What size generator to run a washing machine?
Washing machine sizing at a glance: it draws 1000 running watts, surging to 2600W at startup.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 1000W |
| Starting (surge) watts | 2600W |
| Recommended class (this load + margin) | 3500W |
Why the startup surge matters
Because a washing machine has a motor, it surges to about 2600W at startup — roughly 2.6× its running draw. If you size a generator only for the running watts, it can stall the instant the washing machine switches on. Always size for the surge.
Sizing the whole system
The number above covers the washing machine on its own with a safety margin. In a real outage you'll run other things too — and the right method is your total running load plus the single largest surge among everything, not the sum of every surge. Use the full calculator to size your actual setup:
Common questions
How many watts does a washing machine use?
A typical washing machine draws about 1000 running watts, but needs roughly 2600 watts at startup due to motor surge.
What size generator runs a washing machine?
For the washing machine alone plus a safety margin, a 3500W (≈3.5kW) class generator is appropriate. Add your other essential loads to size the full system.