A power station’s AC output in watts (W) is how much it can deliver continuously from its outlets, all at once. It decides what you can run. Capacity in watt-hours decides how long; see rated vs tested capacity.
To check a device, find its wattage on the label or in its manual and add up everything you want to run at the same time. Keep the total under the station’s continuous rating, ideally with some room to spare.
Surge
Motors and compressors (fridges, freezers, pumps, air conditioners, many power tools) draw several times their running wattage for a fraction of a second as they start. A station’s surge or peak rating is how much it can supply for that moment. Among the stations here that publish both figures, the median surge rating is 2 times the continuous rating.
A fridge’s starting draw can be several times its running wattage; the manual or label sometimes lists it. If the station’s surge rating can’t cover that, the station will shut off its outlets when the compressor kicks in, even though the running wattage is well within its limit.
Boost mode
Many stations offer a boost mode (each brand has its own name for it) that lets them run a device above the continuous rating. It works by lowering the output voltage, so the device draws less power than it would on a wall outlet. That only suits resistive loads: kettles, hair dryers, space heaters, toasters and similar heating devices, which simply run slower or cooler.
It does not suit motors, compressors or electronics, which can stall, overheat or shut down on low voltage. 39 stations here publish a boost wattage. We list it in their specs as “Boost mode (resistive loads)” but rank on the continuous rating, which is what every load can use.
120 V and 240 V
Most stations put out 120 V only. Large stations may also offer 240 V for well pumps, dryers and transfer switches; see split-phase 240V explained. The wattage limit is shared: a 7,200 W station delivers 7,200 W in total across its outlets, not per outlet.
How the rankings use it
AC output is one of the eight factors in how we rank, scored against reference points for each size class, so a small station isn’t penalised for not running a dryer.
Quick answers
Will it run my fridge? Check both: running watts under the continuous rating, and starting watts under the surge rating.
Can I add up two outlets to run a bigger load? No. Each outlet is limited by its own rating, and the total by the station’s.