Why can’t the Goal Zero Yeti 500 run a microwave?

A microwave draws about 1,500 W while it runs, 300% of the Goal Zero Yeti 500’s 500 W continuous output. Overload protection would shut the outlets off.

Which power station can run a microwave?

The smallest one we list that can is the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 (6th Gen), with 998 Wh, 2,000 W output and 3,600 W surge, for about 35 minutes. Closer to the Goal Zero Yeti 500’s size, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus runs it for about 35 minutes.

Goal Zero · Will it run?

Can the Goal Zero Yeti 500 run a microwave (1000 W)?

Published October 13, 2026

Short answerNo

No. A microwave draws about 1,500 W while it runs, and the Goal Zero Yeti 500 can only put out 500 W continuously. The smallest unit we list that can run it is the 998 Wh Goal Zero Yeti 1000 (6th Gen), with 2,000 W output, for about 35 minutes.

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Key numbers

Runtime: Can’t run it
What stops it: Output; needs 1,500 W, has 500 W

Microwave (1000 W)

Running: 1,500 W; 1000–1800 W range
Start-up: 1,500 W
Average: 1,500 W; runs all the time

Goal Zero Yeti 500

Battery: 499 Wh; about 424 Wh usable
Output: 500 W; continuous
Surge: 1,000 W; start-up peak

How we worked it out: 499 Wh × 0.85 ÷ 1,500 W would be about 15 minutes, but the output limit stops it first. The 0.85 covers inverter and battery losses. We do not test units ourselves; the numbers come from the official spec sheets and typical device draws. How we pick

Goal Zero Yeti 500

499 Wh · 500 W output · 1,000 W surge · 16.1 lb

Full specs and runtimes

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What else the Goal Zero Yeti 500 runs

One device at a time, from a full charge.

Other power stations for a microwave

The nearest sizes that can run it.

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Common questions

Why can’t the Goal Zero Yeti 500 run a microwave?: A microwave draws about 1,500 W while it runs, 300% of the Goal Zero Yeti 500’s 500 W continuous output. Overload protection would shut the outlets off.
Which power station can run a microwave?: The smallest one we list that can is the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 (6th Gen), with 998 Wh, 2,000 W output and 3,600 W surge, for about 35 minutes. Closer to the Goal Zero Yeti 500’s size, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus runs it for about 35 minutes.