In short
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 comes out ahead on 2 of six outage scenarios. The real difference is what they can start: refrigerator (Explorer 1000 v2 only), chest freezer (Explorer 1000 v2 only), dishwasher (Explorer 1000 v2 only).
We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes a result. Specs from each maker, prices checked October 28, 2026; we haven't tested these units.
Jackery
The lightest way to keep a fridge, Wi-Fi and lights going through one night.
† reported by retailers or reviews, not yet confirmed on Jackery's spec sheet.
$499store price, October 28, 2026
Check price
BLUETTI
Most watt-hours per dollar in the 1 kWh class. BLUETTI doesn't publish a surge rating, so we don't count on it for motors.
$499store price, October 28, 2026
Check priceEach starts at 6 p.m., battery only. Extra batteries are added when the maker sells them and the outage needs them.
| Scenario | Explorer 1000 v2 | AC180 | Better pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fridge, Wi-Fi & lights24 h | 13 h | Can't start your biggest motor | Explorer 1000 v2 |
| Storm night + sump pump48 h | Not enough continuous output | Not enough continuous output | Tie |
| CPAP + fridge24 h | 14 h | Can't start your biggest motor | Explorer 1000 v2 |
| Rural: well pump & freezer72 h | No 240 V output for your well pump or dryer | No 240 V output for your well pump or dryer | Tie |
| Winter: gas furnace72 h | Not enough continuous output | Can't start your biggest motor | Tie |
| Hurricane week168 h | Not enough continuous output | Not enough continuous output | Tie |
| Spec | Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | BLUETTI AC180 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 1.1 kWh LFP | 1.2 kWh LFP |
| Expandable to | No | No |
| Continuous output | 1.5 kW | 1.8 kW |
| Start-up surge | 3.0 kW | not published |
| 240 V | No | No |
| Solar input | 400 W | 500 W |
| Weight | 23.8 lb | 35.3 lb |
| Warranty | — | 5 years |
| Panel connection | Transfer switch (third-party) | Transfer switch (third-party) |
| Price | $499 | $499 |
Appliances only one of them can start on its own: Refrigerator (Explorer 1000 v2), Chest freezer (Explorer 1000 v2), Dishwasher (Explorer 1000 v2).
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 comes out ahead on 2 of six outage scenarios. Scenario by scenario results are in the table on this page; they come from published specs, not hands-on tests.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 can, for about 22 h on one charge. The BLUETTI AC180 can't promise it: its published surge or output is too low for a compressor's start.