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Start with your numbers
| You need to know | Find it with |
|---|---|
| Daily energy in watt-hours | Outage load builder |
| Battery capacity for your outage | Battery runtime calculator |
| Running and starting watts | Generator sizing calculator |
| Panel watts for a recharge | Solar recharge calculator |
Portable power stations
Silent and safe indoors. Best for fridges, routers, lights and medical devices during outages of up to a day or so.
- Capacity (Wh) at or above your battery target.
- Continuous AC output (W) above your total running load.
- Surge rating (W) above your starting target.
- Battery chemistry. LiFePO4 cells last for more charge cycles.
- Expansion batteries if you may need more capacity later.
- Charging temperature range if it will be stored somewhere cold.
Portable solar panels
A way to recharge a power station without fuel when an outage runs past a day.
- Rated watts that match what the calculator says you need on a poor day.
- Open-circuit voltage inside your power station's solar input range, with margin for cold weather.
- Connector type, and whether an adapter cable is included.
- A stand or kickstand that holds a steep winter tilt.
- Weight and folded size you can carry and store.
Fuel generators
More power for longer outages. Outdoor use only, with fuel to store and an engine to maintain.
- Rated (running) watts above your continuous target. The number in the model name is usually peak watts.
- Peak (starting) watts above your surge target.
- Inverter or conventional. Inverter models are quieter, more efficient at light load and gentler on electronics.
- Fuel type and runtime per tank. Dual-fuel models can run on propane, which stores for years.
- A CO shut-off sensor and current safety certification.
- Outlets, including a 240 V or transfer-switch outlet if you need one.
Small things that matter
These cost far less than a generator or a battery, and each one is called for in the guides.
Carbon monoxide alarm
The one item to buy before any generator. Choose a battery-powered or battery-backup model so it keeps working when the power is out, and fit one on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Check for a current safety certification mark and note the replacement date printed on the unit. See the generator safety guide.
Plug-in energy meter
Measures what an appliance really uses, so you can replace the example figures in the calculators with your own. Pick one that records kWh over time, not only live watts, and that is rated for your outlet's voltage and current. The measuring guide shows how to use it.
Fridge and freezer thermometer
The only way to know whether food stayed at or below 40°F (4°C) during an outage. Get one for the fridge and one for the freezer. A simple dial type needs no batteries. See the food safety guide.
LED lantern
Lights a whole room and leaves your hands free, which a flashlight does not. Look for a rechargeable model that can also run on standard batteries, and check the stated runtime on its low setting. Lanterns are safer than candles, a common cause of house fires during outages.
Also worth having
- Outdoor-rated extension cords heavy enough for the load. Follow the cord chart in your generator's manual.
- Approved fuel containers and fuel stabilizer.
- A charged power bank for phones.
Before you order
Listings change often. Confirm the current price, warranty, return policy, safety certification and exact specifications on the retailer's page. For anything that connects to your home's wiring, talk to a licensed electrician first.
Related
Reviewed October 2026. Suggest a correction.