Guides
Straight answers to the questions people ask before buying, with runtimes calculated for every current station we cover.
How long will a portable power station run a refrigerator?Runtimes for a full-size fridge on every major power station, why startup surge matters more than capacity, and how to stretch your battery in an outage.
How long will a power station run a CPAP?How many nights each current power station runs a CPAP, with and without the humidifier, what size you really need, and how to stretch your runtime.What size portable power station do I need?A simple three-step method to size a power station: list your devices, add up watts and watt-hours, and leave headroom. Worked examples included.LiFePO4 vs NMC: which battery should your power station have?Why most new power stations use LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries, how cycle life compares with NMC, and when NMC can still make sense.
Can a portable power station run a space heater?Which power stations can run a 1,500 W space heater, for how long, and better ways to stay warm during a winter outage.
Portable power station vs gas generator: which is better?An honest comparison of battery power stations and gas generators for outages, camping and RVs, covering cost, runtime, noise, safety and maintenance.How to charge a portable power station with solar panelsHow long solar charging takes for every major power station, how to match panels to your station, and why real-world output is lower than the panel rating.Can a portable power station run a microwave?Why a "1,000 W" microwave needs a 1,500 W+ power station, which models can run one, and how much battery a few minutes of cooking uses.Power outage backup: how to choose and use a portable power stationA practical checklist for using a power station during a blackout: what to power first, how to size it, UPS mode, and safe setup.Can a portable power station run a sump pump?How to check whether a power station can start your sump pump, realistic runtimes during a storm, and setup tips to avoid a flooded basement.Solar generator vs portable power station: what’s the difference?A “solar generator” is a portable power station sold with solar panels. What the term means, when a bundle is worth it, and what to check before you buy.