Now that you know more about portable power stations, how much you can offer, and how you can use it, I'd like to mention a few of their advantages and disadvantages. Then, it will come down to your needs, needs, and budget.

Advantages.

Obviously, the biggest advantage of using a portable power station is that you can quickly use the battery. Okay, as long as you keep it fully charged and stored. If the power goes out in your home, you can immediately unplug one to keep your computer running, charge your phone, or connect it to your fridge so food doesn't spoil.

There are an infinite number of different situations, one of which will come in handy. Escape from emergencies, work or pleasure. They are also smaller and lighter than actual generators, not to mention they are silent and do not emit generator exhaust.

Most of them can be charged by solar panels instead of running on gasoline, so you just need a little sunlight. Popular brands offer solar panels including Jackery, or third-party solar panels in partnership with other brands such as Goal Zero and Anker Power Stations.

Plus, they're really cool. It's always a nice feeling to be able to lend a friend or other person strength on a camping trip.

Did we mention that you can charge multiple devices at the same time? My new Anker Powerhouse 757 is already connected to six different things, all charging or running at the same time, and it's easy to handle. Speaking of the Anker 757, my review will be out soon, and if you don't want to miss it, please subscribe to our daily newsletter.

Disadvantages.

It's not all good news, though. Portable and rechargeable power stations are expensive, often as much as a regular generator or inverter. They range in price from $299 to easily over $1,000 when you start using larger capacities.

Some very large options, such as the EcoFlow Delta 3600 Watt, cost more than $3,000. Then again, I wouldn't call it "portable" either, instead it's just an alternative to conventional natural gas power systems.

They're also relatively heavy, and depending on the type of camping you're doing, you may not want to lug it around. My go-to portable power station is the Anker Powerhouse 800, which weighs about 18 pounds. It's not too big, not too small, and it's easy to lift into a tent or sit on a picnic table.

Finally, they can't run everything like a generator. Most portable power stations have a maximum load limit and only support 120V AC power outlets. That means it won't run larger household appliances like washers, dryers, or even some heaters. The refrigerator needs to be powered off and turned on to keep it cold and working properly. In contrast, large heaters require the heating element to run continuously, which drains the battery faster than expected, or doesn't run at all.

Should you buy a power station?

Finally, should you buy a portable power station? We can't answer that question for you because it's entirely up to you. Nonetheless, we've listed a few reasons why you need one, how they work, and some of the many benefits of having one ready just in case you need it. I have several, lend them to friends or family, and would not hesitate to recommend one.

You don't need to go crazy and buy a huge 1500 watt portable power station. Popular brands such as Anker, Jackery, Goal Zero, and RockPals all have smaller, more affordable versions.

Decide how much electricity you comfortably need or want, how much you can afford, and choose what works best for you. Keep in mind that portable power stations have some limitations, but the benefits may far outweigh the disadvantages.