A fridge full of groceries and a hot meal can make a power outage easier to ride out. LiTime’s Lares K1 keeps backup power ready in the kitchen: leave your refrigerator connected, and the system switches to battery power automatically when the electricity cuts out. Its two slim modules can stand together, tuck beside an appliance or mount separately.
The first model in LiTime’s Lares series pairs a 2,304Wh battery with a 2,000W inverter-charger. It’s available to preorder for $1,099.99, with shipping estimated for November 20. The setup uses a standard 120V wall outlet and powers appliances plugged directly into its two AC outlets, without changes to your electrical panel.
Price: $1,099.99; preorder, estimated November 20 shipping
Where to buy: LiTime
A battery that fits around the kitchen
The split design gives you more choices than a single large box. The battery is 3.15 inches thick, while the inverter-charger is 3.35 inches thick. You can place them together, separate them or mount them on a wall using the supplied hardware. Included 0.25-meter and 1.5-meter connection cables accommodate the different arrangements.
Those measurements describe the bare modules. Wall brackets bring their depth to roughly 3.54 and 3.74 inches, and the combined upright system is about 20.47 inches wide, 30.71 inches tall and 3.94 inches deep before allowing for its stand feet. Leave room for the cables and ventilation when measuring a gap beside the refrigerator.
The included floor and wall hardware lets you choose a dry, ventilated indoor location around your existing kitchen. It’s a useful approach for renters and apartment dwellers who want backup for essential appliances without a whole-home electrical installation.
Separating the inverter-charger from the battery also helps reduce heat transfer between them. The modular design lets LiTime service or replace an individual component without replacing the entire system.
Keep the fridge connected before the outage
The built-in UPS transfers to battery power in 10 milliseconds or less. Once the system is configured for backup and the refrigerator is connected, the changeover doesn’t require someone to be home to swap cables.
A single battery is sized for roughly a day of refrigerator backup, helping keep food chilled through an extended outage. LiTime’s approximately 24-hour estimate assumes a fridge using 2kWh per day, 90% inverter efficiency and no other connected loads; your appliance, room temperature and additional loads affect runtime.
You can expand from one to four compatible K1 battery packs, taking capacity from 2,304Wh to 9,216Wh. Extra batteries extend runtime; the system’s continuous AC output stays at 2,000W.
Keep coffee and a hot meal on the menu
A compatible microwave, coffee maker or electric kettle can use the second outlet while the refrigerator stays connected. With an AC outlet on each side of the inverter-charger, the plugs have room around the unit. Both outlets share its 2,000W continuous output, with a one-second 4,000W surge rating for startup demand.
Match the appliances’ running loads to the continuous rating and account for the refrigerator compressor’s startup demand when combining devices. A microwave’s electrical input wattage, printed on its label, is the figure to use for planning.
That turns the K1 into more than a fridge-only reserve. A short microwave session or morning coffee can help the household keep its routine, while leaving the rest of the stored energy available for refrigeration.
Check the system without pulling it out
A built-in touchscreen puts battery status and charging controls within reach. The LiTime app adds power-flow monitoring, settings and software updates, with Bluetooth 5.0 for nearby access and Wi-Fi for remote control when the system has an active internet connection.
Operating noise is rated at approximately 40dB, depending on the load and conditions. The split design helps manage heat and fan activity in a system built to stay in a lived-in kitchen.
Time-of-Use mode gives the battery a job between outages, too. Where local rules allow, it can charge during cheaper hours and supply connected appliances during peak-rate periods. Enter your electricity rates in the app to see estimated savings based on your tariff and usage.
Charging supports up to 1,500W from a wall outlet or up to 800W from compatible solar panels, with a 1,500W total limit when both inputs are used together. LiTime includes a solar connection cable; panels are a separate purchase and must match the system’s input requirements.
Lares K1 questions answered
What comes with the system?
The system includes the battery and inverter-charger, floor and wall mounting hardware, 0.25-meter and 1.5-meter battery connection cables, and a solar connection cable. Choose a dry, ventilated indoor location for this stationary home-backup system.
What does installation involve?
The basic setup powers appliances directly from the K1 rather than rewiring the home. Follow the installation manual’s professional-guidance requirements for placement, mounting and connections, then connect compatible appliances to the unit’s AC outlets.
Can I buy a battery now and add the inverter later?
The current selection consists of complete systems and bundles with additional batteries. Separate K1 battery packs and inverter-chargers are planned, but aren’t currently offered individually on the product page.
Can I manage it while away from home?
Yes. Wi-Fi gives the LiTime app remote access while the system is connected to the internet, and Bluetooth 5.0 handles nearby control. The touchscreen provides direct access at the unit.
What warranty covers the battery?
The K1 battery carries a five-year warranty.
Price: $1,099.99; preorder, estimated November 20 shipping
Where to buy: LiTime
The base 2,304Wh system is the starting point for a dedicated kitchen backup. Two, three or four battery packs bring storage to 4,608Wh, 6,912Wh or 9,216Wh, respectively, letting you choose the reserve that suits your refrigerator and daily kitchen routine.
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