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Because generators emit carbon monoxide, they require you to take critical safety measures, including operating equipment outdoors at least 20 feet away from any structure.

However, in an era when we can charge our smartphones with battery packs that fit in our pants pockets, shouldn't there be an easier way to restore power after the storm? Or, for example, powering a campsite without the constant hum of a gas generator?

This is the prospect of portable power stations (also called battery-powered inverter generators). Essentially, they are oversized rechargeable batteries—about the size of a countertop microwave oven—and you can plug them into a typical 110-volt outlet to charge them. 

When on duty, you can safely run the portable power station inside because it does not produce any emissions. They have enough capacity to power some small appliances in a short time. With many different outlets (standard 120-volt outlets, USB ports, and DC chargers), you can also use this charging station to charge electronic devices. These devices are usually equipped with portable solar panels to add more charging functions and extend operating time.

"These generators have no smoke, and all the models we tested were almost no noise," said Dave Trezza, the test engineer responsible for generator testing in Consumer Reports. "But if these power stations are dead and you can't use solar panels, you can't charge them. You can't just use a gallon of gasoline."

In our portable power station rating, we saw models from brands such as Goal Zero, Humless, K2 and Kohler. Some companies, such as Goal Zero, make these portable power stations perfect for apartment preparation during storms (rather than single-family homes with yards that can accommodate generators).

How we test portable power stations In our laboratory, CR test engineers evaluated five key indicators for rating portable power stations: operating time, power delivery, power quality, ease of use, and noise.

To test the running time, we ran a constant 300 watt load to simulate powering a TV and a few lights. We also connected each battery to the side-by-side refrigerator to see its duration. The best model in our test can power the refrigerator for 44 hours on a single charge (the worst can only last for 13 hours). For power delivery, or the degree to which the model can maintain voltage when handling different loads, we use a variety of equipment, including 1⁄2 horsepower submersible pumps and 10,000-BTU air conditioners.

We also judged the noise output and found that as a category, these batteries run quietly: all the models we tested received excellent scores for noise.

Below, our experts share some of the pros and cons of using portable power stations. See how the most popular models perform in our ratings and check our generator buying guide to compare portable power stations with other types of generators.

Like similar products that use gasoline as fuel, if you want to power a stove, ceiling light, or anything hard-wired in your home, a portable power station needs a switch.

However, while a casual inverter generator may keep the TV and a few lights on a can of gasoline for 8 to 13 hours, under the same circumstances, using a portable power station you can see electricity for 3 to 9 hours. 

For example, you will not be able to run a well pump that consumes electricity.

In our tests, most of these models require several hours of charging (usually overnight) to provide you with sufficient battery power and the longest runtime.

So, assuming you fully charge your battery before the predicted weather event, a portable power station can provide you with hours of power to run a refrigerator or other important equipment.

But Trezza pointed out that once the battery is dead, if you don't have electricity and there is very little sunlight, there is no way to charge it.

If you are dealing with a power outage or otherwise disconnecting from the grid, charging the power station through solar panels is your only option-provided that you have plenty of sunlight and no obstacles.

In our tests, we found that solar panels can increase the running time, but for larger devices, this may only add an hour or two of power.

The size of portable power stations is not much different from ordinary microwave ovens, but they are quite heavy-in our tests, most weighed more than 80 pounds.

This means that you may need an extra pair of hands to lift one hand into the trunk of the car. Some models are equipped with wheels, but not all wheels are large in size, which makes rolling on the lawn difficult.

The cost of the portable power station we tested was between US$1,500 and US$3,500. Our best portable gas generators cost less than the worst portable power stations.

Before purchasing one of these power stations, consider whether a portable generator can provide you with a better service. In the event of a power outage, you can continue to add fuel, and portable generators usually provide enough power to keep large appliances running. Check our generator buying guide to find out which type best suits your needs.

Destructive storms can happen at any time. In the "Consumer 101" TV show, host Jack Rico learned from Consumer Reports expert Paul Hope how to avoid being kept in the dark during a power outage.

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