Ecoflow - What's the verdict?

[OutlawJoseyWales]

So I'm sure many here have bought an Ecoflow unit of some kind.

What has your experience been with both the product and after sales service.

Was looking to get one and then came across the HelloPeter reviews, and they are dismal.
I know that people only usually post on HelloPeter when something goes wrong and there have probably been hundreds of thousands of Ecoflow units sold in SA, but the fact that most of the reviews say that they don't respond to emails is worrying.

Here is the HelloPeter link: https://www.hellopeter.com/ecoflow

If something does go wrong with my unit I would like a replacement without hassles.

Also, what is the verdict on the new Ecoflow units (they just have a 2 at the end of the name like "River 2" instead of "River" to indicate the newer model) that have been released, they have 3000 cycles compared to the 800 of the older models.

Was curious as newer products can tend to have flaws that are later fixed, but 3000 cycles is so much better than 800. Anyone have any experience with the newer models.

 

[Dimpie (JIGSAW)]

@Pineapple Smurf ?

 

[maumau]

Had a bad feeling about Ecoflow right from the start because of their lack of support so I bought a Jackery in December - older tech but flipping amazing assistance for any queries I've had.

 

[kolaval]

Had a bad feeling about Ecoflow right from the start because of their lack of support so I bought a Jackery in December - older tech but flipping amazing assistance for any queries I've had.

Can you leave it plugged in i.e use as UPS?

 

[maumau]

Can you leave it plugged in i.e use as UPS?

No, it can't be left on and connected to items permanently.

 

[SauRoNZA]

No, it can't be left on and connected to items permanently.

Incorrect.

Most of them have UPS functionality. Only some of the lower end models don’t.

Listed on the website accordingly.

 

[maumau]

Took it from here, 500 model:

Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station

Jackery Explorer 500 provides power-to-go in a compact, lightweight design featuring multiple connections to charge your gear, devices and more. Use it indoors in your home or office as a back-up power supply, or take the Explorer 500 with you on camping holidays, overland trips, hiking, outdoor...

jackery.co.za

• Please note: The Jackery Explorer should not be used as a UPS. Do not leave the the Explorer permanently on and connected to items. Do not connect the Jackery output sockets to the mains power.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Took it from here, 500 model:

Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station

Jackery Explorer 500 provides power-to-go in a compact, lightweight design featuring multiple connections to charge your gear, devices and more. Use it indoors in your home or office as a back-up power supply, or take the Explorer 500 with you on camping holidays, overland trips, hiking, outdoor...

jackery.co.za

• Please note: The Jackery Explorer should not be used as a UPS. Do not leave the the Explorer permanently on and connected to items. Do not connect the Jackery output sockets to the mains power.

Oh I thought we were talking about Ecoflow.

I see now how it could be read either way the way the question was posed.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Probably a good idea to stay away from buying directly from Ecoflow SA if those HelloPeter reviews are to go by.

If you want an Ecoflow unit then I'd rather buy from somewhere else, like TA, Makro, etc. Then you just return it to them.

 

[OutlawJoseyWales]

Probably a good idea to stay away from buying directly from Ecoflow SA if those HelloPeter reviews are to go by.

If you want an Ecoflow unit then I'd rather buy from somewhere else, like TA, Makro, etc. Then you just return it to them.

Yeah probably best. Just that they sometimes have specials on their website, and you can save quite a bit.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Yeah probably best. Just that they sometimes have specials on their website, and you can save quite a bit.

Are you really saving though if you have to spend so much time and effort if something goes wrong?

I'll often buy something at a higher price point to ensure I have a good aftersales experience. Depends on the value of the item though, in the case of something that is R20k+ I would definitely not mind spending a little extra for peace of mind.

 

[OutlawJoseyWales]

Are you really saving though if you have to spend so much time and effort if something goes wrong?

I'll often buy something at a higher price point to ensure I have a good aftersales experience. Depends on the value of the item though, in the case of something that is R20k+ I would definitely not mind spending a little extra for peace of mind.

Agreed. Will use one of the other suppliers. Stock can be an issue though, like the solar panels.

 

[killerbyte]

The Bluetti can be used as a UPS and my gran uses it daily.
Nology now stocks them, and has the foldable solar panels too.

BLUETTI EB3A Portable Power Station - 600W / 268Wh / Pure Sine Wave (SA Socket) - GeeWiz

BLUETTI EB3A Portable Power Station - 600W / 268Wh / Pure Sine Wave (SA Socket) for sale online at the Best Prices! Door to Door and Overnight Delivery

www.geewiz.co.za

 

[maumau]

Oh I thought we were talking about Ecoflow.

I see now how it could be read either way the way the question was posed.

I also see that now

 

[PsYTraNc3]

I've been using the River 2 for a few months and it's been perfect for me.
Purchased it for WFH running my laptop charger and external monitor.
It's never had to drop to less than 30% after 4 hour load shedding running my work stuff or 55" TV.

 

[OutlawJoseyWales]

I've been using the River 2 for a few months and it's been perfect for me.
Purchased it for WFH running my laptop charger and external monitor.
It's never had to drop to less than 30% after 4 hour load shedding running my work stuff or 55" TV.

Ah great. Looking at a River 2 for outdoors and emergencies, and something bigger for loadshedding, but don't want to fork out for the full panels on the roof setup, etc. so an Ecoflow seems the next best thing.

 

[OutlawJoseyWales]

So after a little more searching I found the Geewiz brand of power station in a Carbonite thread. I'm waiting to be approved to join that forum to ask some questions, but in the mean time, does anyone here have any experience with this model:
Geewiz 2200W Portable UPS Power Station Kit - 2000Wh LIFEPO4 / Pure Sine Wave / 2HR Quick Charge - 3x SA Sockets - 3500 Cycles

Same price as the Ecoflow Delta 2 but twice as much battery.
And also has 3500 cycles.

Anyway, my main concern is does the 3500 cycles claim hold up, for me it's all about longevity - does it really last that long?