Real tests · Real homes · The road to off grid
How much backup power does your home really need?
Pick what you need running when the power goes out. In under a minute you'll get the right size, real runtimes, and power stations that actually fit.
Real runtime tests
I plug real fridges, sump pumps and CPAPs into real power stations and film how long they last. No spec-sheet math dressed up as a review.
Sized to your house
Upload your utility's usage file or type in your bill and see what essentials backup, whole-home backup and going fully off grid would take.
Coming along for the ride
I'm working toward living off grid with all our needs met, happy. I tour local solar homes and share every lesson, including the mistakes.
Latest real-world tests
The first tests are being filmed now: a fridge, a sump pump and a 24-hour outage, all on a real EcoFlow. Get them first:
Best picks right now
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max
2.05 kWh · 2,400W · from about $1,300
Runs a fridge for about a day on one charge, has the 2,400W to start a sump pump, and grows to 6 kWh with add-on batteries.
Anker SOLIX C1000
1.06 kWh · 1,800W · from about $450
About 1 kWh and 1,800W for the price of a small gas generator, with no fumes.
Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus
1.26 kWh · 2,000W · from about $700
Start at 1.26 kWh and add batteries up to 5 kWh as your plan grows.
Outages are getting longer, and power is getting pricier
The average US home lost power for about 11 hours in 2024, nearly double the decade before (EIA). Residential rates are up again in 2026. You don't have to wait for the next storm to find out what your home can ride through.
Deal alerts: power stations swing hundreds of dollars between sales. I'll email you when one is actually worth buying.