I’ve always found that power can go off anytime. So, I always have a backup plan in case of an emergency. Moreover, I like to have propane and battery powered heaters to keep warm during these emergencies. And what better way to have backup power than the best battery backup?
Sound backup systems can provide the necessary power for electronics such as laptops, smartphones, refrigerators, and cameras. Moreover, a powerful battery-powered station can also power a space heater to keep you warm in winter storms. But this may be for a limited time.
However, we’ll cover alternative heating sources without electricity, like a portable propane heater, to keep your home or RV warm and comfortable.
I am reviewing the EF ECOFLOW Wave 2 battery powered heater (and AC)Heat. The Mr. Heater’s F232000 propane heater and two battery backup systems and found them to have enough heat and power to run a home or an RV during a power outage. The EcoFlow MAX 2000 is more powerful, but the Jackery 1000-Watt also powers essential appliances and electronics. So, read on for more information.
The Best Battery Powered Heaters and Alternatives
EF ECOFLOW Wave 2 Battery Operated Heating and Cooling:
Best All in One Battery Operated Heater and AC
This portable battery operated heater may solve both your heating and cooling challenges on the go, but it comes with a hefty price. It may still be worth it for you. While I use this with a battery pack, it’s completely optional. You can buy this unit with the battery pack or without, but in my experience, the battery pack provides the convenience I was looking for when working in my garage in the winter and summer.
It’s the perfect device to go camping with, that problem it does solve. Like everything else in life, the EF Ecoflow battery heater comes with its set of challenges. If you’re sensitive to noise this may be a deal breaker, it’s not loud but it is not quiet either. The price point can be better, but you can sometimes catch this device during a sale or with a coupon. Check it out on Amazon.
Mr. Heater F232000 4,000 Propane Heater — Best Battery Powered Heater Alternative
Pros
Adjustable heat setting
Adjustable heat setting
Piezo ignition
Tip-over safety
Cons
Propane hose and filter not included
1-pound Capacity cylinder
The Mr. Heater F232000 is a portable propane heater that I’m confident will keep you warm with its powerful and efficient heat. Whether you’re looking for the best battery-powered heaters for camping or want to spend time indoors, this propane heater provides enough warmth.
To begin with, it boasts an incredible power output of 4,000 BTUs, which I could easily adjust to 9,000 BTUs maximum for warming larger rooms. This astonishing output makes it an alternative heat source for any home or RV when a winter storm hits. Also, the powerful performance makes it an ideal space heater for camping trips, garages, and workshops.
I love how easy it is to use this particular propane space heater. It features one control start knob, allowing me easy and convenient operation. But I found it best suited for warming 225 sq. ft. rooms, and any space larger than this needs more BTUs.
I only turn the knob to ignite the heater and adjust the heat setting as needed. The hi-low heat setting knob is easy to use, making this an ideal space heater for everyone. Besides, this knob allows for heating customization. So, you can warm your home or RV to the comfort level you deem fit.
Aside from the controls, I noticed this space heater features a swivel regulator to control propane flow, thus maintaining the heating to an extent. As such, you can efficiently warm any space with this propane heater, making it an ideal choice during a winter power outage emergency.
The Mr Heater F232000 is a propane space heater designed to be portable. First, it is lightweight for easy transportation to any workshop, campsite, or cabin. Then it features a fold-down handle to tuck away in compact spaces when not in use.
Although it runs on a 1-pound propane gas, you can extend the performance time by connecting this heater directly to a 20-pound propane cylinder. So, even if the power outage lasts a whole night, this space heater will keep you warm with its many BTUs.
However, you must buy a hose and filter separately if you connect this space heater to a bigger propane cylinder. Safety is a crucial concern, and I always ensure any appliance I buy provides user safety. It’s good this unit has a tip-over auto-shut-off that stops the heat if you accidentally knock over the space heater.
This space heater is powerful and adjustable to warm any size room. It also has safety features and is portable with fold-down handles. Therefore, it has what you need to warm essential rooms or an RV anywhere you are! Although many users don’t consider the piezo igniter a safety feature, I do because it prevents me from using a match or a lighter to light the space heater.
View the full list of safe portable propane heaters
Best Features of Battery Powered Heaters
Battery-powered space heaters might need to be more practical, but they have some features that set them apart. Here are the features of the battery-powered heaters:
Portable and Cordless Design: Battery-powered heaters have fold-down handles and weigh fewer pounds to guarantee portability. Also, they’re mainly cordless to increase compactness during storage.
Battery-Operated: You can warm your residential space with these heaters without plugging them into a wall outlet. If you have a battery-powered backup station, that’s all you need to provide heat for a limited time.
Adjustable Heat Setting: These heaters have a hi-low control knob to adjust the heat output. If you set a high temperature, it will deplete the battery power fast. But that will also give you more heat for warming a larger room or an RV.
Automatic Shut-Off: This feature automatically shuts off your space heater if it becomes too hot or you accidentally knock it over to the floor. And this prevents accidental fires.
Low-Battery Indicator: Some battery-powered space heaters can indicate the battery level. Also, they can warn you of a low battery. These are the units I recommend you buy to know when it’s time to change the batteries.
Construction Safety: Besides looking for tip-over and overheat protection, I also check if the heater boasts a design made from flame-retardant materials. And this is essential to minimize fire risks and injuries.
Energy Efficiency: Battery-operated heaters are more efficient than traditional electric space heaters. They consume less battery power and run a little longer. But they may not last the entire length of a winter storm because of the limited battery power.
While battery-powered heaters can keep you warm in winter, they don’t produce heat for extended periods. That means you need an alternative heat source that goes for hours non-stop. And a propane heater is the best option. You also have the option to use a kerosene heater and wood-burning stove.
Why Do You Need a Battery-Powered Heater?
If you have a battery-powered backup, you can power a space heater for a few hours to stay warm. I have reviewed some mighty battery backup stations you can use with a space heater. However, I recommend you use alternative heat sources. Moreover, many models require no cords or plug-ins, making them safer and more convenient.
How Efficient Are Battery Powered Heaters?
Battery-powered heaters can be more efficient than traditional electric heaters. But you can expect the efficiency to vary since some units are more energy-efficient than others. And that efficiency disparity results from a difference in design and construction materials.
Battery-powered heaters with ceramic or PTC elements are more energy-efficient and convert more battery power into heat. But the efficacy also depends on the battery’s health. So, you need to invest in a powerful and healthy battery to unlock the full potential of a battery-powered heater. I have reviewed some powerful battery backup stations you could use during an emergency.
Best Battery Backup for Home Backup and RV
Battery-powered space heaters are only practical personal heating and for a limited time. And a winter storm may last hours. That’s why I’d rather have a propane heater. Besides, I can connect a propane heater to a larger cylinder to increase the heating time. But a battery-powered power station is indispensable for powering essential electronics and devices. Here are units I think will last you through any power outage emergency:
EF ECOFLOW DELTA Max (2000) Portable Power Station
Pros
X-Boost technology
Real-time energy tracking
Expandable emergency power
Multiple charging methods
Cost-saving solar charging
Cons
Car charging takes a day
Solar panels not included
When I discovered EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro won many awards in 2022, I knew battery backup from this manufacturer was worth the investment. And that’s true, given that this DELTA MAX 2000 unleashes 2400 Watts of power for home backup in an off-grid life.
I tested this battery backup and found it can power up anything with its impressive 2400-Watt output. Whether it was an air conditioner, electric hammer, cutting machine, 50-inch TV, electric oven, or any other home appliance I needed to power up, this battery backup performed quite impressively with sufficient electricity.
I could power up to 15 devices at once. But more impressively, I could power up a 3400-Watt space heater. This battery-powered backup system does this because it features an X-Boost technology to step up power.
What I love more is its expandable capability during emergency power outages. This battery power station allows you to pair it with two different power stations to boost output to 6000 Watts. And this will enable you to power even larger homes when the worst of winter storms hit.
As a plug-and-play battery-operated power station, it allows you to plug your inlet for instant home power backup. Since it is a battery power station, it requires charging, so its power runs low. Fortunately, it allows you to charge it in various ways.
First, you can use solar panels to charge it. Although you can use any solar panels, I recommend you use EcoFlow solar panels. And that’s because these solar panels deliver fast charging speeds. But more importantly, the EcoFlow solar panels are a power station charging source for this particular battery power station. Therefore, you will charge your battery backup without damaging it.
Second, you can charge this power station from an AC outlet. And it comes with an AC charging cable to help you juice it up. What’s more, you can also charge it from your car’s charging port. The car charging cable included in the package will come in handy.
Finally, an EcoFlow Smart Generator is another power source for charging your battery-powered power station. When I was charging this power station from an AC wall outlet, it was 80% complete after only 65 minutes. Although solar charging takes 3.5 hours, you can speed up the charging time by combining it with EcoFlow Smart Generator charging to get 3400W charging power.
I can monitor the power level of my EcoFlow power station through the EcoFlow app. The real-time energy tracking ensures I charge the power station on time, ready for emergency power outages. This battery-powered power station may serve you well if you’re looking for an alternative electric power source for your RV or home. It has more power to keep your space heater running while powering multiple devices simultaneously.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000
Pros
Short-circuit protection
100% green energy
Safe and reliable
Quiet and powerful
Portable and ergonomic
Cons
Car charging takes a day
Solar panels not included
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 is a battery backup power for homes and RVs. I’ve always liked its versatility because it’s just as ideal for camping trips and tailgating as it is for homes. The Jackery generator is equipped with a lithium-ion battery. So, you can charge it with two SolarSaga 100W solar panels. But it’s not every day that you have sunlight.
I love how the Jackery battery-powered power station offers an alternative to solar charging. You can also charge it from an AC wall outlet. The 100% green energy provided by two solar panels is safe for the environment and is cost-saving. Two solar panels top up the juice in 6 hours.
But a standard wall outlet is slightly faster, charging the onboard lithium-ion battery in 5.5 hours. Besides the clean and unlimited solar energy, this power backup system boasts a powerful output. You can power up to 90% of home appliances during a power outage. It powers a TV set for 9 hours, light bulbs for 65 hours, and a mini cooler for 13 hours when powering indoor appliances.
You can also use this battery backup outdoors to power your coffee maker for 88 minutes. Also, it powers an electric grill for 50 minutes and a blanket for 11 hours. That’s enough time to keep warm through the night at your favorite campsite.
This Jackery power station won’t weigh you down with its 11-pound weight to ensure you can take alternative power where you need it most. It is a lightweight and portable solar generator for RVs and camping trips. Moreover, the handle on top makes it easy to carry and is ergonomic.
The power station has eight outlets to power your essential appliances and devices: 3 AC outlets, 1 USB-A, 1 USB-A 3.0 quick charge, 2 USB-C PD, and one car outlet. Whether you want to charge your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or cameras, you can do so from this Jackery power station.
Safety is another feature I like about this battery backup system. It is a safe and reliable solar generator featuring industry-leading cylindrical batteries in electric vehicles such as Tesla and Lucid. These batteries have proved to be safe and reliable. Therefore, you can expect your battery backup to serve you reliably without risk.
Besides, the batteries are UL-certified to withstand class 9 impact. So, if your unit drops from a 0.9m-high table, it will not cause a safety hazard. The manufacturer understood that your camping trip might be a little bumpy. And that’s something all manufacturers should consider first.
You can power sensitive electronics off the AC outlets. The unit delivers clean electricity of a constant voltage, thanks to its pure sine wave inverter. As a bonus, it remains quiet but goes strong to make your camping and tailgating noise-free.
However, there are better battery backups for powering high-wattage appliances like electric stoves or air conditioners. While I could not monitor the battery lever via a mobile app, I could check the level from the built-in LCD screen. The screen also displayed power input/output and charging status.
If you connect such heavy-duty appliances, this unit will initiate its over-voltage protection. Additionally, the backup system has over-temperature and short-circuit protection. Another downside is the unit doesn’t include solar panels, and you will buy them separately. But still, it’s a sound backup system and will help you during a power outage.
How to Choose the Best Battery Backup for Home Backup and RV
Whenever I am looking for a battery backup for a home backup or an RV when camping, I like to ensure my preferred unit has a few features. These features ensure I get a unit that will serve me well during a power outage. Here are the things I look at, and I recommend you also do the same:
Battery Capacity
The first thing I look for is a battery backup system that’s powerful enough to meet my energy needs during a power outage. The battery inside a battery-powered backup station is mighty and is expressed in Watt-hour (Wh). The battery capacity will tell you if your preferred unit has enough power you need.
Suppose you want to power essential electronics like your laptop, TV, and light bulbs. In that case, I recommend you opt for a 1000Wh battery-powered backup system. But suppose you want to power more devices simultaneously or more powerful space heaters. In that case, a 2000Wh or something more powerful will be ideal. You can add the wattage of all the devices and appliances you want to use in a power outage. Then ensure you unit you buy supplies more than the required wattage.
Power Output
Once I’ve checked the battery capacity and ensured it’s sufficient, I turn my attention to the power output of the battery-powered backup station. A battery power station has many outlets. And the outlets supply electric power in various voltages.
If your TV or a laptop charger needs 120V AC power, ensure you choose a backup station with a 120V outlet(s). But if your electronics require 240V AC power, you want to select a unit whose outlets provide 240V AC power.
Also, you want to check the USB port power outputs. You will mostly charge your smartphone from these outlets. A standard USB port will provide a 5V DC to power your smartphone or tablet. But for fast-charging your smartphone, ensure your backup system has USB-PD with an impressive 20V DC power output.
Recharge Options
You will use the energy stored in your battery backup station to power essential devices and appliances. Then the battery power will decrease, and you will charge your battery-powered backup station. So, check how many recharging options a backup station has.
I like units with solar panel charging options. For starters, solar energy is 100% green and free! But the sun isn’t up every day. And you want an alternative charging method. I also want a unit I can charge from a standard wall outlet.
Additionally, it’s good to have a backup station you can charge from your car’s charging port. The more charging options you have, the better your chances of having alternative power during a power outage. Therefore, I recommend buying a battery-powered station with more charging options.
Safety Features
A battery-powered backup station has electrical energy stored in its battery. And you know how dangerous batteries can be. So, you want to take safety concerns seriously. When buying a battery-powered backup station, check if its battery is UL-certified.
And that’s because such batteries can withstand greater impacts to guarantee safety. Aside from this certification, ensure your unit has these safety features:
Short-Circuit Protection: Your unit will auto-shutoff if there’s a short circuit.
Overload Protection: Your battery generator will auto-shutoff if you exceed the recommended wattage to prevent damage.
Overheating Protection: The battery backup station will shut off automatically if its internal temperature is scorching.
Portability
If you have an RV, camping is an activity you may undertake more often. And that’s because you can effortlessly carry it everywhere. And you will need electricity wherever you go. A portable battery backup for an RV will serve you better.
Ensure you check the weight of a unit before buying it. I like power backup stations weighing at most 15 pounds. But this weight may increase, especially with more powerful systems. So, choose a battery generator you can carry anywhere without spending more energy. Also, check if its handle is ergonomic.
Stable Electricity Supply
I also like to be sure my chosen battery backup for home and RV supplies stable electricity. If the voltage supplied to your electronics keeps fluctuating, it can damage your most sensitive devices, like your smartphone. To ensure all connected devices get stable voltage, battery backup stations use a pure sine wave inverter because it stabilizes electric output. Therefore, ensure this feature exists in your unit.
Cool Design and Capabilities
After ensuring all essential features exist in a solar generator, I can look at the design and other capabilities. I like a unit with a colored LCD screen to display essential data like the battery level, power input/output, and charging time.
Also, I want a unit that allows me to check these data via a mobile app. These are optional things to consider. But it’s cool to have them. And I like to have something that looks like it was recently made.
Other Emergency Heating Options
Besides a portable propane heater, you have a few more options to keep your home or RV comfortable. Here are some options to consider:
Kerosene Heater
Kerosene offers an excellent alternative heat source during a power outage with no electric power. A kerosene heater has a fuel tank from which it burns kerosene to produce heat. Usually, a pump supplies a burner with the fuel consistently. A fan or natural convection then circulates heat throughout the room. Some features of a kerosene heater include:
Automatic shut-off: A kerosene heater will shut off automatically if it runs out of fuel. Also, this feature initiates if the flame goes out.
Thermostat: It maintains the temperature within the set level. It controls the heat output, allowing you to control fuel consumption.
Automatic ignition: Some kerosene heaters have an electric ignition system to eliminate using a lighter or match to light it. You will insert AAA batteries for this system to function.
Fuel gauge: You can monitor the kerosene level in the tank and top it up if the fuel level is low.
Adjustable heat setting: These heaters have hi-low temperature control knobs for easy heat output control.
Oxygen Depletion Sensor: A kerosene heater with this sensor detects dangerous carbon monoxide levels in the room and shuts off the flame automatically to prevent suffocation.
When looking for a kerosene heater as an alternative to a battery-operated space heater, ensure it has these features. These features guarantee safety and exceptional performance.
Wood-Burning Stove
You can also burn wood in a wood-burning stove to generate heat when a blackout strikes. These stoves have a firebox where you place wood and a chimney to channel smoke to escape to the outdoor space. The heat generated then circulates throughout the room by natural convection or with the help of a built-in fan. Here are features to look for in a wood-burning stove:
Air-tight construction: A wood-burning stove with an air-tight design increases efficiency by reducing heat loss. Only the chimney allows for heat loss, which improves fuel efficiency.
Adjustable air vents: These features allow you to control the air intake, thus allowing you to control the combustion rate and heat output.
Ash pan: The burned wood turns into ash that collects in an ash pan. You can dispose of the ash if it accumulates in the pan to clean the wood stove and free up space for more wood.
Door glass window: The glass lets you see if the wood-burning stove needs more wood. But more importantly, it allows light into the room.
Secondary combustion: A wood-burning stove with secondary combustion burns the gases and smoke produced by wood to produce more heat. And this increases the fuel efficiency of the stove. But more importantly, it reduces carbon monoxide buildup, making wood-burning stoves safe.
EPA-certified: You also want to buy a wood-burning stove that complies with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Besides, EPA-certified wood stoves are highly efficient and reduce negative impacts on the environment.
Suppose you want to stay warm and comfortable with no electricity. In that case, a wood-burning stove serves with its efficient fuel-burning. Besides, wood is renewable and doesn’t impact the environment like some space heaters.
Conclusion
When buying a battery backup for your home and RV, consider much more than what I’ve discussed above. The noise level, warranty information, and price are a few more things to consider. Also, you may consider the run time.
I have reviewed the best battery backup stations for RVs and homes. The units have impressive outputs and boast safety features to guarantee a long service life and user safety. You can also charge them from solar energy, a standard wall outlet, and a car’s charging port. And this gives you many options if one option is unavailable.
I have also shared some factors to help you make the best buying decision. You can look at a few more elements to get better-performing battery backup power stations. Thank you for reading to the end!
