The BLUETTI AC240 Power Station is Built Confidently for Outdoors

Here at NerdTechy, we’ve had the opportunity to take a close look at some of the latest power stations to hit the market. One of these is the latest release from BLUETTI – the AC240.

The BLUETTI AC240 is unlike any other power station I’ve tested in the past. Mainly because it’s IP65 water and dust resistant. In essence, you can expose it to an outdoor environment and not worry about its integrity.

In addition, it boasts a large capacity that’s fully expandable, a UPS function, app connectivity, and more. But rather than re-hashing all of the selling points, I’m going to strictly focus on what I liked and what I didn’t like about it during my three weeks of hands-on testing. If you prefer a video version of this review, see below. If text is more of your jam, read-on…

What I Liked

• Built to withstand outdoor use – Since the AC240 is IP65 rated, you can rest assured knowing that it’ll hold up to an outdoor environment with ease. Essentially, it’s sealed for water/moisture and dirt ingress with rubber flaps covering every input/output. You can expose it to rain, sleet, snow, or a dusty desert environment without any worry. This is the first power station with this kind of capacity that’s able to be kept outdoors without any need to cover it up.

• Large capacity that’s fully expandable – Internally, there’s 1,536Wh of capacity, which is enough “juice” for weekend excursions or week-long power outages (with some conservation). Best of all, users are able to add-on additional capacity by pairing it with up to four individual B210 battery modules, resulting in a total capacity of 10,136Wh. In addition, this can be connected in parralel to another AC240 + 4x B210 modules for a massive 20,272Wh capacity and 4,800W / 120V power.

• Large AC output capability – There’s a built-in AC inverted that supports a draw of up to 2,400W with standard operation. And if “power lifting mode” is activated within the app, this can increase to 3,600W. This kind of output is massive, able to support virtually any and all small appliances such as microwaves, hair dryers, and even space heaters.

• Intuitive app – The BLUETTI app works excellent in all regards. It’s a well-rounded, well-designed app that’s packed full of features that are not only fun but practical for a wide range of scenarios. I spent hours combing through the app and never had it crash, fail, or go haywire. Simply put, some apps aren’t ready for primetime, but the BLUETTI app seems to have been designed quite well.

• Quiet, emission-free operation – It goes without saying, there’s no gas or oil to deal with like a standard generator. This means no fumes or prolonged cost for operation. Just re-charge it as needed and you’re good to go. Best of all, there’s virtually no noise output to speak of, other than a couple cooling fans that automatically kick-on when needed. Even under a heavy load, the fans don’t become too loud, which is a nice bonus for those who prefer a quiet campsite.

• Fast re-charging – Whether you opt to charge it from a standard wall outlet or via solar, the power input is substantial. It’s easy to achieve a full re-charge in just over an hour with an AC connection. If solar is preferred, it supports up to 1,200W, which is much more than most other power stations of this caliber can handle.

• Charging input connector – BLUETTI implemented a newly designed connection point between the input cables and the unit itself. It’s a twist-lock mechanism that snaps into place when plugged-in. This locks it into place so the cable cannot accidently be unattached. To do so, it requires a slight twist and pull, rather than just a pull. It’s a pretty intuitive (and smart) addition that I haven’t seen before.

• UPS function – The AC240 can be used as a uninterruptible power supply to prevent any kind of power outage issues. For example, leave it plugged into the wall and plug your PC into the unit. In the event of an unexpected power outage, the AC240 will keep the PC operational without a blink. Within 15 milliseconds, the power is transferred off the grid and onto the unit itself. While this may not be the primary reason for its use, it’s a nice feature to have when you have no other use for it.

• Excellent appearance – I really love the way that it looks. It’s matte black appearance is a nice touch that blends in relatively nicely without becoming an eyesore. The built-in LCD is also nice. It’s brightly lit and gives off a sleek and professional look. Easy to read in pretty much all light conditions, it’s great for quick insights into AC/DC input and output, without having to pull-out your phone and glance at the app.

• Plenty of outputs – The front panel is equipped with all sorts of DC and AC outputs. There’s two AC outlets along with a 30-amp port for powering a boat, RV, or high-draw appliance. Next to this are four USB ports and two DC outputs that make charging or powering a wide range of devices quite easy.

What I Didn’t Like

• Very heavy – The BLUETTI AC240 weights over 70lbs, which is quite substantial. There’s two built-in, recessed handles on the top, which is a nice addition, but there’s no getting around the fact that this thing weighs quite a bit. That said, you’ll probably want a hand from another person when lugging it around. And once it’s in position, you probably won’t feel like moving it on a regular basis.

• Lower AC input than advertised – When I plugged it into the wall outlet in my office, I was not able to achieve an input of more than 1700W. This is about 500W less than the 2200W max input that BLUETTI advertises. I checked all of the settings I could find in the app but nothing was able to increase this input to beyond 1700W. However, it still charges decently fast, achieving a full charge in just over an hour.

• Expensive – You can certainly find large-capacity power stations at a lower price-point than the $1400-$1800 that BLUETTI retails the AC240 at. However, those won’t be water resistant, nor will they have the same features. If capacity and AC output are the largest factor in your purchase, you may be able to find a off-branded unit with the same specs for under $1000.

• Rubber flaps attract visible dust/debris – While it’s certainly nice to have physical coverage over all of the ports, it should be known that these are dust/dirt magnets. Once they get dirty, it’s a little difficult to wipe them completely clean. They have a grippy texture that seems to statically attract to small particles, even if you’re trying to maintain itself cleanliness with a bit of mindfulness.

Would I Recommend the BLUETTI AC240?

If you’re looking for a high-end power station that offers a plethora of features, the AC240 fits the bill. I would definitely recommend it. The large capacity in combination with its waterproof abilities is a game changer for those who plan on outdoor excursions with a reliable power source.

The inclusion of a 30A output is an added bonus that you simply don’t come across very often. While there are only two standard grounded outlets, it’s enough for most scenarios. In addition to this, the USB-C and USB-A outlets provide fast charging for small devices such as tablets and phones, which is perfect. In essence, there’s everything you might need, and nothing more.

While it does include a hefty price point and massive weight, you’re getting a fine piece of charging technology that other brands simply don’t offer. The aesthetics are on-point as is all of the functionality that it offers.

Sure, there might be cheaper alternatives, but I can assure you that they aren’t as fine-tuned or precisely crafted as what BLUETTI is offering in the AC240.