Bluetti’s Elite 100 Mini Power Station Offers Long Runtime in a Very Small Package

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Compact power stations have made major strides in battery runtime. Smaller stations can’t always run for more than a few hours, especially if you’re trying to power things like refrigerators, tower fans, or a full TV and audiovisual setup at the same time. But stations like the Bluetti Elite 100 Mini are changing the game and running for longer, meaning you can power things longer during a blackout or when camping off-grid for a long weekend.

The heart of this is better battery technology and a smaller, more efficient inverter. Like many newer power stations, the 100 Mini uses a lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4), which can deliver 1,004.8 watt-hours of capacity, which is similar to stations a third or one-half larger in size. The result is a 9-by-8-inch battery backup that can power the average fridge for more than 10 hours in an emergency, according to our tests.

To test the battery capacity, I hooked up the Elite 100 Mini to my full-size Jenn-Air refrigerator. I like to use this in my tests because refrigerators are typically what most people need to back up during a power outage, so the food doesn’t go bad. For this task, it was able to run my fridge for approximately 10.5 hours. While that’s not quite as impressive as the equally sized Anker Solix S2000 I used to run it for nearly 24 hours, it’s not bad for a station of this size (and it’s much less expensive than the S2000). You could also get even more runtime (triple what I got) for lower-powered devices like a TV, a WiFi router, an automatic pet feeder, or a CPAP machine.

The downside is the maximum output. The 100 Mini can only output up to 700 watts consistently, so it can’t really power something like an electric kettle or microwave, which draw at least 900 watts or more. There is a power boost mode to handle these types of appliances, but you have to be careful with this setting, as it can potentially damage digital devices if you have those plugged in at the same time. If you need something with more power output, Bluetti’s Elite 100, with 1,800 watts of output, is more appropriate. Or you could splurge even more on the excellent Elite 200 or Elite 300.

This power station has enough outlets for basic use, including three standard AC outlets, two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, and three 12-volt ports (one car port and two DC5521 ports). There’s also a built-in light strip that can produce very bright but dimmable cool or warm light, or strobe in SOS mode. That’s very handy if you take this station on a camping trip or need to illuminate the interior of a car. There’s also a DC input for recharging your station from a 12-volt car port or using a portable solar panel with up to 350 watts of input.

Like with any Bluetti power station, the brand’s mobile app is one of my favorites among power station makers. There are many advanced options, such as the ability to lower the input wattage when recharging the battery and set specific charge limits (e.g., 80 percent). Recharging at lower rates can take longer but can keep your battery healthier over time. But if you need to top it off fast, there’s a turbo charge option that can fully recharge the station in under two hours. The app also gives you several different readings on power usage that can help you learn how best to use your power station over time.

I think if you’re looking for a highly portable and lightweight station for powering small electronics, recharging your mobile devices, or powering a refrigerator during an emergency, the Bluetti Elite 100 Mini fits the bill. It’s just not quite right for running higher-power appliances, like those you need to cook or heat things, but it could handle one in a pinch. When you compare it to something like the Jackery Explorer 1000, you’re much better off with a station like that, because it can output more power and provide slightly longer runtime.

Size is the main benefit here. The fact that the Elite 100 Mini weighs under 25 pounds and is in such a small case makes it a great companion for road trips and camping trips, with enough battery life to last a weekend.

Shop the Bluetti Elite 100 Mini Power Station

David is a Reviews Editor for Hearst’s Enthusiast Group, contributing to Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, Best Products, and Biography. He has over 25 years of experience writing about and reviewing consumer electronics, kitchen appliances, DIY products, outdoor gear, and more. He also spent years covering the ever-changing world of online retail. To relax, he loves experimenting with new recipes, tweaking his smart home setup, and spending time outdoors on his bike or camping. 

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