Step 1: convert amp-hours (Ah) to watt-hours (Wh)
Traditional 4WD deep-cycle batteries are sold in amp-hours (Ah) at 12.8V (for LiFePO4), whereas portable power stations from EcoFlow, Anker SOLIX and Bluetti are sold in watt-hours (Wh). The conversion is simple:
Watt-hours (Wh) = Amp-hours (Ah) × 12.8V
100 Ah LiFePO4 battery = 100 × 12.8V = 1,280 Wh
1,024 Wh power station (e.g. EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus) = 1,024 ÷ 12.8V = 80 Ah Why do we divide your net energy need by 0.85 (85%) in the calculator above? Because LiFePO4 power stations reserve ~5–10% of capacity to protect the cells from total discharge, and DC-to-DC / DC-to-AC conversion loses another 5–15% as heat. In independent bench tests, a 1,024 Wh station typically delivers 850 to 900 Wh at the outlets.
Step 2: how much power a camping fridge or blackout fridge actually uses
A 12V compressor camping fridge (such as a 45L–60L Dometic CFX3, Engel, Bushman or Kings) does not draw its rated 45–60W continuously. Once cold, the compressor cycles on for roughly 25% to 45% of each hour depending on ambient temperature:
| Appliance | Running watts | Typical duty cycle / use | Real daily energy (Wh/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40–60L 12V camping fridge (mild 22–26°C) | 45–55W | ~35% duty (24 hrs) | 380–480 Wh/day |
| 40–60L 12V camping fridge (hot 32–38°C AU summer) | 50–65W | ~50% duty (24 hrs) | 600–780 Wh/day |
| 75–95L dual-zone fridge/freezer | 65–85W | ~45% duty (24 hrs) | 700–920 Wh/day |
| CPAP machine ( humidifier OFF, 8 hrs) | 15–20W | 8 hrs overnight | 120–160 Wh/night |
| CPAP machine (heated humidifier + tube ON) | 40–60W | 8 hrs overnight | 320–480 Wh/night |
| Starlink Mini dish | 20–25W | 6 hrs/day | 120–150 Wh/day |
| Travel kettle / pod coffee machine | 1,200–1,800W | 6–8 mins total/day | 150–220 Wh/day |
| Single portable induction cooktop | 1,500–2,000W | 20 mins/day | 500–650 Wh/day |
| Full-size domestic kitchen fridge (240V blackout) | 100–150W | ~35% duty + AC inverter idle | 1,000–1,300 Wh/day |
Step 3: pick the right Australian power station size tier (2026)
Almost all reputable portable power stations sold in Australia in 2026 use LiFePO4 (LFP) battery chemistry rated for 3,000 to 4,000 cycles (8–10+ years of regular use) and carry Australian RCM compliance and 230V/50Hz Type I outlets:
- Under 500 Wh (4–6 kg, ~$399–$499): EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus (286 Wh, 600W), Anker SOLIX C300 (288 Wh, 300W). Best for overnight CPAP (humidifier off), charging laptops/drones/phones, or keeping a Wi-Fi router and NBN box running during a blackout (<10ms UPS). Too small for a multi-day camping fridge without solar.
- 1,000 Wh class (11–16 kg, ~$699–$1,399): EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus (1,024 Wh, 1,800W), Anker SOLIX C1000 (1,056 Wh, 1,800W), Bluetti AC180 (1,152 Wh, 1,800W). The Australian sweet spot: light enough to lift into the boot with one hand, runs a 12V camping fridge for 40–50 hours on battery alone (or indefinitely with a 200W solar blanket), and has a 1,800W inverter that can boil a kettle or run a coffee machine.
- 2,000 Wh class (18–30 kg, ~$1,699–$2,499): EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max (2,048 Wh, 2,400W), Anker SOLIX F2000 (2,048 Wh, 2,300W), Bluetti AC200L (2,048 Wh, 2,400W). Built for 3–4 days of fridge + induction cooking without solar, or keeping a full-size household fridge and CPAP running through a 24–36 hour storm blackout.
- 3,000–4,000+ Wh class (40–60 kg wheeled, $3,500+): EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 (4,096 Wh, 4,000W), Anker SOLIX F3800 (3,840 Wh, 6,000W). Caravan off-grid replacements and multi-day home backup. If your main goal is permanent whole-home blackout backup and daily bill savings, see our full 2026 portable power stations spec comparison, or compare a fixed solar battery using our home battery rebate calculator (portable power stations do not qualify for the federal Cheaper Home Batteries STC rebate).