Many portable power stations (PPS) will run a washing machine. You just need to check the energy usage of your appliance and the output of your PPS to ensure it will last until your laundry is done.
What Is a Portable Power Station and How Does It Work?
A portable power station is a device that provides off-grid electricity through a rechargeable battery. They typically have a range of output ports, including AC (household) plugs, USB ports, and a 12V port like in your car, allowing them to run a range of appliances.
They’re more than just a battery backup, however. They have built-in features that allow them to recharge faster, with screens and apps to help manage your inputs and outputs. They can recharge using a standard AC plug, solar panels, or generators, and some can even charge using DC electricity from your car.
PPSs come in various sizes, from small and portable units you can bring hiking to larger high-capacity models like EcoFlow’s DELTA Series for off-grid electricity use. However, when it comes to running household appliances, you’ll need one of the larger models rather than the small, lightweight ones.
How Much Energy Does a Washing Machine Consume?
To see if your PPS will run a washing machine or to decide how big of a PPS you need, you first have to determine the energy use of your appliance.
An average washer uses about 850W, which doesn’t factor in its starting watts. Starting watts are what’s needed to power up the machine, which may be nearly twice as much as its running watts. The energy rating of your washer will typically be displayed in running watts.
If the running watts are 850W and it runs for 60 minutes, it would need 850W x 1 hour = 850Wh. Or if you want that in kWh, just divide 850Wh/1000Wh/kWh = 0.850kWh. However, remember you may need around 1700W (1.7kW) to start it.
If your washer is larger, it may use up to 1400W, and if it runs for 60 minutes, it will need 1400Wh or 1.4kWh, with a starting wattage of up to 2800W or 2.8kW.
Is a Portable Power Station Capable of Powering a Washing Machine?
Yes, you can run a washing machine with a PPS. For example, EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Ultra will run multiple appliances thanks to its extraordinary 7.2kW output. If you want a smaller unit, you can use EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro with its 3.6kW output; it would still easily handle even the largest household washing machine.
Final Thoughts
If you live off-grid, you can still have the luxury of a washing machine, but be sure to purchase a portable power station with enough energy capacity to run it. Fortunately, many options are available to suit the size of your washer and your budget to keep your appliances running wherever you are.