Our picks: for most homes, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus is the best starting point because it can grow to 5 kWh. The Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 is the best fixed-size 1 kWh unit, with more output and the fastest recharge. If you want a full day of refrigerator backup, step up to the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus (2 kWh); for longer outages, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus (3 kWh, expandable).
How we chose: research-based picks from official manufacturer specifications and our transparent runtime math, not hands-on tests. Refrigerator runtime assumes an average fridge using 1.5 kWh per day. See How We Test.
What to look for in a home backup power station
- Enough capacity for your outage length. Start with our sizing guide.
- Output of at least 1,500–2,000 W, so a refrigerator plus essentials run without juggling plugs.
- A fast UPS switchover, so devices keep running the instant the grid fails.
- Strong solar input to recharge during multi-day outages.
- Expandability, if you might need more capacity later.
Our picks at a glance
| Model | Capacity | AC output | Fridge runtime (est.) | Expandable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus (best overall) | 1,024 Wh | 1,800 W | ~12 hours | Yes, to 5 kWh |
| Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 (best fixed 1 kWh) | 1,024 Wh | 2,000 W | ~12 hours | No |
| EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus (best 2 kWh) | 2,048 Wh | 3,000 W | ~24 hours | Check current model options |
| EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus (best for long outages) | 3,072 Wh | 3,600 W | ~36 hours | Yes, 3–11 kWh |
1. EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus: best overall for home backup
With 1,024 Wh, 1,800 W of output across six AC outlets, a UPS switchover under 10 ms and up to 1,000 W of solar input, the DELTA 3 Plus covers a refrigerator overnight plus Wi-Fi, lights and phones. What makes it our top pick is flexibility: EcoFlow lets you add extra batteries to reach up to 5 kWh, so you can start at a reasonable price and expand later. EcoFlow lists a 5-year warranty.
2. Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2: best fixed-size 1 kWh unit
The C1000 Gen 2 matches the DELTA 3 Plus on capacity but offers more output (2,000 W, 3,000 W peak), a 10 ms UPS, up to 600 W of solar and one of the fastest recharges in its class: about 49 minutes from empty with its fastest mode enabled in the app. At 24.9 lb it’s also lighter. The trade-off: you can’t add batteries later.
3. EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus: best 2 kWh option
Doubling capacity to 2,048 Wh gets you roughly a full day of refrigerator backup, and 3,000 W of output (6,000 W surge) handles bigger loads like a microwave in short bursts. It keeps the under-10 ms UPS and charges at up to 1,800 W from the wall. Its warranty is listed as 3 years plus 2 more with registration.
4. EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus: best for long outages
For hurricane-prone areas or rural homes with long outages, the Ultra Plus starts at 3,072 Wh with 3,600 W of output, and EcoFlow lists it as expandable from 3 up to 11 kWh. That’s enough to keep a refrigerator going for about a day and a half on its own, and much longer with solar or extra batteries. It’s heavy (about 74 lb), so plan on it staying in one place.
How to choose between them
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want a solid start you can expand later | EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus |
| Want the most output and fastest recharge in a 1 kWh unit | Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 |
| Need a full day of fridge backup | EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus |
| Face multi-day outages | EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus, plus solar panels |
| Mainly need a CPAP and phones | See our best power stations for CPAP |
Weighing a gas generator instead? Read solar generator vs gas generator first, especially the carbon monoxide safety section.
The bottom line
Start with 1 kWh if you mainly need a fridge overnight and your electronics; choose the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus if you might expand, or the Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 if you want more power in a fixed size. Go to 2–3 kWh if you want a full day or more without recharging.
Sources
- EcoFlow, DELTA 3 Plus (official product page).
- Anker SOLIX, C1000 Gen 2 (official product page).
- EcoFlow, DELTA 3 Ultra Plus (official product page).
- StorageReview, DELTA 3 Max Plus and Ultra Plus specifications.
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