Portable Generator Power when off grid or emergencies

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Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station 2021 Updated Review

This is a different version of the yeti 400, which uses a Lead acid battery. Lead-acid batteries, like car batteries, last much longer when continually recharged and discharged. But these types of batteries have the obvious disadvantage of weight over lithium-ion.

Goal Zero Yeti 400 is one of the most advanced portable power supplies on the market today. Pack with features and technology patented by Goal Zero you can rest assured of a powerful and Reliable power bank for all your electronic items. With 400 Watts of power capable of running a laptop for over 10 hours.

This battery will store up to 33-amp hours of power and uses a Pure-Sine Wave inverter to convert DC power to 120 volts AC. There are two standard AC sockets on the front panel, rated to supply 300 watts. This means that it is possible to power several laptops at a time.

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Contents

About The Yeti 400

Everything about the Yeti 400 is built for minimalism. From the design and the 8” x 10.25” x 8” size, the Yeti is made for portability. The cube design has smooth curves at the edges to give it visual appeal.

It can fit small spaces, keeping you powered whether you are outdoors or indoors. You can remain low-profile while you stay connected.

There are also three 12-volt sockets, one for a car-style adaptor and 2 regular 12-volt ports. And two USB ports so that you may charge a smart device directly, without an adaptor. Charging is done through the supplied wall charger or a 12-volt solar panel.

Each panel of outlets is sectioned. Even as a newbie into electrical devices, it would be easy to match each outlet with an appropriate appliance. It is easy to know which section is powered up.

They each have a small indicator light that lets you know if they are engaged.

The rate of charge is displayed, along with the watts used, and power reserve on an LCD. The display can be back-lit with a press of a button so that you can see it at night.

A sturdy case and strong carry handle make the generator easier to carry. It has a lot of similar comparisons with the Jackery 240.

Since it is made for indoor spaces as well, the stands keep the generator firmly in place and slightly above the ground. This is an overlooked feature that could really be helpful if you have to put this in a tent.

You can charge multiple devices with the Yeti 400 at the same time. It’s a midpoint of the Yeti 150 and the Yeti 1250. The 400 gives you more hours even with an appliance such as a minifridge.

The 2 USB outlets give you the freedom to charge 2 laptops at the same time. 

Why buy one?

If you’re not buying the Goal Zero for its aesthetic appeal and its portability, buy it for its quiet operation. The gas-free and noise-free operation is a great starting point if you are considering where to put your money. 

The technical bit aside, Goal Zero Yeti 400 has excellent brand trust behind it. The manufacturer comes with a solid rapport.

The company also prides itself on having reliable customer service. You buy this product with the peace of mind that you can have your concerns addressed. 

Finally, buying one of these is getting yourself a reliable product that will improve your camping experience.

It makes sudden electrical inconveniences easier to bear. Plus the fact that you can connect a solar panel like the Nomad 20 by Goal Zero and get an endless supply of power, as long as the sun shines.

The Goal Zero Range

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Run time & Charging time

The Yeti 400 is great for all your medium sized power needs or multiple smaller devices.

  • Smartphone 20+ Recharges
  • POV Camera 70+ Recharges
  • Headlamp 70+ Recharges
  • Tablet 10+ Recharges
  • Laptop 3-5 Recharges
  • Light-a-Life 130 Hours
  • Mini Fridge 7 Hours
  • 32 LCD TV 3 hours

Designed for charging smaller electronics like phones and tablets, the Goal Zero Yeti 150 features a 168 watt-hour (14Ah) sealed lead-acid battery and integrated outputs, capable of recharging up to 5 devices at once.

Its 2.1A USB ports are ideal for recharging phones and tablets, while its 80W modified-sine wave AC inverter is perfect for smaller laptops and DSLR camera batteries, and its 12V ports are perfectly matched for low-power lights.

No matter where you go, keep the Goal Zero Yeti charged up through 3 easy ways: in 5 hours from a wall outlet with the included AC charger, in 13 hours with the available car charger, or as fast as 8 hours from Goal Zero’s monocrystalline solar panels.

And since there’s no gasoline required and no toxic fumes, the Goal Zero Yeti is completely safe to use inside your house, tent, and car. It’s also silent, which makes it the perfect generator alternative to have on hand for any event.

Solar Charging

The Yeti 400 has 3 charging options. One of the most available and eco-friendly methods to charge it is solar charging. You can get three different charging options.

The fastest option is to charge using the Boulder 100 Briefcase. It will take you 16 hours at most. However, in optimum conditions, a full charge with the Boulder 100 takes 8 hours. 

The Nomad 20 charging panel will take the longest time to charge. You’d need between 30 to 60 hours of solar exposure to charge to full capacity. If you are all about compromise, though, the Boulder 50 takes between 12 to 24 hours. 

Solar charging times are dependent on weather conditions and other physical factors. Such factors include the elevation and angle of impact.


✅ What we liked

  • A quiet way to power your devices.
  • Long battery life.
  • It is possible to get more out of a solar panel and invert to 120 volts.

❌ What we didn’t like

  • Older lead-acid technology.
  • Heavy, heavier than an equivalent gas generator.

Technical Spec

Starting Watts600 Watts
Running Watts300 Watts
Fuel Type Lead-acid battery
Capacity 33-amp hrs 396 Wh
Run Time25% Load: 5.2 hrs.
Noise Level Silent
Weight 29 lb. (13.15 kg)
Warranty1 Year
Outlets USB2 x Female USB 2100 mA
Outlets DC2 x Green, hexagon (6 mm): 12 V, 10 A (max. 120 W)
1 x Car Port: 12 V, 10 A (max. 120 W)
Input DC1 x Charge Port 8 mm: 14 - 29 V, 10 A (max. 120 W)
Recharge time via AC5Hrs

Other Brands to Consider

Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Where can you buy one?

Goal Zero Yeti 400 generators are available in most brick and mortar stores that deal with power equipment. This is a great avenue if you like to see and feel the merchandise you are buying. You get to see it in action and make your choice. 

However, online shopping is super convenient. Not only do you see the upsides of the generator but you also read the problems that other users have had with the unit. That way, you get a solid foundation of what you are buying. Amazon is a great platform from which you can order since you can get users’  questions and answers regarding the Yeti 400.

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Accessories

Goal Zero Regulated Lithium Yeti Car Charger Used...
Goal Zero Regulated Lithium Yeti Car Charger Used...
PORTS Input: 12V Male Cigarette Output: 8.0mm (12V, up to 10A); Cord Dims: 120 x 2.5 x 1 in (304.8 x 6.35 x 2.54 cm)
Goal Zero Yeti Lithium MPPT Solar Charging...
Goal Zero Yeti Lithium MPPT Solar Charging...
8mm charging port: 15-22V per port and maximum of 150W per port; High Power Port charging port: 15-22V with a maximum of 360W
Goal Zero 30' Extension Cable 8 mm 9 m Or 30 Extra...
Goal Zero 30' Extension Cable 8 mm 9 m Or 30 Extra...
Connect your Yeti 1250 to another Yeti 1250 to expand capacity; Input: High Power Port SB175

Last update on 2024-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Editors Final Thoughts

The Goal Zero Yeti 400 does exactly what it was designed for. It keeps your essential devices juiced. You can plug in up to 7 devices to this generator. The design works well for it and the sturdy cube frame is exactly the correct proportion. 

We like that you can use this generator even when you have company. It’s quiet gasless operation makes this the ideal power tool for indoor use, camping, or even home use. Despite its shortcomings in limited power, you’d still be getting a generator that performs well in its power category.

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All the article on Oofgrid offer help and practical advice for using and purchasing a portable generator. However, We are enthusiasts and not qualified electricians. Always seek professional advice when working with electrical or Petrol appliances.