A washing machine typically uses about 350-500 watts while running, with spin cycles and older top-loaders reaching about 1,150 W. The motor needs roughly 1,200 W or more for a moment at startup.
- Running watts
- 500 WTypical; 350–1,150 W across models
- Starting watts
- 1,200 WMotor start surge; front-loaders with inverter motors start more…
- Per day
- 0.25 kWh1 h of use, cycling
- Current
- 4.2 AAt 120 V while running
Figures checked against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer data on . Your model's label is the final word.
Watts by model and setting
Most washing machine models draw between 350 and 1,150 W while running; a typical one draws about 500 W. About one load a day; the motor averages ~500 W over roughly half of a 1-hour cycle. Excludes hot water: ENERGY STAR says water heating is about 90% of a washer's energy.
- Front-load vs top-load: front-load ENERGY STAR washers use about 50% less energy than agitator top-loaders
- Wash temperature, especially with an internal heater or electric water heater
- Spin speed and load size
- ENERGY STAR models use about 20% less energy and 30% less water
Running a washing machine on a generator or power station
- Generator: at least 500 running watts and 1,700 starting watts (running plus the 1,200 W start surge, the cautious way to size it). Check both numbers on the spec sheet. A generator rated 2,000 W or more covers it with room to spare.
- Power station: continuous output of at least 500 W and a surge rating that covers about 1,200 W. Pure sine wave output is the safe choice for motors and electronics.
| Power station capacity | Estimated runtime |
|---|---|
| 500 Wh | 1.7 h |
| 1,000 Wh | 3.4 h |
| 2,000 Wh | 6.8 h |
| 3,000 Wh | 10.2 h |
Based on 250 W average draw (running watts × duty cycle) and 85% usable capacity.
- Needs a generator or power station that handles a motor surge of 1,200-2,000 W
- Use cold water during outages; the water heater, not the washer, is the big load
- Run it by itself, not alongside a well pump or AC, to avoid stacking surges
- Run any generator outdoors, well away from doors, windows and vents; never in a garage or basement, because of carbon monoxide.
Add it to the generator calculator
Questions people ask
Can I run a washing machine on a 2000 watt generator?
Usually yes, if nothing else large is running at the same time; a 2,000 W inverter generator covers the typical start surge.
How much electricity does one load of laundry use?
The washer itself uses only a few tenths of a kWh per load; heating the water and running a dryer use far more.
Sources
- U.S. DOE Energy Saver: Estimating appliance and home electronic energy use (typical wattage table)
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: Estimating appliance and home electronic energy use (reproduces DOE wattage table)
- Champion Power Equipment generator wattage chart (PDF)
- Generac GP series owner's manual: wattage reference guide (via ManualsLib)
- Whirlpool: Generator usage with appliances (wattage guide)
- ENERGY STAR: Clothes washers