It’s expected that with time, all technology gets more powerful, but also gets more compact. If you compare the phone we have today to the clunky Nokia mobiles of the 1990s, there’s a massive difference in their size and capabilities. Laptops, cameras, televisions have all become slimmer/sleeker with time… and now so has the robot vacuum. Compared to the average vacuum still available today, SwitchBot’s K10+ is palpably smaller in size. However, while most technology grows slim purely for visual aesthetics, the K10+’s miniature size is actually a design feature. Measuring merely 9.7 inches in diameter (24.8 centimeters), the K10+ easily fits into tight spaces where most conventional robot vacuums struggle. It weaves through the legs of stools and side tables, gets into tight gaps between the sofa and the wall, and even weaves through your dining table, cleaning between the table legs, chairs, etc. Touted as the smallest robot vacuum cleaner with an external dustbin, the K10+ is 50% smaller than a conventional vacuum, and 90% more efficient too, because of its ability to clean more parts of your home.
With it’s compact design K10+ can reach smaller spaces to clean better.
Feature for feature, the K10+ matches up to every flagship robot vacuum, with high suction, wet and dry cleaning, smart features, auto navigation, no-go zones, quiet motor, and a 4L dustbin that also doubles as the K10+ charging station. However, its less-than-10-inch diameter and 3.6-inch vertical make it perfect for navigating every nook and cranny in your home. The robot comes equipped with a vacuum capable of 2500Pa, but is practically inaudible thanks to SwitchBot’s SilenTech technology that cuts noise by 50% to a manageable 48 decibels, making the K10+’s operating noise much lower than conventional vacuums. That means more cleaning, less disturbance, and a lower chance of the vacuum driving your pet dog crazy.
K10+ features a design that can blend in with any home, making it even less intrusive.
LiDAR Navigation. K10+ allows you to achieve AI level precise mapping and quickly plan cleaning range at a speed of 2080 pts/sec.
K10+ returns to its base station for charging when battery is low, and returns to the last place it cleaned to finish up.
Deploy your K10+ and it effectively maps out and navigates your house, cleaning parts that would often get neglected by other robot vacuums. The rotating brushes push dirt, dust, and food particles towards the suction head, which promptly vacuums it right into the K10+’s built-in dust tank. The K10+ wet-mops too, thanks to a disposable ‘Cleaning Pad’ that plugs to the base of the vacuum, and can be removed and discarded after use like a wet-wipe for your floor. The dust within the K10+, however, gets automatically disposed in its dedicated garbage collection base. The base, which also charges your K10+, collects all the dust and dirt vacuumed by the robot in its large receptacle. With an overall 4-liter capacity, you have to clean out the base less often, freeing up your time so that the robot does the chores… not you.
Use the app to control the K10+
Setting a cleanup routine on the K10 is as easy as either using SwitchBot’s app or giving a voice command to your smart home AI. The K10+ is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT, while the smartphone app gives you access to even more features like being able to set specific cleaning areas, program no-go zones, etc.
The ‘world’s smallest vacuum’ comes with a petite price tag to match, starting at $499 (with a special coupon that brings the price down to $399.99 on Amazon). Its small design might fool you, but it’s equally powerful as your current robot vacuum while being more nimble and efficient, allowing it to reach those inaccessible parts of your home too. Moreover, it weighs 5 lbs (2.3 kilograms), allowing you to carry it up and down the stairs too, for multi-level cleanliness!
It’s expected that with time, all technology gets more powerful, but also gets more compact. If you compare the phone we have today to the clunky Nokia mobiles of the 1990s, there’s a massive difference in their size and capabilities. Laptops, cameras, televisions have all become slimmer/sleeker with time… and now so has the robot vacuum. Compared to the average vacuum still available today, SwitchBot’s K10+ is palpably smaller in size. However, while most technology grows slim purely for visual aesthetics, the K10+’s miniature size is actually a design feature. Measuring merely 9.7 inches in diameter (24.8 centimeters), the K10+ easily fits into tight spaces where most conventional robot vacuums struggle. It weaves through the legs of stools and side tables, gets into tight gaps between the sofa and the wall, and even weaves through your dining table, cleaning between the table legs, chairs, etc. Touted as the smallest robot vacuum cleaner with an external dustbin, the K10+ is 50% smaller than a conventional vacuum, and 90% more efficient too, because of its ability to clean more parts of your home.
With it’s compact design K10+ can reach smaller spaces to clean better.
Feature for feature, the K10+ matches up to every flagship robot vacuum, with high suction, wet and dry cleaning, smart features, auto navigation, no-go zones, quiet motor, and a 4L dustbin that also doubles as the K10+ charging station. However, its less-than-10-inch diameter and 3.6-inch vertical make it perfect for navigating every nook and cranny in your home. The robot comes equipped with a vacuum capable of 2500Pa, but is practically inaudible thanks to SwitchBot’s SilenTech technology that cuts noise by 50% to a manageable 48 decibels, making the K10+’s operating noise much lower than conventional vacuums. That means more cleaning, less disturbance, and a lower chance of the vacuum driving your pet dog crazy.
K10+ features a design that can blend in with any home, making it even less intrusive.
LiDAR Navigation. K10+ allows you to achieve AI level precise mapping and quickly plan cleaning range at a speed of 2080 pts/sec.
K10+ returns to its base station for charging when battery is low, and returns to the last place it cleaned to finish up.
Deploy your K10+ and it effectively maps out and navigates your house, cleaning parts that would often get neglected by other robot vacuums. The rotating brushes push dirt, dust, and food particles towards the suction head, which promptly vacuums it right into the K10+’s built-in dust tank. The K10+ wet-mops too, thanks to a disposable ‘Cleaning Pad’ that plugs to the base of the vacuum, and can be removed and discarded after use like a wet-wipe for your floor. The dust within the K10+, however, gets automatically disposed in its dedicated garbage collection base. The base, which also charges your K10+, collects all the dust and dirt vacuumed by the robot in its large receptacle. With an overall 4-liter capacity, you have to clean out the base less often, freeing up your time so that the robot does the chores… not you.
Use the app to control the K10+
Setting a cleanup routine on the K10 is as easy as either using SwitchBot’s app or giving a voice command to your smart home AI. The K10+ is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT, while the smartphone app gives you access to even more features like being able to set specific cleaning areas, program no-go zones, etc.
The ‘world’s smallest vacuum’ comes with a petite price tag to match, starting at $499 (with a special coupon that brings the price down to $399.99 on Amazon). Its small design might fool you, but it’s equally powerful as your current robot vacuum while being more nimble and efficient, allowing it to reach those inaccessible parts of your home too. Moreover, it weighs 5 lbs (2.3 kilograms), allowing you to carry it up and down the stairs too, for multi-level cleanliness!
It’s expected that with time, all technology gets more powerful, but also gets more compact. If you compare the phone we have today to the clunky Nokia mobiles of the 1990s, there’s a massive difference in their size and capabilities. Laptops, cameras, televisions have all become slimmer/sleeker with time… and now so has the robot vacuum. Compared to the average vacuum still available today, SwitchBot’s K10+ is palpably smaller in size. However, while most technology grows slim purely for visual aesthetics, the K10+’s miniature size is actually a design feature. Measuring merely 9.7 inches in diameter (24.8 centimeters), the K10+ easily fits into tight spaces where most conventional robot vacuums struggle. It weaves through the legs of stools and side tables, gets into tight gaps between the sofa and the wall, and even weaves through your dining table, cleaning between the table legs, chairs, etc. Touted as the smallest robot vacuum cleaner with an external dustbin, the K10+ is 50% smaller than a conventional vacuum, and 90% more efficient too, because of its ability to clean more parts of your home.
With it’s compact design K10+ can reach smaller spaces to clean better.
Feature for feature, the K10+ matches up to every flagship robot vacuum, with high suction, wet and dry cleaning, smart features, auto navigation, no-go zones, quiet motor, and a 4L dustbin that also doubles as the K10+ charging station. However, its less-than-10-inch diameter and 3.6-inch vertical make it perfect for navigating every nook and cranny in your home. The robot comes equipped with a vacuum capable of 2500Pa, but is practically inaudible thanks to SwitchBot’s SilenTech technology that cuts noise by 50% to a manageable 48 decibels, making the K10+’s operating noise much lower than conventional vacuums. That means more cleaning, less disturbance, and a lower chance of the vacuum driving your pet dog crazy.
K10+ features a design that can blend in with any home, making it even less intrusive.
LiDAR Navigation. K10+ allows you to achieve AI level precise mapping and quickly plan cleaning range at a speed of 2080 pts/sec.
K10+ returns to its base station for charging when battery is low, and returns to the last place it cleaned to finish up.
Deploy your K10+ and it effectively maps out and navigates your house, cleaning parts that would often get neglected by other robot vacuums. The rotating brushes push dirt, dust, and food particles towards the suction head, which promptly vacuums it right into the K10+’s built-in dust tank. The K10+ wet-mops too, thanks to a disposable ‘Cleaning Pad’ that plugs to the base of the vacuum, and can be removed and discarded after use like a wet-wipe for your floor. The dust within the K10+, however, gets automatically disposed in its dedicated garbage collection base. The base, which also charges your K10+, collects all the dust and dirt vacuumed by the robot in its large receptacle. With an overall 4-liter capacity, you have to clean out the base less often, freeing up your time so that the robot does the chores… not you.
Use the app to control the K10+
Setting a cleanup routine on the K10 is as easy as either using SwitchBot’s app or giving a voice command to your smart home AI. The K10+ is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT, while the smartphone app gives you access to even more features like being able to set specific cleaning areas, program no-go zones, etc.
The ‘world’s smallest vacuum’ comes with a petite price tag to match, starting at $499 (with a special coupon that brings the price down to $399.99 on Amazon). Its small design might fool you, but it’s equally powerful as your current robot vacuum while being more nimble and efficient, allowing it to reach those inaccessible parts of your home too. Moreover, it weighs 5 lbs (2.3 kilograms), allowing you to carry it up and down the stairs too, for multi-level cleanliness!
It’s expected that with time, all technology gets more powerful, but also gets more compact. If you compare the phone we have today to the clunky Nokia mobiles of the 1990s, there’s a massive difference in their size and capabilities. Laptops, cameras, televisions have all become slimmer/sleeker with time… and now so has the robot vacuum. Compared to the average vacuum still available today, SwitchBot’s K10+ is palpably smaller in size. However, while most technology grows slim purely for visual aesthetics, the K10+’s miniature size is actually a design feature. Measuring merely 9.7 inches in diameter (24.8 centimeters), the K10+ easily fits into tight spaces where most conventional robot vacuums struggle. It weaves through the legs of stools and side tables, gets into tight gaps between the sofa and the wall, and even weaves through your dining table, cleaning between the table legs, chairs, etc. Touted as the smallest robot vacuum cleaner with an external dustbin, the K10+ is 50% smaller than a conventional vacuum, and 90% more efficient too, because of its ability to clean more parts of your home.
With it’s compact design K10+ can reach smaller spaces to clean better.
Feature for feature, the K10+ matches up to every flagship robot vacuum, with high suction, wet and dry cleaning, smart features, auto navigation, no-go zones, quiet motor, and a 4L dustbin that also doubles as the K10+ charging station. However, its less-than-10-inch diameter and 3.6-inch vertical make it perfect for navigating every nook and cranny in your home. The robot comes equipped with a vacuum capable of 2500Pa, but is practically inaudible thanks to SwitchBot’s SilenTech technology that cuts noise by 50% to a manageable 48 decibels, making the K10+’s operating noise much lower than conventional vacuums. That means more cleaning, less disturbance, and a lower chance of the vacuum driving your pet dog crazy.
K10+ features a design that can blend in with any home, making it even less intrusive.
LiDAR Navigation. K10+ allows you to achieve AI level precise mapping and quickly plan cleaning range at a speed of 2080 pts/sec.
K10+ returns to its base station for charging when battery is low, and returns to the last place it cleaned to finish up.
Deploy your K10+ and it effectively maps out and navigates your house, cleaning parts that would often get neglected by other robot vacuums. The rotating brushes push dirt, dust, and food particles towards the suction head, which promptly vacuums it right into the K10+’s built-in dust tank. The K10+ wet-mops too, thanks to a disposable ‘Cleaning Pad’ that plugs to the base of the vacuum, and can be removed and discarded after use like a wet-wipe for your floor. The dust within the K10+, however, gets automatically disposed in its dedicated garbage collection base. The base, which also charges your K10+, collects all the dust and dirt vacuumed by the robot in its large receptacle. With an overall 4-liter capacity, you have to clean out the base less often, freeing up your time so that the robot does the chores… not you.
Use the app to control the K10+
Setting a cleanup routine on the K10 is as easy as either using SwitchBot’s app or giving a voice command to your smart home AI. The K10+ is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT, while the smartphone app gives you access to even more features like being able to set specific cleaning areas, program no-go zones, etc.
The ‘world’s smallest vacuum’ comes with a petite price tag to match, starting at $499 (with a special coupon that brings the price down to $399.99 on Amazon). Its small design might fool you, but it’s equally powerful as your current robot vacuum while being more nimble and efficient, allowing it to reach those inaccessible parts of your home too. Moreover, it weighs 5 lbs (2.3 kilograms), allowing you to carry it up and down the stairs too, for multi-level cleanliness!
It’s expected that with time, all technology gets more powerful, but also gets more compact. If you compare the phone we have today to the clunky Nokia mobiles of the 1990s, there’s a massive difference in their size and capabilities. Laptops, cameras, televisions have all become slimmer/sleeker with time… and now so has the robot vacuum. Compared to the average vacuum still available today, SwitchBot’s K10+ is palpably smaller in size. However, while most technology grows slim purely for visual aesthetics, the K10+’s miniature size is actually a design feature. Measuring merely 9.7 inches in diameter (24.8 centimeters), the K10+ easily fits into tight spaces where most conventional robot vacuums struggle. It weaves through the legs of stools and side tables, gets into tight gaps between the sofa and the wall, and even weaves through your dining table, cleaning between the table legs, chairs, etc. Touted as the smallest robot vacuum cleaner with an external dustbin, the K10+ is 50% smaller than a conventional vacuum, and 90% more efficient too, because of its ability to clean more parts of your home.
With it’s compact design K10+ can reach smaller spaces to clean better.
Feature for feature, the K10+ matches up to every flagship robot vacuum, with high suction, wet and dry cleaning, smart features, auto navigation, no-go zones, quiet motor, and a 4L dustbin that also doubles as the K10+ charging station. However, its less-than-10-inch diameter and 3.6-inch vertical make it perfect for navigating every nook and cranny in your home. The robot comes equipped with a vacuum capable of 2500Pa, but is practically inaudible thanks to SwitchBot’s SilenTech technology that cuts noise by 50% to a manageable 48 decibels, making the K10+’s operating noise much lower than conventional vacuums. That means more cleaning, less disturbance, and a lower chance of the vacuum driving your pet dog crazy.
K10+ features a design that can blend in with any home, making it even less intrusive.
LiDAR Navigation. K10+ allows you to achieve AI level precise mapping and quickly plan cleaning range at a speed of 2080 pts/sec.
K10+ returns to its base station for charging when battery is low, and returns to the last place it cleaned to finish up.
Deploy your K10+ and it effectively maps out and navigates your house, cleaning parts that would often get neglected by other robot vacuums. The rotating brushes push dirt, dust, and food particles towards the suction head, which promptly vacuums it right into the K10+’s built-in dust tank. The K10+ wet-mops too, thanks to a disposable ‘Cleaning Pad’ that plugs to the base of the vacuum, and can be removed and discarded after use like a wet-wipe for your floor. The dust within the K10+, however, gets automatically disposed in its dedicated garbage collection base. The base, which also charges your K10+, collects all the dust and dirt vacuumed by the robot in its large receptacle. With an overall 4-liter capacity, you have to clean out the base less often, freeing up your time so that the robot does the chores… not you.
Use the app to control the K10+
Setting a cleanup routine on the K10 is as easy as either using SwitchBot’s app or giving a voice command to your smart home AI. The K10+ is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT, while the smartphone app gives you access to even more features like being able to set specific cleaning areas, program no-go zones, etc.
The ‘world’s smallest vacuum’ comes with a petite price tag to match, starting at $499 (with a special coupon that brings the price down to $399.99 on Amazon). Its small design might fool you, but it’s equally powerful as your current robot vacuum while being more nimble and efficient, allowing it to reach those inaccessible parts of your home too. Moreover, it weighs 5 lbs (2.3 kilograms), allowing you to carry it up and down the stairs too, for multi-level cleanliness!
It’s expected that with time, all technology gets more powerful, but also gets more compact. If you compare the phone we have today to the clunky Nokia mobiles of the 1990s, there’s a massive difference in their size and capabilities. Laptops, cameras, televisions have all become slimmer/sleeker with time… and now so has the robot vacuum. Compared to the average vacuum still available today, SwitchBot’s K10+ is palpably smaller in size. However, while most technology grows slim purely for visual aesthetics, the K10+’s miniature size is actually a design feature. Measuring merely 9.7 inches in diameter (24.8 centimeters), the K10+ easily fits into tight spaces where most conventional robot vacuums struggle. It weaves through the legs of stools and side tables, gets into tight gaps between the sofa and the wall, and even weaves through your dining table, cleaning between the table legs, chairs, etc. Touted as the smallest robot vacuum cleaner with an external dustbin, the K10+ is 50% smaller than a conventional vacuum, and 90% more efficient too, because of its ability to clean more parts of your home.
With it’s compact design K10+ can reach smaller spaces to clean better.
Feature for feature, the K10+ matches up to every flagship robot vacuum, with high suction, wet and dry cleaning, smart features, auto navigation, no-go zones, quiet motor, and a 4L dustbin that also doubles as the K10+ charging station. However, its less-than-10-inch diameter and 3.6-inch vertical make it perfect for navigating every nook and cranny in your home. The robot comes equipped with a vacuum capable of 2500Pa, but is practically inaudible thanks to SwitchBot’s SilenTech technology that cuts noise by 50% to a manageable 48 decibels, making the K10+’s operating noise much lower than conventional vacuums. That means more cleaning, less disturbance, and a lower chance of the vacuum driving your pet dog crazy.
K10+ features a design that can blend in with any home, making it even less intrusive.
LiDAR Navigation. K10+ allows you to achieve AI level precise mapping and quickly plan cleaning range at a speed of 2080 pts/sec.
K10+ returns to its base station for charging when battery is low, and returns to the last place it cleaned to finish up.
Deploy your K10+ and it effectively maps out and navigates your house, cleaning parts that would often get neglected by other robot vacuums. The rotating brushes push dirt, dust, and food particles towards the suction head, which promptly vacuums it right into the K10+’s built-in dust tank. The K10+ wet-mops too, thanks to a disposable ‘Cleaning Pad’ that plugs to the base of the vacuum, and can be removed and discarded after use like a wet-wipe for your floor. The dust within the K10+, however, gets automatically disposed in its dedicated garbage collection base. The base, which also charges your K10+, collects all the dust and dirt vacuumed by the robot in its large receptacle. With an overall 4-liter capacity, you have to clean out the base less often, freeing up your time so that the robot does the chores… not you.
Use the app to control the K10+
Setting a cleanup routine on the K10 is as easy as either using SwitchBot’s app or giving a voice command to your smart home AI. The K10+ is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT, while the smartphone app gives you access to even more features like being able to set specific cleaning areas, program no-go zones, etc.
The ‘world’s smallest vacuum’ comes with a petite price tag to match, starting at $499 (with a special coupon that brings the price down to $399.99 on Amazon). Its small design might fool you, but it’s equally powerful as your current robot vacuum while being more nimble and efficient, allowing it to reach those inaccessible parts of your home too. Moreover, it weighs 5 lbs (2.3 kilograms), allowing you to carry it up and down the stairs too, for multi-level cleanliness!
AC coupling capabilities make the Anker Solix F3800 a revolutionary next step in sustainable home power, but paired with its massive 6,000W output, wide range of connections, and expandable capacity, this power station is the most future-proofed on the market.
Almost three years ago, a winter storm blew through my town, knocking out power lines and rendering roads impossible to navigate. As a result, my family and I spent a full week (well, five days) rummaging around for crackers and water, lighting candles, and wrapping ourselves in blankets for simple warmth through the duration of the total blackout. Despite keeping a decent fire going in our backyard for a couple of days, it was impossible to stay focused on anything, and working in those conditions wasn’t viable. Enduring those freezing temperatures would’ve been far more convenient with a backup power source, and I wish I’d had Anker’s newest portable power station: the Anker SOLIX F3800, which — despite being the very first of its kind I’ve ever owned — is clearly a revolutionary next step in the growing landscape of backup power solutions. It features a maximum 6000W AC output, 120V/240V dual-voltage (meaning it can do what a gas generator does, power several appliances at the same time, and even power a house!). It even supports AC coupling when pairing with the Anker SOLIX Home Power Panel, and, used sparingly, its 3.8kWh (expandable up to 53.8kWh) capacity would’ve been just enough to sustain a handful of comforts through the winter freeze.
Before we get started with the nitty gritty details about the Anker SOLIX F3800, it’s worth mentioning Anker provided a functional prototype to Yanko Design for the purpose of this review. It includes all the features of the official launch product, but its appearance and craftsmanship does not reflect the final build quality, which is supposed to be much better than the prototype shown in this review.
For a modular power station designed to provide backup power storage for homes and RVs, make solar power more accessible for all, and potentially replace gas generators — the Anker SOLIX F3800 is relatively compact. It’s also quieter than any regular gas generator, and since it doesn’t emit any smoke, you can safely run it indoors. Because of a sizable but effective fan system, you’re going to hear a little noise, around 45dB if you’re standing within a meter, but it’s no louder than a PlayStation 4 running on full blast. YMMV, but I imagine it’ll be a better fit for regular outdoor use during non-emergency situations — particularly, once summer rolls back around and I can use it to power indoor gadgets like musical instruments and gaming consoles underneath the patio rather than inside the house.
The F3800’s subdued aesthetic style — it being a big gray rectangular box on wheels with an LCD display, a pull-out handle, and visible outlets on the front and both sides — allows it to blend in naturally with other electrical equipment, but it may get in the way of any aesthetic style not complementary to dark gray. I wouldn’t stick it in a kitchen, though it’s an attractive addition to a garage, and you might get away with planting it in your office.
After all, it’s essentially a big suitcase full of electrical equipment. No, it’s not as compact as, say, the Anker 767 Portable Power Station. But it still gets the job done, and it doesn’t take up all that much space. Right now, my SOLIX F3800 is tucked in-between a coat rack and a couple of shelves in my office, where it’ll stay until I need to stroll it back out again, and I genuinely love how easy it is to set up.
Utilitarian design pervades the layout of the Anker SOLIX F3800, and, I mean, yeah — you’re definitely not getting a $3,999 power station to make a fashion statement — but what it lacks in artistic appeal, it more than makes up for in functional design. Its predominantly matte finish, easy-to-navigate exterior, exposed fan grills, and conveniently-placed handles and wheels make it exude a sense of durability and reliability.
Ergonomics/Comfort
I had a rough time getting the SOLIX F3800 off my porch and into an area where I could comfortably unbox it, set it upright, and wheel it around. Granted, I’ve been needing to hit the gym lately so my inability to carry it around without immediately wanting to place it back on the ground again could be a “me” issue. But, just so you know, this thing is an absolute unit. It’s rated to weigh 132 lbs, though the package mine arrived in was a bit heavier than that — around 143 lbs in total. If you’re planning to order one of these to your house from Anker’s online store, make sure you have a pallet or some sort of luggage dolly on standby, as well as a second pair of hands to help you transport/set it up.
At least there’s a solid handle built into the SOLIX F3800’s chassis, as well as a pull-out trolley handle that unfolds with the tap of a bright blue button. Once the pull-out trolley handle came out, this thing suddenly became a lot easier to maneuver around. This is because its 65 mm back wheels and additional front wheels are more than sufficient to push and pull the thing around on smooth surfaces, and it even seemed to have no trouble with some rocky terrain as well. If you wanted to carry the Anker SOLIX F3800 around like a cooler (if you have the physical strength, that is), you’d be in luck; there is an additional handle located on the bottom, allowing you to two-hand-carry it.
Everything important information-wise is located on the front LCD panel, though you can also connect your smartphone to the device via the Anker App. It’s a simple enough process getting it set up; all you need is an Anker account and a smartphone with Bluetooth, and you can tell the app to sync with the SOLIX F3800 as long as it’s powered on, and as long the Bluetooth mode is activated. You can do that by tapping the Bluetooth button on the front of the device itself, neatly located right next to the display. Once it’s all set up, you can watch the flow of energy coming into and going out of the SOLIX F3800 directly from the Anker App. This is a neat and convenient way to stay on top of your energy usage, especially when you need to conserve energy during a blackout.
One thing I love is how easy it is to get the Anker SOLIX F3800 set up and going as a portable generator. Plugging it into my wall outlet, getting it fully charged, and powering on the unit itself was a really simple and rather quick process. On paper, it will take less than 3 hours to charge the power station to full from a wall outlet, as long as it is getting full power and not charging under extreme temperatures. Once I was ready to use it, I only had to tap two buttons: the power button on the front of the power station next to the display, and a separate AC outlet button on its right side (conveniently located next to its array of six 120V 20A outlets and two 240V 25A plugs).
Performance
From a performance standpoint, the Anker SOLIX F3800 breaks through the ceiling and into a whole new tier. Electric portable power stations simply don’t do what the Anker SOLIX F3800 does, and before now, there’s been little reason to get rid of the gas generator altogether. If you want to use it as a backup generator, you can. If you want to expand it with the Solix Home Power Panel and make it the storage battery in a far more sophisticated power setup that balances grid and rooftop solar power through the main electrical panel, you can set it up that way as well; and it’s made even easier to manage if you use the Anker App.
Boasting a power load capacity ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 watts (the latter is only possible if you hook up a second F3800), it flies high above other portable power stations from EcoFlow or Jackery — as well as anything Anker has ever placed onto the market previously. Its 240V 25A NEMA 15-40 outlets grant it the ability to power RVs and recharge electric vehicles, making it extraordinarily versatile, and common sense indicates that if you need to power something, you probably can. This alone makes the SOLIX F3800 the heaviest-hitting portable electric power station around. The question is whether or not you can power something for a long time.
Luckily, the Anker SOLIX F3800 is also one of the most scalable power stations in existence. It comes with a base storage capacity of 3.8kWh, which is generally enough to power a 1500W space heater for about two and a half hours. Of course, that’s not enough to sustain heat throughout a multiple-day blackout like the one I experienced, but unlike other power stations, this device can be upgraded to 26.880kWh with all six expansion batteries installed. That’s at least enough to power the same heater for over a day.
If you wanna go even further and reach a staggering 53.8kWh of power storage capacity, you can go all-in and connect a second Anker SOLIX F3800 via the Anker SOLIX Double Power Hub. Alternatively, you can link two F3800 units together via the Home Power Panel. That sets the F3800 apart from its predecessor, the F2000, which had a comparatively meager capacity of 2kWh with only one slot for an expansion battery, totaling 4.09kWh. Just note you’ll need to invest in 12 expansion batteries to make the most of this system, and that could run you well into the tens of thousands.
Sustainability/Repairability/Durability
Anker is a respectable brand with a lot going for it, and that’s because it’s constantly pushing out high-quality, durable power banks and power stations. Its LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery makes it notably longer-lasting than conventional lithium ion-based batteries used in older portable power tech; Anker promises at least 3,000 charge cycles up to 80% before this thing starts to die. That also enhances its sustainability rating by avoiding the use of cobalt and nickel. Plus, when you compare it to much larger and more expensive home power systems, it’s obviously a far more sustainable choice.
The need for separate hardware and additional batteries to get the absolute best utility out of the F3800 could absolutely be considered a drawback in terms of sustainability. But again, that’s not such a big deal when you realize a fully-upgraded Anker SOLIX F3800 system wouldn’t do nearly as much harm to the environment as legacy solutions with the same power output.
In terms of repairability, the F3800’s construction is complex and full of parts I don’t understand, and so I wouldn’t attempt to service it myself during a system failure. There are a few silver linings here: it comes with a 5-year warranty and is rated to work for 10 years or longer. Plus, it’s advertised as being simple for an electrician to set up and work with when coupling it with a house.
Value for Money
I’m iffy about making a hard call on the SOLIX’s value for its $3,999 MSRP (though there is currently a substantial discount of up to 35% off on Kickstarter on a number of Anker SOLIX F3800 deals — dropping the price of the standalone unit to $2,599, and giving excellent value on bundles including Anker’s 200W and 400W solar panels). On one hand, it’s pricier than the smaller generators, even though having the Anker SOLIX F3800 in my possession opens up more lifestyle options. The other reason is solar panels are still not widespread enough, even though you don’t really need solar panels to get the maximum value out of the F3800. Going in on an Anker SOLIX F3800 is making an investment into the future — especially since its heaviest-hitting feature is its ability to store a large quantity of solar power and convert that power into 240V AC output for home, RV, and EV usage.
While its initial price is eye-watering (at least, for me), the potential benefit of saving money over a much longer time with a fully-equipped SOLIX system, solar panels and all, could make the expenditure worthwhile. Especially for those actually living in RVs and tiny homes where utilities are significantly more important to stretch out. And, even in the much shorter term for a suburban house dweller like myself, the SOLIX F3800 is a sturdy backup power source — its base 3.8kWh storage capacity and 6,000W AC output are enough to make camping trips and natural disasters more bearable.
Even if there’s no emergency need for power, and even if you don’t plan to upgrade your Anker SOLIX F3800 with all the extra bells and whistles, you can still roll it outside during a sunny day and use it like any portable generator. Plus, you don’t necessarily need a fully-equipped SOLIX system (with the home power panel and all) to recharge the F3800 with solar energy either. The home power panel is just a tool to help the F3800 access larger rooftop solar panels, and you don’t even need that to make good use of the SOLIX system. In fact, if you bring the F3800 outdoors, as long as you also bring a portable solar panel to recharge it, you can have sustainable green power to do virtually anything you’d use power for. This is because the F3800 can be recharged by connecting to almost any rigid or portable solar panel available on the market.
Verdict
The Anker Solix F3800 is a revolutionary next step in sustainable home power, though it may not become a daily power source until you start buying solar panels. Thankfully solar is getting cheaper, and that’s certainly not the only reason you’d want to get one. This is the most future-proofed portable power station on the market right now, thanks both to its incredible portability for a home power system as well as its overwhelmingly strong performance. I love its 6,000W~12,000 and 120/240V AC output capabilities, its 53.8kWh maximum power capacity, and its ability to recharge itself via solar panels (up to 2,400W via XT-60 input) and then channel that same power into a house, an RV, an electric vehicle, or just about any appliance I can think of. That all means it meets the electricity needs of many day-to-day users, and its ability to provide a large dose of backup power during a disaster makes it a critical piece of equipment to have around. Plus, it’s simple and easy to use — requiring zero technical knowledge to charge it from a wall outlet or begin using it as a portable backup power generator. That all represents a meaningful push into the future, especially considering its first-in-class 240V AC power coupling makes it a direct competitor to home power systems that weigh significantly more and are significantly less portable. But when you want to use it like a portable backup generator, you can power it with any electricity source and it produces no emissions. That makes it a standout choice for homeowners seeking a reliable backup power source that’s both portable and versatile.
The BEACN Mix Sound Controller — a basic hardware mixer which provides convenient control over up to four audio inputs/outputs on a connected PC — showed up in August 2021 to critical streamer and podcaster acclaim alongside its slightly bigger, yet far more advanced sibling, the BEACN Mix Create. MMORPG’s Joseph Bradford noted its ease of use and great-feeling controls, though it’s broadly disagreed upon whether or not the baseline BEACN Mix controller is worth its $149 MSRP when placed so close to the Mix Create (which has a $199 MSRP). Meanwhile, both controllers compete against the Elgato Stream Deck ($199.99) in both functionality and price, albeit with a few key design differences; potentially making the BEACN Mix the better choice for regular use.
And now, for those who’ve remained on the fence about buying one or the other, the tables are turning. Drop is currently offering the BEACN Mix Sound Controller at a 33.5% markdown ($99, down from $149). Of course, there’s also the far more comprehensive Razer Stream Controller, but its $269.99 MSRP pushes it outside of the same ballpark while its $149.99 macro-only counterpart, the Razer Stream Controller X, is in a category of its own. For the limited time this offer is active, the BEACN Mix is one of the best — if not the best — dedicated streaming audio mixers you can buy, and its major design advantages over the premium-priced Elgato Stream Deck are significant where accessibility is concerned.
BEACN’s design features two colorways: Dark Blue and White, and they’re both attractive yet functional thanks to the mixer’s four large (and evidently, quite comfortable) knobs and 5-inch full-color display. These are a departure from the Elgato Stream Deck’s much tinier display, function buttons, and knobs, and that’s all possible due to its larger dimensions. Comparing the two side-by-side, the BEACN Mix Sound Controller measures in at 7.4 x 14.3 x 14.2 inches, whereas the Stream Deck is 4.6 x 3.3 x 0.8 inches. Despite the BEACN’s added comfort making it a shoo-in for someone who needs a bigger display and bigger controls, that size difference may be worth considering when determining whether your desk has enough space to fit it.
Still, it’s a plug-and-play mixer with plenty of portability, using USB-C to connect to the streaming PC via a single connection. Once that’s set up, the software seems equally easy to get rolling. Critics are less in love with the mixer’s lack of sophisticated features, however. For example, it lacks the ability to create and control submixes of similar audio signals. That’s not too important when you need something simple in a pinch, and the BEACN Mix is just that — a simple, yet durable and easy-to-configure solution for podcasting and streaming with limited space resources. If that’s you, you’ll want to grab it at its current price before the deal ends, though it’s unclear when that’ll be. Drop’s estimated ship date is December 29, 2023.
Last week, Canon announced a new telephoto-to-super-telephoto lens with the ability to zoom in 4x. This should let anyone take extremely accurate shots from a long distance with little noticeable blur, and it may open new doors for wildlife photographers (who, likely, would prefer to avoid disturbing any natural habitats) working without a tripod. It sounds like hand-holding a Canon EOS R-series full-frame camera equipped with one of these lenses provides comparable image clarity, which is important when you consider tripods are a drag on mobility. The lens making such photography wizardry possible is called the Canon RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM, and — despite its $1,899 MSRP — you’re absolutely going to want one if you plan on capturing fast-moving distant objects, like wildlife or even fast-moving athletes or vehicles.
By default, this 200mm lens has a minimum focus distance of 2.62 ft or 0.8 meters. But that can be extended out to 800mm for much clearer long-distance shots with a minimum distance of 10.83 ft or 3.3 meters. Of course, that’s if you don’t use an extender. Sticking an Extender RF2x on top of a Canon RF200-800mm doubles its focal length even further to 1600mm, potentially making it one of the best super-telephoto lenses around. That’s partially thanks to Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which Canon claims provides “enhanced shake reduction for up to 5.5 stops”. When paired with Coordinated IS on the Canon EOS R-Series cameras, these benefits combine for “reliable handheld performance and clearer detail in low-light situations, without having to increase the ISO or decrease the shutter speed.”
Canon’s RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens features a number of weather-proofing features which blend right into its stylish black-and-white matte design. For instance, its white paint is actually meant to work as a countermeasure against excessive heat when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, as would be the case when capturing sports footage or when shooting wildlife in an area with a hot climate. The lens mount, focus/control ring, lens function buttons, and other interface pieces are rated for dust-proofing as well. Carrying it around should be a breeze; this lens only weighs 0.55 lbs, making it lightweight compared to other telephoto lenses — which usually weigh somewhere in the 1-3 lb range.
So far, reviews of the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM skew overwhelmingly positive. TechRadar praised the lens for its “unbeatable reach” and “sharp detail especially at its wider end”. Even then, it sounds like the lens’ aperture could use more headroom for lower-light scenes. But that isn’t a huge deal on its own. If you buy one of these, you’re likely going to pair it with one of Canon’s EOS cameras — packed-in with in-body stabilization — and if that’s the case, this lens should be able to capture incredibly detailed photos (even in low-light situations) from afar. According to Canon, the RF200-800mm is shipping out to customers in the United States on December 14.
In today’s fast-paced world, where life is often synonymous with perpetual motion, the desire to reconnect with nature and savor the fruits of one’s labor is stronger than ever. The concept of home farming, often romanticized for its therapeutic qualities and the satisfaction of producing your food, appeals to many. However, the hurdles of time and resources have long kept this dream at bay for most. But with Regrow, a groundbreaking innovation, the dream of home farming has been brought closer to reality.
Regrow offers a revolutionary experience for those who are intrigued by the idea of home farming but find it challenging to manage the daily responsibilities and investments it typically demands. This innovative system automatically transforms food scraps into fertile soil and showcases your bountiful crops, all while providing a rewarding, environmentally friendly hobby.
In a society where people yearn for the soothing embrace of home farming, the daily grind often obstructs their path. The daily chores of tending to plants, adjusting soil, and monitoring water levels according to the seasons can be burdensome. It’s no wonder that around 60% of those who initially embark on the journey of home farming give up, with the top two reasons being difficulty managing time and the cost of supplies.
Regrow, recognizing the unique place it occupies in the kitchen, draws inspiration from various kitchen appliances. It brings a new dimension to the concept of home farming. With Regrow, users no longer have to fret over the time constraints of home farming in their busy lives. Instead, they can efficiently care for their plants with an array of features designed for convenient operation.
The soil used for cultivating edible plants is primarily recycled compost from food processors. The snug fit of the lid and body keeps unwanted odors from escaping, while the powerful rotation function effectively processes various food scraps. This synergy of recycling and sustainability sets Regrow apart.
Regrow is designed to be user-friendly with just five simple buttons. Users can schedule tasks via the dedicated mobile application for quick use or even operate it remotely. The glass door on the front can be easily opened for harvesting edible plants, making the whole process incredibly convenient.
One of Regrow’s unique features is its hole bottoms, which facilitate the flow of soil and compost. The compost generated by the top food processor automatically moves to the bottom through a rotary grinder. If users prefer to use water instead of compost, they can open the top lid to add water. This combination of features ensures that users can effortlessly maintain their edible plants, promoting their health and sustainability with minimal effort.
Regrow incorporates a bottom LED bar that provides users with invaluable insights into the needs of their edible plants. It changes color to indicate when watering is required, when soil adjustments are necessary when it’s time to clean food waste, or when the system is circulating. This intuitive feedback mechanism ensures that users can take timely and appropriate actions to ensure their plants thrive, enhancing the overall home farming experience.
In conclusion, Regrow offers an all-in-one solution to the common barriers of home farming, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. With its innovative technology, sustainable practices, and user-friendly design, it not only simplifies the process of home farming but also promotes a greener, more self-sufficient lifestyle. Regrow brings the joy and fulfillment of home farming within the reach of all, revolutionizing the way we connect with the earth and harvest the goodness it provides.
