Best overall
Westinghouse iGen4500
4,500W start · 3,700W run
Gasoline · Inverter · 52 dBA · remote start · RV-ready TT-30R
Quiet enough for a campground and strong enough to start a 30-amp RV air conditioner.
Find on AmazonWhat size generator to run washer and dryer?
Short answer
To run washer and dryer at the same time you need a generator rated for at least 7,700 starting watts — about 6,600 running watts combined, plus the washing machine's startup surge. A 8,500W (midsize portable) unit gives comfortable headroom.
Running watts
6,600W
Peak (surge)
7,700W
Minimum generator
7,700W
Recommended
8,500W
Wattage breakdown
| Appliance | Running watts | Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
| Washing Machine | 1,200W | 2,300W |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | 5,400W | 5,400W |
Sizing a generator for washer and dryer
Together these draw about 6,600 running watts. You don't add every appliance's starting watts, though — only one motor surges at a time. So the generator only has to cover that running total plus the single largest startup surge (the washing machine's), which brings the peak to 7,700 watts.
To power the whole set, choose a generator rated for at least 7,700 starting watts. A 8,500W unit leaves comfortable headroom to add more — the calculator below does that math for your exact list.
Size your full appliance list
This page sizes washer and dryer together. Open the calculator with them pre-selected, then add everything else you plan to power at the same time.
Size a generator for washer and dryerRelated
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Find on AmazonFrequently asked questions
What size generator do I need to run washer and dryer?
To run washer and dryer together you need a generator rated for at least 7,700 starting watts. We recommend a 8,500W (midsize portable) unit so you have headroom to add other essentials without running the generator at its limit.
How many watts does it take to run washer and dryer at the same time?
About 6,600 running watts combined, but you must size for the peak: 7,700 watts, which adds the single largest startup surge in the group on top of the running total. Only one motor surges at a time, so you don't add every appliance's starting watts together.
Why isn't it just the two appliances' watts added together?
Because only one motor surges at the instant it starts. You add up everyone's running watts (6,600W here), then add just the single biggest startup surge — the washing machine's — to get the 7,700W peak. Adding every appliance's starting watts would badly oversize the generator.