Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Review

Overall Rating 9
Portability 9
Compatibility 8
Durability 9
Ease of Use 7
Value for Money 9

Aniket

Written by qualified solar engineer Aniket. Last updated:

Our Verdict

The Yeti 1250 by Goal Zero is basically a solid, large box that can power a lot of things. Up to 10 devices can be connected to its 100Ah battery. It is much heavier than Goal Zero’s lithium options, but makes up for it by being cheaper. The Yeti 1250 is for those who are looking for an inexpensive alternative to the lithium options. It is also for those who don’t mind the weight of over 100 lbs.

The construction is quite robust, and although the size may not underline its portability, its durability compensates. The display is neat and easy to read. There are multiple charging methods, as well as DC as AC outputs with surge protection. In the sense of features, the 1250 is a complete package. Let us take a look at some more details in this Goal Zero Yeti 1250 review.

Compatibility

Goal Zero has made sure that its multiple products are perfectly compatible and easily connectable to each other. The Yeti 1250 can be charged with any of Goal Zero’s solar panels, albeit the time required for charging increases as panel size reduces. Speaking of the output, both DC and AC electrical loads can be connected to the unit, thanks to the in-built inverter. This inverter is pure sine-wave with an output of up to 1200W end even some surge protection. Most small to medium household appliances including refrigerators and even hand-drills can be powered by the Yeti 1250.

side facing Goal Zero Yeti 1250

Durability

There are no moving parts and no misaligned joints on the Yeti 1250. Even the handles are super-strong, as they should be, considering the weight of 103 lbs. The corner edges are reinforced by serrated plastic patches, similar to the Yeti 400. The base has wide and strong feet, which help in avoiding any tipping or wobbling. The front panel of this power station has the display screen and ports securely placed in a way that reduces any risk to them.

Ease Of Use

If the lifting and moving around of the Yeti 1250 is excluded, it is a fairly simple device to use. It has the usual ports and their descriptions neatly placed on the front. The display has clear and large numbers and you can always read what the number is about. Connecting and disconnecting the Yeti 1250 to solar panels is simple, thanks to the single pin design that eliminates the positive-negative connections. This is the same when it comes to connecting devices on the output side.

Features

The features that put the Yeti 1250 above many other battery packs are the easy solar panel or wall charging options as well as the surge-protected AC output. The weight would have been a serious concern, but Goal Zero nearly got that problem solved by providing a roll cart with handles and wheels. Even though it packs enough capacity, the Yeti 1250 can be chained to other units to increase the storage. You can even charge your smaller Yeti 400 or 150 from this machine, which implies the larger 1250 will require less handling.

Design

At first glance, the Yeti 1250 looks like a scaled-up version of the Yeti 400, and to a large extent it is. It also houses a small compartment on the top which can store small items. The lid of this compartment has some guidelines on understanding and using the power station. There is a large metallic grey central portion that has the Goal Zero name and logo printed in a large font. On top and at the bottom, the unit is black, with neon green handles on top and the YETI 1250 label in the front. The reinforced edges give a rugged feel to the power station.

side birdseye view of Goal Zero Yeti 1250

Portability

The two most important criteria for portability are the ability to charge or discharge anywhere, and the ability to easily carry and transport. The former criterion is perfectly satisfied by the option of charging by solar panels. The latter however, is a greater challenge, as 103 lbs is difficult for one person to carry. To some extent, Goal Zero managed to solve this problem by offering the much-needed roll-cart with a tall handle. However, if you still seem to doubt its real portability, here are other popular generators that are also portable. Another criterion is the durability, and it seems the Yeti 1250 has that handled.

What We Like

The Yeti 1250 may not be the Goal Zero’s best offering, but it is a strong and highly capable device. It can run everything from mobile devices to fridges and hand-tools. This power pack is a great companion, whether it is for outdoor camping and grilling or dealing with unexpected power cuts at home. Its versatile charging and 10 different ports with three different kinds of outputs make it very convenient to use. Ultimately, the Goal Zero 1250 is a modern power station that, despite of a few drawbacks, is a noteworthy machine.

Pros:

  • Multi-input and multi-output (DC/AC) charging-discharging
  • Rugged and durable build
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Heavy, difficult to handle without roll-cart
  • Costly, compared to a regular 100Ah battery

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