Power station vs. generator for outages
Both can keep the essentials running during an outage, but they work very differently. Which one fits depends on what you need to power and for how long.
| Power station | Gas generator | |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Nearly silent | Loud |
| Fumes | None | Produces carbon monoxide |
| Where to use | Indoors or out | Outdoors only |
| Fuel | None, recharges from outlet or solar | Gasoline or propane, which must be stored |
| Maintenance | Very little | Oil, filters and periodic running |
| Runtime | Limited by battery size | Long, as long as you have fuel |
| Output | Best for small and medium loads | Better for heavy loads and long outages |
| Upfront cost | Generally higher per watt of output | Generally lower per watt of output |
Safety comes first with generators
Generators give off carbon monoxide, which can kill. Run them outdoors only, well away from doors, windows and vents, and never in a garage or enclosed space. Install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
Which one is right for you?
Choose a power station if you mostly need to run a router, lights, phones, a CPAP, a laptop or a fridge for a day or two, and you want quiet, simple operation. Choose a generator if you need to run heavy loads for several days. Some people keep both and use the power station for overnight and sensitive devices.
Use the calculator to find out how long a battery will actually last for your devices before you decide.