How to Choose your EcoFlow DELTA Portable Power Station?

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By James

The EcoFlow Delta series of portable power stations offers a range of solutions for off-grid power needs. From the compact Delta Mini to the robust Delta Pro, EcoFlow’s product lineup provides options for light weekend camping trips to full-time RV living.

While the Delta models share features like pure sine wave AC power, Li-ion batteries, and multiple charging methods, they vary significantly in capacity and output. The Delta Mini and Delta 1 cater to basic charging and small devices, while the Delta 2, Delta Max, Delta 2 Max, and Delta Pro can power fridges, pumps, small appliances and tools.

Key differences:

  • The Delta Mini and Delta 1 are the most portable at 7 and 12 pounds. The Delta 2 and Max models are mid-sized around 20-30 pounds. The Delta Pro is largest at 45 kg.

  • The Delta Mini has 288Wh capacity while the Delta 1 has 1024Wh. Delta 2 is 2048Wh and doubles up to 4096Wh. Delta Max is 2016Wh. Delta 2 Max is 2048Wh expandable to 4096Wh. Delta Pro has a massive 3616Wh base capacity.

  • Output ranges from 600W on Delta Mini to 1800W on Delta Max and 4500W+ on Delta Pro.

  • Recharge times vary from 1.6 hours on the smaller models to 2.7 hours on Delta Pro.

  • Display and outlets also increase with size. Delta Mini has a basic LED display while the larger models have full color touchscreens. AC and USB outlets go from 2-3 on Mini/Delta 1 to 5 AC and 10 USB on Delta Pro.

With an understanding of the key differences in capacity, power, size and weight, customers can choose the Delta model that best fits their needs. The following sections provide specific usage recommendations.

Capacity – Battery Capacity Determines Runtime

How long your power station can run devices depends entirely on its capacity. Capacity is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). The more kilowatt hours, the longer it can provide power before needing to be recharged.

Capacity is the single most important specification to consider if you need extended backup power for outages, or for off-grid activities lasting multiple days without sun to recharge solar panels. Even heavy loads like RV air conditioners can run for a few hours off a large capacity battery.

For short term outages, smaller capacities like 1-2 kWh may suffice to keep lights, phones, and essentials powered for several hours. But for whole-home backup, capacities of 3 kWh or more are recommended. Off-grid users boondocking for days will want at least 2-3 kWh, with extra batteries to extend time if needed. Professionals on worksites need 4+ kWh for tools and equipment.

Choose the largest capacity your budget allows to maximize runtime. EcoFlow’s Delta line ranges from 0.9 kWh to 3.6 kWh. Their expandability lets you connect extra batteries to extend capacity if needed. Know your expected power needs before deciding on capacity.

Output Power

Output power determines which appliances a power station can run and for how long. The output power rating, measured in watts, indicates the maximum power that a station can deliver at one time. Higher output means more high-draw devices like refrigerators, microwaves, power tools, etc. can be powered simultaneously or individually.

For example, the Delta Mini has a 300W output which can only handle charging laptops and phones, while the Delta Pro has a 4500W output capable of running most home appliances. When choosing a power station, match its output rating to the power requirements of the devices you need to run. Consulting a device wattage chart can help ensure your station’s output exceeds the highest appliance power draws.

Charging Methods

There are several ways to charge your Delta power station depending on where you are and what resources you have available.

AC Charging

The fastest way to charge a Delta power station is by plugging it into a wall outlet. Ecoflow’s Extreme Charging allows the power stations to charge very quickly using AC power. Charge times range from 1.3 hours for the Delta 2 to 2.7 hours for the Delta Pro. This is the quickest way to top up your power station when you have access to the grid.

Solar Charging

If you don’t have access to AC power, you can charge your Delta station using solar panels. The Delta models have different maximum solar input levels ranging from 300W on the Delta Mini up to 1600W on the Delta Pro. Even without AC power, solar panels can keep your devices charged when you’re off-grid.

Car Charging

In addition to AC and solar charging, you can also charge a Delta station from your car’s 12V outlet while driving, using an adapter cable connected to the XT60 ports. While not as fast as AC or solar charging, this allows you to top up your power station on the go if needed.

Battery Chemistry: NCM vs. LFP

There are two common lithium-ion battery chemistries used in portable power stations – NCM and LFP. Both offer advantages and tradeoffs:

NCM batteries

  • Typically rated for around 800 charge cycles before capacity drops to 80%
  • Lower upfront cost compared to LFP
  • Used in many entry-level and mid-range power stations

LFP batteries

  • Typically rated for 3000+ charge cycles before capacity degrades
  • More expensive upfront cost but better value long-term
  • Used in higher-end power stations focused on longevity

The key difference comes down to battery lifespan. NCM lasts around 800 cycles before needing replacement, while LFP batteries retain over 80% of their capacity after 3000+ cycles. So LFP batteries will outlast NCM by 3-4x, at the cost of a higher upfront price.

Our Delta Max, Delta 1 and Delta Mini use NCM batteries, while our flagship Delta Pro, Delta 2 Max and Delta 2 use LFP for maximum longevity. Consider your long-term usage needs when choosing between these two lithium-ion battery types.

Surge Power Matters for Starting Motors

When starting devices and appliances that have motors inside, like drills, vacuums, or blenders, they will initially draw a spike of energy for a fraction of a second before settling into their normal power usage. This initial spike is called the “surge power.”

It’s crucial that your power station’s rated surge power output exceeds the surge power draw of the motorized appliance you want to use. Otherwise, the power station won’t be able to start up that appliance.

The surge power capacity on EcoFlow Delta power stations ranges considerably:

  • Delta Mini: 1,400W normal, 2,100W surge
  • Delta 1: 1,800W normal, 3,300W surge
  • Delta 2: 1,800W normal, 2,700W surge
  • Delta Max: 2,200W normal, 5,000W surge
  • Delta 2 Max: 2,000W normal, 4,800W surge
  • Delta Pro: 3,600W normal, 7,200W surge

So check the surge power rating of any motorized appliances you need to run and ensure your Delta power station can comfortably exceed it. This will prevent any startup issues and give you confidence it can handle the sudden spikes.

The high surge power on models like the Delta Max and Delta Pro mean you can start up and run even high-draw tools and appliances out in the field or during outages at home. But the lower-capacity Delta Mini and Delta 1 models have more limited surge power best suited for smaller motors and basic needs.

Considering surge power when selecting your Delta ensures it can start all your required devices without hiccups or shutdowns.

Weight and Portability

One of the most important factors to consider before buying a power station is its weight and portability. Some power stations like the Delta Mini and Delta 1 are designed to be lightweight and easily portable at 12kg and 15kg respectively. This makes them ideal choices if you plan to take your power station on the go for camping, road trips, or using it at outdoor events.

On the other hand, larger capacity power stations like the Delta Pro weigh a substantial 45kg. While it has wheels and a handle for easier transport, the Delta Pro is not as portable and would be challenging to take up stairs or fit in smaller vehicles.

So when deciding on a power station, think about how you plan to use it. Will you be taking it camping and need something lightweight? Or using it primarily for emergency home backup where portability is not as important? Let your intended use case guide you in choosing a power station with the right balance of capacity and reasonable weight if needed for frequent transport.

Compare Chart

Product Capacity AC Output Charging
EcoFlow DELTA Mini Portable Power Station - EcoFlow DELTA 1300

EcoFlow DELTA mini 882Wh 1440W 900W
100%

1.6 Hour
EcoFlow DELTA 1300 - Power station EcoFlow DELTA 1260Wh 1800W 1200W
100%
1.6 Hr
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station - EcoFlow Official EcoFlow DELTA 2 1-3kWh 2200W 1200W
100%

80 Min
EcoFlow DELTA Pro - EcoFlow DELTA Max Smart Extra Battery DELTA2000-EB-US EcoFlow DELTA Max 2-6kWh Up to 3400W 2000W
100%

1.6 Hour
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Solar Generator EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max 2-6kWh Up to 3400W 2400W
100%

63 Min
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Power Station - EcoFlow DELTA Pro Power Station EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3.6-21.6kWh Up to 7200W 6500W
1.8 Hour

Home Backup

For home backup power during outages, the Delta Pro is the top recommendation. With 3.6 kWh of capacity and 4,500W of power output, a single Delta Pro can run essential appliances in a regular home for over a day. It has enough outlets to power over 15 devices at once, including 5 AC outlets, 6 USB ports, a 12V car outlet, and a 30A outlet that can connect to your home’s electrical system to power your entire house off the Delta system.

If 3.6 kWh isn’t enough capacity, you can expand with extra batteries – get a 2nd battery for 7.2 kWh, two more for 10.8 kWh, or four extras to reach 21.6 kWh for an extreme level of preparedness. The modular, expandable nature of Delta batteries makes it easy to scale up.

For smaller homes that only need occasional backup power, the Delta 2 is a simpler option. With 1 kWh of capacity expandable to 2 kWh, and 1,800W of output expandable to 2,200W, the Delta 2 can run most essential appliances for a few hours during an outage. Its smaller size is easier to store and move around your home.

The Delta series offers reliable backup power scalable for any home’s needs – whether you just need a basic level of preparedness with the Delta 2, or want a whole house UPS system with the expandable Delta Pro.

Off-Grid Living

Off-grid living situations vary greatly depending on your power needs. A single camper going out for a weekend will need far less capacity than a family of four taking a summer-long RV trip.

For full-time RVing or off-grid living, our flagship Delta Pro is a fantastic choice. It has a 30A outlet that allows you to run a cable directly from the Delta Pro into your RV’s shore power inlet. This lets you power your entire RV with the Delta Pro. It also has a high-amperage 30A DC outlet that many RVers love.

For off-grid adventures in smaller spaces like overlanding in a Jeep or vanlife in a camper van, the Delta 2 Max is extremely space efficient. Its compact size takes up minimal precious cargo space, but it still provides a hefty 2kWh of capacity. This is enough to easily meet the needs of most smaller off-grid adventures.

For weekend getaways like camping or fishing trips, the Delta 1 or Delta 2 are excellent portable off-grid power stations. With 1kWh of capacity, they provide ample power in a portable 27 lb / 12 kg package. You can boil water, run small appliances, charge drones or laptops, and more. The Delta 2 can even be expanded to 2kWh capacity for longer trips.

So in summary:

  • For full-time RVing or large off-grid systems, choose the Delta Pro
  • For smaller off-grid adventures in vans or overlanding, pick the Delta 2 Max
  • For quick weekend getaways, the Delta 1 or 2 are perfect portable choices

The key is understanding your expected power needs and choosing a battery with adequate capacity and output. Our Delta family offers the right model for any off-grid application.

Professional Use

If you have a heavy duty machinery like a circular saw or electric hammer and are working on a site or construction project, go for the Delta ProDelta 2 Max, or Delta Max. Those three Delta models will be a perfect replacement for a gas generator with less noise, less fumes, and just as much power output or even more depending on the model.

Or if you’re a digital nomad or content creator and your work is mostly on a computer or with cameras and drones, definitely consider the Delta 2Delta 1, or Delta Mini. Those three smaller and more portable models can guarantee you never run out of power to keep your laptop charged and deliver projects on time no matter where you are.

So in short, look at the Delta Max, Delta 2 Max, and Delta Pro for heavy duty power needs at a worksite or for a tradesperson. And consider the Delta 2, Delta 1, or Delta Mini for your power needs if you’re a mobile professional working on computers and other small electronics on the go.