As much as I like the beefy Bluetti AC70 power stations I use for camping, they do have their girth and weight... sometimes more than I need.
Many of my appliances are less demanding, such as my BodegaCooler, and work great with smaller, more portable units. That's when the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station is the perfect choice.
It's light - only about 10 pounds (but feels less), compact - roughly 10" x 7", and it still packs a punch. So much so, in fact, that I can use it for powering the portable fridge, and also for cooking a pot of rice, recharging the eBike, and topping off a MacBook Air.
In the past, the smaller, more portable power stations were fine for electronic devices and LED lighting. But they often came up short for higher wattage items such as hot water kettles and rice cookers.
That's not the case now with the Elite 30 V2. It punches well above its weight.
Real World Tests of the Bluetti Elite 20 V2
One of my first tests to gauge its muscle was to cook a pot or rice. The Macook portable rice cooker I use draws 200 watts. I loaded it up then plugged it into the Elite 20, and 18 minutes later I had a pot of fluffy Jasmine white rice. I used a little over 20 percent of the Elite's battery.
Next, for the real test, I boiled a pot of water with my Stoke Voltaics Joulle kettle that draws 500 watts. Normally I have to tap a larger power station, such as the AC70, for this task. But the Elite 30 V2 has 600 watts output, plus power boost. I filled the kettle and fired it up.
Within a few seconds the kettle was drawing 476 watts from the Elite 20 V2. And a few moments later, I had boiling water for a cup of Jasmine Green Tea. The power station capacity started at 78 percent and was reading 61 percent as the tea was steeping.
I was impressed. I've never been able to use the Joulle kettle with a 288Wh power station before. I always had to pack something bigger. Now, with the Elite 30 V2, I can travel much lighter for day trips, and still have the power I need for cooking, coffee, and tea.
Another handy option for this compact power station is the BodegaCooler 36L Portable Refrigerator stashed in the back of the VW ID.4. When I'm not using the fridge, I can store the petite Elite 30 V2 inside the fridge compartment. When it's time to chill out for a road trip, pull out the Bluetti, plug in the BodegaCooler, and enjoy a days worth or refrigeration in the back of the SUV.
Features and Specifications
With a total output power of 600W-120V-5A, the Elite 20 V2 can power most appliances without needing its power boost (that's listed as 1500 watts, although I did not test that limit). Its USB-C ports are beefy: 1 x 100W max and 1 x 140W max. My MacBook Air M4 refuels quickly via USB-C using this power station.
The LiFePO battery has 3,000+ cycle lifespan (to 80 percent original capacity.) It has fast AC input, with bypass. I generally recharge my Bluetti with a 100-watt solar panel, also with bypass so I can use the battery and charge it at the same time.
The smartphone app works great allowing for customizing the settings and keeping track of the unit's status.
Bottom Line
The Bluetti Elite 30 V2 provides impressive performance for a small form factor power station. In addition to keeping mobile devices topped off, it's terrific for portable fridges, hot water kettles, and cooking units that require 600 watts or less of power.
The Elite 30 recharges quickly via AC input (80 percent in 45 minutes) and is compatible with solar panels. The buttons, LCD interface, and smartphone app are easy to use.
And best of all, the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 is super portable. It fits practically everywhere from a standard daypack to behind the seat of your car.
It won't replace your more heavy-duty 1,000 Wh units for big jobs, but for day trips, overnights, and around the house, it's a wonderful combination of power and portability. And at at $219, you can't beat the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 for value.
Highly recommended.
Other Articles in This Series
The Stoke Voltaics Nomad Cooking System Review - Camp Meals Reinvented
The Bluetti AC70 Power Station Review - Off-the-Grid Freedom.
Perfect for SUV Camping - The Bodegacooler 36L Car Refrigerator Review.
Roadtripping with the BODEGAcooler Mini 12V Portable Fridge/Freezer - A Review.
Hot Coffee, Soup, on the Road with this Portable Electric Kettle.
A Hands-On Review of the TentBox Go Roof Top Tent.
The BodegaCooler Dual-Door 48-Quart Review.
The Hele Box Car Camping Platform Review.
Author's Note
The links in this article are included as a convenience for the reader. They are affiliate links, and they help support my research and publishing. Thank you for using them.
