What size power station do I need?
Choosing a portable power station starts with two numbers: how much energy (Wh) you'll use, and how much power (W) your appliances draw at once. Tick what you want to run, choose how long, and we'll estimate both — then suggest models that genuinely fit, with an honest explanation of why.
Step 1 of 4 — What do you want to power?
Select your appliances and set the quantity. Figures are realistic daily estimates for UK use — real usage varies.
Phone charging (×2)
40 Wh · 10 W
Laptop
60 Wh · 45 W
Wi-Fi router (24h)
240 Wh · 10 W
LED lights (evening, 4 bulbs)
40 Wh · 40 W
Fridge/freezer (24h)
1200 Wh · 150 W
12V cool box (day)
300 Wh · 45 W
TV (32" evening)
150 Wh · 60 W
Kettle (per boil)
100 Wh · 2,000 W high power
CPAP machine (night)
350 Wh · 40 W
Camera/drone batteries
80 Wh · 30 W
Portable fan (evening)
120 Wh · 25 W
Electric blanket (night)
400 Wh · 50 W
Microwave
120 Wh · 1,200 W high power
Coffee machine
100 Wh · 1,000 W high power
Hair dryer
50 Wh · 1,500 W high power
Small heater
500 Wh · 1,000 W high power
Mini projector
60 Wh · 30 W
Add at least one appliance to continue
Understanding your result
What's the difference between Wh and W?
Watt-hours (Wh) measure stored energy — think of it as the size of the fuel tank. Watts (W) measure instantaneous power — how fast you're drawing from that tank. A power station needs enough Wh to last your trip and enough W output to run your appliances at the same time. A 2,000 Wh station with a 600 W inverter still can't boil a 2,000 W kettle.
Why do you add roughly 35% to my number?
Inverters lose around 15% of stored energy converting battery DC to mains AC, and real-world conditions (temperature, battery age, partial charging) eat into the rest. Adding around 35% headroom to your raw figure means the recommendation should still work on a cold campsite in February, not just on paper.
Why do kettles and heaters cause problems?
Heating elements draw enormous power — a standard UK kettle needs around 2,000 W continuously. Even though one boil only uses ~100 Wh of energy, the power station must be able to deliver 2,000+ W in that moment. If you've ticked a kettle, microwave or heater, we'll only suggest units with an inverter powerful enough to cope. A camping gas stove is often the more practical answer for hot drinks.
What about fridges and startup surges?
Compressor appliances like fridges briefly draw 3–4× their running power when they kick in. We factor the largest startup surge into your requirement, so a fridge that runs at 150 W is matched against stations that can handle its ~600 W startup spike.
Is solar charging worth it?
For weekend trips, often not essential — charge at home before you leave. For longer off-grid stays or home backup during extended outages, solar input transforms usefulness. If you told us solar matters, we've ranked models with faster solar input higher. Remember UK conditions rarely deliver a panel's rated output — a 200 W panel typically yields 100–140 W in good British sun.
How accurate is this?
It's a well-informed estimate, not a guarantee. Appliance wattages vary between models, batteries degrade over time, and cold weather reduces capacity. Check the label on your own appliances if you want to refine the numbers — the custom device option accepts exact figures. For deeper guidance, read our portable power stations buying guide.