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Winter storm seasonPlan for 72 hours without power: what to keep running and how much battery that takes.Start with step 1

About OutagePicks

When the power goes out, the question is never “which battery is best.” It is “will this keep my refrigerator cold until morning,” “can it run my CPAP for three nights,” or “will it start my sump pump in a storm.” OutagePicks exists to answer those questions with numbers, so American households can buy backup power that fits the devices they actually need to keep running.

What we cover

  • Portable power stations, from small units for phones and routers to expandable systems for home backup
  • Solar generator kits and folding solar panels
  • Home battery backup systems that connect to critical circuits
  • Inverter, dual fuel, and RV generators
  • Outage prep: sizing, recharging, safe storage, and cold-weather use

What makes our guides different

Every guide includes something you can check and use yourself: runtime tables for common household devices, surge checks for appliances with motors, solar recharge estimates based on sun hours where you live, lifetime cost per kilowatt-hour, and the safety standards behind each product (UL listings, CPSC recall notices, carbon monoxide guidance for generators). We show our assumptions so you can redo the math with your own numbers.

Who runs this site

OutagePicks is an independent publication. Our guides are written and edited by the OutagePicks Team. We do not invent author names, use photos of strangers as “experts,” or claim we tested gear we have not tested.

How we make money

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Disclosure for details.

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