Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Review – Is It Better Than Competition?

Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Quick Review

Goal Zero yeti 1000 Review
  • Weight: 31.8 pounds
  • Dimensions: 9.86 x 15.25 x 10.23 inches
  • Power output: 1200 maximum. 2400 surge
  • Capacity: 983Wh
  • Input: 300W (10.8V, 91Ah).
  • Three charging options
  • Pure sine wave and MPPT charge controller
  • Lifecycles: 500.
  • Ports: X3 USB-A, X2 120V AC ports, 60W fast charging port, USB-C port, X1 regulated 12V port

Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Review

I am writing this goal zero Yeti 1000 review after using this product for 9 months. also, I have written a review based on 4 months of use as well (here is the link).

I have spent several months with Yeti 1000 core, taking it to Overlanding, camping, day trips, and emergency backup power.

After 9 months, I am positive to say that this Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core is one of the absolute best and most highly reliable 1000-watt power stations.

This power station has a 1200-watt rated power, and 2400 surge. I have had a blast with the power output. I have been able to charge most of my videography equipment, navigation devices, and other small things.

Trust this surging power also comes in handy when you use any motor-driven device during camping.

Most of the time I used my Nomad 100 solar panels to charge it while using it, but sometimes I used a 12V DC car plug as well.

Goal Zero 1000 corelooks identical to Yeti 1000x but the main difference between the two is the inverter capacity. Yeti 1000X has a 1500 watt inverter, and 1000 core has a 1200 inverter. Other than that, both are almost the same in terms of performance and other features.

Design of Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core:

Yeti 1000 core is made for campers and outdoor use with its super compact dimensions, flat top, and low center of gravity so that you can bring it in the back of a pickup truck without strapping it down.

It has a hidden behind a flip at the top to carry chargers. The sides are merged into the design to save space.

The case is built from rugged aluminum to make it prone to abuse. It has rubber feet to prevent slippage, and there are two fans installed behind the plastic vent to prevent overheating.

Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core 31 pounds which makes it heavy for some but not for me. I have been able to easily carry it around wherever I want.

It looks and feels the same as the updated Yeti 1000X which can accept 600W of solar input whereas the Yeti 1000 core can only accept 300 watts.

How Many Ports Does Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core Have?

Ports of Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core
  1. X2 USB-A ports (output): 5V, 2.4A, 12W max.
  2. X1 USB-C port: (output): 5 to 12V, 3.0 18 max.
  3. X1 USB-C PD 60W fast charging port (input/output): 5 to 20V, 3.0A, 60W max.
  4. X2 120V AC ports (output, since wave): 60HZ, 120VAC, 10A
  5. X1 regulated 12V port: 12V, 15A, (180W)
  6. X3 6mm ports (output): 50  20V, 3.0A, 60 max)

How Do You Charge a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core?

 Charging options of Goal Zero Yeti 1000

Like other Goal zero yeti models, there are three ways to charge Yeti 1000 core.

  1. Solar Charging
  2. Wall Charging
  3. Car Charging

Solar Charging:

So this thing can accept a maximum of 300W of solar input which is a bit low for a 1200 watts rated power in theory, but I haven’t had a problem with the charging yet.

It takes about 4 to 4.3 hours to fully charge using Nomad 100-watt panels depending on the weather. On a bright sunny day, 4 hours is the maximum time it will take.

Lithium batteries don’t charge in a linear path. In the beginning, batteries charge a bit slower, then from 20 to 80%, they charge start to pick up the pace, then again from 80 to 100%, batteries take time.

Here is the list of the top-rated solar generators currently available on the market

Wall Charging:

I am not a big fan of wall charging. It takes only 120W AC input which is a bit slow for the goal of zero standards. Also takes around 8.9 to 9 hours to fully charge Goal Zero 1000 from zero to full. It is not ideal.

Car Charging:

Car charging isn’t also ideal but it works because l charge and uses it while I drive and charge.

It takes 12V and 120W input from the car outlet. The time it will take to fully charge is around 9.1 to 9.2 hours.

We also have written a guide about how to charge a solar generator safely make sure to have a look.

What Appliances Will Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core Charge?

  • Fridge: 15 to 18 hours
  • Laptop: 17 to 20 hours
  • Camera: 50 to 55 hours
  • Drone: 15 to 17 hours
  • Electric grill: 14 to 16 hours
  • Drill: 12 to 14 hours

What Is the Performance of Goal Zero 1000?

Goal Zero 1000 might have the most efficient inverter I have seen, and the batteries have a very low discharge rate. I have tested it.

So despite providing only a few AC outlets which is a bummer, this little beast can charge multiple things at the same time.

I got multiple power stations but this one particularly is only being used for large fans, lamps, some LED lights, ASTRO AI electric cooler, and a few drone batteries.

Normally it runs everything for 4.5 to 5 hours on a single charge including the cooler which is awesome for a 1200-watt rated power station.

Under 1200 running watts and 2400 surge watts, you can practically run any device.

Goal Zero 1000 comes with a 6mm barrel plug which is super handy. You can power appliances like Goal zero lights to anything that requires 12V using a 6mm male plug.

The LCD is also cool, it shows a lot of important info including input/output power, battery percentage, and errors.

I like the BMS as well. The battery management system doesn’t eat much charge just to stay ON like Bluetti AC200P.

Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core is a great companion to have with you in your RV or trailer.

Compared to Jackery 1000, Yeti 1000 has one less AC outlet it weighs a bit more. Goal zero feels a bit more durable and it can take a bit of abuse. Jackery’s plastic casing is as not as strong as Goal Zero. Nonetheless, both solar generators are excellent for the outdoors.

Unlike Goal Zero 1000X and other X series solar generators that use an app on the phone to control the inverter and DC port, and to read the LCD screen info without WIFI signals, Goal zero 1000 core doesn’t have this feature which is a bummer.

Load Test of Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core:

When I used it for about 4 months and took a load test, it surprised me because I managed to get 1192 watts without overloading it. That was then.

Now after 9 months of use I again took a load test using my latest Fluke 117-watt meter. I was able to get 1188 watts out of this goal zero solar generator and I haven’t been very rough with my solar generator.

Even after 9 months of use, this thing is absolutely rock solid.

Should I Buy a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core?

If you are looking for a powerful solar generator for your RV or trailer with a low discharge rate, multiple outlets, fast charging, durable casing, and compact design, you should buy a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core.

This power station has one of the most efficient inverters and a high-quality battery management system at an affordable price tag.

What I Like

  • Affordable price for the features
  • Low discharge rate
  • Highly efficient inverter
  • Three charging options
  • Portable and compact
  • Ideal for RVs and trailers
  • An efficient MPPT charge controller

What I don’t

  • Doesn’t have a WIFI Bluetooth controller
  • Limited AC outlets
Alex black

Alex Black

Alex Black is a seasoned electrical engineer with a remarkable 8-year track record specializing in appliances, generators, and transfer switches. With extensive hands-on experience in the field, Alex possesses a deep understanding of electrical systems and their intricate workings. Throughout their career, Alex has consistently demonstrated expertise in designing, troubleshooting, and maintaining various electrical appliances.

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