Recent extreme weather patterns across the country are a stark reminder of just how vulnerable everyone is to a power outage. And it’s not just me. Hardly anyone is immune with a 64% increase in power outages over the last 10 years, and 84% of them weather related. Enter 4Patriots and their new Blackout Buddy Emergency Power Supply.
The Blackout Buddy is a brand-new backup power supply that delivers instant power. With a 20 millisecond response and 600 watts of continuous power, it is ideal for powering the fridge and household devices during a power outage. The 4Patriots new Blackout Buddy Emergency Power Supply is the perfect set it and forget it blackout protection.
First Impressions and Setup:
I’ve dealt with enough power outages to know they rarely happen at a convenient time. It’s usually late at night, during a storm, or right in the middle of something important. In the past, that meant scrambling in the dark and stubbing my toes. It also meant trying to grab a flashlight, check my phone battery, and hoping the fridge would hold its temperature until the power returned.
And that’s exactly what makes the 4Patriots Blackout Buddy Emergency Power Supply so appealing. The Blackout Buddy provides convenient and nearly instant power when I need it most. No dragging out the noisy and smelly generator. No having to worry when the power goes out while I’m away. Just pure convenience and peace of mind.
The Blackout Buddy is so intuitive I hardly need the directions (although they are extremely clear and helpful). I simply take it out of the box, plug it into the wall, and then plug my fridge into one of the two outlets on the Blackout Buddy. It is truly that simple. The pass-through technology keeps the Blackout Buddy fully charged while also running my fridge (or other device). When the power goes out the Blackout Buddy immediately switches on to power the fridge.
Design and Fit:
The Blackout Buddy looks a little like a 1980’s VCR in terms of size. Which means it fits perfectly tucked above a fridge. It can also stand on its side and conveniently fit alongside or behind most furniture (or even under a bed). At just 2.5 inches thick it can stand upright, lay flat, or even mount on a wall discreetly (although it does weigh about 35lbs.). The brushed metal gives it a sleek look so even if its visible, it isn’t unsightly or giving off extreme prepper vibes.
Additionally, the Blackout Buddy is designed to connect, or stack, up to three additional units for four times the power supply. The Blackout Buddy is also designed to be compatible with solar panels (4Patriots 100-watt or 200-watt solar panels not included). The unit uses LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate), which is known for being more stable and longer-lasting than standard lithium-ion batteries. Perhaps the most impressive feature is that the Blackout Buddy is designed to last for 4,000 blackouts. That’s like having a blackout a day for 11 years!
Use:
It isn’t long after setting up the Blackout Buddy that I find out what a relief it is having it. I’m away on spring break with my family and hear that a storm is ripping through our area. No worries about coming home to a stinky fridge full of ruined food. Just peace of mind and an update the next day from a local family member that all is well.
Just days after returning home we are awakened by sirens and a tornado touching down close to our house. Rather than thinking about all the things I need power for, I can simply focus on what’s most important. I get my family to our secure location and know Blackout Buddy has the rest of my important power needs covered. Plus, I have the peace of mind that if something happens we still have access to power to charge our phones.
After spending some time with the 4Patriots Blackout Buddy, and more importantly, using it during a real outage, I can say it changed how I think about backup power.
Day-to-Day Practicality:
When it comes to backup power for my house, I’m not looking for anything overly complicated. I just want something reliable that will keep a few essentials running without turning my house into a construction zone with a loud generator. There is something to be said for silence. I’ve used gas generators before; they’re loud, bulky, and require fuel management. The Blackout Buddy is quiet and doesn’t produce fumes, which makes it worry free for indoor use.
I also like that it doesn’t feel overly technical. There’s no complicated setup process or steep learning curve. It’s essentially plug-and-play, which makes the Blackout Buddy accessible even without experience with backup power systems.
There are a few things worth keeping in mind. The Blackout Buddy is good for up to 600 watts with an initial startup surge of 1100 watts. It’s not designed to power high-demand systems like central air conditioning or large electric heaters. I still need to be realistic about what I’m running. However, it will run my refrigerator for 12 hours continuously, or up to 36 hours with cycling. While it is portable, it’s not something to casually carry around all the time. It’s better suited as a dedicated home backup solution. I don’t have any complaints about the Blackout Buddy, except that I am looking forward to when they release an even more powerful version capable of powering other key household items like a well pump or septic lift station!
Summary:
Overall, the 4Patriots Blackout Buddy Emergency Power Supply is one of the more practical additions I’ve made to my home. What stands out most is how it removes the urgency from power outages. Instead of reacting and scrambling, I already have a system in place that keeps things running.
It’s not about having power for everything, it’s about having power for what matters most. After using it during real outages, the biggest benefit isn’t just power. It’s the peace of mind that comes with knowing I’m prepared, and that when the lights go out, my home doesn’t immediately follow.
For those seeking peace of mind, reliable energy in a power outage, and a safe set it and forget it back up power solution – the 4Patriots Blackout Buddy is for you!