EcoFlow DELTA PRO 3 Review: Gimmick or Game Changer?
EcoFlow has once again decided to take a crack at revolutionizing the portable power station market with its latest release, the DELTA PRO 3. But is this new unit just a base model DELTA PRO with a fresh coat of paint, or is it actually the real deal?
Well, we’ve had the opportunity to thoroughly test this brand-new unit and are ready to provide our honest feedback. So, if you want an unbiased and authentic review of the power station everyone online seems to be going crazy for, you’ve come to the right place!
What is the EcoFlow DELTA PRO 3?
Building upon the success of the original DELTA PRO and the DELTA PRO ULTRA, EcoFlow has positioned the DELTA PRO 3 not just as another portable power station, but as an appliance you can integrate into your home seamlessly.
The design and user experience are meant to evoke the familiarity of household appliances, like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers. However, the big question remains: is it worth upgrading to the DELTA PRO 3 or purchasing it if you’re new to the market?
DELTA PRO 3 Design and Specs
The DELTA PRO 3 is a substantial unit, weighing in at 113 lbs, which is heavier than its predecessor. This added weight is mostly a result of the increased physical size and storage capacity of the built-in battery. Boasting an impressive 4,096Wh battery bank, the DELTA PRO 3 can store a significant amount of power for a portable power station.
It also features a 4,000W pure sine wave inverter capable of split phase output at either 120V or 240V, with an 8,000W surge capacity.
For output ports, EcoFlow reconfigured things a little bit with the DELTA PRO 3. A single unit includes four 120V outlets, an L14-30 generator plug, a dedicated 30A plug, and various 12V options. Notably absent is the 12V car socket we’ve seen on the previous two models in the DELTA PRO lineup, which some users might find inconvenient.
The back of the unit is where you’ll find the input ports, including a 1,800W AC input, two solar inputs (high and low voltage), two expansion battery ports, and an AC in/out port for 240V connections. While there’s a lot to like here, we did notice that the main AC input port emitted a slightly odd cricket-like sound when we had it plugged into the wall. Not a huge deal, but definitely worth noting.
Our Performance Tests
Now that you know what the DELTA PRO 3 is all about, we can break down the results of our own tests. The comments sections on some of our recent videos were buzzing with requests to put this unit through its paces, so let’s get to it:
Efficiency:
We put the DELTA PRO 3’s robust 4,000W inverter to the test by running a sustained 3,650W load. Put simply, it performed really well, lasting 60 minutes at this near-maximum load, translating to about 89% efficiency. This is a solid performance given the high demand placed on it.
AC and Solar Charging:
As we mentioned, the DELTA PRO 3 supports multiple charging methods. Using the 120V AC port, the unit charged in about 2 hours and 54 minutes, slightly longer than the advertised 2 hours and 20 minutes. However, the display indicated 2 minutes remaining for an extended period, which could be misleading.
The solar input worked effectively but can be a bit awkward due to the need for different configurations for the high and low voltage inputs. This can complicate the setup process, especially for users unfamiliar with solar arrays. Still, it accepted solar power efficiently, making it a practical option for those looking for a unit capable of storing off-grid solar power.
Surge Capabilities:
The 4,000W inverter and its 8,000W surge rating performed as advertised. During our test, it handled 5,100W for nearly a minute before shutting down when we hit it with more demanding loads nearing the 6,000W mark. This means you shouldn’t have to worry about it shutting down during surges, but it’s not designed to handle prolonged surges. Nothing too surprising here, just worth remembering that you need to be somewhat mindful about what the thing can handle.
Sound Levels:
Under a 2,000W load, the DELTA PRO 3 operates quietly, becoming a bit more noticeable at higher loads. While quieter than the original DELTA PRO, it doesn’t match the near-silent operation of the DELTA PRO ULTRA. We also mentioned the weird chirp we picked up while it was charging through the AC port.
None of this was overly concerning, but might be an issue for those planning to use it in tightly packed RVs, or if you were planning on using it in the bedroom to power a CPAP or something.
Pass-Through Charging:
One of the standout features of the DELTA PRO 3 is its ability to handle pass-through charging. Whether connected to a solar array or an AC outlet, the unit can power devices while simultaneously charging its battery, a feature that not all power stations offer.
Unsurprisingly, this feature worked perfectly when we tested it out. It may not sound too exciting, but you’ll really appreciate it if you’ve got the unit hooked up to solar panels during a blackout.
240V and 120V Simultaneous Use:
The DELTA PRO 3 cannot run 240V and 120V outputs simultaneously, which might be a drawback for some users. However, it handles typical household appliances like dryers and stoves well, provided the surge demand isn’t excessive.
It’s not the type of unit that’s going to fully replace the benefit of installing a permanent solar power system, but it’s still capable of meeting most needs. In simple terms, it’s just a really rock-solid power station that should offer more than enough for most users.
The Overall User Experience
The DELTA PRO 3 excels in user-friendliness. The straightforward on/off power button and intuitive design make it easy to operate. The sliding doors on the sides, replacing the previous clip-in style, are a welcome improvement. The expansion battery is now a more compact, stackable unit, which we felt enhanced both aesthetics and functionality.
A significant advantage is the DELTA PRO 3’s compatibility with legacy EcoFlow products, including the original DELTA PRO’s smart batteries and expansion batteries. This backward compatibility can save existing EcoFlow users money and make upgrading smoother. It’s also something we really felt was missing when EcoFlow first dropped the DELTA PRO ULTRA.
The EcoFlow app, also designed with a user-friendly interface, allows for comprehensive control over the DELTA PRO 3. It supports scheduling tasks for peak shaving, enabling users to charge the unit during off-peak hours and use stored energy during peak times. With utility rates on the rise, this could be hugely beneficial for reducing electricity costs.
The Downsides and Areas for Improvement
Despite some really exciting improvements over previous models, the DELTA PRO 3 is not without its drawbacks. The absence of a 12V car socket is a notable omission, especially for users who rely on DC power for camping or other applications. It’s just a really weird choice given how practical it can be for certain situations.
Additionally, the need for different wiring configurations for the solar inputs adds unnecessary complexity. Not exactly what you want in a power station that was advertised as being incredibly beginner-friendly.
The inability to run 240V and 120V outputs simultaneously also limits its versatility. Lastly, the lack of an integrated light might make it difficult to set up in the dark, a seemingly minor issue that can become significant during power outages.
So, Would We Recommend the DELTA PRO 3?
There’s no doubt that the DELTA PRO 3 is a really solid power station. It just does everything you’d want it to do really well.
With that said, we’d almost think of it like the latest iPhone release: if you already own a previous model that meets your needs, there’s little reason to upgrade. You just aren’t getting enough in the way of new features to justify the cost. However, if you’re new to the market or looking to enhance your backup power capabilities, the DELTA PRO 3 offers the latest features and improved performance.
It’s a powerful, intuitive, and versatile unit that fits seamlessly into various applications, from home backup to off-grid adventures. If you’re considering investing in a portable power station, the DELTA PRO 3 is definitely a worthy contender. EcoFlow didn’t exactly change the game with the DELTA PRO 3, but they certainly dropped another really capable power station that hardly gets any complaints from us.
Stay tuned for more reviews, and make sure you check out our video breakdown of the DELTA PRO 3: EcoFlow DELTA PRO 3 – Gimmick or Game Changer?
If you’re considering picking it up, Shop Solar carries a variety of DELTA PRO 3 Kits that come with solar panels, extra batteries, and more.
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