New to backup power? Start here.

The Outage Brief is a research-based buying guide: we size backup power with published math — appliance draw, duty cycle, inverter losses, and a safety reserve — not marketing claims. We have not hands-on tested most of these units; every recommendation links to the data behind it.

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Step 1 — Pick what you need to power

A refrigerator, a CPAP, Wi-Fi and phones, a freezer, a work-from-home setup, or a sump pump — each needs a different size of battery. Start with the scenario that matches your worst night.

Step 2 — See what the math says

The Finder shows the capacity your scenario requires, then the stations that meet it — with estimated runtimes, the limitation of each pick, and what falls short and why. Start with the refrigerator sizing guide, the CPAP guide, or the winter storm guide.

Step 3 — Compare and check the price

Compare every station we track by scenario, or check this week’s verified deals.

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