Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core Portable Power Station Review

Whether you require power while camping or simply looking for a reliable emergency power supply, Goal Zero Yeti 1000 core portable power station helps you. It keeps all your essential devices charged on the go. The support for multiple options to deliver power depicts its versatility. Some of portable power stations from Goal Zero even support fast charging.

The compact size confirms that it can fit perfectly in a car. So, you can always keep your power-hungry devices charged during long road trips. Despite being capable to provide massive power output, Goal Zero Yeti 1000 core doesn’t generate fumes or pollution. Get acquainted with one of the best portable power stations as discussed in the following Goal Zero Yeti 1000 core portable power station review.

Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core Portable Power Station

The exceptional aspect of this Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core portable power station is it is equipped with a battery with a whopping capacity i.e. 1000Wh. This capacity is adequate to power large appliances or those appliances that operate at huge power.  For tailgating, camping, emergencies, etc., this Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core proves to be a practical solution. The ability to work with solar panels lets you use it as a solar generator charging station box.

The availability of 7 ports indicates versatility because you can power various types of devices. The wide assortment of adapter inputs and outputs ports suggests that Yeti 1000 Core portable power station is versatile. Multiple output ports imply that this unit is a perfect portable backup battery power supply for most of your needs.

Built-in 1200W inverter (2400W surge) can handle small appliances and power-hungry devices as well. So, you can connect laptops, phones, coffee makers, portable fridges, etc. To avoid instability issues, rubber feet are equipped on the bottom. At the front and the back of the unit, an 8mm input is available. It is important to note that if you are using both ports then the power will be taken from the front first by default.

The LCD screen comes with a backlit which you can activate by pressing the ‘Light’ button. This screen depicts various parameters. The input parameter shows the amount of power fed into the 500X during charging. The output parameter shows the amount of power being used by your devices when plugged in. From the battery icon, you can know battery level, indicated as 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% capacity. Also, the display can show you the percentage of battery left.

Key Features

• It can power various types of devices through its 7 ports.
• Available ports are a regulated 12V port, multiple USB-A ports, 60W USB-C Power Delivery port (fast-charging), and two 120V AC ports.
• The built-in 120W power supply connects to the 8mm charging port for recharging the power station in 9 hours.
• It can be used while charging.

Final Thoughts

From the above Goal Zero Yeti 1000 core portable power station review, it becomes quite clear to pick the most suitable power station meeting your needs. It is competent enough to power various types of devices at once. For instant power supply anywhere & anytime, this equipment proves to be so much reliable. Goal Zero Yeti 1000 core keeps your electronics and other appliances charged and running for a long time.

Top 8 Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core Portable Power Station Reviews

1. A worthy power station – Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core

I was surprised about some of the critical reviews found here on Amazon as the Yeti 1000 Core is a GREAT battery. Let me address some as a few appear to be trolls:

– “Yeti 1000 bought in 2017”: That is an entirely different product than the Yeti 1000 Core. Further, lithium-ion batteries should NEVER be left at 0% for prolonged periods as that can result in them no longer working. Owner allowing the battery to discharge to 0% for a long time should not blame the manufacturer. That is just how Li-ion works.

– “Road trip with 12V fridge”: Yes, it takes a long time to recharge 1,000Wh. The amount of time it takes for the battery to deplete depends on how much power a car freezer users. Generally, about 45W to power the compressor, virtually 0W when temp has been reached. To charge faster, consider a high-powered solar panel or GZ’s own 12V car charger that can charge at 120W at 10A.

– “Air quality test”: I agree. The 1000 Core smells of “new electronics”. This goes away over time, but I never found it to be “toxic”. I’m not sure how a 120W wall charger can trip a 400W inverter in the car. I charge at 120W via the GZ 12V car charger at 10A all the time.

– “Won’t last a year. GZ won’t support”: Probably a troll as the same, “unverified purchase” review was left for several of GZ’s products. There’s a 2-year, no-question warranty policy and they had been great with my support requests.

This is an in-depth review of the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core with comparisons against the Yeti 1000x and Jackery Explorer 1000. The 1000Wh battery capacity hits the sweet spot for many consumers for the right balance of power and portability. With the launch of the 1000 Core at the same price point as the Jackery Explorer 1000, GZ made available a compelling, lower-priced product that turned many heads. It certainly did mine! Is it better than the Explorer 1000? Let’s look at the differences between the 1000X and 1000 Core first.

The new 1000 Core model retains the same dimensions and ports as its flagship sibling, but at a reduced price of $999, a slightly smaller AC inverter (1,200W continuous, 2,400W peak), and a lower, maximum charging input of 300W. It also loses support for the Yeti Link expansion module that would have allowed it to be extended with the Yeti Tank expansion batteries, or integrated with the Home or Vehicle with the appropriate kits. In other words, it is GZ’s direct answer to the Jackery Explorer 1000 as a standalone power station.

When considering whether the 1000X or 1000 Core is better, I recommend the Core for most consumers who do not need to integrate their battery with a vehicle or home, or to support more high-powered devices or appliances. The X would be for those who want to be able to extend its capacity with more batteries, integrate into the home in case of a power outage, or vehicle for those living the nomadic “RV” life. It would also be for those who need the higher AC Inverter output of 1,500W (continuous) or 3,000W (peak) for more demanding power tools or appliances. Both power stations are fully solar-charging capable and have an efficient, integrated MPPT solar charge controller, although the 1000x can be juiced with more powerful solar panels for faster charging at up to 600W (versus the Core’s 300W).

Between the Jackery Explorer 1000 and 1000 Core, the differences are less pronounced. As previously stated, both are priced the same at $999, and even though the Explorer has a negligible 19Wh battery capacity advantage, its AC Inverter is less powerful with a continuous output of 1,000W (2,000W peak) than the Core’s 1,200W (2,400W peak). Essentially, the Yeti can drive more higher-powered devices and appliances. Also of some importance is that the Yeti can be charged faster at up to 300W versus the Explorer’s 200W, but is heavier at 31.7 lbs than the latter’s weight of 22 lbs, a 44% difference. This is likely due to GZ using better quality components (like a metallic enclosure instead of hard plastic). At one point, both companies used Tier 1 battery cells manufactured by LG, but Jackery switched to Chinese BAK Battery last year. Both power stations are essentially similar in overall size.

2. The right size for power and portability

I have had a smaller Yeti (150) from Goal Zero for years and love it. Not just for power outages – I use it when I need a spare plug rather than tripping myself or burning the house down with extension cords. But I wanted something bigger that would be even more useful in a power outage and has a full 110v outlet to run a wider ranger of things. This does it well! It is getting on the hefty side for moving around. I don’t think I would want to go bigger for my extension cord substitute approach. But I can buy extra power banks later. The packaging was phenomenal for handling the heavier load. It can be pricy, but I watched for sales and an apparent price war on Amazon with another brand. Other big plus – made in Utah – no shipping delays.

3. Great for my power needs – Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core

I’m really happy, especially after running overnight with my CPAP. It gives me a lot of things I can do that were not so easy with SLA 12v batteries. It has run my kitchen refrigerator just fine for several hours after running my CPAP for a typical night (7 hours), no problem. This is a ton more capacity than my old Yeti 400 even with a new battery, yet weighs less. It is especially importan that I will get many more charge cycles than with SLA, plus I do not have to keep it fully charged as much of the time as possible.

There are some downsides like I don’t have an expansion port to increase the capacity, or apparently it is not servicable as far as replacing the lithium cells (but I’ll probably find a way when cells lose capacity). I tried a fairly small toaster oven, but it took like 1260W and I decided heating is better done with fire and not using your precious battery capacity. It’s just more efficient burning something like propane.

Overall, I think I will love Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core for a long time, it feels quite durable but lighter than the one with only 35aH 12v.

4. Don’t believe everything you read on bad reviews

These batteries are excellent GoalZero customer service is also second to none. Don’t believe everything you read on the one star reviews in amazon. The inverter and even the housing on this product is excellent. Housing is made of aluminum. It serves it as a heat sink, Many others in the competition use plastic. Competition – Nothing wrong with plastic just don’t drop it it will break or crack. Quality of components in this battery is also excellent. Don’t believe all the hype of life cycles. It is a great battery.

5. High quality power on demand.

My review plus some specs and charge times (below).

I’ve had the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core for a few months and very pleased. It was able to handle very large power draws no problem, and the power output is clean for sensitive electronics. In the film making world this is critical and worth the extra cost for something that works. It’s only limitations are mainly with the lithium technology as it is, ie limited lifecycles, charge time etc. The strong smell from other reviews was not so bad in my experience and went away fairly quickly. Was a non issue for me even when kept in a small room.

I was able to adapt it to an aftermarket panel very easily, and it keeps it maintained at 100% (or sometimes 94% which is apparently normal for longevity). All in all it’s a powerful tool that I’m grateful to have and excited to use further!

Here are some specs I sourced that were useful to know:

• 120V AC (pure sine) 120VAC 60Hz,10A 1200W, and 2400W surge
• USB-A Ports 5V, up to 2.4A (12W max), Regulated
• USB-C Port 5 – 12V, up to 3.0A (18W max), Regulated
• USB-PD Port (input/output) 5 – 20V, up to 3.0A (60W max), Regulated
• 6mm Port (output, 6mm) 12V, up to 10A (120W max) Regulated
• 12V Car Port 12V, up to 15A (180W max)
• 12V High Power Port HPP (output) 12V, up to 15A (180W max)

Charge times

• Wall Charger (120W) 9 hrs
• Solar 50 = 24-48 hrs
• Solar 100 =12-24 hrs
• Solar 200 = 6-12 hrs
• Solar 300 = 4 hrs
• Car Charger (120W) = 9 hrs

Yes, you can use your devices and charge you’re Yeti at the same time. Having your Goal Zero Yeti connected to a power source, like a solar panel or wall plug, between adventures or while in storage keeps its battery healthy and topped off. This prolongs battery life and will ensure your Goal Zero Yeti is charged and ready to go all day, every day

6. Works great in conjunction with the Goal Zero 200W Briefcase Solar Panel

Bought Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core mainly for emergency use, but also occasional off-grid needs. First test was to hook it up to a RecTeq Bullseye wood pellet smoker/grill. Using the Power Station in conjunction with the solar panel, was able to get a net positive charge while running the smoker (in other words, it was charging faster than the smoker was drawing power). This was on a mostly sunny/partly cloudy day, with a little bit of shade on the panel. Granted, the power station and solar panel are brand new, but they seem pretty solid and well built. So far it seems like a good investment.

7. Fantastic – Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core

Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core is a great little unit. Feels very high quality. It provides every last bit of the claimed capacity, and the inverter uses very little power. The shape allows storing items on top of it, which is ideal for tight spaces like a camper van, and the handles are really comfortable. Getting this instead of 1000x makes perfect sense unless you need more than 1000w inverter + expansion pack capability, since the price difference is significant.

8. I use these

I have been a Goal Zero customer and fan for many years. I needed to replace some batteries that were stolen during a burglary, however the Goal Zero website was out of stock, so I ordered this one. It works as well as all my other ones. I travel for a living and keep several of these around that I use often. It is a little heavier than you would expect, however not so much that I can’t move it when I really want to. This version also allows me to charge faster than the older versions, which is coming in really handy.

Enjoyed this Goal Zero Yeti 1000 core review? Then be sure to check out the other guide of the Best 300W Portable Power Station.