. Undersized systems fail here, not on running watts.
How much of the hour it is actually drawing power. This is what turns running watts into energy.
Multiply the battery capacity you are considering by roughly 0.85 to compare like with like.
Plugs into an outlet
This appliance plugs into a normal socket, so a power station or a generator's outlet can run it directly.
Check this yourself
Read the rated DC current on your fridge's own spec plate and multiply by 12; makers' nameplate amps run well above the steady draw a small unit actually settles at.
What can run it
Sized for 24 hours of use during a 24-hour outage, using the higher end of the range.
| Product | Continuous | Surge | Runtime | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zendure SuperBase V6400 | 3,800W | 5,000W | 49.7–218.9h | Will work |
| Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus Portable Power Station | 7,200W | 14,400W | 38.9–171.4h | Will work |
| Zendure SuperBase V4600 | 3,800W | 5,000W | 35.6–156.7h | Will work |
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station | 4,000W | 8,000W | 31.7–139.3h | Will work |
| Goal Zero Yeti PRO 4000 | 3,600W | 7,200W | 30.9–135.8h | Will work |
| Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Inverter Generator | 1,800W | 2,200W | fuel-dependent | Will work |
| Honda EU3000iS Inverter Generator | 2,800W | 3,000W | fuel-dependent | Will work |
| FIRMAN WH03242 Dual-Fuel Inverter | 3,200W | 4,000W | fuel-dependent | Will work |