Disclosure: BLUETTI gifted me this power station for review purposes. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I am a huge fan of BLUETTI portable power stations, so when they reached out to ask if I wanted to review their new model (the BLUETTI Elite 100 Mini Power Station), you know my answer was an immediate yes.
I put this unit to the test during a monthlong road trip from my home in southern Ontario to Yellowknife, and down through British Columbia to see if this compact battery backup lives up to the hype. Here is my honest review of the BLUETTI Elite 100 Mini.
âš¡ Quick Recommendation: Looking to grab the BLUETTI Elite 100 Mini?
Buy Link: Check Price on BLUETTI’s Official Site
MSRP
- Elite 100 Mini: CAD $549
- Elite 100 Mini + 130W Solar Panel: CAD $769
- Elite 100 Mini + 220W Solar Panel: CAD $1,049
- Elite 100 Mini + Charger 1 Alternator Charger: CAD $819
Exclusive Discount: Use code BLUETTICAPR5 at checkout to save 5% on all BLUETTI products!
First Impressions: Heavy Duty & Compact Build
The first thing I noticed when the package arrived was that the box felt much heavier than I expected. This was not due to excessive packaging material: the power station itself has some serious weight to it. When I placed it on my scale, it came in at around 22 lbs (I say “around” because my scale is notoriously fussy, but 22 lbs feels accurate!).
Despite its weight, it features a compact footprint with a vertical design. I found this tall, narrow structure significantly easier to pack into a crowded car trunk for road trips where space is always at a premium. The integrated handle also makes it easy to move around camp. It wasn’t until the end of the trip that I realized there was a recessed groove in the bottom. This made it easier to carry the weight with both hands. It measures 9″ wide by 8.5″ deep by 12″ tall (23 × 22 × 30 cm).
Features, Outlets, and Built-In Light
This portable power station features a 1004.8Wh LiFePO4 battery and 700W continuous AC output (plus a 1400W Power-Lifting mode).
The front panel of the BLUETTI Elite 100 Mini is loaded with versatile charging ports:
- 2 x USB-C ports (140W and 65W)
- 1 x USB-A port (15W)
- 1 x 12V/10A DC car socket
- 2 x 12V/8A ports
- 3 x AC wall outlets (120V/700W – Pure Sine Wave)
Located right above the outlets is a built-in LED light bar. A word of warning: do not look directly at the light bar to check if it’s turned on! It is extremely bright and if it’s on, you will definitely know.
The front also features a clear digital display showing real-time input/output wattage and current battery percentage. The screen automatically dims to save energy, but you can easily reactivate it by pressing any button.
How it Worked
The buttons are not exactly intuitive: you have to turn on the main power button and then turn on the AC or DC depending on what ports you are using. And, I’m assuming this is to prevent accidentally turning on or off the power, it means you have to give a short then long push on the power which can be a little finicky. The ports aren’t grouped like other BLUETTI power stations with a line and the button incorporated. However, they have labelled each port as AC or DC so that makes it bit easier if you can read them. The way that I remembered it was that if it was a plug, it’s AC; everything else was DC.
I was constantly using the power Elite 100 mini to charge my devices and I only needed to charge it once on the entire trip. For me, that’s a huge win.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact Footprint: Takes up minimal floor space in tents, cars, or RVs.
- Rugged & Durable: Mine survived being shoved in my trunk for weeks without a scratch.
- Versatile Power Options: Multiple charging input ports (AC wall outlet, 12V car charger, and solar panels).
- Illuminated Buttons: Power buttons light up so you know exactly which ports are active.
- App-Free Operation: Works completely standalone (no smartphone app required to access main features). However there is a BLUETTI app if you prefer remote monitoring.
- Powerful Emergency Light: Great for illumination during blackouts or night camping.
Cons
- Weight: At ~22 lbs, it feels a bit heavy for ultra-portable carry.
- Learning Curve for AC/DC Toggles: The AC/DC button setup isn’t completely intuitive at first (I had to consult the user manual to figure it out).
- Solar Connector Compatibility: Uses an updated solar input port, meaning older-generation solar panels won’t plug in.
Final Verdict: Is the BLUETTI Elite 100 Mini Worth It?
This power station is an absolute BEAST! Between the long battery life, rugged durability, and array of charging ports, it easily earns a spot on my recommended gear list for road trips, camping, and home emergency backup.
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