Goal Zero Yeti 1400

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Get Smarter On Architecture and Design

Get the 3-minute weekly newsletter keeping 5K+ designers in the loop.

Enter your Email to Sign up

Side-bar-footer-forum

You never know when you have to travel to a remote area and still use personal devices such as phones or laptops. A good example would be when you go camping outdoors or when you have to work in remote areas where power is hard to get. Plus, getting power during outages can be a challenge, and you need the right alternatives.

So, this guide takes a look at the Goal Yeti 1400.

It's a powerful portable station that you can take with you everywhere. Whether it's lights, power tools, or phones, this power supply unit can handle it all. Furthermore, it's also powerful enough to guarantee on-demand power with a simple push of a button. 

The guide below takes a look at the features of the Yeti 1400, its features, and things you have to consider. Let us get started:

We start this review by looking at some of the key features that make this generator a stand-out performer. They include:

Easy to Use and Safe

The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is highly efficient and will produce zero noise or fumes during use. It qualifies as the perfect "plug and plays" option for powering all your devices, and you have to activate it with a single button push. 

Furthermore, the generator also offers more safety indoors than most traditional brands. You can use it safely indoors and still have it safe and durable enough for your next outdoor project.

Plus, this reliable unit also comes with high-quality lithium cells. These will provide the right stability of power you need for many years. They also come with a state-of-the-art battery management system. 

This system aims to help prevent issues such as over current, short-circuiting, and overcharging. The best part about it all is that the battery pack sits in a water-tight enclosure that protects all your items from the elements.

The other useful aspect of this generator is that you can connect it to the home circuits in your home. Doing so will provide an exceptional power management experience. You will find it easy to use to power various electronics including lights, fridges, medical devices and more.

goal zero yeti 1400 features

Industry-Leading Power Options and Outputs

The “average Joe” today probably has more than two or three devices that need power. It's regardless of whether they need the power outdoors or indoors. So, if you like the average Joe, realize this the Yeti 1400 has you covered with industry leading power outputs. 

Thanks to the inclusion of 10 versatile ports to pick from, the Yeto has all the resources to help your gear powered anywhere. Furthermore, the generator supports high surge capacities - perfect for when you have power-hungry devices. Plus, the generator comes with the latest USB-C power delivery solutions. Thus, you can still use it to charge large USB devices such as a computer.  

A 10-12 month shelf life means that you will find it easy to charge this unit for emergency power supply purposes. Plus, it's robust meaning that it can hold power for several months. Designed to be reliable, you can use this unit to run lights, medical devices, lights, and more.

A traditional generator can of (2000W) can operate a fridge for about 6 hours using a single task of gas. That said, a fully charged Goal Zero 1400 can operate the same fridge for an average of 26 hours.

Wifi Connectivity

There is nothing better than when you can get a power supply unit that has various unique additional features. It's the high end experience you can expect when you have Yeti 1400. The generator is Wifi enabled, so you can control its functionality through a convenient mobile app.

Functionality surpasses the traditional options you can expect when you have the Goal Yeti 1400. The reason for this is that the Yeti 1400 generator also supports wifi functionality. You have to connect a mobile app-enabled Yeti using your Wifi router. 

Then, you can control the generator remotely by using the app. Plus, the software also allows you to turn ports on or off, check the battery power, and even update the system software. Visit Apple App Store or Google Play Store where you can download the app conveniently.

Three Ways to Keep it Charged

When it comes to using your power supply units, consider investing in the types that provide optimal power management benefits. The makers of the Yeti 1400 seem to have realized the importance of this concept, and its clear in the operations of this unit. 

Designed to be the most dynamic power supply unit in your regimen, the Goal Yeti 1400 lets you power it in various ways. They include:

  • You can recharge the generator through the sun by connecting it to the right solar panel. More so, the charge time of the generator depends on the size of your chosen panel.
  • You can also charge the generator by plugging it into the traditional wall power supply. The generator will recharge fast, and in as little as 4.5 hours, and provide a reliable 24 hours of power.
  • The other useful option for powering up this unit would be using the traditional 12v outlet in your car. However, remember to use the power supply cable provided by the given company.

Heavy Duty Construction and Lightweight

While this unit is portable, weighing in at only 19kg, it's also exceptionally durable. The portable design makes the Yeti 1400 a convenient addition to your camp sites, or anywhere in the house. The generator features a heavy-duty plastic construction that is safe from dirt, dust, water, and more. 

You can store your Goal Zero Yeti generator almost anywhere. Plus, such a durable design means that this unit does not mind sitting in the trunk of your car. To make things easy, this unit's makers have also included convenient handles to make it easy to carry around. 

You will be pleased with the additional handle included with the generator. It also has an ergonomic handle, that boosts your ability to move around with the generator conveniently.

Specifications

Specification

Details

Dimensions 

10.1 x 15.3 x 10.4 in (25.7 x 28.9 x 26.4 cm

Operating Usage Temp

32-104F (0-40 C)

Wi-fi protocols 

802.11 b/g/n (802.11n up to 150 Mbps)

Operating Temperature

32-104F (0-40 C)

Wi-fi range

2.4~2.5 GHz

Output USB

4 x Female USB 2400 mA

Item Weight

43.7 pounds

PROS

  • Has a 1425Wh power rating that can charge up to ten devices at a go
  • Offers three ways for powering up the battery
  • An excellent alternative to a gas generator that produces noise and fumes
  • Comes with a USB port output for convenient use
  • Heavy duty design offers longevity and ease of mobility
  • Suitable for powering various types of electronic devices

CONS

  • Could come with a storage cover for user convenience
  • Could use a better wi-fi range

How to Use the Goal Zero Yeti 1400

Using the Goal Yeti is a straightforward process. Once you have it charged up, either through solar or even the direct line, you can start using it for your preferred device. You can use the convenient LED to keep track of the charging process, and to determine whether your device is ready. Plus you may have to customize the functionality of the generator to suit your given device, and it's easy thanks to the convenient control panel.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Portable Generator

The first best tip to consider when shopping for a generator is simple - get one before facing a power outage. Whether you live in a remote area or perhaps want to boost your productivity, a portable generator is excellent.

A few useful things to consider include:

1. Evaluate Your Situation

Doing this means that you have to think about a few key factors. For instance, how frequently do you come across power outage issues? Does it occur for a few hours or overnight? (Most outages won't occur for several hours?

Plus, are you able to go a few hours without using air conditioning or a heater? How much food do you traditionally store in your fridge? What is your level of sanity when you face a power outage? You may have to consider whether you have to use the generator outdoors or perhaps in small spaces. 

Remember to determine the power capacity of the devices in your home. Below are a few of them:

Item

Wattage

A Fridge  

600 watts

Sump Pump

750-1500watts

Portable Heater

1500watts

Window Air Conditioner

1,000watts

Lighting Fixtures 

60-600watts

Laptops and Computers

60-300watts

2. Determine the Amount of Power You Require 

Generators have sizes that relate to the amount of power required in the traditional home. Go through the home and determine the lights, appliances, and electronics you want to operate. It's a simple aspect of figuring out when you have a lamp or a light fixture that only utilizes a small bulb. A good recommendation for you would be to take a look at the details indicated on the portable generator.

3. Reputation and Integrity of the Brand

It may seem like there is not much to talk of at this point, but it's a crucial factor to consider. Your search for a generator is likely to yield results on various brands. You should be able to distinguish between a high end generator, and one that is likely to fail working. Consider going for products from reputable brands, or those that have excellent reviews. 

The internet boasts various types of product sites, with several ads that can make things seem confusing. A product from a reputable brand will be available with a warranty, and good ratings indicate the product will offer value.

Be careful not to buy fake products by conducting adequate research or going for products from reputable brands. Remember that the likes of the Goal Zero brand are among some industry leaders, and it's why it's a part of this review.

4. Availability of Charging Outputs

The 21st century is considered by many as the year the world “charged up.” Never in the history of the world has there been some many devices that require power. Regardless of whether it's a power outage, or when you are perhaps outdoors camping, power is crucial.

The average person today has to plug in their devices through various ports, usually a USB port or a traditional power socket. In fact, the average Joe probably owns a phone, laptop, and a few consoles.

If you like such individuals, and would like to maintain the juice in your devices, you have various options available. Ensure that you go for a device that provides sufficient outlets, so that you can power your resources in a way that is compatible with your life. 

The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is an excellent example, because it comes with all the unique power supply features you need. With these options, you are covered, regardless of when it's a power outage or not!

Features of the Best Portable Generator

Before you can invest  in a portable generator, you have to consider a few key features to ensure the best results. A few of these features that you should consider include:

Portable Design 

The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is an exceptionally portable unit. Regardless of whether you enjoy camping or need power at a remote job site, this generator is the ultimate solution. Plus, during an emergency, you can move it to your friend's home. Thus, you find a convenient way to keep the household running until the area's power is restored.

However, remember that not all generators are portable. When you want to buy one, consider the types that have wheels. Usually, the type with big wheels that are non-deflatable is best. 

CO ShutOff Mechanisms

 If you opt for a generator that burns fuel, ensure you go for one with a CO shut-off function. It refers to a generator that will shut off functionality so that you don't suffer from any form of poisoning. CO is an odorless and poisonous gas, so you have to be careful when using such products.

Some high-end portable generator brands can detect the presence of CO and shut down automatically. So, remember never to operate the generators without CO shut off features indoors.  These generators can easily compromise the quality of air in your room or internal space.

Automatic Start

The traditional manual generator often starts via a pull cord, which can sometimes be prone to issues such as hard starts. However, a generator that has a start button is simple to start. You have to press the button, and some even feature functions for monitoring the electrical load. These are useful if you have delicate items such as medical equipment prone to power damage.

While manual generators can save you money, they are difficult to use during bad weather. Plus, going out during storms or bad weather is not often possible, let alone start the generator in such conditions. 

Outlets

A generator has the design functions to power your outlets. In most cases, such resources require an outlet system for the plug. As a result, ensure you go for a generator that provides several outlets. On average, go for one that provides up to six outlets that you can use to power your devices. 

A generator with less may include you to prioritize between using a specific resource such as a fridge, radio, or your computers. 

Inverter 

An inverter is a component that produces direct current electricity that is safe for laptops. Usually, it's a type of electricity suitable for sensitive devices, and you should consider this function before investing in a particular generator brand. Remember to check your ideal generator for this function to make things convenient. 

Displays

These are important in using a power supply machine, because you can use them to evaluate its functionality. The most important would the fuel gauge, as it shows the amount of fuel remaining to keep the unit functional. If you are using an oil variation, consider a gauge for the same, as low oil can compromise motor functions.

Various other displays are crucial in generator functions. A good example would be a display that shows the wattage level, or the current health of the generator. Remember to choose a generator with a well positioned display, and one with an LED. Such a component will be easy to view, especially in poorly lit conditions.

Tips for Using a Generator 

Used right, a generator can last for many years but might require maintenance. Just like, it's important to eat good food and go for health checkups is the same way a generator needs maintenance.

The quality of maintenance will determine the longevity and performance of the unit over time. Plus, it will also make it easy for one to use the generator longer and without having to invest in costly repairs. These can translate into serious cash, which you would have used to buy costly parts, or even replacing the entire generator.

Below are a few useful tips to help increase the longevity of your generator

  • Purchase a Warranty or Backup Generator - while this might seem like a straightforward decision, investing in a warranty can be a convenient way to protect your investment, especially as generators are not always cheap.
  • Invest in Cover or Enclosure for the Generator - electricity and water don't blend well. Even if it's portable, you may sometimes want to keep it outside, so develop an enclosure for the same.
  • Prevent motor burn out - consider using heavy-duty cords to encourage less voltage use and to prevent issues such as burnout. You should know that lighter cords can increase the voltage. Plus, generators produce lots of noise when in use; consider getting a longer cord.
  • Power Your Generator After Every Few Weeks - If you don't plan on using the generator for a long time, try and operate it for 30 minutes every day. This should make it easy to charge the battery required to start the unit. Plus, it will also help you determine whether the machine requires any form of maintenance. 
  • Charge your Battery on Time - The last thing you want is to realize your generator does not have any power during an outage. Remember that batteries might sometimes lose power, especially when left unused for a long duration. So, ensure you charge your battery occasionally, such the generator is ready to go should you need it. 
  • Do Some Research - There are various unique aspects about generators that you have to take into perspective. You want to evaluate aspects of these functions, including the "starting rating," "continuous wattage," and more. 

FAQ

Can the Goal Zero Power a Fridge?

Yes, the goal zero generator can power a fridge for up to 24 hours. However, factors such as the available power remaining and the fridge's size also come into play. 

How Long Does a Goal Zero Battery Last? 

The Goal Yeti 1400 contains a powerful 1,428 battery pack with a lifespan of over 500 cycles. More so, the generator also features a replaceable battery pack for convenient use. It takes up to 25 hours to charge a regular generator using the traditional power outlets. 

What can a goal Zero Yeti 400 power?

The generator is suitable for various types of devices. These include cameras, tablets, phones, and more. Plus, you can also use it as an alternative to the traditional gas generator to power small appliances in the home.

Why is My Goal Zero Beeping?

The unusual "chirp noise" you get from the generator indicates the power is low and needs more power. Connect the device to a power source as soon as possible to help stop the device from power issues.  

Can a Goal Zero Power a Microwave?

Yes, it's a pure sine wave inverter and can provide up to 1400 watts of continuous power. Plus, it can deliver up to 3000watts total of surge power. Such power should be sufficient to run tools such as a microwave, heater, fridge, and more.

Are Goal Zero Solar Panels Waterproof?

Yes, the solar panel is waterproof and can withstand exposure to various weather elements. These include issues such as moisture and dirt, which can easily cause damage to the internal components of the unit.

Goal Yeti 1400 Reviews

Below are some of the reviews the generator has been receiving on Amazon.

What a reliable powerhouse this machine can be. At first, I had my doubts, but the Goal Yeti has proved wrong. It's one of the best investments I've ever made for my power supply needs. The generator is simple to use, and I like that you can power it in many ways. The generator is excellent.

The other thing I like about this unit is that it runs whisper quiet. It never makes any buzzing noise, and I find it safe to use around the kids as well. If you have many kids, and you want a convenient power supply unit, consider this generator.

Rob Start from San Diego

Our Yeti is powerful, and I use it to operate various tools in the house. These include a toaster, coffee maker, vacuum cleaner and more. I noticed that coffee maker will consume an average of 8% of power and the waffle maker 35%. To charge this unit, I have a Renogy 200 watt portable solar panel that can deliver upto 150 watts of power. 

Besides that, the inclusion of an in built charger makes the entire process convenient. For this, I have a 20 foot heavy duty cable to make things convenient. My husband also likes it because of its sleek appearance. Whenever it's in the house, the generator looks appealing, and blends well with my decor. 

Stella Witherspoon from LA

Let me start by saying this is my second generator. They ship fast, and there were no issues in the entire process. While it's lighter than the 1250, I find it as equally useful as its counterpart. I plan on using it with a transfer switch on my oil boiler. On average, the Yeti 1400 will deliver over 6 hours of power.

The 1250 version has been reliable because it's been running my full size fridge, with no issues at all. However, I need the 1400 because I also want to run a boiler, and using it has been an exceptional experience.

Amit Khan from Jakarta

Finally 

We have all been there - that dreaded moment when you face a power outage due to a snowstorm, or perhaps when you out camping. However, dread not because we have the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is here to save the day! 

The Yeti 1400 might be portable, but it will provide the right amount of power when you need it the most. Plus, it's easy to set up, and the LED makes it simple to use each time.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Related Articles
Kobalt 80 Volt Battery Review For Kobalt Power Equipment

Kobalt 80 Volt Battery Review for Kobalt Power Equipment

Kobalt 80-Volt Lithium Ion (Li-ion) Cordless Power... High performance Kobalt 80 Volt lithium-ion battery delivers...Compatible with the entire Kobalt 80 ...

Generac ix2000 Review 2024

What happens when you want a reliable power supply solution for camping, power tool use, tailgating, and more? You need ...

DuroMax XP4850EH Review 2024

Sale DuroMax XP4850EH Generator-4850 Watt Gas or Propane... Plenty of Power – With 4,850 starting watts and 3,850 running...Dual Fuel ...