What to run first (highest value per watt)
- Phones and USB lights: communication and basic lighting.
- Internet gear: modem/router (often low wattage, huge value).
- Medical essentials: only if your station’s inverter supports it and you’ve tested the setup.
- Small fans: comfort can matter if outages happen in summer heat.
What usually drains you fast
- Space heaters: very high wattage; most portable stations aren’t meant for this.
- Hair dryers / kettles / toaster ovens: short use, huge watts, brutal on runtime.
- Anything with a big surge: fridges, freezers, some pumps (startup watts can be high).
Outage checklist (print this)
- Charge the station to 100% when storms are forecast.
- Identify your “must run” devices and their wattage.
- Test your internet setup on battery power (router/modem).
- Use DC/USB when possible to stretch runtime.
- Set a charging window plan (wall + solar if available).
Don’t forget water protection during outages
Power outages can also mean missed leak alerts (especially if you’re away). If you’re building a practical home resilience plan, consider smart shutoffs alongside backup power: Best Smart Water Shutoff Valves.
Choose the right station for outages
Our main buyer’s guide compares capacity, charging speed, and use cases: Best Portable Power Stations.
