EcoFlow produces many great portable power stations, but which ones can power a fridge, and is there a best one?
All EcoFlow portable power stations can run a fridge. However, the run time will depend on the battery capacity and the required output to power the fridge. The smallest EcoFlow RIVER 2 will run a small fridge for over 9 hours, while the DELTA Pro lasts almost one week.
As there are many types, sizes and styles of fridge, let's look at which EcoFlow is best for powering them.
Table of contents
Fridges require different amounts of power depending on the:
- Type
- Size
- Efficiency rating
- And whether there is a freezer section
All of the EcoFlows have varying capacities, so how long will different types of fridge last?
Under Counter Fridge (103 Litre) (Energy rating F) - 180 kw annual consumption (20.5wh)
| Model |
Under Counter Fridge Runtime |
| RIVER 2 | 9 hours, 28 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Max | 19 hours, 27 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Pro | 28 hours, 48 minutes |
| DELTA 2 | 41 hours, 28 minutes |
| DELTA 2 Max | 91 hours, 08 minutes |
| DELTA Pro | 163 hours, 48 minutes |
See the fridge: ao.com
Upright Fridge (243 Litres) (Energy Rating F) - 128 kwh annual consumption (14.6 wh)
| Model |
Upright Fridge Runtime |
| RIVER 2 | 13 hours, 32 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Max | 27 hours, 48 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Pro | 41 hours, 09 minutes |
| DELTA 2 | 59 hours, 15 minutes |
| DELTA 2 Max | 130 hours, 12 minutes |
| DELTA Pro | 234 hours, 00 minutes |
See the fridge: fridgemaster.co.uk
American Style Fridge Freezer (609 Litres) (Energy Rating F) - 456kwh annual consumption (52.1wh)
| Model |
American Style Fridge Freezer Runtime |
| RIVER 2 | 3 hours, 39 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Max | 7 hours, 29 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Pro | 11 hours, 05 minutes |
| DELTA 2 | 15 hours, 57 minutes |
| DELTA 2 Max | 35 hours, 03 minutes |
| DELTA Pro | 63 hours, 00 minutes |
See the fridge: ao.com
Camping Portable Fridge (24 Litres) - 48 watts
| Model |
Camping Portable Fridge Runtime |
| RIVER 2 | 3 hours, 57 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Max | 8 hours, 06 minutes |
| RIVER 2 Pro | 12 hours, 00 minutes |
| DELTA 2 | 17 hours, 17 minutes |
| DELTA 2 Max | 37 hours, 58 minutes |
| DELTA Pro | 68 hours, 15 minutes |
See the fridge: amazon.co.uk
A fridge's power consumption is very different to most other appliances. This is because most of the energy required to run a refrigerator is used for the “compressor”, which is the cooling component of a fridge. The compressor turns on and off, maintaining the desired temperature. Therefore, the fridge's energy consumption will be listed as kw per year rather than its wattage.
The only other aspects of a fridge that require power are usually the lights and any display that it may have; however, these draw minimal amounts compared to the compressor.
How do you calculate how long your fridge will run?
To calculate how long your fridge will run, you will need the following:
- The battery capacity of the power station,
- the power consumption of the fridge, and,
- the power station efficiency.
A fridge's power consumption differs from most other appliances, as it is typically listed as an annual consumption.
To help, I built a simple calculator for each model of EcoFlow.
Alternatively, you can use the following calculation to determine how long your fridge will run for any portable power station.
Run-time calculation
Battery capacity (watt-hours) / fridge average power (watts) * Power Station efficiency (%) = run-time (hours)
If you know the annual consumption but want to know the average wattage
I suggest dividing by 365 to get a daily consumption and dividing this number by 24 to get the average watts consumed per hour.
If you know the peak wattage
From my personal use of the EcoFlow RIVER 2 and other portable power stations, the majority of the power is only needed for approximately 45 minutes in each hour. The rest of the time, the fridge uses minimal power for any lights or display the fridge may have.
Therefore, I suggest that you multiply the peak power by 0.75 to calculate the average watts consumed per hour.
To build my calculator, I used the following details.
EcoFlow Power Station battery capacity
| Model |
Battery Capacity |
| RIVER 2 | 256Wh |
| RIVER 2 Max | 512Wh |
| RIVER 2 Pro | 768Wh |
| DELTA 2 | 1,024Wh |
| DELTA 2 Max | 2,048Wh |
| DELTA Pro | 3,600Wh |
Fridge power consumption
Like most appliances, your fridge may have a sticker indicating its power consumption. Alternatively, you should be able to find the estimated power consumption from the manufacturer's manual or website.
If you can't find the power needed, I recommend using a Watt meter. These will tell you the exact wattage the fridge uses over time, and you can usually pick them up for under £10.
Typically, fridges need:
| Fridge |
Power |
| Under Counter Fridge |
(103 Litre) (Energy rating F) - 180 kwh annual consumption (20.5wh) |
| Upright Fridge |
(243 Litres) (Energy Rating F) - 128 kwh annual consumption (14.6 wh) |
| American Style Fridge Freezer |
(609 Litres) (Energy Rating F) - 456kwh annual consumption (52.1wh) |
| Camping Portable Fridge |
(24 Litres) - 48 watts |
Remember, your fridge wattage will vary whether the compressor is on and actively cooling, or on standby.
EcoFlow power station efficiency
Different EcoFlow's will have varying efficiencies, and there will be a difference between AC and DC powering.
But, most fridges will need to be powered by AC, so let's look at the AC inverter efficiencies by each model:
| Model |
AC Inverter Efficiency |
| RIVER 2 | 74% |
| RIVER 2 Max | 76% |
| RIVER 2 Pro | 75% |
| DELTA 2 | 81% |
| DELTA 2 Max | 89% |
| DELTA Pro | 91% |
EcoFlow RIVER 2 fridge runtime
I connected a small, undercounter fridge, similar to the one listed above. While the compressor on the fridge was running and actively cooling, it was drawing just over 78 watts.
The display shows that I could run my fridge for over 3 hours; however, it should run longer, as the compressor will not always be on, which draws most of the power. The compressor was on for 45 minutes in the hour. Therefore, I believe a further 25% could be added, increasing the total run time to nearly 4 hours.
I also tested a larger fridge, with a freezer section. This drew just over 76 watts while the compressor was running. While I expected this to be more, it remembered that this fridge freezer is much newer. Therefore, the display suggested the RIVER 2 would be able to power it for the same time as the smaller fridge.
Your EcoFlow should be configured to run A/C appliances, including a fridge.
But, before using your EcoFlow to power your fridge, you should first charge its internal battery.
Your user guide will explain how to charge your specific power station. You can find a digital copy of a RIVER 2 Max user guide on the EcoFlow website here.
In general, one of the easiest ways to charge your EcoFlow will be using the included power cable or USB-C in a wall outlet tied to the grid.
Once your power station is charged, you can plug your fridge straight into the A/C outlet on the EcoFlow.
However, if you plan to power multiple devices, you may plug an extension cord with multiple outlets into your EcoFlow. The RIVER 2 Max has 2 A/C outlet's.
With the smallest EcoFlow capable of powering a fridge, my recommendation for powering a portable fridge is the EcoFlow RIVER 2. It's also their lightest portable power station, making it ideal for travelling, camping or a long day out.
However, for larger and inefficient fridges, you might find the EcoFlow RIVER 2's battery lacking, which is why we recommend the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max as the best overall portable power station for a fridge.
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max
We recommend the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max when choosing an EcoFlow to run a household fridge.
Boasting a 500W output and a 512Wh battery, it can run an American-style fridge freezer for over 7 hours and a full-size upright fridge for more than 24 hours!
Important!
If you want to power a full-size American fridge freezer for a long blackout (1-4 days), you will need to look at the DELTA series, as they offer expandable batteries.
But how does the EcoFlow stack up with its competition?
EcoFlow makes some fantastic portable power stations, all of which are more than capable of running a fridge. However, you may consider cheaper alternatives or other brands which offer more features for your money.
We have tested models from the leading portable power station brands, EcoFlow, Bluetti, and Jackery.
| Portable Power Station |
Inverter Power |
Battery Size |
| Bluetti EB55 |
700 watts |
537 Wh |
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max |
500 watts |
512 Wh |
| Jackery 500 |
500 watts |
518 Wh |
Based on its build quality and price, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max is one of the top models in its class.
However, if you were looking at running other more power-hungry appliances, I would also strongly consider the Bluetti EB55. The EB55 offers a larger output of 700 watts, which can be helpful for many household appliances. It also has a slightly larger battery capacity and often comes at a similar or cheaper price than the other brands.
I would only recommend the EcoFlow over the Bluetti if it were on sale and cheaper than the other brands or if you want to charge the power station via USB-C.
While the Jackery is usually more expensive than the other brands and offers fewer features, it is the lightest portable power station. This can be ideal for travelling or camping. However, there is a reason it is lighter - its battery chemistry. You can read our guide here for more information.
You will often find EcoFlow and Bluetti products on sale. Check out their latest prices below:
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max Latest Price
Bluetti EB55 Latest Price
Jackery 500 Latest Price
A great feature that EcoFlow offer with all their portable power stations is that you can charge your battery while powering a fridge. This means if you are at home, you can use your mains power to keep your EcoFlow fully charged while using your fridge.
This can be a great option to use your EcoFlow as an EPS to keep your fridge running during a power outage.
It does not have true UPS, but EPS is perfectly fine for a fridge.
But what if you are on the road or don't have access to mains power?
Three other great ways to keep your power station charged are:
- Solar power
- DC power
- USB-C Charging (5/9/12/15/20V, 5A, 100W Max)
Solar power
EcoFlow works excellently with solar panels. Whether you have yours hard mounted on the roof of your house or portable for camping, using the sun's rays to charge your battery is a great way to boost performance.
While EcoFlow sells solar panels specifically for their power stations, they can be expensive compared to others on the market. However, they come with all the necessary adaptors for your portable power station and are easy to set up straight from the box.
EcoFlow 160W Solar Panel
EcoFlow's 160W Solar Panel is compatible with most of their portable power stations, including the RIVER 2 Max which I recommend to run a fridge.
EcoFlow's RIVER 2 Max (recommended) portable power station will include a solar charge cable pre-terminated to MC4, a widespread solar connector. (DC5521)
However, their smaller model, the RIVER 2 does not come with a solar cable. Therefore, if you are using your own solar panels, you must purchase a XT60 or XT60i to MC4 adaptor.
But, if you use your own solar panels, be careful; you must ensure that they are within the specifications of your EcoFlow.
Important!
Ensure you refer to the owner's guide, which will tell you the Open Current Voltage (OCV), maximum input current, and maximum input power.
Do not exceed these parameters, or you will damage your power station!
DC power
Powering by another DC battery is one of my favourite ways to add extra battery capacity cheaply!
My setup allows me to more than double my battery capacity for much less than buying the next model up.
This allows me to charge my EcoFlow RIVER 2 at 95W, which is more than enough to extend the battery on the RIVER 2 while running a fridge.
As you can see too, unlike some other portable power stations, EcoFlow's provide a digital display telling me exactly how long it has left to run.
To replicate, you will need the following:
- 12V battery
- 12V to 19V 5A step-up converter
- XT60i pigtail. However, I could not find any reasonably priced ones that would ship from the UK. Therefore, I purchased a Solar to XT60i cable, and cut it in half.
- Basic wiring tools (wire cutters, strippers, crimpers)
USB-C Charging
EcoFlow's Portable Power Stations' USB-C charging facility is a great feature.
With Apple releasing their latest iPhone with USB-C charging, there is no question it will become the universal charger for tech.
Many other Portable Power Stations are missing out on this, and their offering could become outdated before EcoFlow's.
By finding the most efficient fridge to suit your needs, you could save up to 50% on its annual energy consumption. This means less money every month for your bills, as well as it being more green for our planet.
MTL55242 – Upright Fridge
Our suggestion for a standard-size fridge is the super energy efficient MTL55242 – Upright Fridge
It offers:
- 242 litres capacity, great for couples and small families
- A+ energy rating pre-2021 change. F energy rating post 2021 change.
- Auto defrost
- LED light
- Adjustable thermostat
- Low noise
All of this for an annual energy consumption of only 128 kWh!
Even the smallest EcoFlow RIVER 2 could power this for nearly 13 hours, with the largest EcoFlow DELTA Pro for over 9 full days.
Top 5 tips for making your fridge more energy efficient
If you aren't looking for a new fridge, consider making your existing one more efficient.
- Regulate your kitchen's room temperature. The cooler the temperature surrounding the fridge, the less time the compressor will need to turn on.
- Leave an area around your fridge. To ensure best circulation and energy efficiency, you should leave a few inches of space to the rear and sides of the fridge.
- Test the seals. This may sound difficult, but there is a very simple trick I like to use. You can open the fridge, place a piece of paper against the seal (rim), and close the door. Repeat this process around the fridge in various areas. If the paper falls at any point, your seals are likely in need of replacing. This could make your fridge much more efficient, as air will no longer be leaking out in the same way.
- Clean the coils. On most fridges, the coils can be located either at the bottom of the appliance or in the back of it. They may be exposed or require a small removal of a panel. You should lightly brush and vacuum the coils once a year, removing any dirt, in turn making your fridge more efficient.
- Defrosting. For older models or ones without defrosting systems built in, thick layers of ice can build up over time, causing the fridge to become less efficient. As a good rule of thumb, I suggest defrosting whenever the ice becomes ¼ inch thick. If this is happening regularly, you may need to test the seals as tip 3 suggests.
While powering your fridge off-grid with a portable power station is a great solution, it will only be suitable for some.
Some other alternative ways to power your fridge include:
- solar
- diesel generator
- gas (propane) generator
- buy a fridge which has a battery built-in (for example, a portable camping fridge)
- UPS
To stay as green as possible, we always recommend, where possible, powering your devices using solar power.
About the author
Andy Vickery has been DIY'ing energy projects for years. From solar and home electrics, to car rewires, Andy is passionate about sharing his personal experiences.