u/eb098

Based on actual usage:

1000 watt hours gets me about 8-10 hours on a full size refrigerator

286 watt hours = roughly 14 hours (20 watt draw/hr between modem and router)

Small electronics (under 100w draw/hr) = I use the Anker Solix C300, would last a few days depending on how many devices you are charging

Anker C800 and Anker C1000 are the next models up from the Anker C300X. I use the C300X for low draw electronics (phone, tablet, headlamps, etc), and the C1000 reserved for high draw appliances (refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker).

The C300X can be found on sale for around $200 while the C1000 has gone down to $350. I'm not sure if it will drop that low again, but something to keep in mind as they are usually "on sale" when they actually aren't. I'd say go for the C1000 if you can afford it for the peace of mind and versatility, C300X for portability.

Anker fusion 10,000mah. Built-in USB C (or lightning cable) and has prongs to plug directly into the wall to charge.

You need to look at the max output on the power station to ensure it can run your fridge. My power stations can output 1,200watts while my refrigerator draws about 600-800watts when the compressor kicks on. However, it is not running at 600-800w continuously hence the 8 +/- run time.

Depending on how often and how long outages typically last - maybe start with one power station and decide if it's worth the expense?

I have smaller power banks for low draw electronics and a few 1,000wh power banks to keep the fridge running during power outages. They are expensive but not having to throw everything out is worth it to me.

1x 1,000wh power station can keep my fridge running for about 8 hours but can be stretched out to 10-12 hours if I'm home since it doesn't need to run constantly.

I use an Anker Solix C1000 to keep the refrigerator running during power outages. I can get roughly 8-10 hours on one battery. I'd wait for a sale as I've seen them go down as low as $350 + tax.

It's easy to miss because both are otherwise identical. Costco just had the 286wh with two 5,000mah power banks on sale for $200, so it might be worth waiting it out to see if the deal pops up again.

268 vs 286 watt hours

I have one, purchased for around the same price without the additional power banks when it was first released. $200 is about the average "on sale" price point for an inverter slightly under 300wH.

I have the Solix C300AC as well but the river 3+ is able to produce a higher output at 600 watts compared to Anker which is limited to 300 watts. One advantage of the Anker C300 is bi-directonal USB-C ports, which means you can charge via USB-C on top of AC, solar and 12V.

I'd recommend flashlight + lantern + headlamp (hands-free). Check out /flashlight for recommendations. I have two Sofirn lanterns that can run for literal days on low with adjustable color temperatures, both charge USB C.

A flashlight with a magnet can also be handy to keep on the fridge as kind of a central location, plus motion sensor lights for common foot traffic areas. No need to mess with and keep an eye on candles this way

Egg wash before baking 🖌️🖌️🥚

To get an idea of how many watts hours you might need -- look at the rated watts for the appliances and devices you are running, some examples below:

a small crockpot draws around 100w/hour, which would mean 200 watt hours if running for 2 hours

If I had this plugged in the C1000 which has a little over 1,000 watt hours, it could run for roughly *10 hours before shutting off.

Between my phone, tablet, laptop...none of these devices draw over 140 watts, and most of the time I'm just topping off the battery, so it would barely make a dent in the C1000. I use the Anker C300 (with AC ports - there are two version, one is without), to charge these devices.

I'd recommend two power stations - one for the refrigerator/ high draw appliances and the other for router, tablet, etc.

For refrigerator - Anker solix c1000 (around 1,000wh), which kept my full size fridge running roughly 10 hours but this will vary. Roughly 25lbs so better to move once and then have it stay put (for something that is also stationary)

For router, tablet - Anker C300x or Ecoflow River 3. Both can be bought for under $250 and are relatively compact (can carry with one hand)

Losing power for more than 15 minutes ...24 hours in and I was scrambling to keep my inverter (battery) charged and running. Solution is to buy an inverter (gas) generator to charge the power station when low. I also bought a solar panel but not 100% reliable if it's overcast outside.

• having one lantern in each room on at all times to navigate around

• motion sensor lights in common walking areas

• magnetic light on the fridge can be helpful depending on location

• having flashlights and headlamps in easy to access locations (looking for a flashlight in the dark isn't ideal)

• headlamps for handsfree

Also having cables and power banks in easy to access areas (digging for a specific USB cable in the dark is not ideal either)

Solar lights outside were helpful at night around the walkway / porch area

I have the C1000 first Gen which is a little over 1kwh. It kept my fridge running for roughly 10 hours plugged in at a 100w-500w draw, the higher being when the compressor kicks on. You could technically squeeze more out of it if you plug and unplug every few hours since food won't go bad right away (if you leave the door closed).

If power outages are infrequent and short term, then 2kwh would be fine. If they are long term (multiple days), a gas generator would be more cost effective.

Yup, including an extra pair of socks. Wool socks are my go to for all seasons.

This might fall under basics, but an extra pair of shoes. Sandals if feet need to dry off from rain, boots / water resistant sneakers in case you get stuck in inclement weather.

Other items: battery packs, cables, rechargeable flashlight, paper towels, rechargeable flare lights

I don't even own a dachshund but I'm staying for the Dougal content. ☺️

I ordered the correct "biz" from Walmart and it arrived today. Currently in the "spa day" phase with some white garments...to be continued.

Oh, that is helpful to know. I did a test with maybe 1/4 cup of this biz powder, soaked for 12 hours and then washed with detergent / air dry and there wasn't much of a difference. It was a small (bucket) of just two white pillowcases and a white tank top. I'll try again once the boxed version arrives, which should be sometime tomorrow. I'm trying to follow the "spa day" guide you lined out. I still need to get ammonia as well. Excited to dive into this laundry rabbit hole. :)

Thank you!

I went ahead and ordered the 60oz boxed powdered version from Walmart which does include percarbonate.