There's no harsher test for a power station than taking it to live completely off-grid, and that's what I did with the new Anker Solix F3800. Here's how it fared.
ZDNET's key takeaways The Solix F3800 is a huge portable power station for $4,000, but on sale with a 25% off coupon on Amazon. Its massive 6,000W output (9,000W surge) is more than enough energy to run the biggest home appliances with power to spare. The package is heavy at 130 pounds, but thanks to well-engineered wheels and handles, it's surprisingly easy to move about. $3,999 at Amazon Remember my caveman friend, Will Lord? He's the kind of guy you'd definitely want by your side if you suddenly found yourself transported back 4,500 years to the Bronze Age. I've watched Will craft razor-sharp flint tools, build powerful bows, and create pinpoint-accurate arrows. He's even cast swords and axe heads from bronze. Also: The best portable power stations you can buy But even a real-life caveman enjoys a bit of electricity. Over the past few years, Will has been testing a variety of power stations for me. It's the perfect setting for evaluation as the power stations are exposed to the elements, moved around the site, charged by solar energy, and occasionally taken back to civilization for a quick recharge from an AC outlet. They are put to work powering a wide range of devices, including lights, heaters, kettles, and power tools. Recently, I tested Anker's new Solix F3800 -- a massive unit boasting 3,840Wh of power and weighing 132 pounds. This powerhouse can deliver dual 120V/240V and an impressive 6,000W of AC power (with a 9,000W surge) to run everything in your home. It can handle a 4,000W air conditioner while still powering your coffee maker and bread maker. Don't underestimate the size of this…