What Can a 1000W Inverter Run in a Campervan?
A 1,000W inverter is one of the most common sizes in campervan builds. Here is exactly what it can and cannot run, based on real appliance wattages rather than marketing claims.
If you are still deciding what size inverter to buy, see our guide to choosing the right inverter size first.
The key numbers: continuous vs surge
A 1,000W inverter can deliver 1,000W continuously — but it can often handle short surge loads of 1,500–2,000W for a second or two. This surge capacity matters for appliances with motors (blenders, drills) that pull more power on startup than during normal operation.
When checking whether an appliance will work, look at the continuous rated watts, not the surge figure.
What a 1,000W inverter can run
Confidently within range (under 700W)
| Appliance | Typical wattage |
|---|---|
| Laptop | 30–90W |
| Phone / tablet charging | 10–65W |
| Small LED TV (32") | 30–50W |
| CPAP machine (no heated humidifier) | 30–60W |
| LED lighting | 10–50W |
| 12V compressor fridge (via inverter) | 30–80W |
| Wi-Fi router / hotspot | 10–20W |
| Small blender (NutriBullet etc.) | 600–900W (peak) |
| Electric blanket | 60–120W |
| Small fan | 15–50W |
These appliances run without issue on a 1,000W inverter with headroom to spare.
Borderline (700W–1,000W)
| Appliance | Typical wattage |
|---|---|
| Travel kettle (750W–800W) | 750–800W |
| Nespresso / pod coffee machine | 700–1,000W |
| Small induction hob (lowest setting) | 700–800W |
| NutriBullet (motor startup) | 600–900W surge |
| Low-wattage electric grill | 700–900W |
These work but leave little headroom. Running them alongside other loads risks overloading the inverter.
Will not run reliably (over 1,000W)
| Appliance | Typical wattage |
|---|---|
| Standard domestic kettle | 2,000–3,000W |
| Hair dryer | 1,000–2,200W |
| Toaster | 800–1,200W |
| Standard induction hob | 1,200–2,000W |
| Air fryer | 1,200–1,800W |
| Microwave | 700–1,200W (see below) |
| Electric heater | 1,000–3,000W |
The microwave exception
Microwaves are confusing because manufacturers often quote the cooking power (e.g., 700W), not the input power draw (typically 1,000–1,300W). A "700W microwave" usually draws around 1,100W from the socket. This exceeds most 1,000W inverters. Check the rear label for actual input watts — if it says 1,100W input, you need at least a 1,200W inverter.
Running multiple appliances at once
The 1,000W limit applies to the total draw of everything plugged in. If you are running a laptop (65W) and charging a phone (20W) while a small TV is on (40W), your total draw is 125W — well within range. Add a travel kettle (800W) to that mix and you hit 925W — still within 1,000W but close to the limit.
Avoid running two high-draw appliances simultaneously on a 1,000W inverter.
Battery drain at 1,000W
At 1,000W output, a 1,000W inverter draws approximately 90–95A from a 12V battery (allowing for ~90% efficiency):
1,000W ÷ 12V ÷ 0.90 ≈ 93A
That drains a 100Ah LiFePO4 battery (usable capacity ~90Ah) in under an hour at full load. For short-burst uses like boiling a travel kettle (3–5 minutes), the draw is manageable. For extended loads, ensure your battery capacity can sustain it.
Should you buy a 1,000W or 2,000W inverter?
If you want to run a kettle or any appliance over 1,000W, you need a 2,000W inverter. For most campervan builds with laptops, chargers, a TV, and occasional blending, a 1,000W inverter is sufficient.
See our 1,000W vs 2,000W inverter comparison for the full breakdown.
FAQ
Can a 1,000W inverter run a hair dryer?
Only if the hair dryer has a genuine low-heat setting under 900W. Most travel hair dryers claim 1,000W but peak higher. Even if within spec, running a hair dryer at 1,000W on a 1,000W inverter leaves zero margin — the inverter will likely overheat or trip on thermal protection. Aim for a 1,500W+ inverter for a hair dryer.
Can a 1,000W inverter run a toaster?
Most toasters draw 800–1,200W. A 2-slice toaster at 800W sits right at the limit — technically possible but not recommended for sustained use. A 4-slice toaster will exceed 1,000W and will trip the inverter.
Does a 1,000W inverter damage sensitive electronics?
Not if it is a pure sine wave inverter. Pure sine wave output is identical to mains power and safe for all electronics. A modified sine wave inverter can cause issues with some sensitive devices.