How many watts does a hair dryer use?
Updated
Running watts
1,500 W
Starting watts
1,500 W
Energy per day
375 Wh
A hair dryer typically draws about 1,500 watts while running. At about 0.25 h of use a day, that is roughly 375 Wh per day. These are typical values from generator wattage charts: the label on your own appliance (or its EnergyGuide sticker) gives the exact figure.
What size generator do I need for a hair dryer?
Plan for at least 1,800 W: 1,500 W to get through the start-up surge, plus a 20% margin so the generator never runs flat out. Of the common sizes, a 2,000 W generator is the smallest that fits.
| Generator | Can it run a hair dryer? |
|---|---|
| 2,000 W | Yes |
| 3,500 W | Yes |
| 5,000 W | Yes |
| 7,500 W | Yes |
| 10,000 W | Yes |
| 15,000 W | Yes |
How long will a power station run a hair dryer?
Running continuously at 1,500 W, assuming 85% of the battery is usable. The station's AC output must also handle the 1,500 W start-up surge.
| Battery capacity | Runtime |
|---|---|
| 1,000 Wh | about 34 min |
| 2,000 Wh | about 1 h |
| 3,600 Wh | about 2 h |
Running more than one appliance?
Starting surges don't add up the way running watts do. Pick everything you want to power to get your real number.
Open the Generator Size Calculator for Your HomeFrequently asked questions
What size generator do I need to run a hair dryer?
At least 1,800 W: 1,500 W to cover the start-up surge, plus a 20% safety margin.
Can a 2,000 watt generator run a hair dryer?
Yes. 2,000 W covers its 1,500 W starting surge with room to spare.
Can a 3,500 watt generator run a hair dryer?
Yes. 3,500 W covers its 1,500 W starting surge with room to spare.
How long will a 1,000 Wh power station run a hair dryer?
About 34 min, assuming 85% usable capacity, as long as the station's AC output is rated for 1,500 W of surge.
Never run a generator indoors or in a garage: see the CPSC safety guide.