SWAREY S1000 (portable power station weighing 6 kg with a handle): our review

A storm has knocked out the electricity just as you settle down to finish some work. Keeping a few useful devices supplied suddenly matters much more than powering everything. With 1000 W of rated output, the S1000 has scope for a small fridge or a light-duty tool, rather than a heating appliance. A motor's starting demand also matters, so the running wattage alone cannot settle compatibility.

The 725 Wh battery is a medium energy reserve, suited to selective use during a camping weekend or a short power cut. Think about what earns a place on your appliance list. Stored energy determines the reserve; output determines what can draw from it at any moment. Actual running time depends on consumption and usable capacity. We consider it well placed overall for this focused role.

The campsite trolley has disappeared, the pitch is across the grass and your camping kit still needs unloading. At 6 kg, with a carry handle, this station belongs in the category you can carry for a few metres. That is a useful distinction when the electricity needs to reach the tent rather than remain beside the car.

We like the idea of bringing power to your pitch without having to park beside it. You could also carry it out to a job at the bottom of the garden, provided the tool's electrical demands fit. Keep the journey in perspective: carrying a battery across a pitch is a different proposition from taking it along a walking route. The handle helps with the former. Your sandwiches deserve priority in the rucksack.

A supplementary panel outside a holiday cabin could collect energy while you spend the morning reading nearby. Solar compatibility gives the S1000 that useful option, but its 126 W maximum solar input leaves little room for replenishing the reserve. Treat sunshine as a contribution to your plans, particularly when electricity use continues during the day.

A panel's output varies with cloud cover, its angle towards the sun and the panel itself. The input limit cannot promise what will reach the battery. For a camping weekend, keeping consumption selective makes more sense than expecting a panel to undo every appliance choice. A useful top-up is still useful. Keep the station sheltered from rain and high temperatures, and charge it somewhere ventilated, as manufacturer guidance advises.

The AFERIY P310 for home backup is better suited to backup power at home and better rated overall. That makes the AFERIY P310 the alternative to consider when household backup is the main reason for owning a portable battery, rather than occasional camping use.

The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is better suited to demanding appliances and better rated overall. Choose that direction when the equipment you need to run asks more of the station.

The ALLPOWERS R2500 V2 for solar is better suited to a generous solar charging setup and better rated overall. That is the relevant alternative when collecting substantial energy outdoors is central to your plans. We would keep the S1000 for trips where you choose a few useful appliances and carry the battery from the car to where you need it.