Okay, vacuuming probably isn't the first thing we'd have on our minds during a power outage, but you get the idea. (Amazon)(Amazon)
With winter comes worries that frigid temperatures and storms will lead to power outages and frozen pipes. Traditionally, the backup plan has been gas-powered generators, but they're expensive, loud and smelly — not exactly a great combination. Thankfully, in more recent years, electric power stations like those made by Jackery have become the new standard. They're quiet and fume-free, but the high price tag is still a reality. Or at least it was.
Right now, a number of these ace power stations are on sale, ranging from the ultra-portable Explorer 240 (great for camping as well as power outages) all the way up to the power-your-whole-house Solar Generator 5000 Plus. Depending on your needs and budget, there’s a Jackery for you, and you can snag it for less.
I've been lucky to avoid power outages in my most recent home, with one exception: During the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. My wife and I were watching the Colorado Avalanche when the power went out. Bummed that I was going to miss the rest of the game, I looked out the window and saw that my neighbor had the game going via his outdoor projector, which was plugged into an Explorer 1000 v2. Lesson learned.
Its two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, one DC car port, and three AC outlets mean you can charge your tech as well as run a space heater. For an extra $250 you can add solar panels, which can charge this from 0-80% in just 2.4 hours.
The Explorer 300 offers a step up from the 200 with increased capacity and output, making it more versatile for powering multiple devices simultaneously or handling slightly more energy-demanding gadgets. It also has more ports and faster charging options, enhancing its convenience for on-the-go use when camping or powering your devices during an outage.
When it comes to dealing with power outages, I think of two things: the food in my fridge and my HVAC. Although this isn't enough to power your entire house — for that you'll have to look at some of the larger options below — it can power a mini cooler for up to nine hours, long enough to keep your food good for a while. If wintertime food spoilage isn't an issue in your part of the country, the 500 will also power a TV for 7 hours or a laptop for 30.
All things considered, this solar generator is the best deal of the bunch, especially now that it's 45% off. The 3000 Pro is a complete power-outage solution for your home, able to power 99% of your appliances, including HVAC and your refrigerator, for hours. It also comes with two solar panels, so you can keep it charged when you're off the grid.
If all you're worried about is keeping your phone, iPad or laptop juiced up during an outage, then this is the unit you're after. For less than $200, this is way more powerful than that charging brick you got as a stocking stuffer last year. It can charge a phone 12 times, a camera 11 times or keep your laptop going for days, turning your campground into a mobile office or keeping the TV on during an outage.
This is no mere step up in name only. The Explorer 2000 dwarfs the 1000 in terms of sheer power and capacity, making it ideal for long-term use, off-grid living or powering high-energy appliances like refrigerators or power tools. Its expanded port selection and higher wattage make it far more adaptable for demanding scenarios.
Picture this: It's snowing outside: a wet, nasty, not-fun-to-play-in snow. Ice is forming on the trees. The wind is blowing hard. Welcome to winter. You look outside and all of your neighbors' lights are out. You check your Jackery app and it looks like you're experiencing an outage too, but your whole-home battery backup kicked on as soon as the power went out so you didn't even notice.
That's the dream. Unfortunately, that kind of peace of mind comes with a hefty price tag. The good news? Right now, that price tag is $1,200 less.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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