A 2,000W to 5,000W generator is recommended to run a standard electric stove, while a four-burner stove with an oven may require 5,000W to 10,000W. For single-burner cooktops, a 2,500W to 3,500W generator is sufficient. As you can see, selecting the right generator for an electric stove is very important. If you are planning a home improvement or setting up an off-grid kitchen, understanding what size generator to run electric stoves ensures seamless operations that further assure the users that they are not overloading the overall power source.

While traditional gas stoves rely on fuel, electric stoves are one such kitchen appliance that requires significant wattage to perform the operation. If you do not wish to rely on fuel-based sources to power your electric stove, then you can always go ahead with Jackery Solar Generator, which provides an alternative for energy efficiency and outdoor cooking.

Key Takeaways

• Most electric stoves require between 2,000W to 5,000W, while a four-burner stove with an oven may need 5,000W to 10,000W for safe operation.
• Conventional gas-powered generators provide high power output but require fuel storage and maintenance.
• Solar-powered generators provide a quiet, fume-free alternative, ideally suited for electric stoves and emergency cooking needs.
• Running a 1,500W single-burner on a diesel generator for one hour costs approximately $0.59, totaling around $17.70 monthly and $212.40 per year if used daily.

How Many Watts Does an Electric Stove Use?

A standard residential electric stove typically draws between 2,000W to 5,000W, but the exact power consumption of an electric stove depends on different factors, like burner size, cooking temperature, and even duration of use. As you can see, just like well pumps and central heating systems, electric stoves consume a lot of electricity. For example, a small burner on low heat may use around 500W, but a large burner on high heat may reach up to 2,500W.

Here’s a breakdown of how many watts an electric stove uses:

Electric Stove’s Surge Wattage

Electric stoves do not have a motor or compressor in them, and that’s why they generally do not have a high surge wattage, like refrigerators or air conditioners. Most household kitchen stoves operate on a constant running wattage. That said, a few high-power electric ovens might require a brief spike when preheating, but even that spike is very near to its running wattage compared to motor-driven appliances.

How Much Energy is Needed to Run an Electric Stove?

A single burner on low heat may use as little as 500W to 800W, whereas a high-powered burner on maximum setting can demand 1,500W to 2,500W. If multiple burners and the oven are in use simultaneously, the total energy draw can exceed 6,000W. At the same time, if you use induction cooktops, you will find that they require 1,800W to 2,200W per burner at peak settings.

Cooking on a Single Burner (Medium Heat)

A 1500W burner, which is running for one hour, would consume 1.5kWh of energy. So, to run a single burner on medium heat, you would require a generator rated at 2,000W or more.

Using an Electric Oven for Baking

If you have a 3,000W oven that runs for one hour, it would require 3kWh of energy. In order for it to run efficiently, you would require a generator with at least 3,500W of continuous output.

Running an Entire Stove Setup (Two Burners + Oven)

If you have two 1,500W burners plus a 3,000W oven, then it would total to be 6,000W or 6kWh per hour. For such an entire stove setup, you would require a generator rated for at least 7,000W to 8,000W to handle the operation.

As you can see, electric stoves are considered as one of the highest power-consuming appliances in a household, so running them would require a significant amount of energy.

Types of Generators Suitable for Electric Stoves

When choosing a generator for an electric stove, the key factors to consider are wattage capacity, power stability, fuel source, and runtime. Since electric stoves require 3,500W to 6,000W (or more with an oven), selecting the right generator is crucial to ensure stable and efficient operation. Three primary types of generators that can power an electric stove are explained below:

Conventional Generators: These gas-powered generators are widely used in most of the states for high-energy appliances. Since these generators run on diesel or gasoline, they can deliver 5,000W to 12,000W. However, they are noisy and require constant refueling. Given the rising cost of diesel, this is also not cost-effective for those who are looking for long-term solutions.

Inverter Generators: Inverter generators are fuel-efficient power sources, and unlike diesel-powered generators, they adjust their engine speed based on power demands. However, when you compare the cost of inverter generators, you will find that they fall on a more expensive side for the same wattage output.

Solar-powered Generators: Unlike gas and inverter generators, solar-powered generators rely on battery storage and solar panels to generate and maintain. For instance, a 3,000W solar generator can power a 1,500W burner for about 1.5 to 1.8 hours before recharging, making them ideal for outdoor activities. The time might vary depending on several factors like solar generator efficiency, battery type used, etc.

What Size of Generator to Run Electric Stoves?

When you plan to buy a new generator for your kitchen, you always wonder what size of generator to run electric stoves. Selecting and finalizing the right generator size assures that there is an uninterrupted operation without overloading the power supply.

Given below is a step-by-step guide for you to explain what size generator to run an electric stove with 1500W. This way, you can apply the same calculations to determine the generator capacity for other electric stoves as well.

Step 1: Identify the Running Wattage Requirement

To determine the right generator, we first need to calculate the continuous power requirement. A single electric stove burner operating at 1,500W would require a generator that provides at least 1,500W of continuous power output.

Step 2: Apply the Generator Sizing Formula

For a single electric stove burner, you cannot only have a 1,500W generator; you need to consider having one with extra capacity beyond its required wattage to avoid overloading and inefficiency. The recommended formula for sizing a generator is:

Total Wattage Required =  Appliance Running Wattage x Safety Factor (1.25)

= 1,500W x 1.25 = 1,875W

This means that in order to run a 1,500W burner in a home kitchen or outdoor setting, you would require a generator that should have at least 1,875W or 2,000W of continuous power output.

Step 3: Account for Generator Efficiency

Be it a diesel generator or an inverter generator, none of the generators operate at 100% efficiency, and if you do not do that for a long time, then you will decrease its overall efficiency. Most standard generators run at 80-90% efficiency due to variations in heat loss and fuel consumption. This way:

Required Wattage = 1,875W/0.85 = 2,205W

This means we need a generator rated at 2,250W to 2,500W to reliably run a 1,500W burner without performance drops, and we factor in a safety factor, then we might need a generator of 3,000W to effectively run a 1,500W electric stove.

Step 4: Consider Additional Loads

When accounting for a generator, always consider additional loads from your kitchen. For instance, if you wish to power a refrigerator (800W) and a portable fan (200W) alongside your 1,500W electric stove, then:

Running Wattage = (1,500W + 800W + 200W)/0.85 = 2,941W

So, if you are aiming to add multiple appliances and wish to account for the efficiency loss due to different factors, then you would require a high-power generator. For instance, a 3,000-watt solar generator is sufficient to run a 1,500W electric burner, refrigerator (800W) and a portable fan (200W).

How to Calculate Cost Per Hour Usage of Running Electric Stove

Once you have understood what size generator to run electric stoves at home, you must also consider the cost of running the same. The cost of running an electric stove on different power sources will give you an idea about what to choose when looking for a backup solution. 

In order to understand the cost of running an electric stove per hour, let's consider a few factors:

• A 10kW diesel generator at 50% load consumes 0.53 gallons per hour.
• According to the EIA, the cost of diesel in February 2025 is $3.69 per gallon.
• EIA further reveals that the average electricity rate in the United States is $0.1626 kWh

Given below is the calculation that would help you understand how much it would cost you to run an electric stove.

The cost of using a 1,500W single-burner for one hour with a diesel generator comes close to $0.59, which adds up to $17.70 monthly and $212.40 annually. Here, the cost of buying a decent generator, maintenance, and transportation costs have not been included.

If you do not wish to spend a lot of money against the diesel cost just to run a single-burner stove, then you can check out alternative options, like solar-powered generators that involve only initial investment. Unlike diesel generators, there’s no hourly cost of using a solar generator, and since it’s fume-free, it becomes convenient to use it in the kitchen.

Jackery Solar Generators to Run Electric Stove

Ever since its inception in 2012, Jackery has established itself as a leading brand in the solar energy sector, offering a diverse lineup of solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels designed for various energy needs, including powering an electric stove.

With a strong focus on sustainability and portability, Jackery Solar Generators provide a clean, fume-free, and noise-free alternative to traditional fuel-based generators. These generators are designed for ease of transport, as they come with an ergonomic design, which allows the users to move them effortlessly across different locations. If you are wondering what size generator to run electric stoves and considering an alternative to diesel-based generators, here are two of the highly-efficient Jackery Solar Generators that can serve as an ideal backup solution:

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is a powerful backup solution for everyone who is looking for a reliable, scalable, and portable unit to power electric stoves and other household appliances. What sets this generator apart from diesel generators is that it can be expanded up to 60kWh, which makes it ideal for extended use during emergencies and power outages. 

Appliance Working Hour

• Single-Burner Electric Stove (1200W) = 3.4H
• Two-Burner Electric Cooktop (1800W) = 2.3H
• Four-Burner Electric Stove (3500W) = 1.2H
• Electric Oven  (2000W) = 2.1H
• Full-Sized Induction Stove (3000W) = 1.4H

Customer Review

“I bought this as a backup power option for power outages. This is an absolute beast of a home battery supply.” -- Kendra

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is an ideal choice for those looking for versatile and portable power with a balance of capacity and mobility. With an expandable battery system that reaches up to 24kWh, it provides a good amount of energy for essential household appliances, outdoor cooking setups, and emergency power needs. Its lightweight yet sturdy design and easy-to-move structure make it a go-to option for those needing a reliable backup solution for indoor and outdoor applications.

Appliance Working Hour

• Induction Cooktop (1800W) = 1.0H
• Single-Burner Electric Stove (1200W) = 1.4H
• Two-Burner Electric Cooktop (1800W) = 1.0H
• Electric Oven  (2000W) = 54 min

Customer Review

“Awesome product. Have a few of the smaller ones which are very handy. Sweet fit for house and car haulers to power lights and radio.” -- William Grimes.

FAQs

How big of a generator is required to run an oven?

A basic oven operating at 3,000W would need a generator with at least 3,500W of continuous power to function reliably. A 5,000-watt to 7,500-watt generator is required to run a standard electric oven. Most residential electric ovens consume between 2,000W and 5,000W, which depends on their size, heating elements, and cooking mode.

Can I run an electric stove on a generator?

Yes, you can run an electric stove on a generator, but the generator must have a sufficient wattage rating to handle the power demand. Electric stoves require 2,000W to 5,000W depending on the number of burners in use, with a full-sized stove requiring at least 5,000W to 10,000W for safe operation.

Can I run my 40 amp range stove partially on a 30 amp generator?

No, you cannot safely run a 40-amp range stove on a 30-amp generator, as the generator does not provide sufficient current to handle the stove’s electrical demand. A 40-amp stove running at 240V usually operates at approximately 9,600W, while a 30-amp stove is limited to 7,200W at most. Attempting to run the stove on a lower-capacity generator may result in overloading or overheating.

Is it possible to use a generator to power an electric stove?

Yes, it is possible to use a generator to power an electric stove, but the generator must meet the stove’s wattage requirements. Electric stoves typically require between 3,500W and 6,000W, meaning a 5,000W to 7,500W generator is recommended for stable operation.

What size generator to run a four-burner electric stove?

A 7,500W to 10,000-watt generator is required to run a four-burner electric stove, as each burner typically consumes 1,200W to 1,500W, with the total power demand ranging from 4,500W to 6,000W when multiple burners are used simultaneously.

Conclusion

Calculating what size generator to run an electric stove is essential for ensuring uninterrupted cooking power. Since electric stoves require a high and stable wattage, selecting the right generator depends on factors like total power consumption, efficiency, and fuel type. While conventional gas-powered and inverter generators provide reliable solutions for running full-sized stoves, they come with drawbacks such as fuel dependency, noise, and maintenance requirements. This is where Jackery Solar Generators come in, as these essential home backup power solutions provide a compelling alternative that delivers clean and fume-free energy for cooking needs. The portability of these generators makes them an ideal option for home and outdoor cooking.