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BLUETTI SwapSolar Portable MultiCooler and AC180T Power Station Review

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BLUETTI, a company known for its portable power stations and associated accessories, is currently running an Indiegogo campaign for its new SwapSolar ecosystem of app-enabled products. The launch products in the SwapSolar family include a high-capacity power station with removable hot-swappable batteries plus a multifunction portable cooler. Together, they can keep your perishables cool for up to six days while completely off the grid, or essentially indefinitely with occasional access to power.

bluetti swapsolar fridge power station
The crowdfunding campaign for the SwapSolar campaign is drawing to a close in just a few days with over $1.1 million pledged by backers, and I’ve been testing out both main products in the lineup to see how they work, including their app integration that lets you keep tabs on the accessories and make adjustments right from your iPhone.

3-in-1 Portable MultiCooler

The highlight of the lineup is the unique 3-in-1 Portable MultiCooler, which can serve as a fridge, a freezer, and an ice maker. BLUETTI says it’s the first portable fridge powered by high-density LFP batteries, which retain 80% of their original capacity even after 3,000 cycles. A single BLUETTI B70 battery can power the fridge for up to three days, but it can also run off a standard electrical outlet, a 12-volt socket such as those found in vehicles, or solar panels.

bluetti multicoolerbluetti multicooler
The fridge compartment has a 40-liter/42-quart capacity with an additional 9-liter/9.5-quart ice maker compartment that can produce ice in just 15 minutes from an onboard water tank. The fridge itself features a rapid cool-down mode that can chill the compartment from 85º F (30ºC) to freezing in 15 minutes, and you can set the temperature to as low as –4º F (–20 ºC), so it will work as either a fridge or a freezer.

bluetti multicooler openbluetti multicooler open
In my testing, the unit was capable of holding temperature quite well both slightly above and below freezing. BLUETTI recommends keeping the fridge fairly full of items and minimizing the amount of time the lid is left open to help minimize temperature fluctuations, but even with only a few items in the fridge I only ever saw the temperature briefly rise by a degree or two following a quick opening of the lid.

bluetti multicooler displaybluetti multicooler display
The ice maker is a neat functionality of the MultiCooler, allowing for on-demand generation of ice cubes in two size options for drinks or other needs. Simply fill the ice maker compartment with between 400 ml and 1 L of water, and start up the ice-making cycle. The unit does the rest automatically, passing water over a chilled metal grid to freeze it in sets of 24 cubes.

I wouldn’t call even the larger-sized cubes substantial by any means, but they can be made quickly and do the trick for keeping a drink cold. An initial cycle took about 25 minutes to produce a set of cubes, and two additional sets from the same batch of water took about 10 minutes each. You can set the ice maker to produce one set of cubes at a time, or it can run continuously for as long as its water supply holds up or until the ice basket fills up, spitting each batch of cubes into the basket as the cycle completes and immediately starting a new one.

bluetti multicooler icebluetti multicooler ice
It is worth noting that running an ice-making cycle diverts the unit’s power to that function, resulting in the fridge portion gradually warming up. I had the fridge compartment set at 35 ºF, and over the course of the approximately 50 minutes as I ran multiple ice-making cycles, the fridge temperature gradually rose to 44 ºF. It only took about 10 minutes to return to 35 ºF once I stopped making ice, and I didn’t notice nearly that much effect on every test series, but it’s definitely something to be aware of if you’ve got perishables in the fridge.

BLUETTI recommends that you change out the water reservoir for the ice maker every 24 hours and fully clean the compartment every three days for hygienic reasons. The unit can run its own 20-minute self-cleaning cycle on the ice-making components, provided it has enough water and power to do so.

bluetti multicooler sidebluetti multicooler side
In addition to its primary function as a fridge, the MultiCooler can also charge other devices, provided you have a battery installed in the unit. A 100-watt USB-C port and a 15-watt USB-A port are located on the side of the unit, making it easy to plug in a laptop, phone, or other device for recharging.

bluetti multicooler batterybluetti multicooler battery
The most notable physical aspect of the MultiCooler to me is its sheer size and weight. It’s rather large at 28 inches (71 cm) by 16.5 inches (42 cm) by 18.7 inches (47.5 cm), so it’ll definitely be easier if you’ve got an SUV, pickup, or van to haul it to wherever you’re going. Large coolers are certainly common equipment for camping and picnicking, but it’s worth noting that this MultiCooler will hold considerably less than a similarly sized basic cooler, considering the space taken up by the active cooling components and the ice maker.

But even more than the size, it’s the weight that limits the MultiCooler’s portability, as it tips the scales at almost 53 pounds (24 kg) on its own. A battery weighs an additional 18.7 pounds (8.5 kg), so for on-the-go functionality you’re looking at over 70 pounds (32 kg) before you’ve even put any food or ice-making water into it.

Fortunately, the MultiCooler has convenient recessed handles built into the sides of the unit, but lifting it in and out of a vehicle can still be quite difficult for some people trying to do it by themselves. The removable battery and food baskets can help break the load up into a few pieces to get it out of your vehicle, but the main unit remains quite heavy on its own. However you manage to get it on the ground, a pair of wheels at one end and a padded folding handle at the other do make it easy to pull along behind you, provided the terrain isn’t too rough.

bluetti multicooler handlebluetti multicooler handle
I found operation to be pleasantly quiet, with BLUETTI saying it remains under 30 dB in fridge mode and under 45 dB in ice-making mode. To my ear in the real world, it’s nearly inaudible in refrigeration mode, and I only occasionally notice the cooling kick on and off depending on how close I am to the unit. It’s definitely louder in ice-making mode, but even that is a relatively low-level fan-like hum that isn’t very disruptive.

AC180T Power Station

What makes SwapSolar an ecosystem is the swappable batteries for running a variety of gadgets while away from other power options, and that’s where BLUETTI’s AC180T power station comes in. It’s a high-capacity backup power station with two hot-swappable batteries that can either be used in the AC180T to power various gadgets via AC or USB or be removed to power other accessories like the MultiCooler. With the two B70 batteries included in the AC180T, the fridge can run for up to six days before the batteries need to be recharged.

bluetti ac180tbluetti ac180t
Removing the batteries is as simple as flipping open the top lid of the power station and pressing a small spring-loaded button on the top of the battery, which allows it to be lifted straight out. The power station seamlessly continues to function with the other battery remaining inside, while the removed battery can be transferred to the MultiCooler to provide power for that device.

bluetti ac180t openbluetti ac180t open
The AC180T is capable of handling sustained loads of up to 1,200 watts with a single battery installed or up to 1,800 watts with two batteries installed, and it can handle transient spikes of up to 2,700 watts to support devices with high startup power draw. With a total capacity of 1,433.6 watt-hours, BLUETTI notes it can recharge an ‌iPhone‌ over 120 times, but with four AC outlets and four USB ports (two USB-C and two USB-A), it can power an array of devices simultaneously.

A large multicolor LCD screen gives you all of the information you need at a glance, including the current charge level of the power station’s batteries, input and output power draw, estimated time remaining until full charge or depletion, and more. Dedicated physical buttons control whether power is flowing to the AC outlets, the DC USB ports, or both, with the screen also offering an array of other status icons.

bluetti ac180t chargingbluetti ac180t charging
The AC180T barely flinched while recharging a MacBook Pro and an ‌iPhone‌, as a power station this large is capable of much more. I was also able to run multiple lamps, an electric kettle, and a fan from it simultaneously, as long as I had both batteries installed. Trying to run my 1,500-watt electric kettle with only one battery installed tripped the protection system given the 1,200-watt limit with one battery, but it worked fine with two batteries installed.

How long the available power will last is of course a direct function of how much load you’re putting on the power station, but with over 1,400 Wh on board, there’s plenty to go around for most items. Something like my electric kettle would quickly run through the power in under an hour of constant use, but it only needs to run for a few of minutes to produce a full pot of boiling water.

bluetti ac180t batterybluetti ac180t battery
Even with its high-capacity batteries, the AC180T can be recharged quickly, with AC wall power being the quickest method. BLUETTI says it can accept up to 1,440-watt input via AC, enough to fully recharge both batteries from empty in around 70 minutes. In my testing, I indeed saw power draw from the wall of over 1,000 watts, supporting rapid recharging of the system.

In one portion of my testing, I ran through 50% of one battery in about 24 hours of use with the MultiCooler, so it wasn’t quite on pace to meet the three-day target, although I ran quite a few ice-making cycles during that time and I’m sure that sapped a decent amount of power.

bluetti ac180t sidebluetti ac180t side
The AC180T also supports up to 500-watt charging from solar panel accessories, which BLUETTI says can fully recharge the batteries in under three hours. And if you’re out on the road, you can use a 12-volt car power socket, although that will require more like eight hours for a full charge.

BLUETTI App

Both the MultiCooler and the AC180T power station are supported by the BLUETTI app, which lets you control them from your phone or Bluetooth. As long as you’re within Bluetooth range, you’ll have access to a good amount of data on the status of each product, as well most of the same controls (and in some cases more) that are available directly on the products.

bluetti app setupbluetti app setup
The app isn’t the cleanest one around, as it’s somewhat cluttered with widgets and features many users may not be interested in. The main Home tab includes a weather widget (which I can’t seem to get to display accurate information for my location), an ad for current deals on BLUETTI products, and then a series of icons for accessing various functions. Core functions such as accessing existing devices, adding new devices, and accessing user manuals are obviously important, but others like a calculator to estimate how big of a power station you might need to buy should really be tucked away someplace more out of the way.

And that’s just the Home tab. A second tab offers access to the community forums, which you can’t access until you’ve created an account for posting and even then the homepage of the forum mostly features ads and announcements about BLUETTI products. The third tab of the app offers access to the BLUETTI store, while a fourth one is where you can access support options and provide product feedback. The final tab is where you manage your BLUETTI account information, set your app preferences, and manage your referrals and rewards.

Overall, the app just feels too promotional and like it’s trying to do too much. I just want quick access to my devices (you can pin one, but only one, to the app’s Home screen), with the ability to dig into manuals and support options placed somewhere less prominent and other content like ads and community forums omitted from the app entirely.

All of that said, I do find the app useful for monitoring my products, as it provides easy access to status and controls when I’m elsewhere in my house. You’re of course limited to Bluetooth range, but it’s good enough that I can check in on the MultiCooler and power station in my garage when I’m in a room on the second floor of my house.

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For the MultiCooler, you can see the current fridge temperature, adjust the set point, turn on ice making, set various ice-making options, start a self-cleaning cycle for the ice-making components, view power status, turn the entire unit on or off, and more. It really provides everything I need to see in a glanceable format with a relatively clean design.

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For the AC180T, the app offers a graphical overview of power flow, showing current input from solar or the grid and output via AC and DC connections. You can turn the AC receptacles and DC USB ports off via the app, view the status of the installed batteries, and apply firmware updates to the batteries.

How to Buy

The Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for the SwapSolar system is wrapping up in just a few days, and there are a number of tiers of perks with various combinations of products included, some of which are already shipping to backers and some of which will be shipping soon.

The main combo is priced at $1,719, a savings of 34% (over $900) compared to the regular retail price, and it includes the MultiCooler, a B70 battery to power it, and the AC180T power station with two additional B70 batteries installed. Other combinations starting at $569 for just the MultiCooler and $849 for just the AC180T power station and batteries are also available, ranging up to $2,099 for the full set plus a 200-watt solar panel.

These are obviously some pricey packages, and there are certainly cheaper portable fridge options on the market, but BLUETTI’s offerings include many more features and much more flexibility than most competing products. So for those looking for higher-end capabilities, BLUETTI’s SwapSolar ecosystem may be an option worth looking at.

The new SwapSolar system is just one of a number of products available under the BLUETTI brand, with the company primarily focused on portable power stations, home energy storage, and associated accessories.

Note: BLUETTI provided MacRumors with the MultiCooler and AC180T for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with BLUETTI. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

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New BLUETTI SwapSolar portable power station and outdoor fridge

BLUETTI SwapSolar hot-swappable battery portable fridge

Sponsored:

If you are searching for a power station for your next outdoor adventure, you might be interested to know that the engineering team at BLUETTI has designed an innovative power system in the form of the BLUETTI SwapSolar. The range comprises of a portable fridge and power station featuring hot-swappable batteries offering a more environmentally friendly and customizable way to power your devices while away from the grid.

BLUETTI is renowned for its innovative energy solutions and has once again created an ingenious power system launch in the form of its SwapSolar ecosystem that has launched on Indiegogo. Building on the monumental success of its AC500 model, which raised a record-breaking $12 million via the Indiegogo crowdfunding website.

BLUETTI SwapSolar hot swappable batteries

The company unveiled and showcased the new BLUETTI SwapSolar range earlier this year at CES 2024. Its designers have specifically created the new BLUETTI SwapSolar system to provide users with a comprehensive portable power and refrigeration solution. SwapSolar features the world’s first LFP-powered MultiCooler portable fridge and the AC180T hot-swappable battery power station. This duo transforms your outdoor experiences by offering a unique blend of convenience and functionality. Let’s inspect its specifications, features, benefits and design.

BLUETTI SwapSolar

At the heart of SwapSolar lies the promise of enhancing your outdoor adventures by addressing power supply, refrigeration, and ice-making needs seamlessly. Whether you’re planning a few days off the grid or a long-distance journey, SwapSolar ensures you remain powered and your provisions stay cool. The AC180T battery station guarantees an independent power supply, while the MultiCooler fridge offers a trifecta of cooling efficiency, making it an indispensable companion for any outdoor enthusiast.

“The hot-swappable battery delivers uninterrupted power while ensuring optimal performance. Experience the freedom of a seamless energy supply – empowering every moment of your adventure.”

Earlybird pricing and availability

Launching on February 21 2024 on Indiegogo, SwapSolar comes with attractive early bird discounts, ensuring you get the best deal for your outdoor energy solutions. With a comprehensive warranty and availability in select countries, BLUETTI is set to redefine outdoor adventures with SwapSolar. Unlock exclusive deals on BLUETTI’s latest SwapSolar products with our Super Early Bird specials on the official Indiegogo campaign page.

  • AC180T Power Station: Retailing at $1299, is now available for only $849, saving $450. Limited to the first 100 units.
  • B70 Battery Module: Usually $429, it can be yours for just $299. This price is available to  the first 300 buyers.
  • MultiCooler Portable Fridge: Chill your drinks, not your wallet, with a drop from $899 to $569. Act fast first 300 units only.
  • AC180T + MultiCooler Combo: A bundle of joy at $2198, now available for an astonishing $1429. 200 sets available at this discounted price.
  • AC180T + MultiCooler + B70 Bundle: The ultimate trio is down from $2627 to $1719 for the first 100 adventurers.
  • MultiCooler + B70 Package: Cool down your budget from $1328 to $799 and is available  at this price to the first 100 backers.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be among the select few to benefit from these Super Early Bird specials, enhancing your outdoor experience with reliability and efficiency.

BLUETTI SwapSolar AC180T power station

MultiCooler Portable Fridge

The MultiCooler is not just any fridge; it’s a versatile appliance designed to meet all your cooling needs. When equipped with 2 swappable batteries, the MultiCooler keeps your food fresh for up to 6 days. Offering a capacity of 42qt (40L), it can easily store around 60 cans of soda. Its wide temperature range from -4°F to 68°F ensures your food and drinks remain at your desired temperature. Remarkably, it can cool items from 86°F to 32°F in a mere 15 minutes, and the built-in ice maker produces crystal-clear ice cubes swiftly, enhancing your refreshment experience outdoors.

  • Capacity: 42qt (40L), capable of holding about 60 cans of soda.
  • Temperature Range: -4°F to 68°F (-20℃ to +20℃).
  • Cooling Efficiency: Can cool from 86°F to 32°F (30℃ to 0℃) in just 15 minutes.
  • Built-in Ice Maker: Produces crystal-clear ice cubes quickly.
  • Design: Portable with side grooves for easy lifting, wheels, and drawbar for transport, and 45° tilt protection.
  • Noise Level: Operates quietly at 30dB in refrigeration mode and 45dB in ice-making mode.
  • Control: Intuitive LCD touch screen and Bluetooth connectivity for remote management via the BLUETTI app.
  • Charging Methods: Supports four charging methods, including direct wall or car plug-in and solar panel connectivity.
  • Two-year warranty

“Geared up for a road trip and want to keep your favorite beers and drinks refreshingly cool? BLUETTI is launching its first ecosystem product within its diverse lineup-the SwapSolar, an industry-first duo of AC180T swappable solar generator and MultiCooler 3-in-1 portable car fridge.”

BLUETTI SwapSolar outdoor icemaker and portable fridge

BLUETTI AC180T: Hot-Swappable Battery Power Station

The AC180T innovative power station is a game-changer with its removable battery design, featuring two B70 LFP batteries. This design not only offers durability with 3,000+ life cycles but also provides the flexibility to swap batteries for continuous power. Whether for extended trips or emergencies, the AC180T ensures you have the power you need, when you need it.

  • Battery: Uses two B70 LFP batteries (716.8Wh each) with 3,000+ life cycles and 5,000+ swap times.
  • Design: Features a removable battery design for extreme flexibility.
  • Output Power: 1,200W with one battery and 1,800W with two batteries.
  • Capacity: 716.8Wh with one battery and 1,433.6Wh with two batteries.
  • Charging Options: Fast 1,440W AC charging and solar panel charging supported.
  • Solar Input: Accepts up to 500W Max., with a voltage range of 12-60VDC.
  • Five year warrantyimited quantities.

BLUETTI SwapSolar outdoor power station

Single battery performance

The AC180T power station is configured to operate with either one or two B70 battery modules, which significantly influences its performance metrics. When equipped with a single B70 battery, the AC180T delivers an output power of 1,200 watts, alongside a total energy capacity of 716.8 watt-hours. Charging this setup is efficient with an 850W input power, allowing the battery to reach 80% charge in just one hour and a full charge in approximately one and a half hours.

Dual battery performance

Doubling the battery modules to two B70 batteries enhances the AC180T’s output power to 1,800 watts, effectively increasing the energy storage capacity to 1,433.6 watt-hours. This not only provides more energy but also allows for a higher charging rate of 1,440 watts, reducing the time to achieve an 80% charge to a mere 45 minutes, and a full charge can be completed in just 70 minutes.

AC180T Performance with Battery

Additionally, the AC180T is designed to accommodate solar power input, with a maximum capacity of 500 watts and an operational voltage range of 12 to 60VDC. This feature ensures that users can harness solar energy to power the station, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly charging option. Overall, the BLUETTI AC180T offers flexible power solutions that cater to various outdoor and backup power needs, with the ability to adjust performance based on the number of batteries installed and the charging method used.

BLUETTI SwapSolar portable fridge

The MultiCooler’s adaptability to various charging methods, including direct wall or car plug-in and solar panel compatibility, ensures you can keep your essentials cool in any situation. The AC180T complements this with fast AC and solar charging capabilities, making it a robust solution for all your outdoor power needs.

BLUETTI SwapSolar LFP batteries

Whether you are gearing up for a camping trip, planning a remote outdoor event, or simply need a reliable power and cooling solution off the grid, SwapSolar by BLUETTI offers an unmatched blend of functionality and convenience. Prepare to embark on your next adventure with confidence, knowing that your power and cooling needs are fully covered.  For a complete list of all available pledge options and discounts jump over to the official BLUETTI crowdfunding campaign page on Indiegogo.

Disclosure: “This is a sponsored post. timeswonderful has been compensated for this post.”

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