My suggestion for getting power during a power outage is based on what my family owns and uses: rechargeable portable power stations. They keep our phones, lights, tablets, and other small electronics working when the electricity goes out.
We have used Jackery power stations for years, since their early days, and ours have held up without problems so far. When we need to upgrade or replace one, we’ll compare newer options such as the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus, and Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 -- looking at affordability, battery life, and warranty. We haven’t personally tested those models; my firsthand recommendation comes from the Jackery batteries we already own. I'm not being paid to say this, and I only recommend what I actually use on all of my blog posts.
Start With What You Can Afford—and Have a Backup
If you are beginning to prepare, buy a reliable power station within your budget. Something around 250 watt-hours can be a useful starting point for charging phones and small devices.
My preference is to buy two smaller power stations before depending on one large battery. If one stops working, you still have another.
For example, if two $250 units offered roughly the same combined storage capacity as one $500 unit, I would lean toward the two smaller ones. Those prices are just an example, but the reason is simple: I want a backup.
Compare watt-hours (Wh) for stored energy and watts (W) for the power each unit can deliver. Two smaller batteries can provide similar total storage, but their outlets cannot simply be combined to run a larger appliance.
We started out small and added larger power banks as we went.
Having several has been convenient for our family. Someone can take a battery to their room to charge a phone or tablet without everyone depending on the same outlet.
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| Running rice cooker on battery for testing |
Save Your Battery Power for Small Essentials
During an extended outage, I prioritize:
Phones for communication and updates.
Rechargeable lights and LED lamps.
Tablets and other small electronics.
I am careful about using stored power for heating, cooling, or cooking.
Electric heaters and many cooking appliances draw substantial power and may exceed a smaller power station’s limits. Electric blankets generally use less than space heaters, but hours of use still add up.
Small refrigerators and electric ice chests vary in efficiency. Some can run reasonably well on an appropriately sized battery; others will use up your reserve faster than expected. Check the appliance’s requirements and test your setup before relying on it. I've tested my batteries on all these appliances and it just isn't worth it in my opinion.
Personally, I would be more willing to power these items during a short outage. In a major blackout with no clear end, I would conserve our batteries for smaller essentials.
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| Recharging battery while driving car |
Have a Way to Recharge Without Household Electricity
A fully charged power station is only the beginning. Think about how you will recharge it if the outage continues.
Solar panels: I have successfully recharged ours with solar. Buy compatible panels and cables, and practice connecting them before an emergency. Clouds, shade, and short winter days can limit charging, so don't assume solar will replace everything you use each day.
Vehicle charging: Compatible power stations can also charge through a vehicle’s 12-volt accessory outlet with the correct cable. Vehicle charging can be slow and still depends on available fuel. But it's nice to have that back-up.
If the engine must run, keep the vehicle outdoors, away from doors, windows, and vents. Never run it in a garage, even with the garage door open.
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| Choose battery type by outlets preferred. |
Why I Haven't Chosen a Gas Generator
For my household, I prefer rechargeable batteries to a gasoline generator.
Generators are noisy, make your power supply noticeable, and require fuel. I prefer a quieter setup without creating expectations that we can provide charging for everyone nearby.
The Texas freeze of 2021 also shaped my thinking. Roads and businesses were closed, and driving somewhere to buy gasoline wasn't an option for us. During other emergencies, we have seen long fuel lines and stations running out.
A gas generator may suit another family’s needs. My choice has been batteries, with solar as one way to recharge them.
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| I keep one of these in each vehicle. Extra battery as a back-up for outages |
Check Your Jump Starters and Tool Batteries, Too
We keep rechargeable vehicle jump starters for emergencies. Models with USB ports can also charge a phone or small electronic device if needed.
Some combination units include tire inflators.
Before severe weather, I also check our rechargeable power tools and chainsaw. Having the equipment doesn't help much if the batteries are dead.
My preparation checklist is straightforward:
Charge and test portable power stations, and also if you plan to use any small electronics, test them in advance.
Charge tool batteries in advance.
Gather charging cables, adapters, and suitable extension cords.
Test solar-panel connections (I've purchased some of my power banks that came with a panel - just to ensure the connections were correct.)
Shop Sales and Check Texas Tax-Free Eligibility
The best prices I have personally found have been during Black Friday and Amazon sales. Compare capacity, output, and included accessories—not just the advertised discount.
Texas also holds an annual Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday. In 2026, it ran April 25–27.
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| Tested K-cup machine on battery - used up very little power |
My approach is to build gradually: buy what you can afford, learn how to recharge it, and add a second battery when possible. For our family, having several smaller backups has made it easier to keep essential devices working when the electricity goes out.
If you're getting started with prepping, I would start small and at least get the smaller POWER STATION (Amazon listing) and build up from there.
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