With a variety of different portable power stations available on the market, selecting the correct one can be confusing, especially if you're not sure what wattage you need. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through how to select the correct portable power station based on your specific power requirements and use cases.
There are five steps to select what size portable power station you need:
- Determine What Devices You Want To Power
- Determine the Total Wattage You Need
- Consider the Capacity of the Portable Power Station
- Consider Portability and Other Features
- Compare Power Station Options on the Market
We will expand on each of these steps below.
What Size Portable Power Station Do I Need?
Sizing a portable power station is far more simple than you might imagine. Below is our six-step process we walk everyone through when trying to determine the best power device for their needs.
Step 1: Determine What Devices You Want To Power
Put together a list of the devices you want to power with a portable power station. Laptops, phones, and small appliances will require less power than larger appliances like refrigerators or heaters. Consider both essential and non-essential items you might want to power in various scenarios.
Step 2: Determine the Total Wattage You Need
The next step is to determine the total wattage of the devices and appliances you want to power.
Check the wattage rating of your devices to estimate how much power you'll need. The wattage of each device is usually found on a label on the back or bottom of the device. If you can't find the wattage, you can use an online appliance energy calculator to estimate the wattage.
To determine the total wattage required from a power station to charge all of your items, add up the wattage of all the devices and appliances you plan to power simultaneously. This will give you the total wattage required.
Check the wattage rating of your devices to estimate how much power you'll need.
Common Device Wattages:
-
Smartphone: 2-6W
-
Tablet: 10-20W
-
Laptop: 30-200W
-
LED Light: 10-30W
-
Mini Fridge: 40-100W
-
TV (32" LED): 30-100W
-
Electric Blanket: 200W
-
Small Space Heater: 750-1500W
To determine the total wattage required from a power station to charge all of your items, add up the wattage of all the devices and appliances you plan to power simultaneously. This will give you the total wattage required.
Remember that some devices, especially those with motors or compressors, may have a higher starting wattage. It's a good idea to add a 20% buffer to your total wattage calculation to account for this.
Step 3: Consider the Capacity of the Portable Power Station
The next step is to consider the capacity of the portable power station. The capacity of the power station will determine how long it can run your devices.
Capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh) and indicates how much electricity the portable power station can store. A portable power station with a higher capacity will be able to store more energy and therefore power devices for a longer period of time.
This number stipulates the maximum number of watts the power station can generate for one hour. For example, a 1,000-watt power station will charge a device that requires 1,000 watts for one hour.
If you want to power a 100-watt mini fridge with a 1,000Wh portable power station you would divide 1,000 by 100 to determine that the fridge would run for 10 hours. For additional items you want to charge, simply add their wattage requirements together.
To select the correct portable power station for your needs, the capacity should be greater than the total wattage required. However, it's important to note that the capacity of the portable power station doesn't necessarily mean that it can output the full capacity continuously. The output wattage of the power station is another factor to consider.
Here's a general guide to portable power station capacities and their typical uses
Small Size Power Stations (100-500Wh Capacity)
Ideal for charging:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Small portable speakers
- Small number of lights
- Internet routers
- Small portable chargers
Good for: Short trips or emergencies.
Recommended Product: Jackery 300 Plus Portable Power Station
Medium Size Power Stations (500-1500Wh Capacity)
Ideal for charging:
- Refrigerators
- Coffee makers
- Microwaves
- toasters
- Televisions
- Small drones
- CPAP machines
Good for: Camping/weekend getaways and home emergency power supply (EPS).
Recommended Product: EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station
Large Size Power Stations (1500-3000Wh Capacity)
Ideal for charging:
- Grills
- Sump pumps
- Mini split air conditioners
- Power tools
- Space heaters
- Cooking ovens
- Large drones
Good for: Extended camping trips (3+ days) or short-term home power outages.
Recommended Product: Anker SOLIX F2600 Portable Power Station
Extra Large Size Power Stations (3000Wh+ Capacity)
Ideal for charging:
- Air conditioners (some may require larger power sources than others)
- Washer and dry units (may require dual 120V/240V capacity)
- Electric ranges
- Electric furnaces
- Water heaters
- Large space heaters
Good for: Off-grid living, long-term RV use, food trucks, and backup power during emergencies.
Recommended Product: EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Portable Power Station and Whole Home Backup
Output Wattage
The output wattage of the portable power station refers to the maximum amount of power the power station can output at any given time. It's essential to ensure that the output wattage is greater than the highest wattage of any device you plan to power.
For example, if you plan to power a device that requires 1,000 watts, you'll need a portable power station with an output wattage of at least 1,000 watts. Remember: some devices may have a higher startup or surge wattage, which is the extra wattage required when the device is first turned on.
Types of Output:
-
AC Output: This is the standard household outlet type. Most power stations have at least one AC outlet.
-
DC Output: Often used for car accessories or specific devices.
-
USB Ports: For charging phones, tablets, and other small devices.
-
USB-C Ports: Increasingly common for faster charging of compatible devices.
Step 4: Consider Portability and Other Features
Aside from the capacity and output wattage, you'll also need to consider portability and other features of the power station. Some power stations are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry around. Others may have additional features such as built-in AC outlets, USB ports, and even solar panels.
Think about how you plan to use the portable power station and what features will be most useful to you. For example, if you plan to use the power station for camping trips or outdoor events, a lightweight and portable option may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you plan to use the power station to charge multiple devices, a power station with multiple AC outlets and USB ports may be more suitable.
Additional Features to Consider:
-
Solar Charging Capability: Some power stations can be recharged using solar panels, which is great for off-grid use.
-
Pass-Through Charging: This feature allows you to charge devices while the power station itself is being charged.
-
LCD Display: Shows battery level, input/output wattage, and other useful information.
-
Battery Management System (BMS): Protects against overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuits.
-
Pure Sine Wave Inverter: Provides clean power that's safe for sensitive electronics.
-
Noise Level: Some power stations are quieter than others, which can be important for indoor or nighttime use.
Step 5: Compare Power Station Options on the Market
Once you have determined your total wattage requirement and the features you need, it's time to compare the options available on the market. Look for portable power stations that meet your requirements and compare their specifications and prices.
Read reviews from other customers to get an idea of how well the power station performs in real-world situations. Consider the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer, as well as the price and availability of replacement parts.
Additional Considerations
Charging Time
Consider how quickly you need to recharge your power station. Most can be charged via AC outlet, car charger, or solar panels. Check the charging times for each method and choose a power station that aligns with your needs.
Lifespan and Cycles
Portable power stations use rechargeable batteries, typically lithium-ion. Check the expected lifespan and number of charge cycles the power station can handle. Higher quality units may last for 500-1000 cycles or more before significant capacity loss.
Environmental Conditions
If you plan to use your power station in extreme conditions, look for models with robust construction and operating temperature ranges that match your needs.
Future-Proofing
Consider purchasing a slightly larger capacity than you currently need. This allows for future expansion of your power needs and can extend the useful life of your investment.
Cost Considerations
While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, consider the long-term value. A more expensive, higher quality power station might offer better performance, longer lifespan, and more features, potentially saving money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the correct portable power station based on the required wattage to power select appliances and devices can be challenging. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that you don't pay for something you don't need while also being sure to meet your portable power needs.
Remember to consider not just your current needs, but also potential future uses and the overall value of your investment. With the right portable power station, you can enjoy reliable power wherever you go, whether it's for camping, emergencies, or off-grid living.
Still Need Help Selecting a Portable Power Station?
Reach out to our friendly portable power experts and we'll be happy to help!
Toll-free & text: 888-976-5443
Email: support@outboundpower.com
