When you start shopping for off grid appliances, it can feel like a rabbit hole. Propane refrigerators, solar fridges, DC refrigerators, wood stoves, and even tankless propane water heaters all promise something different. The best way to decide? Think about your power source, your family’s needs, and which right appliances will help you take the next step toward an off-grid lifestyle.
Today I’m going to share what I learned about off grid appliances in our own subarctic off-grid cabin, along with the appliances we still use every day. If you’re getting ready for power outages, outfitting a remote cabin, or figuring out the best option for your off-grid setup, here’s what to keep in mind.
What Are Off Grid Appliances?
Off grid appliances are designed for off-grid use, which means they don’t rely on the municipal power grid. Instead, they run on renewable energy sources such as solar panels, solar energy, wind turbines, or hydroelectric power from fast-moving water. Many off grid appliances also work with propane tanks, natural gas, battery power, or even a solar generator.
Common types include propane stoves, propane fridges, gas ranges, wood stoves, washing machines, tankless water heaters, and off-grid refrigerators. For families committed to sustainable living, they’re an ideal choice. They’re also a popular option in remote areas where grid electricity simply isn’t available.
Why Choose Off Grid Appliances?
We started using off grid appliances out of necessity, but they’ve turned into a long-term good idea. For one, they help us keep fresh food safe and cook during power outages.
They also give us more energy efficiency than many conventional appliances and reduce our environmental impact. And honestly? Off grid appliances are the best choice if you want modern conveniences without depending on the electrical grid.
If you’re curious about how others are making this lifestyle work, you can also read more about our off grid power systems and how we built or upgraded them step by step.
Factors to Think About Before You Buy
When you’re building an off-grid setup, every choice matters. Ask yourself:
- What’s my main power source? Propane appliances, solar inputs, DC power, or natural gas? Do I have backups like diesel or gas-powered generators or portable power stations?
- How much energy usage can I handle? Appliances like washing machines, hot water heaters, and electric refrigerators can drain power fast if you’re not careful.
- What about the initial cost? A warehouse appliance might be cheaper up front, but a stainless steel solar fridge could save money long term thanks to energy efficiency.
- How big is my household? A conventional fridge may not cut it if you’ve got a large family. Off-grid freezers or freezer combos might be a better fit.
- Is ease of use important? Choose modern design appliances that don’t add frustration to your daily chores.
- Can it handle extreme temperatures? Many remote cabins across North America face tough winters and hot summers, so appliances need to withstand those swings.
We learned the hard way that sometimes the best option isn’t the one that looks most “off-grid” at first. Our electric model Samsung refrigerator runs on solar power with battery backup, while propane fridges turned out to be too small and expensive for our big family.
By the way, don't forget to make a plan to safely dispose of your used appliances, too.
Cooking Appliances for an Off-Grid Kitchen
Cooking appliances are at the heart of any off-grid kitchen. We’ve used several over the years, and here are some great options:
- Propane stoves and propane ranges are reliable, easy to use, and fueled by steady propane delivery.
- Wood stoves are a unique classic for heating and cooking in an off-grid cabin. At our Ontario property, an antique wood-burning cook stove keeps the log cabin warm while I bake bread.
- Gas ranges work well with either propane or natural gas.
- Solar ovens make the best use of renewable sources on sunny days.
- Thermal cookers finish meals with less energy, making them a good idea for sustainable living.
If you’d like to learn more about our off grid kitchen tools, my son Blake wrote about that in another post.
Refrigeration: Keeping Fresh Food Cold
Finding the best option for refrigeration is one of the biggest challenges in off-grid living. Here’s what we’ve tried and researched.
- Propane refrigerators (propane fridges): Durable and a common type for off-grid use, though costly and often small. They’re a popular option in remote areas with steady propane delivery.
- Solar fridges: Run directly on solar panels or through a solar system. They’re energy efficient but need consistent solar inputs.
- DC refrigerator: Runs on direct current from battery power, making them practical for portable power stations or smaller solar setups.
- Off-grid freezers and freezer combos: Perfect for bulk storage and keeping fresh food safe in extreme temperatures, especially when homesteading off the grid.
- Electric refrigerators: With a large solar generator and storage tank for battery power, an electric fridge can still be part of an off-grid home.
If you’re comparing propane fridges and solar fridges, take time to look at your climate and budget. For us, a large electric refrigerator paired with our solar panels was the best choice, even though propane appliances seemed like the obvious fit at first.
Laundry: Washing Machines and Dryers
I know some people swear by handwashing. But honestly? With kids and a big family, a washing machine is one of the right appliances for saving time. Here’s what works in an off-grid setting.
- Washing machine use: Stick to short cycles like a 20-minute express wash to save energy usage.
- Propane appliances: A dryer converted from natural gas to propane is a great backup when solar power is low.
- Energy efficiency: Washing machines and dryers take a lot of power. Pair them with solar panels, a wind turbine, or even a gas-powered generator when you need to.
A washing machine is one of those modern conveniences that feels non-negotiable for us, even in an off-grid cabin.
If laundry is on your mind, you may also want to check out my post on how we manage our off-grid water systems, since reliable water pumps are key to keeping a washing machine running.
We have an electric Kenmore washing machine and a propane Kenmore dryer. It was converted to propane from a natural gas dryer. We use homemade DIY laundry detergent when we can.
The reason we have several “regular” electrical appliances is size. We need a large fridge and washing machine as our home sometimes has as many as five adults (plus two children) living in it. And in the summers, when our family visits, we can have as many as eight to 10 adults staying here.
Hot Water Options
We’ve tried several different hot water heaters over the years. Right now, we use an NTI tankless propane water heater. Other off grid appliances for hot water include:
- Tankless propane water heater: Hot water on demand, no storage tank needed, and more energy efficiency than a conventional model.
- Solar water heater: Uses solar energy to provide less energy-demanding hot water.
- Wood-burning water heater: A natural fit for remote locations with plenty of wood.
- Electric water heater: Works with solar generators or hydroelectric power, though it takes a lot of battery power.
- Heat pump water heaters: A modern design option that uses less energy and is gaining consumer demand.
Tankless water heaters are a great option, but they do need planning and maintenance.
If you’re curious about our setup, I wrote about [how we switched from an old boiler to a tankless propane water heater] and what that meant for our energy usage.
Backup and Alternative Power Sources
Even the best off grid appliances are only as reliable as the power behind them. That’s why most off-grid families use backups like:
- Solar panels and solar generators for renewable energy.
- Gas-powered generators for power outages or extreme temperatures.
- Wind turbines where steady wind is available.
- Hydroelectric power from fast-moving water in the right remote locations.
- Portable power stations for camping or short-term off-grid use.
We’ve relied on all of these at different times, and honestly, having multiple backups is the best way to stay comfortable during long power outages.
Caring for Off Grid Appliances
Living off the grid means you’ll be your own repair person more often than not. A few simple habits go a long way:
- Clean filters and vents regularly.
- Keep spare parts for propane appliances, washing machines, and cooking appliances.
- Use carbon monoxide detectors if you’re running propane stoves, wood stoves, or natural gas appliances indoors.
- Choose appliances designed for off-grid use, since they’re built for less energy demand and extreme temperatures.
Today's Off Grid Appliances Offer Modern Convenience
Off grid appliances make it possible to enjoy modern conveniences without depending on the municipal power grid. The right appliances, whether propane fridges, solar fridges, wood stoves, washing machines, or tankless water heaters, give you flexibility, energy efficiency, and comfort in an off-grid setting.
If you’re outfitting an off-grid kitchen, preparing a remote cabin, or just making sure you’re ready for power outages, it’s worth the effort to research the best choice for your family. The right appliances bring ease of use, less energy waste, and long-term peace of mind as you build your self-reliant homestead.
And remember, be sure to choose appliances designed for full-time off grid living. Prepare to do some extra maintenance. With careful planning, you can have all the comforts of home while living off the grid.
FAQs About Off Grid Appliances
After twelve years of living off the grid, I get a lot of questions about off grid appliances. Here are some of the most common ones.
What are the common types of off grid appliances?
Some of the most common types include propane appliances, solar fridges, DC refrigerators, wood stoves, gas ranges, washing machines, and tankless water heaters.
What’s the best option for refrigeration?
Propane fridges are a popular option in remote cabins, but solar fridges or DC refrigerators may be the best choice if you have strong solar inputs.
Can I run a washing machine off grid?
Yes. With the right power source — solar panels, a solar generator, or a gas-powered generator — you can use a washing machine, though short cycles are more efficient.
What’s the best way to heat water off the grid?
A tankless propane water heater is efficient, but solar water heaters and wood-burning water heaters are also great options depending on your power source.
Are propane appliances safe?
Yes, as long as you manage ventilation and keep an eye on carbon monoxide. Propane ranges, propane refrigerators, and propane stoves are safe for off-grid kitchens with proper care.
What appliances should every off-grid kitchen have?
Most off-grid kitchens benefit from cooking appliances like propane stoves, wood stoves, or a solar oven, along with a reliable fridge or freezer and a washing machine.
How much do off grid appliances cost?
The cost of an off grid appliance depends on its type and size. A propane fridge, for example, can cost between $500 and $2,000.
How often do I need to replace my off grid appliances?
Use common sense. Appliances should get replaced when they no longer work efficiently or safely.
What are the benefits of using off grid appliances?
Off grid appliances offer many benefits, including the ability to enjoy modern conveniences in remote locations. Additionally, they can help you become more self-sufficient and reduce or replace your reliance on the power grid.
Are there any disadvantages to using off grid appliances?
One potential disadvantage of using off grid appliances is that they require you to have a backup plan in place in case of an emergency or breakdown. You need to either know how to fix it yourself or know a knowledgeable repair person. If you live in a remote area as we do, good repair people are extremely hard to find.
What types of off grid appliances are available?
Some common types of off grid appliances include cooktops and ranges, ovens, fridges, washing machines, and clothes dryers.
What are the most popular brands of off grid appliances?
Several brands offer off grid appliances, but some popular ones include Unique, Goal Zero, and Coleman. In addition, Sun Frost makes a range of energy-efficient refrigerators and fridges that suit off grid living.
Prometheus Lights offers a wide variety of LED lighting options designed to work without grid power. And don't forget wood-fired cookstoves for cooking and heating. I have a Pioneer Princess wood burning cook stove on my wish list!
These are just a few of the most popular brands of off grid appliances.
Where can I buy off grid appliances?
The best way to find the appliance you need is to identify your needs and then search for a brand that meets those needs. You can find the brands mentioned above at most major retailers that sell outdoor and camping gear.
Look for off grid appliances at camping and outdoor stores. Also check out online retailers like Amazon.com, or our favorite online homestead store, Lehman’s Hardware.
What is an off grid stove?
An off grid stove is a stove not connected to the electrical grid. ropane, natural gas, wood, or solar energy power off grid stoves.
Gas ranges are the most popular type of off grid stove, as they are relatively efficient and easy to use. However, solar energy appliances are becoming increasingly popular as they are more environmentally friendly.
Off grid stoves are an essential part of many households. They heat a home and also provide a way to cook food. Off grid stoves should only be used in well-ventilated areas, as they can produce harmful fumes.
What appliances can you run off propane?
Many people who live off the grid choose to use propane appliances. Propane is a clean-burning fuel that is relatively inexpensive and easy to store.
Some of the most common propane appliances include heaters, stoves, and water heaters. However, propane can also power other appliances such as refrigerators, generators, and even some types of vehicles.
How much does it cost to run propane appliances?
If you consider using propane appliances, first figure out how much power you need. Propane costs vary depending on your location, the type of appliance, and the size of your propane tank.
However, propane is generally less expensive than other fuels such as gasoline or natural gas. As a result, propane appliances are popular options for those of us who live off the grid.
What are the benefits of using off grid appliances?
Off grid appliances offer several benefits, including energy efficiency and saving money on your energy bill. They’re usually more durable than “regular” appliances and can withstand even extreme conditions.
Finally, off grid appliances can help you live a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing reliance on grid power sources.
Note: We use a wood-burning cookstove at our homestead down in northern Ontario, which is still ON-grid. (Spoiler - we are working on a new HUGE project starting in the spring of 2026.)
What are the options for an off grid refrigerator?
If you're looking to live off the grid, one of the challenges you'll face is how to keep your food fresh.
Typical refrigerators require a constant supply of electricity, which can be a problem if you're not hooked up to the grid. However, there are a few different ways to keep your food cold without relying on electricity.
One option is to use a propane fridge. These fridges work similarly to traditional refrigerators, but they use propane as their power source.
Another option is to use a DC refrigerator. These refrigerators run off of deep cycle batteries, making them ideal for off-grid living. Whatever option you choose, make sure to do your research so that you can find the fridge that's right for you.
How do you make an off grid refrigerator?
There are a few different ways to make an off grid refrigerator.
One popular option is to use a propane fridge. Propane fridges are powered by propane gas and don't require any electricity to run. This makes them ideal for people looking to live entirely off the grid, like we do. (But we don’t have a propane fridge. More on that later).
Another option is to use a DC refrigerator. Batteries power DC refrigerators, and they're often used in RVs and boats. However, they can also power off grid homes. In fact, until last year, we had a battery bank and inverter system. We still use this system to power our garage.
If you're interested in making your own off grid refrigerator, keep these things in mind.
First, make sure to ventilate your fridge properly. Second, choose the right-sized fridge for your family.
And finally, make sure that your fridge can withstand extreme temperatures. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your off grid refrigerator will be safe and reliable.
What are the challenges of using tankless water heaters?
The biggest challenge is that they require a lot of power to operate.
Although tankless water heaters typically use less power than tank-type water heaters, they still require a lot of power.
Another challenge is that tankless water heaters may require direct current (DC). If you use an AC grid, you must use a converter or inverter to convert the AC into DC.
Tankless water heaters can be a good choice for people who want to reduce their reliance on the grid. However, it is crucial to understand the challenges before making the switch.
