Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.
Power cuts in the UK are no longer as common as they were a decade or two ago, so I find fewer opportunities to use power stations during real-world emergencies.
Well, the other day a lot of snow – a lot of snow by UK standards, that is, more than a quarter of an inch – fell over the course of a few days, and it resulted in downed power lines.
Plus: Jackery marks 10 years with its wildest CES lineup yet — including a walking robot
It just so happens that I was in the middle of trying something new EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus Power StationSo this was the right opportunity to test it. Note that mine is the UK version, so the socket type and orientation will be different, and the power output is 240V/50Hz, but other than that, the units are practically identical.
mid-range power station
The Delta 3 Max Plus is a mid-range power station with a 2,048Wh capacity and 3,800W continuous power output (with surge load capable of reaching 6,000W without any problems). This is a unit that can handle some serious loads.
In fact, that power output is enough to handle most home appliances, even big ones like a 1-ton HVAC unit. This is quite a load for a portable unit that weighs less than 50 pounds – which is much less than other comparable units.
Best solar deals of the week
Deals are selected by the CNET Group Commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
What makes it so light is that EcoFlow has gone to a 16-cell-per-kilowatt design, which is about 27 percent lighter than what most manufacturers use. This is not only lighter, but also allows the unit to run cooler, last longer, and provide greater power stability.
Too: Best cheap portable power stations of 2026: expert testing and reviews
The batteries are high-grade LiFePO4 cells and have a decade long lifespan, even when used daily.
very portable
But despite the weight, the unit is very portable due to the two ammo crate-style handles on the side.
These have some nice, comfortable handles for lifting and moving the unit around.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The unit has four 120V~60Hz/20A AC outlets, three USB-C ports (one 140W and two 45W ports), one 45W USB-A port, one 12V DC outlet, and one 12V car outlet, so all your gear is covered by this one unit. I had countless leads and cables, and it handled all the load without any problems.
fast charging
It is also flexible in terms of charging. It can charge up to 1,800W using AC, which can take the unit from flat to 80 percent in 64 minutes, and 1,000W of solar or vehicle input via two XT60 ports, which can bring the unit from zero to 80 percent in 96 minutes.
Too: I Found a Compact Power Station with Solar Charging, and It’s a New Off-Grid Essential
This fast charging capability was really useful for me as the power came on for only an hour after a day, and in that time, the unit was fully recharged.
As far as cooling goes, the Delta 3 Max Plus has fans; This is not at the obnoxious “jumbo jet takeoff” level of some power stations. Although it’s not quiet yet, I have no problem sleeping next to it in the living room or while camping. When running with a sub-600W load, the system runs at a whisper of 25dB.
The tuck-away covers are a nice touch!
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
This unit also has some nice improvements. For example, the flaps covering the rear ports open and slide into the unit to prevent them from being damaged. This is a great idea because I’ve lost count of the number of port covers and flaps I’ve broken off power stations.
Too: Why wouldn’t I buy another portable power station if it doesn’t have this useful feature
While the unit’s recommended optimum operating temperature is 68 to 86 °F (20 to 30 °C), it can discharge in 14 to 113 °F (-10 to 45 °C) and charge in 32 to 113 °F (0 to 45 °C).
I can confirm this because most of the time I had the unit under the carport, where temperatures were below zero at night. Some decline in actual overall capacity was likely due to inefficiencies caused by the cold; These were not clear to me.
Cold weather didn’t bother this unit at all.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
ZDNET’s shopping advice
Priced at $1,050, the EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus is a great option for those wanting backup power. Whether it’s for home, workshop, or RV or camping, this unit ticks all the boxes. It has a fair amount of power, is light enough to travel short distances, and doesn’t feel like you’re next door to an airport.
Too: Which portable power station is most efficient? Check out our lab-tested winners
I was very pleased with how my review unit handled relatively cold weather as well as power outages. It kept my main appliances running, and I was able to cook hot meals for myself and even stay warm using a throw lightning Without resorting to bushcraft skills.
The fast charging definitely came in handy as it allowed me to fully recharge the unit from the mains outlet during a temporary power outage; Otherwise, I would have had to load it into the vehicle for charging.
