When you think of basic disaster supplies, what’s the first thing that usually comes to mind? Food? Water? A first aid kit? All of these are correct and extremely important. However, one thing often overlooked is making sure there is a reliable power source.
When it comes to emergency plans or survival kits, a portable power station is one of the most important things to put on the list. A power station can help save lives and make operations possible, even without access to electricity. But how do you go about choosing the right one for you?
We’re here to help you make an informed decision. Here are a few key features and considerations to contemplate when choosing a portable power station to fit your needs.
Power Output
The first thing to consider when choosing a portable power station is how much power you might need. You can answer this question by asking yourself: What am I using it for? For example, if you’re using it to power a laptop, you’ll need less power than if you’re using it to power a refrigerator.
You’ll also need to consider what other devices you’ll be powering and how much power they’ll need. This means deciding the ideal capacity of your power station is essential to picking the right power station for you.
Price Range
Determining how much you are willing to spend on your power station is equally important as deciding how much power you will use. There are cheaper portable power stations with a lower capacity that will cost you around $150 and powerful and more versatile power stations with an array of features for around $2000.
If you know what features you want your power station to have, look at the price range for the power stations that have those features.
Battery
Another factor to consider when searching for a suitable power station is the battery. Portable power stations typically use either a lead-acid battery or a lithium-ion battery. If you want to know which one is better suited to your needs, you must consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Lead-acid batteries are more affordable than their Lithium-ion counterparts and have a longer lifespan. However, they are a lot heavier and require more maintenance. On the other hand, Lithium-ion batteries are lighter and require less maintenance, but can be a bit pricey.
Charging Method
Portable power stations typically use one of two charging methods: an AC charger or a 12V charger. AC chargers are slower and can be used with any standard outlet, while 12V chargers are faster and can be used with a car battery. But what if none of these charging methods are available to you? What are your alternatives?
An excellent option would be to buy a solar power station. A power station charged using sunlight will guarantee that your power station is always fully charged.
Weight
Choosing a power station will require you to envision all the places you might need it and how often. If you need to take your power station with you on the go, you’ll want to choose one that is not too bulky or heavy. Luckily, there are many portable power stations on the market that are lightweight and easy to carry.
If you can’t avoid buying one of the heavier models, try getting one built with wheels for easy transport.
Durability
Portable power stations are designed for portability. Typically, most are made using lightweight materials that are easy to carry. However, these materials may not be as durable as heavier varieties. If you anticipate using your portable power station frequently or in rough conditions, look for one made of more durable materials.
Also, check if the station has a carrying case or other protection. It will help keep it working properly and protect it from the elements.
Safety Features
Safety features are essential to evaluate when buying any product, especially one so important. Some basic safety features you should ensure your power station has is an automatic shut-off feature, a low-voltage cutoff to prevent damage to your devices, and a built-in battery management system to prolong the life of the batteries.
Safety aside, there are other cool features that can be included in your power station. Check out this review to learn more on this matter.
Additional Features
Special features may not be essential for emergencies or survival, but they can be extremely useful depending on how you intend to use your power station. Some great features that can be included with your power station are wall outlets, USB ports, cigarette lighter outlets, a flashlight, solar power outlets, and car battery jumper cables.
All of these features may not be included in a single power station, but if a particular feature is of importance, ensure you check your power station has it before purchasing it.
Finding the Best Portable Power Station
Although the power output, battery, charging method, weight, and safety features are important factors to consider when choosing the best portable power station, there are other elements that are just as essential to the decision-making process. The best way to find the right portable power station for you is to read reviews, compare prices and do your research.