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How Long Will a Power Station Run a Diesel Heater?

Diesel heaters draw about 25 W on average (40 W running, 120 W start-up). A 1,000 Wh power station runs one for about 34 h. See every popular model below, or calculate with your exact device.

Runtime by power station

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Power stationCapacity (Wh)Runtime (h)Can start it?
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus2869.7 h✓Price
Jackery Explorer 300 v22889.8 h✓Price
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro76826.1 h✓Price
EcoFlow DELTA 31,02434.8 h✓Price
Anker SOLIX C1000X1,05635.9 h✓Price
Jackery Explorer 1000 v21,07036.4 h✓Price
BLUETTI AC1801,15239.2 h✓Price
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max2,0482.9 days✓Price
Jackery HomePower 2000 Plus v22,0482.9 days✓Price
EcoFlow DELTA Pro3,6005.1 days✓Price
Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus3,8405.4 days✓Price

Best picks for a full day and night

Best match

EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro

  • 768 Wh · 800 W output
  • Solar input up to 220 W
  • 17.2 lb

Runs a diesel heater ≈ 26.1 h

Check price on Amazon
More headroom

BLUETTI AC180

  • 1,152 Wh · 1,800 W output
  • Solar input up to 500 W
  • 35.3 lb

Runs a diesel heater ≈ 39.2 h

Check price on Amazon
Expandable later

EcoFlow DELTA 3

  • 1,024 Wh · 1,800 W output
  • Solar input up to 500 W
  • 27.6 lb · expandable

Runs a diesel heater ≈ 34.8 h

Check price on Amazon

How we calculate it

Runtime = capacity (Wh) × 0.85 ÷ 25 W

For a full day and night you need about 710 Wh (600 Wh of energy plus inverter losses). Running other devices at the same time? Add them in the runtime calculator.

Tips to run your diesel heater longer

  • The glow plug draws about 8–10 A (around 100–120 W) for the first minutes. Make sure the station's 12 V car outlet is rated for at least 10 A.
  • After start-up the heater uses only 1–4 A depending on the level, so the battery often lasts longer than the fuel tank.
  • Avoid frequent on/off cycling: every start uses the glow plug again. Use the lowest steady level instead.
  • Always vent the exhaust outside and use a carbon monoxide alarm.

Frequently asked questions

How long will a 1000Wh power station run a diesel heater?

About 34 h, based on an average draw of 25 W and 85% inverter efficiency.

How many watts does a diesel heater use?

Typically about 40 W while running and up to 120 W for a moment at start-up. Averaged over time it draws about 25 W because it cycles on and off.

What size power station do I need for a full day and night?

At least 710 Wh. The smallest model in our comparison that covers it is the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro (768 Wh, about 26.1 h).

More runtime guides

By The PlanMyWatts team · Last updated 2026-11-03 · How we calculate · Product specs from manufacturers; verify before buying.