Typical wattage range
50-100 W. Use a measured average when the device matters.
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Mini fridge Runtime Estimate
Small fridges vary widely by insulation, room temperature, and door openings. The 45% duty-cycle default is a conservative planning assumption for cycling behavior, not a measured guarantee; measure with a watt meter when possible.
Planning default
75 W at 45% duty cycle, or about 34 W average load.
Confidence label
Estimated. Treat the result as a planning estimate, not a lab measurement.
1,024 Wh example
With 85% efficiency and a 10% reserve, about 783 Wh remains usable. At the default load, that is roughly 23h 13m.
Evidence behind these load values
The value class and conditions stay separate from the number. Missing source details remain unknown rather than becoming assumptions.
Swipe table sideways
| Value | Evidence type | Conditions | Source and dates | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical wattage range50-100 W | Source-reported range |
| estimated | |
| Planning default75 W | Editorial planning default |
| No separately attributed sourceSource date: UnknownChecked: | estimated |
| Duty cycle45% | Editorial planning default |
| No separately attributed sourceSource date: UnknownChecked: | estimated |
Device measurement guide
Use the measured average
Enter a steady watt reading or a full-cycle average in the runtime calculator. Use 100% duty cycle for an average that already includes on and off periods.
- Device wattage (W)
- Read watts after a steady load settles; record energy over time for a cycling load.
- Duty cycle (%)
- Average watts calculated from Wh divided by hours already include off-cycle time, so do not apply duty cycle again.
Use this load in the runtime calculator
Verify your watts
- Check the device label for running watts or input amps and volts.
- Use a plug-in watt meter for AC loads when the result matters.
- For cycling loads, measure long enough to capture on/off behavior.
Check output path
- AC inverter loads usually lose more energy than direct DC loads.
- Keep reserve for cold weather, battery age, and load changes.
- Do not treat label capacity as fully usable watt-hours.
Check surge and output
- Runtime does not prove a station can start a compressor or motor.
- Compare device startup watts with the station surge rating.
- Compare running watts with the station continuous output rating.
How to use this scenario
- Start with 75 W if you do not have a watt-meter reading yet.
- Mini fridge is treated as a cycling load at 45% duty cycle, so the calculator averages the running watts over time.
- Keep at least a planning reserve because battery age, temperature, output path, and device settings can move the result.
Watch-outs
- The scenario wattage is an estimate. Measure the real load before relying on it for outage, travel, or critical planning.
- Cycling devices can run longer or shorter depending on ambient temperature, thermostat settings, insulation, and door openings.
- Runtime does not prove the station can start or safely run the load. Check continuous output and startup surge before trusting a station.
Sources
- EnergySage mini-fridge wattage note (editorial) - Provides a 50-100 W mini-fridge range.
- GE Appliances compact refrigerator support page (official) - Manufacturer guidance says door-opening frequency affects temperature and that a newly installed refrigerator may need about 24 hours to stabilize. It supports operating-factor guidance, not the stored wattage range or duty-cycle default.
Use this load in the runtime calculatorCheck source wattage rangesFind a practical power station sizeCompare runtime by battery capacityCheck startup surge
Related Scenarios
Compare nearby loads before assuming one wattage profile covers your setup.
12V portable cooler
35-75 W, default 50 W, confidence: Estimated.