Grecell T-1000 portable power station review

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Grecell T-1000: 30-second review

When the Grecell T-1000 was originally launched, it was seen as a cheap, versatile, and feature-packed portable power station. Sure enough, with 2 AC ports, 4 USB ports, and 3 DC outputs, alongside three possible charging options, there's plenty on offer. Not only that, but it also includes 15W wireless charging on top, a foldaway handle, and an emergency lamp, which all make this relatively small and comparatively lightweight 1000Wh portable power station seem like a great option.

The design, primarily because of its size and weight, along with the large carry handle with a rubberised grip, made it easy to transport in comparison with some of the larger, more refined models. The simple-to-use LCD, rubberised corners all give it a robust appearance and practically enable it to withstand a knock or two

However, times have moved on, and the market leaders have now produced extremely refined 1000Wh models priced at roughly the same level, if not cheaper. The T-1000 still provides a decent option for anyone looking for a compact power station of this capacity and feature set. But it faces stiff competition from so many of the best portable power stations at this stage in the game.

The design of the T-1000 is less refined than some others at least aesthetically, but it's simple and straightforward, with direct AC charging from a wall socket if needed, and options for a 12-26V input or PV input for solar panels. All charging ports, including AC, DC, and USB, are neatly laid out on the front. While the DC and USB ports are well-positioned, the AC ports are slightly too low for some plug designs, such as those for many Apple laptops and some projectors, particularly with UK-style plugs. If the plug transformer is flush with the socket, it can be impossible to push the plug fully in, requiring an extension cable for even basic appliances.

That said, in most territories that don't utilise UK-style plugs, access to the AC sockets and the surrounding space should be sufficient. Otherwise, the rest of the design and features are simple, easy to understand, and well laid out.

When it comes to delivering power, the 1000Wh capacity performs well, charging a variety of devices, including a DJI Air 3S, a Sony A7 IV battery, several power banks, and a 13-inch MacBook Air several times with plenty of capacity left over.

While the Grecell T-1000 is perfectly good as a portable power station, there are, unfortunately, there are better options available. At its current price, it's just a little too expensive to be a viable choice. Realistically, it would need to be reduced by at least a third to make it competitive.

Grecell T-1000: Price & availability

The Grecell T-1000 is widely available from the official Grecell site here with a retail price of $580 / £550, and at online retailers like Amazon for around the same price. That doesn't offer huge value for money in our book.

• Score: 3/5

Grecell T-1000: Design & build

The first thing we noticed about the Grecell T-1000 is its slightly dated and industrial design. The main case is made entirely of toughened black plastic, giving it that durable jobsite look and feel, or a hardy trooper for the back of the truck or campervan. The design is tough, and during testing, it sustained a few knocks which had little effect on the outer, with the plastic case proving to be extremely robust.

An interesting feature that helps to reinforce the robust nature, are the large rubberised corners, which help protect it as it's moved around. The foldaway handle features a large rubberised grip, making it easy and comfortable to carry in all conditions, although it's worth highlighting it isn't weather proof.

Looking over the casing of the T-1000, everything seems pretty solid; it's just that the design of the casing isn't as refined as much of the competition. All the main sockets are laid out across the front and are clearly labelled, with the DC input for mains charging and the PV input for solar charging port also positioned on the front, making everything easily accessible.

One of the great things about the T-1000's design is its accessibility—nothing is hidden away around the sides, except for the small emergency lamp, which can also be switched on from the front of the unit. Otherwise, everything, from the power switch to the DC, USB, and AC sockets, is laid out in a row, and there's very little here that is difficult or tricky to understand. Simply plug in, push the button to switch, and you have instant power.

A small LED screen is used to monitor power draw. This display is monochrome and shows basic information, such as the remaining battery capacity (marked as a percentage), alongside USB power out, DC power out, AC power out, and the input amounts if you are giving it a quick power charge.

A major design feature is the fact that the top of the portable power station is nice and flat. So, if you're on a building site or using this in the field as a photographer or videographer, it provides a handy flat platform to place your gear. This platform also includes a 15W wireless charging plate, which is useful if you have a mobile phone or other wireless charging device that needs a quick power boost.

• Design: 3.5/5

Grecell T-1000: Features

One of the big features of the T-1000 is its relatively compact size and lightweight. It measures 293 x 200 x 205mm centimetres and weighs just 6kg. Inside, the battery capacity is 999Wh, and it can output up to 1000W with a 2000W surge capacity, which, considering the size, is really quite impressive.

The power is supplied by lithium batteries, which are standard for this type of portable power station, and there's a BMS that provides built-in overload, overcharge, and short-circuit protection.

Taking a look at the port options, there are 4 USB ports, including a USB-C PD 60W and 3 USB Type-A QC 18W. If you really want to put the T-1000 to the test, you can simultaneously power up to 10 devices: 2 AC outputs, the USB-C port mentioned earlier, 3 USB Type-A ports, one wireless charger on top, one carport, and 2 DC outputs. As long as the total combined output of all plugged-in devices does not exceed 1000W, you can use them all at the same time.

Obviously, with that many devices plugged in, the Grecell T-1000 will discharge relatively quickly, so there are options to charge it in three different ways. The first is through the AC adapter supplied with the power station. Then there's the PV input, which allows you to connect solar panels, and finally, there's the car input, enabling you to charge via a 12V source.

• Features: 3.5/5

Grecell T-1000: Performance

When it comes to looking at the T-1000, we've broken down the performance into three different areas: firstly, the design and how it fares when you're carrying the unit around; secondly, the flexibility of use—how easy it is to use all of the ports and sockets available; and finally, the charging capacity and output—does it actually deliver what it claims on the box, and is there anything you should look out for?

Starting with the design, it looks less refined than much of the competition, and it is a little boxy, but it essentially looks like a piece of kit you'd find on a building site. It really matches the drill cases and hard cases you often see with power tools, and as such the T-1000 looks at home in a trade environment. Not only that but with the rubberised corners and tough plastic casing, it feels a little more robust than some others. At the very least, any knocks or scuffs just add to the aesthetic rather than detract from it.

So, while this might not be the first choice for van life enthusiasts or photographers and videographers who prefer their portable power stations to have a little more style, for those working in the trades who aren't as concerned about aesthetics, the T-1000 could be a great option. Then there's the actual size and weight, which is interesting because the size is relatively compact. Compared with some other power stations, it is also relatively lightweight, especially considering its capacity. So again, if you need to carry this power station over short distances, it's far easier than some of the competition, particularly with its large carry handle.

The next part of the test was to see how easy it was to connect various devices. When it comes to the standard DC ports, they're nicely laid out, making it very easy to plug in devices for charging or topping up the battery. Next to the DC port, there are 4 USB ports, which are also well-positioned. While the USB-C port only offers a PD output of 60W, that's more than sufficient to keep a MacBook topped up or to power other devices. The three USB-A ports, each offering 18W, enable you to charge mobile phones and smaller devices without issue. Of course, the AC ports attract the most interest, and with two of them side by side, you can quickly plug in devices and take advantage of mains-style power output, up to 1000W.

That output is more than enough for most devices and appliances you'd use outdoors. While you won't be able to power a household kettle or iron, for most other items—such as blenders, TVs, or projectors—this small power station is more than capable. The only real issue here arises with UK plugs, especially for devices like Apple Mac laptops where the transformer is positioned below the plug. With many other devices using this style of plug, there's simply not enough space between the socket and the surface the power station is resting on to allow the transformer to sit properly. Additionally, the slightly recessed design of the AC ports prevents some plugs from sitting flush against the power station, which means they just can't be plugged in.

The only practical workaround is to use a power adapter: plug the adapter into the power station, and then plug your devices into the adapter to gain more flexibility. This actually works well, and small power adapters can be purchased cheaply, allowing you to connect two or three devices to the adapter and then directly into the T-1000. It handles the power draw remarkably well, as long as the combined output doesn't exceed the 1000W limit.

When used to power multiple devices, the T-1000 is able to charge mobile phones, drones, cameras, and 18V drill batteries without issue and it will run any device that draws less than 1000W. In terms of performance, the T-1000 delivers as advertised, with no notable problems. The only real drawback is its lack of design flair or some of the advanced features found in competing models. However, as a straightforward, solid, and functional power station, it performs very well.

• Performance: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Grecell T-1000?

What the Grecell T-1000 doesn't have in design flair compared to the competition, it makes up for in solid functionality. While it is priced roughly the same, if not a little more than many of its rivals, it offers a reliable solution. The design isn't as aesthetic as many others on the market, but it is robust. If you're working in a trade and are okay with the aesthetics of a device but are concerned about how robust it is, the T-1000 is a great option. The rubberised corners protect it from knocks, and its rugged, utilitarian look means that if it gets dirty, scuffed, or scratched, it's not going to be a major concern.

The design also keeps everything nice and simple. The ports on the front are easily accessible, so if you store it in a van, you won't need to search around the back to access an AC port when you need to charge it. This ease of use is a huge benefit. While the AC ports, especially for UK plugs, are positioned a little low, using an adapter solves this issue, and the ability to plug in multiple devices via an adapter is a practical feature that will appeal to many.

The flat top with wireless charging for mobile phones is also a great addition. Ultimately, the T-1000 is a simple but effective power station. If you're looking for a power station to use on-site, this is a great option. Its robust design might actually give it a slight edge over some of the more refined offerings on the market. However, at its current price, you have market leaders like the Jackery Explorer 1000 on sale for slightly less. With its feature set and similarly robust design, it isn't easy to justify the cost of the T-1000 over those other models.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

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