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How Many Watts Does a Washing Machine Use? Watts, Amps, and What Runs It
A washing machine uses about 400 to 1,200 watts, and draws 8 to 12 amps at 120 volts. A basic top-loader sits at the low end. A front-loader with a built-in water heater sits at the high end when the heater is on, such as on a sanitize cycle. Either one is easy to run on a generator or a portable power station.
Washing machine wattage (real specs)
Here is what Frigidaire and Electrolux list on their spec sheets for two common washers:
| Model | Type | Connected load | Amps at 120V | Circuit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire FFTW1001PW | Top-load, no internal heater | 0.4 kW (400 W) | 8.0 A | 15 A minimum |
| Electrolux EFLS627U | Front-load with integral water heater | 1.2 kW (1,200 W) | 12 A | 120V |
Source: Frigidaire and Electrolux product spec sheets. "Connected load" is the most the washer is rated to draw. Most of the cycle it uses much less, because the motor only works hard during agitation and spin.
Notice the top-loader's 8 amp rating (about 960 watts at 120V) is higher than its 400 watt connected load. When you size an inverter or power station, use the higher number so the motor has room to start.
Find your own number: check the rating label, usually on the back or under the lid, or the spec sheet for your model. Look for amps or "connected load."
How many amps does a washing machine use?
About 8 to 12 amps at 120 volts, based on the two models above. That is why washers plug into a regular 120V outlet. The National Electrical Code requires at least one 20 amp branch circuit for laundry outlets, so most laundry rooms already have one.
How much electricity does a washing machine use per load?
Very little in the machine itself. According to ENERGY STAR, about 90% of the energy used to wash clothes goes to heating the water. If your water heater heats that water, the cost shows up on the water heater, not the washer.
For the washer alone, a 400 watt top-loader running at its full rating for an hour-long cycle would use at most 0.4 kWh, about 7 cents at 17 cents per kWh. A front-loader that heats its own water uses more when the heater runs.
Easy savings: wash in cold water. It cuts the biggest part of the energy, whether your water heater or the washer's own heater does the heating.
Can a portable power station run a washing machine?
Yes. Pick one whose continuous output covers the washer's rating with room to spare: at least 1,500 watts for most washers, and 2,000 watts or more for a front-loader with its heater on.
| Power station | Capacity / output | Hours at 400 W (top-load) | Hours at 1,200 W (heater on) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | 1,070 Wh / 1,500 W | About 2.4 | About 0.8 | From $499 |
| Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 | 2,042 Wh / 2,200 W | About 4.6 | About 1.5 | From $899 |
| Jackery HomePower 3000 | 3,072 Wh / 3,600 W | About 6.9 | About 2.3 | From $1,349 |
Hours = capacity x 0.9 / watts. These use each washer's full connected load, so real run time is usually longer. Capacity and output are from each product page. In practice, an Explorer 2000 v2 covers several cold-water loads on one charge. Browse all portable power stations.
Can a generator run a washing machine?
Yes. Any generator with about 2,000 running watts or more runs a washer. The bigger question is what else is running:
- Washer, fridge, and lights: a mid-size generator like the DuroMax XP5500HX (4,500 running watts, $629) covers it, and also runs a gas dryer.
- Washer and electric dryer together: plan on about 7,200 watts (1.2 kW washer + 6.0 kW dryer, from the Electrolux spec sheets). The DuroMax XP13000HX (10,500 running watts, $1,399) handles both with room for the fridge.
More on dryers in How Many Watts Does a Dryer Use? and on sizing everything else in What Size Portable Power Station Do I Need?
Need help sizing? Call 1-888-855-7286. Send us the amps from your washer's label and we will match you to a power station or generator.
Washing machine wattage FAQ
How many watts does a washing machine use? About 400 to 1,200 watts. Frigidaire's FFTW1001PW top-loader is rated 0.4 kW, and Electrolux's EFLS627U front-loader with a built-in water heater is rated 1.2 kW.
How many amps does a washing machine use? About 8 to 12 amps at 120V for the models above.
Will a 1,000 watt inverter run a washing machine? Some top-loaders, but it is tight. A top-loader rated 8 amps can briefly pull about 960 watts. Use 1,500 watts or more, and 2,000 watts for a front-loader with a heater.
Can I run a washer and dryer on a generator? A washer and gas dryer, yes, on a mid-size generator. A washer and electric dryer need about 7,200 watts and a 240V outlet.
Does a front-load washer use less electricity? Front-loaders use less water, which cuts water heating energy. But models with a built-in heater can draw more power while that heater runs.