South Africa has been grappling with frequent load shedding, leaving many households in the dark. In such times, having a reliable backup power source becomes essential. Portable power stations have emerged as a lifeline, keeping essential electronics running during power outages or offering power solutions for outdoor adventures. In this article, we’ll explore four impressive portable power stations: the Romoss Thunder Series RS300, RS500, and RS1500, and the Gizzu HERO ULTRA. We’ll provide a detailed comparison of their features and specifications, and we’ll present the costs in South African Rand to help you make an informed decision.
Romoss Thunder Series RS300 – Compact and Dependable
The Romoss Thunder Series RS300 is a compact and reliable power station equipped with a 231Wh Ternary Lithium Battery. It’s a perfect solution for keeping your essential electronic devices powered up during load shedding. The RS300 offers multiple output options, including a 230V South African 3 pin plug, a 60W PD port, two USB ports, and a car socket port. Plus, it features a 10W Fast Wireless Charging Pad on top for added convenience.
With its robust design, integrated Battery Management System, and intelligent safety features, the RS300 ensures consistent and secure power delivery. You can recharge it from your car, a solar panel, or a wall socket, making it adaptable to various scenarios. Here’s a closer look at its specifications:
Technical Details:
| Technical Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Inverter | Pure Sine Wave |
| Battery Capacity | 231Wh (10.4Ah, 22.2V, 62,400mAh at 3.7V) |
| DC7909 Input Port | Adapter 12-28V, 48W Max |
| Solar Panel | 12-28V, 80W Max |
| Car Charger | 12V, 55W Max |
| AC Output | 220V 50Hz rated power at 300W, peak power at 600W |
| Type C Output | 5V 3A, 9V 3A, 12V 3A, 15V 3A, 20V 3A, 60W Max |
| USB A Single Port Output | 5V 3.4A, 9V 2A, 12V 1.5A, 18W Max |
| Car Charging Output | 12V 10A |
| Estimated Runtime |
ONU (3W) – 77hrs Router (10W) – 23.1hrs CCTV Cameras (10W) – 23.1hrs |
| Estimated Recharges |
Smart Phone (3500mAh) – 15.5 Tablet (7000mAh) – 7.7 Portable Speaker (7500mAh) – 7.2 Action Camera (1250mAh) – 43.6 Power Station Recharge Time:
|
| LED Display | SoC Liquid Crystal Display |
| LED Flashlight | 1W |
| Battery Life Cycle | 800 |
| Work Temperature | 10-40°C |
| Protections |
Heat Protection Freeze Protection Over Discharge Protection Overload Protection Short Circuit Protection Over Voltage Protection Over Current Protection Battery Malfunction Protection |
| Product Dimensions | 19.2 x 14.2 x 14.8cm |
| Product Weight | 2,780g |
Estimated Cost in South African Rand (ZAR): The Romoss Thunder Series RS300 is priced at approximately ZAR 4,499 featured @ ZAR 4,160 @ Route404 Digital Konsultants.
Romoss Thunder Series RS500 – More Power, More Outlets
If you need more power and additional outlets, the Romoss Thunder Series RS500 might be the perfect fit. With a 400Wh Ternary Lithium Battery, it can keep a broader range of electronic appliances and devices operational during load shedding or outdoor excursions. The RS500 offers six outlets, including a 230V South African 3 pin plug, a 60W PD port, three USB ports, and a car socket port.
Like the RS300, the RS500 boasts a robust design, Battery Management System, and safety features. It also provides a 10W Fast Wireless Charging Pad on top for quick and cordless charging.
Here’s a breakdown of its specifications:
Technical Details:
| Technical Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Inverter | Pure Sine Wave |
| Battery Capacity | 400Wh (18Ah, 22.2V, 108,000mAh at 3.7V) |
| DC7909 Input Port | Adapter 12-28V, 100W Max |
| Solar Panel | 12-28V, 100W Max |
| Car Charger | 12V, 60W Max |
| AC Output | 220V 50Hz rated power at 500W, peak power at 1000W |
| Type C Output | 5V 3A, 9V 3A, 12V 3A, 15V 3A, 20V 3A, 60W Max |
| USB A Single Port Output | 5V 3.4A, 9V 2A, 12V 1.5A, 18W Max (x3) |
| Car Charging Output | 12V 10A, 120W Max |
| Wireless Charging Output | 10W |
| Estimated Runtime |
ONU (3W) – 133hrs Router (10W) – 40hrs CCTV Cameras (10W) – 40hrs |
| Estimated Recharges |
Smart Phone (3500mAh) – 15.5 Tablet (7000mAh) – 7.7 Portable Speaker (7500mAh) – 7.2 Action Camera (1250mAh) – 43.6 Power Station Recharge Time:
|
| LED Display | SoC Liquid Crystal Display |
| LED Flashlight | 1W |
| Battery Life Cycle | 800 |
| Work Temperature | 10-40°C |
| Protections |
Heat Protection Freeze Protection Over Discharge Protection Overload Protection Short Circuit Protection Over Voltage Protection Over Current Protection Battery Malfunction Protection |
| Product Dimensions | 23 x 16.8 x 17.8cm |
| Product Weight | 4,270g |
Estimated Cost in South African Rand (ZAR): The Romoss Thunder Series RS500 is priced at approximately ZAR 6,499. featured @ ZAR 5,720 @ Route404 Digital Konsultants
Romoss Thunder Series RS1500 – Extended Power
For those seeking extended power backup, the Romoss Thunder Series RS1500 delivers with its impressive 1328Wh Ternary Lithium Battery. With a substantial 1500W of power output, it can keep a multitude of electronic appliances online during prolonged load shedding or outdoor adventures. The RS1500 offers 11 outlets, including three 230V South African 3 pin plugs, two 60W PD ports, two USB ports, three DC ports, and a car socket port.
It features a 10W Fast Wireless Charging Pad on top for convenient, cable-free charging. As with other Romoss models, the RS1500 includes a Battery Management System and a suite of safety features to protect your devices and the power station itself.
Here’s an overview of its specifications:
Technical Details:
| Technical Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Inverter | Pure Sine Wave |
| Battery Capacity | 1328Wh (59.8Ah, 22.2V, 358,000mAh at 3.7V) |
| DC8020 Input Port | Adapter 12-60V 240W Max |
| Anderson Input Port | 12-60V 600W Max |
| AC Output | 3 x 220V 50Hz rated power at 1500W, peak power at 3000W |
| Type C Output | 2 x 5V 3A, 9V 3A, 12V 3A, 15V 3A, 20V 3A, 60W Max |
| USB A Single Port Output | 2 x 5V 3.4A, 9V 2A, 12V 1.5A, 18W Max |
| Car Charging Output | 1 x 12V 10A, 120W Max |
| DC5525 Output | 2 x 12V 10A, 120W Max |
| DC7406 Output | 1 x 24V 5A, 120W Max |
| Wireless Charging Output | 10W |
| Estimated Runtime (single device) |
65″ TV (190W) – 6hrs Single Door Fridge (400W) – 2.8hrs Gaming Desktop PC (800W) – 1.4hrs Washing Machine (850W) – 1.3hrs Electric Drill (850W) – 1.3hrs |
| Estimated Recharges |
Smart Phone (3200mAh) – 71 iPad Pro (28,650Wh) – 30 Drone (40Wh) – 25 MacBook Air (49.9Wh) – 17 Power Station Recharge Time:
|
| LED Display | SoC Liquid Crystal Display |
| LED Flashlight | 1W |
| Battery Life Cycle | 800 |
| Work Temperature | 10-40°C |
| Protections |
Heat Protection Freeze Protection Over Discharge Protection Overload Protection Short Circuit Protection Over Voltage Protection Over Current Protection Battery Malfunction Protection |
| Product Dimensions | 35 x 26.5 x 24cm |
| Product Weight | 13,990g |
Estimated Cost in South African Rand (ZAR): The Romoss Thunder Series RS1500 is priced at approximately ZAR 12,999. featured @ ZAR 15,600 @ Route404 Digital Konsultants
Gizzu HERO ULTRA – Powerhouse for All Needs
The Gizzu HERO ULTRA is a robust and powerful portable power station packing 3840Wh (3600W) of LiFePO4 UPS power into a durable package. It’s an ideal choice for keeping household appliances and power tools running during load shedding or power outages. With a LiFePO4 battery offering three times more battery cycles than typical lithium iron batteries, the HERO ULTRA is built to last.
This unit provides a wide range of outlets, including three 220V South African plugs, four Type C PD ports, two USB ports, two DC 5521 ports, a car socket port, and an XT60 port. It also features a 10W Fast Wireless Charging Pad on top for added convenience.
The Gizzu HERO ULTRA offers multiple input charging options, including car charging, solar panel charging, and wall socket charging. Its Battery Management System and intelligent safety features ensure your devices are protected.
Here’s a summary of its specifications:
Technical Details:
| Technical Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| AC Input | 220-240V 50Hz 2200W Max (2.2hrs) |
| XT90 Port | 12-160V 2000W Max (3hrs) |
| Internal Battery Type | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) |
| Battery Capacity | 3840Wh |
| Inverter | Pure Sine Wave |
| LED Torch | 3W 4000k |
| AC Output | 3x 220-240V 50Hz 3600W Rated, 7200W Max Peak |
| DC Outputs |
3 x Type C 20W PD Port 1 x Type C 100W PD Port 2 x USB A 18W QC3.0 Port 1 x Car Socket Port 2 x DC5521 Ports 1 x XT60 Port |
| Battery Management System | Yes |
| UPS Mode Switchover Time | 10ms |
| Estimated Runtime (single device) |
82″ LED TV (295W) – 10.4hrs Gaming Desktop PC (800W) – 3.8hrs Microwave (800W) – 3.8hrs Circular Saw (1200W) – 2.6hrs Espresso Machine (1500W) – 2.0hrs Hairdryer (1800W) – 1.7hrs Dishwasher (2000W) – 1.5hrs Electric Chainsaw (2400W) – 1.3hrs Tumble Dryer (2800W) – 1.1hrs |
| Lifespan | 3500 Cycles |
| Protections |
Short Circuit Protection Over Current Protection Over Voltage Protection Under Voltage Protection Over Load Protection Temperature Protection |
| Product Dimensions | 55 x 32.1 x 46.4cm |
| Product Weight | 40700g |
Estimated Cost in South African Rand (ZAR): The Gizzu HERO ULTRA is priced at approximately ZAR 52,999.
Comparison Table
Let’s summarize the key specifications and estimated costs of these four portable power stations in the table below, all priced in South African Rand (ZAR):
| Model | Battery Capacity | Power Output | Outlets | Wireless Charging | Estimated Cost (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romoss RS300 | 231Wh | 300W | 5 | Yes | 4,499 ZAR |
| Romoss RS500 | 400Wh | 500W | 6 | Yes | 6,499 ZAR |
| Romoss RS1500 | 1328Wh | 1500W | 11 | Yes | 12,999 ZAR |
| Gizzu HERO ULTRA | 3840Wh (3600W) | 3600W | 12 | Yes | 52,999 ZAR |
Conclusion
In a country where load shedding is a recurrent issue, having a reliable power backup is crucial. The Romoss and Gizzu portable power stations provide various options to cater to your specific needs. The RS300 and RS500 are great choices for compact and dependable power solutions, while the RS1500 offers extended power for a wide range of appliances. The Gizzu HERO ULTRA, with its robust LiFePO4 battery, is a versatile powerhouse.
Consider your power requirements and budget when making a decision. Rest assured that these power stations are designed to keep you powered up, whether you’re at home during load shedding or out on an adventure.
