Portable power stations have become the go-to backup for UK homes: silent, fume-free and safe indoors. But they range from £200 to over £2,000, and most people either overbuy or buy one that can't run what they need. Here's how to choose.
Which size do you need?
| Capacity | Good for | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| 250–500Wh | Phones, Wi-Fi router, lamps and a laptop through an evening or a short cut | £200–£400 |
| 700–1,200Wh | The above for a day or two, a CPAP overnight, or a fridge for a few hours | £400–£900 |
| 1,500–3,000Wh+ | Longer cuts, fridge-freezer, home working, some medical equipment | £900–£2,000+ |
To work it out yourself: add up the watts of what you'll run × the hours you need, then add 20%. Our step-by-step capacity guide has a worked example.
Features that matter
- Continuous output (W): must exceed everything running at once. Kettles, toasters and heaters draw 1,500–3,000W, which most units can't sustain for long.
- Pure sine wave inverter: essential for medical devices and sensitive electronics.
- LiFePO4 battery: lasts thousands of charge cycles and is generally considered safer than older lithium-ion chemistries.
- UPS / pass-through charging: lets the unit sit plugged in and take over automatically when the power drops — ideal for a router or CPAP. Check the switchover time.
- UK sockets and UK warranty: avoid grey imports with EU plugs and no UK support.
- Solar input: lets you recharge during a multi-day cut. Check the maximum solar watts it accepts.
- Weight: 1,000Wh+ units often weigh 10–20kg. Fine for home, awkward for carrying.
Brands you'll see in the UK
EcoFlow, Anker SOLIX, Jackery and Bluetti are the most widely sold, with UK websites and support. Models change every year, so compare current specs for the features above rather than buying on brand alone.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying on battery capacity alone and ignoring continuous output.
- Expecting it to run an electric heater — it won't for long. Plan to stay warm with layers instead (see the cold home kit).
- Leaving it in a cupboard at 0%. Store it at around 60–80% and top up every few months.
- Choosing a petrol generator for indoor use. Never run one indoors or in a garage: carbon monoxide is deadly.
Frequently asked questions
Can a portable power station run a fridge?
Yes, for a while. A typical fridge averages 50–100W over time, so a 1,000Wh unit might run one for several hours to most of a day. Check your fridge's rating.
Can a power station run an electric heater?
Only briefly. Heaters draw 1,000–3,000W, which drains most units in under an hour. It's far more efficient to keep warm with layers and blankets.
Is a power station safe to use indoors?
Yes. Unlike petrol generators they produce no fumes. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on ventilation and charging.
What does UPS mean on a power station?
It means the unit can stay plugged in and switch to battery automatically when the mains fails, so devices like a router or CPAP keep running.