Are you in search of a high-performance portable power solution that can keep your devices and appliances running no matter where you wander? Look no further than the Jackery Explorer 1000. As a digital technology expert with a passion for off-grid energy solutions, I‘ve put this power station through its paces and come away extremely impressed. In this comprehensive review, I‘ll dive into the Explorer 1000‘s key specifications, performance, build quality, user experience, and overall value to help you decide if it‘s the right portable power companion for your needs.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Explorer 1000, I was struck by its sleek, modern design. The dark gray and orange color scheme is attractive without being flashy, and the plastic body has a nice textured finish that feels good in the hand. At first glance, the unit appears quite compact for a 1000Wh power station, measuring just 13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 inches.
Jackery includes everything you need to get started in the box:
- Explorer 1000 power station
- AC and car charging cables
- Accessory pouch
- User manual
The Explorer 1000 is also packaged securely, with ample padding to protect it during shipping.
Weight and Portability
Of course, the first thing I wanted to assess was the Explorer 1000‘s portability. Lifting it out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised by how manageable the unit‘s 22 lb (10 kg) weight felt. The built-in carry handle is sturdy and well-balanced, allowing me to carry the power station one-handed without strain.
To put the Explorer 1000‘s weight into perspective, here‘s how it stacks up against some other popular 1000Wh range power stations:
| Model | Weight |
|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 1000 | 22 lbs |
| Goal Zero Yeti 1000X | 31.7 lbs |
| EcoFlow Delta 1300 | 30.9 lbs |
| Bluetti EB150 | 37.9 lbs |
As you can see, the Explorer 1000 is on the lighter end of the spectrum, making it one of the most portable options in its class. This is thanks in part to Jackery‘s use of high energy density lithium-ion NMC battery cells, which provide an impressive capacity-to-weight ratio.
While 22 lbs is still a substantial weight, it‘s manageable for most adults to carry the Explorer 1000 short distances. I wouldn‘t want to hike miles into the backcountry with it, but for car camping, tailgating, or moving it around a work site, the Explorer 1000 is perfectly portable.
Charging Performance
The Jackery Explorer 1000 offers three main charging methods: AC wall outlet, 12V car outlet, and solar input. Here‘s a breakdown of the charging specs and performance:
AC Charging
- Input: 90W, 57.6V-60V
- Adapter model: FY2400200
- 0-80%: ~4 hrs
- 0-100%: ~7 hrs
Using the included AC charging brick, I was able to fully top up the Explorer 1000‘s battery from near empty in just over 7 hours, matching Jackery‘s rated charge time. This is reasonably quick for a 1002Wh capacity battery and on par with other power stations in this size class. The unit does generate some heat during fast charging, but the built-in cooling fans keep temperatures well within the safe operating range.
Car Charging
- Input: 12V/10A
- 0-100%: ~14 hrs
Charging the Explorer 1000 from a 12V car outlet is significantly slower than AC charging due to the lower input current. In my testing, car charging from empty took around 14 hours, which could be inconvenient on shorter road trips. However, it‘s still a useful option to have for topping up the battery while driving between campsites or when AC power isn‘t available.
Solar Charging
- Max input: 30-100V, 10A
- Connector: 8mm
- 0-80% (with 2x100W panels): ~4 hrs
- 0-100% (with 2x100W panels): ~8 hrs
One of the Explorer 1000‘s standout features is its built-in MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controller, which optimizes solar charging efficiency. With a max solar input of 200W, the Explorer 1000 can be fully recharged in a respectable 8 hours of good sunlight when paired with two of Jackery‘s SolarSaga 100W folding panels.
I tested the Explorer 1000 with a pair of SolarSaga panels and was impressed by the system‘s performance. The monocrystalline panels are well-built, efficient (up to 23%), and easy to deploy. With full sun exposure, I consistently saw solar input ranging from 130-200W, in line with Jackery‘s specs. The MPPT controller does a great job of extracting the maximum available power from the panels, even in partially cloudy or lower light conditions.
The option to recharge the Explorer 1000 from clean, renewable solar energy is a huge plus for off-grid adventurers, vanlifers, and anyone looking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. With a decent amount of solar input, it‘s possible to run the Explorer 1000 indefinitely without ever plugging into the grid.
Battery Capacity and Cycle Life
At the heart of the Explorer 1000 is a 1002Wh (21.6V, 46.4Ah) lithium-ion NMC battery pack. This is a high energy density chemistry that provides an excellent balance of capacity, weight, and cycle life.
Under normal use, Jackery rates the Explorer 1000‘s battery for 500+ complete charge cycles before it degrades to 80% of its original capacity. This is fairly standard for lithium-ion batteries and works out to several years of regular use for most people. With proper care and storage, it‘s possible to extend the battery‘s lifespan even further.
To maximize your Explorer 1000‘s cycle life, I recommend:
- Avoiding complete 100% discharges when possible
- Recharging the battery to at least 50% before long-term storage
- Keeping the unit in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures
- Using solar panels to limit the number of full AC charge cycles
Output Performance and Inverter Quality
Of course, a portable power station is only as good as its ability to, well, power your stuff. Fortunately, the Explorer 1000 delivers in spades when it comes to output performance.
With a continuous rating of 1000W and a 2000W surge capacity, the Explorer 1000‘s pure sine wave inverter can handle demanding appliances like power tools, blenders, and even some portable air conditioners and heaters. The inverter produces clean, stable power with less than 3% total harmonic distortion (THD), making it safe for sensitive electronics like computers and medical devices.
In my testing, I had no trouble running a variety of devices and appliances from the Explorer 1000, including:
- Laptop and tablet charging
- Running a 12V portable fridge
- Powering a 700W coffee maker
- Charging several USB devices simultaneously
- Running a nebulizer and CPAP machine
The Explorer 1000 had ample power for all these tasks, with enough headroom to support brief surges when appliances first turn on. The 3x 110V AC outlets, 2x USB-C ports, 2x USB-A ports, and 12V car port offer lots of flexibility for charging a wide array of devices.
Here are some common appliances and devices you can run with the Explorer 1000, along with estimated runtimes:
| Device | Estimated Runtime |
|---|---|
| Laptop (50W) | 20 hrs |
| 32" LED TV (60W) | 14 hrs |
| Mini fridge (60W) | 16 hrs |
| CPAP machine (40W) | 24 hrs |
| Portable heater (500W) | 1.5 hrs |
| Power tool (900W) | 1 hr |
*Runtimes are approximate and may vary based on actual device wattage and battery condition
The Explorer 1000‘s inverter also supports pass-through charging, meaning you can power devices from the unit while it‘s plugged in and recharging. This is handy for running electronics during an outage without draining the battery. Just keep in mind that pass-through charging will generate extra heat and may shorten the inverter‘s lifespan if used constantly.
Build Quality and Reliability
Jackery has a reputation for producing well-engineered, reliable products, and the Explorer 1000 is no exception. The unit feels solid and sturdy, with high-quality plastics, tight fitment of parts, and no concerning rattles or creaks.
All the ports and controls are clearly labeled and easy to use. The LCD display is crisp and provides useful info like input/output wattage, battery percentage, and estimated runtime. The cooling fans are relatively quiet and only kick on when needed to regulate internal temperatures.
The Explorer 1000 is backed by a 2-year limited warranty, which is double the industry standard for portable power stations. Jackery also has a responsive customer support team and a growing network of service centers, so you can buy with confidence.
While the Explorer 1000 is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, it‘s important to note that it is not fully waterproof or dustproof. The unit is rated IP21, meaning it can resist light splashing and rain, but it should not be submerged or exposed to heavy downpours. If using the Explorer 1000 in wet or dusty environments, be sure to protect it with a cover or store it in a dry location when not in use.
Pros and Cons
To sum up, here are the key strengths and weaknesses of the Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power station:
Pros
- High capacity 1002Wh lithium battery can power a wide range of devices
- Relatively lightweight and compact design for a 1000Wh class power station
- 1000W pure sine wave inverter provides clean, reliable power
- Multiple output ports for charging a variety of electronics
- Fast AC charging and efficient MPPT solar charging
- Informative LCD display and user-friendly controls
- Sturdy construction and backed by a 2-year warranty
Cons
- 22 lb weight may be too heavy for some users to carry long distances
- Not fully waterproof or dustproof (IP21 rating)
- Slightly less capacity than some competing 1000Wh power stations
- Expansion batteries and chaining multiple units not supported
Accessories and Add-Ons
Jackery offers a range of accessories to enhance your Explorer 1000 experience, including:
-
SolarSaga 100W Folding Solar Panel: Pair one or two of these monocrystalline panels with your Explorer 1000 for efficient off-grid charging. The panels fold down to a compact size for easy transport and feature built-in kickstands for optimal angle adjustment.
-
Explorer 1000 Carrying Case: Protect your power station from bumps, scrapes, and the elements with this form-fitted EVA hard shell case. The case features a storage pocket for cables and accessories, plus a shoulder strap for easy carrying.
-
Car Charging Cable: For vehicles with a 12V lighter socket, this cable lets you charge your Explorer 1000 on the go. Also available in a version compatible with 12V Anderson Powerpole ports.
Conclusion
After extensively testing the Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power station, I can confidently say it‘s one of the best options on the market for mobile power users. With its high-capacity battery, versatile array of output ports, fast charging options, and reliable build quality, the Explorer 1000 is well-equipped to keep your devices and appliances running in any situation.
While it may be overkill for those who just need to charge a phone or laptop occasionally, the Explorer 1000 really shines for demanding users who need to power multiple devices for extended periods away from the grid. It‘s an excellent choice for vanlifers, frequent campers, outdoor professionals, disaster preppers, and anyone who values the freedom to stay powered up no matter where they roam.
If you‘re in the market for a dependable, high-performance portable power solution, the Jackery Explorer 1000 should absolutely be on your shortlist. Jackery‘s commitment to renewable energy solutions, top-notch customer support, and industry-leading warranty coverage make the Explorer 1000 a smart investment for all your off-grid power needs.
