Dewalt Dce100b Review

If you’re looking for a reliable way to power your tools and devices in the garden or on a job site, a good solar generator is a game-changer. This dewalt dce100b review will give you a clear look at what this portable power station can really do. We’ll break down its features, power, and how it handles real-world tasks so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.

Let’s get straight to the point. The DCE100B is DeWalt’s entry into the portable power station market. It’s not a gas generator; it’s a battery-powered inverter that stores energy to run your gear. It’s built with the same tough standards as their famous power tools, which is a great sign right from the start.

It’s designed for pros and serious DIYers who need quiet, fume-free power. You can use it anywhere, from a backyard shed to a remote worksite, as long as you have a way to charge its battery.

Key Features and Specifications

First, let’s look at the basic numbers. Knowing these helps you understand what you can realistically plug in.

Continuous Power: 1800 Watts
Peak Power: 3600 Watts
Battery: Uses DeWalt 20V MAX or 60V FLEXVOLT batteries (not included)
AC Outlets: Two 120V standard household outlets
USB Ports: Two USB-A ports (5V, 2.4A)
DC Output: One 12V car-style outlet
Weight: About 13.5 lbs (unit only, without batteries)

The Battery System: Flexibility is a Strength

This is the most unique part of the DCE100B. Unlike most power stations with a fixed internal battery, this one runs on the same DeWalt batteries you might already own for your drill or saw. You can use a single 20V battery for lighter tasks, or hook up two 20V or two 60V batteries for serious power and runtime.

This system is brilliant if your invested in the DeWalt ecosystem. You don’t have to buy a dedicated, expensive lithium pack. Just swap in your charged tool batteries and keep going. It does mean you need to factor in the cost of buying batteries seperately if you don’t have any.

Performance in Real Garden and Job Site Scenarios

How does it actually perform? Here’s where we put it to the test with common equipment.

Powering Garden Tools

Electric Lawn Mower: It can start and run a small to medium electric mower (under 13 amp), but runtime will be short. It’s best for finishing a strip or trimming.
Hedge Trimmer/String Trimmer: Perfect for these. They draw less power, so you can get a solid 30-45 minutes of work from a pair of 5Ah batteries.
Leaf Blower: Similar to a trimmer, it handles blowers well for quick clean-ups on a patio or driveway.
Propane Grill Igniter: Works flawlessly and uses almost no power.

On the Job Site

Jobsite Radio/Charger: This is an ideal use. It will power a radio and charge tool batteries all day.
Reciprocating Saw/Circular Saw: It can run these under load, but expect the battery to drain quickly with continuous cutting. Great for a few cuts when you’re away from an outlet.
Work Lights: Excellent. LED lights use little power, giving you hours of light.
Laptop & Phone Charging: The USB and AC ports handle this easily, making it a great office-in-a-pinch solution.

Step-by-Step: Getting Started with Your DCE100B

It’s very simple to set up. Here’s how you get going:

Gather Batteries: Make sure you have at least one charged DeWalt 20V or 60V FLEXVOLT battery. Two are recommended for higher output and longer life.
Install the Batteries: Slide the batteries into the ports on the front of the unit until they click. The design is intuitive and foolproof.
Power On: Press the power button on the control panel. The LCD screen will light up.
Check the Display: The screen shows input/output wattage, battery level, and any error codes. It’s a handy feature for monitoring power draw.
Plug In Your Device: Connect your tool or device to one of the AC outlets, USB ports, or the 12V socket.
To Recharge: When batteries are low, remove them and charge them using your standard DeWalt charger. The unit itself does not have a built-in charging port for the batteries.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Breakdown

After testing, here are the clear advantages and drawbacks.

Pros

Extremely Portable: Lightweight without batteries, easy to carry with one hand.
Quiet and Fume-Free: Makes no noise and emits no gases, perfect for indoor or quiet outdoor use.
Uses Tool Batteries: Huge cost savings and convenience if you already own DeWalt batteries.
Strong Power Output: 1800W is enough for most common power tools and garden equipment.
Excellent Build Quality: It feels rugged and durable, like all DeWalt tools.

Cons

Batteries Not Included: The biggest downside. You must buy batteries seperately, which adds significant cost.
Limited Runtime on High-Draw Tools: Running a saw or mower will drain batteries in minutes, not hours.
No Built-in Battery Charger: You cannot plug the unit into a wall to charge the batteries inside it. They must be removed and charged externally.
No Solar Charging Input: Unlike some competitors, you cannot directly plug in a solar panel to recharge the system.

Who Is This For? The Ideal User

The DCE100B isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for specific users.

Existing DeWalt Tool Owners: This is the #1 candidate. You already have the batteries, so this unit becomes a very affordable and logical addition.
Professionals Needing Backup Power: For a tradesperson who needs to run a saw or light in a pinch where power is unavailable.
Serious Gardeners: Those with multiple cordless DeWalt garden tools who want to extend their system’s capability.
Campers or Tailgaters: For powering small appliances, lights, and devices, as long as you bring enough charged batteries.

It’s probably not the best choice if you don’t own any DeWalt batteries, or if you need to run high-wattage appliances like a refrigerator or heater for extended periods.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

The DeWalt DCE100B is a specialized, well-built power station. Its brilliance is in leveraging an existing battery platform. For a DeWalt user, it’s a no-brainer—it adds huge versatility to your toolkit without a massive new investment.

For someone new to the brand, the cost of the unit plus batteries can be steep compared to an all-in-one power station. However, you are paying for pro-grade durability and the flexibility to upgrade your power simply by buying more tool batteries, which is a unique advantage. Just be realistic about runtime expectations on big tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What can I run on a DeWalt DCE100B?

You can run tools and devices under 1800 watts. This includes most hand power tools, LED lights, fans, small televisions, laptops, phone chargers, and some smaller kitchen appliances like a coffee maker. Always check the wattage rating on your device first.

How long will the DeWalt power station last?

Runtime depends entirely on the batteries you use and the device you plug in. A pair of DeWalt 60V 9Ah batteries will last much longer than two 20V 2Ah batteries. Powering a 50W light will run for hours; a 1500W saw will drain them in under 10 minutes.

Can you charge the DCE100B with a solar panel?

Not directly. The unit itself has no charging port. However, you can buy a separate DeWalt battery charger that is solar-compatible (like the DCB0900) to charge your batteries using solar, which you then put into the DCE100B.

Is the DeWalt portable power station worth it?

If you are deep into the DeWalt battery system, yes, it is absolutely worth it for convenient, portable AC power. If you own no batteries and want a general-purpose generator for home backup, a dedicated gas or solar generator might be a better fit for your needs and budget.