I Tested Anker’s New SOLIX S5000, and It Ran My Fridge for Days

Photo: Paul Rankin for BobVila.com

Living in Florida, where severe storms and power outages are always a possibility, I’ve tested quite a few portable power stations over the years. The new Anker Solix S5000 is one of the most impressive yet. With a massive 5,024-watt-hour (Wh) battery, 4,500 watts of output, and the ability to power both 120-volt and 240-volt appliances, it’s designed to keep your household essentials running when the grid goes down. After a month of testing it at my Florida home ahead of its October 27 release, I was particularly impressed by just how long it lasted.

How long can the Anker Solix S5000 run a refrigerator?

To see what the S5000 could realistically do during a blackout, I connected my refrigerator and let it run under normal operating conditions until the battery was depleted. Incredibly, it lasted around 86 hours, matching Anker’s advertised runtime. That’s more than 3.5 days of refrigeration without any additional charging, which could make an enormous difference during a prolonged outage. Of course, runtime will depend on your refrigerator’s energy consumption, but this was one of the most impressive results I’ve seen from a portable power station.

Powering Everyday Appliances and Electronics

I also tested the S5000 with my portable air conditioner, lamps, chargers, and other household essentials, including running multiple appliances simultaneously. It handled everything I threw at it during normal use. The unit was virtually silent while powering my AC, though the internal cooling fans kicked in with a noticeable hum when I increased the electrical load.

I also tested its uninterruptible power supply (UPS) function by connecting my computer and disconnecting the S5000 from wall power. My PC continued running without even a flicker. Recharging the battery from empty to full took approximately 3.5 hours using a standard 120-volt household outlet. Anker claims a faster 99-minute recharge, though that requires a 240-volt connection, which I didn’t have available to test.

How portable is a 97-pound power station?

Despite its enormous capacity, the S5000 has a relatively small footprint, and its sturdy housing feels exceptionally well built. At 97 pounds, though, it’s certainly not lightweight. The built-in wheels and telescoping handle make it pretty easy to move across hard, flat floors. I even managed to maneuver it across my lawn, although the weight made uneven ground noticeably more challenging. Stairs are another story entirely, and you’ll almost certainly want a second person to help lift it.

My one minor design gripe is the telescoping handle, which feels more like something you’d find on a standard suitcase than a premium piece of power equipment. It works perfectly well, but I’ve tested other Anker equipment with more substantial handles.

Is the Anker Solix S5000 worth it?

At a regular price of $3,599.99, the Anker S5000 is a significant investment, though its introductory $2,499.99 price makes it a lot more appealing. If you’re looking to keep refrigerators, cooling equipment, lights, and other essentials running through an extended blackout, I think it’s an excellent option. The fact that you can expand its storage capacity up to 30kWh makes it even more versatile for future backup needs.

If you can live with its substantial weight, the Anker Solix S5000 gives you the kind of runtime and performance that makes it super useful when the power goes out.