2023, and South Africa is still beset with loadshedding… And while I am clearly the king of obvious statements, Gizzu may become your new favourite brand in the battle against the South African demon known as Eskom.
Before we run into the why, what and how much it all costs, a disclaimer. I have been spending a fair amount of time on sites with Gizzu and their units. This has however only given me more opportunities to test, dissect and (sometimes) drop some of their brand-new units than most others have.
BEFORE THE NEW, THE OLD
Gizzu is not a new name locally. The first wave of loadshedding solutions featured ‘offline’ power stations, as well as the ever important mini-ups devices for your internet, loadshedding bulbs and a fair amount more. The issue with the early power stations was that it really didn’t work for gamers. I mean, who actually wants to get up and switch over to your backup power when the lights go out? Not me that’s for sure. Or you. I know. I asked my small circle of friends, and they all agreed with me under duress.
All jokes aside, Gizzu knew that option was not really playing in their favour [NOT an official comment we received – Undead Ed]. Enter the new generation of power stations, which come in a variety of flavours… but actually all taste like plastic.
NEW GENERATION FOR AN OLD PROBLEM
It’s on the inside however where things matter, and given what’s locked in the box at the current recommended prices, the time to get yourself some protection against loadshedding has never been better. Each of the new generation power stations come with a built-in UPS, LiFePO4 battery, and some level of portability. On top of that, the recharge time is now so fast that Eskom could change stages and you would still be sitting pretty come your next slot.
Each device also offers a screen with essential details to assist you in knowing how much longer you can watch Netflix, play games or stream. Or boil a kettle. Or do washing. Or maybe drill a hole in the wall. Because, yes, there really is a power station for everyone in the range.
The UPS functionality means that you can leave your devices plugged into the power station while it’s charging, and not even notice as the power is stolen from you by Eskom. In approximately 10 millisecond you will go from happy to angry to overjoyed as the switchover from Eskom to Gizzu happens in less than a blink of the eye.
The new batteries in the Gizzu Challenger and Hero units offer between 2,000 and 3,500 cycles respectively. While we will most likely run the Gizzu power stations to the end of their life cycle if Eskom doesn’t sort itself out in the next seven years, the pricing of the units makes them a very competitive option compared to a trolley inverter system with a similar LiFePO4 battery array. The benefit of the Gizzu units is that they look a lot prettier and have a smaller footprint than the trollies. The Gizzu Hero Core and the Gizzu Hero Pro are particular attractive, while the Gizzu Challenger Pro feels like it was first designed to be a 1990’s boombox. Which you may like. I am not really judging.
Looks aside (and as already mentioned), there are options for everyone with the new range of Gizzu power stations. But which one is best for you and your needs? We give you an opinion, kick you into the deep end and expect you to sink or swim below.
THE OPTIONS
Gizzu Hero Core 512Wh
The unit that will save you from the frustration of doing nothing in the dark.
- Cost: R8,999 RRP
- Power Output: 800W (max)
- Lifespan: 3,500 cycles
- Switchover Time: 10ms
- Recharge Time: 2 hours
- Best For: Those wanting to watch Netflix with a light on for around four hours.
- Also Good For: Console Gamers for around three hours
Gizzu Challenger Pro 1120Wh
A challenger to the throne and (almost) perfect for gamers.
- Cost: R14,999 RRP
- Power Output: 1,000W (max)
- Lifespan: 2,000 cycles
- Switchover Time: 10ms
- Recharge Time: under 2 hours
- Best For: Console Gamers for around four hours
- Also Good For: PC Gamers for around two hours
Gizzu Hero Pro 2048Wh
Covet the Hero Pro. It will be the one you will wish you have. So just get it. Now.
- Cost: R24,999 RRP
- Power Output: 2,400W (max)
- Lifespan: 3,500 cycles
- Switchover Time: 10ms
- Recharge Time: 2 hours
- Best For: PC Gamers and streamers for around three hours
- Also Good For: Handyman needing to cut wood for around one and a half hours
Gizzu Hero Ultra 3840Wh
The big daddy of them all. Did you get it? The gaming reference?
- Cost: R44,999 RRP
- Power Output: 2,400W (max)
- Lifespan: 3,500 cycles
- Switchover Time: 10ms
- Recharge Time: 2.2 hours
- Best For: Gamers with high-end PCs for around three and a half hours
- Also Good For: The zombie slayer with an electric chainsaw for around one and a bit hours. Then you’re dead meat…
You can shop the new range of Gizzu power stations at most retailers or directly via gizzu.co.za. The site also features a very handy runtime calculator that takes out almost all of the thinking needed to make the right decision for your loadshedding needs.
