What size generator do I need for a welder?

Check, uncheck or adjust the typical device list below — watts, startup surge and battery size update instantly. Numbers come from U.S. DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer spec sheets, not marketing copy.

1. Check what you need to power

Refrigeration & Freezers

Kitchen

Heating, Cooling & Fans

Water & Pumps

Laundry & Cleaning

Electronics & Office

  • 2

Medical Devices

Power Tools & Outdoor

  • 1

Lighting

  • 4

2. Your sizing

Running load2,580 W
Startup peak2,580 Wdriven by 1× MIG Welder (140A, 120V — Hobart Handler 140 class)
Daily energy1,670 Wh
Recommended capacity2,090 WhBasis: 1 day of typical usage, incl. 25% margin for inverter loss & battery depth of discharge
Backup duration:

Assumptions: daily hours per device follow DOE / ENERGY STAR duty cycles; capacity adds a 25% margin. Check your appliance nameplates — actual draw varies by model.

3. Best matches from our 6-brand database

  1. Anker SOLIX F3800~$2,199
    • rated 6,000W covers your 2,840W continuous load
    • surge 9,000W covers your 2,580W start peak
    • 2.3 days of your typical daily use (3,840Wh / 1,670Wh)
    • 120/240V split-phase output
    Check price →
  2. EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3~$2,799
    • rated 4,000W covers your 2,840W continuous load
    • surge 8,000W covers your 2,580W start peak
    • 2.5 days of your typical daily use (4,096Wh / 1,670Wh)
    • 120/240V split-phase output
    Check price →
  3. EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Pluspartial coverage ~98% of target~$1,149
    • rated 3,000W covers your 2,840W continuous load
    • surge 6,000W covers your 2,580W start peak
    • covers about 98% of the target capacity for your selected duration (2,048Wh vs 2,090Wh recommended)
    Check price →

Static answer (crawlable summary)

Typical device list: MIG Welder (140A, 120V — Hobart Handler 140 class)×1, LED Bulb (100W equivalent)×4, Phone / Smartphone Charger×2.

Estimated from: Mfr spec: Hobart Handler 140 · Energy Star Certified Products (bulbs) · Unbound Solar Power Table (secondary) — some household values are cross-checked class estimates (not single-model nameplates); check your own appliance nameplate before buying.

Continuous load2,580 W
Startup peak2,580 W (driven by 1× MIG Welder (140A, 120V — Hobart Handler 140 class))
Daily energy use1,670 Wh
Recommended capacity2,090 Wh (25% margin included)
Minimum inverter2,840 W continuous

Frequently asked questions

What size generator do I need for a welder?

For a typical setup (MIG Welder (140A, 120V — Hobart Handler 140 class), LED Bulb (100W equivalent) and Phone / Smartphone Charger), you need at least 2,580W of continuous power. The single biggest moment is startup: when 1× mig welder (140a, 120v — hobart handler 140 class) kicks on, the momentary draw peaks at 2,580W. For a full day of runtime we recommend at least 2,090Wh of battery capacity (your devices use about 1,670Wh per day, plus a 25% margin for a full day of use).

Which power stations can handle this?

Based on published specs, Anker SOLIX F3800, EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus cover the 2,580W startup peak and deliver 2.3 days / 2.5 days / about 98% of a full day of typical daily use. Check the comparison cards above for the full numbers.

Do any of these devices need extra startup power?

No — this selection (e.g. heaters, electronics, lighting) has no motor-driven devices, so the startup peak equals the running load (2,580W). Any station rated for the continuous load handles it. Note: if you add a fridge, pump or A/C unit in the calculator, its locked-rotor start (2-5× running power) will raise the peak. Data sources: U.S. DOE Energy Saver, ENERGY STAR certified products, manufacturer spec sheets.

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