Buzz
As battery technology advances, preparing for power outages caused by severe weather and other emergencies has become easier. This is especially important as weather patterns become more unpredictable. Keeping your devices powered to stay informed about emergencies, provide lighting, and tune into the radio in case internet or cellular service is unavailable is a critical part of being ready. Ryobi offers a Storm Combo Kit that helps tackle various aspects of emergency preparedness.
The battery
With the included battery and charger, this kit is an excellent value at $129. A battery and charger separately would cost around $55 to $75, so getting the entire kit for $130 is a great bargain. However, having only one battery may not be ideal, especially if you don’t already use Ryobi batteries. If you don’t have an existing battery system, I recommend purchasing an additional battery with this kit.
The inverter
The inverter with USB ports enables charging devices and powering small accessories, but it’s not designed to replace a generator for larger equipment. It doesn’t generate enough power for items like heaters or electric stoves. However, its portability makes it ideal for emergencies, especially when evacuation is necessary. For long-term use, though, it’s not sufficient. It’s priced around $100 on its own, so including it in a kit is a great value.
The area light
The area light offers three brightness levels and can last up to 48 hours on the low setting, providing reliable illumination. Additionally, it features two USB charging ports for added convenience. Its portability makes it a great choice for both emergency lighting at home and as part of a portable emergency kit. On its own, it costs around $40, but as part of the kit, it’s a fantastic deal.
The radio and speaker
The Bluetooth speaker and radio add significant value to this emergency kit, helping you stay connected for both emergency updates and entertainment during a power outage. The speaker boasts a 175-foot Bluetooth range and can operate for up to 32 hours on a single charge. Even if internet and cellular networks go down due to weather conditions, the radio ensures you remain informed with emergency broadcasts. This component would cost around $60 if purchased separately.
The takeaway
The main benefits of the Ryobi 3-in-1 storm kit are its portability and impressive battery life. However, the power source isn’t capable of powering large appliances or electric heaters, and it only comes with one battery, which means you’ll need to disconnect devices to charge it. If purchased separately, the components would total around $255 to $275, making the kit a 50% savings. Plus, it comes with a convenient carrying case for easy transport on road trips or camping.
Tips for using your storm kit
Using your emergency kit is straightforward as long as your battery is pre-charged. For more flexibility, it’s a good idea to have two (or more) batteries so you can use the kit for both charging and powering a light or speaker at the same time, doubling the battery life. If you already own a Ryobi battery system, you can use your extra tool batteries, provided they’re accessible. To extend battery life, store batteries off the charger in a dry place at temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
