An emergency hand crank radio can be a life-saving device for you and your family during times of crisis, but it can also be used for entertainment in normal times.
If case you are looking for the best hand crank radio you don’t have to look any further, because we created an overview of the best crank radios out there.
Before going out to buy a hand crank radio for yourself it is wise to do a bit of research. You’ll want a crank radio that not only provides you with warnings and alerts but also has some additional features that can help you out during a disaster or crisis.
By reading our buyer’s guide you should certainly be able to find the best hand crank radio for yourself!
Table of Contents
The Best Hand Crank Radios
Emergency Hand Crank Radio Reviews
When disaster strikes and you are stuck in your house with no information on what’s going on, a good emergency crank radio can be very useful or even save your life.
Most models of hand crank radios come equipped with a lot of features that can help you get through an emergency situation. If you are looking for a good emergency hand crank radio then continue reading, because we’ll discuss the features of some of the best hand crank radios available in the hand crank radio reviews below.
Kaito KA500
The Kaito KA500 is an excellent choice when you’re looking for a high-quality radio that is just right for emergency situations. The radio includes an AC generator as well as a solar panel so you don’t have to worry about the batteries going dead.A great feature about this radio is the LED lamp. When you are dealing with low light, you can use it to light the way. There is also an LED light located on the side of the radio that can be used for signaling in the event of an emergency.The Kaito KA500 is also an excellent choice in the event of a power failure. You can use it to charge a number of different electronic devices.If you are dealing with a natural disaster, you will appreciate the weather alert feature. This radio is designed for stable reception so it can be a lifesaver when you have it available.
Sangean MMR-88
You can’t go wrong with the Sangean MMR-88, which is another excellent hand crank radio choice. It includes a phone charger and you can even use the LED flashlight to give Morris code signals.Of course you have the option of charging this radio by hand cranking but you can also plug it into a USB if power is not available or use a solar panel. You don’t have to worry about your radio being dead with this unit.The Sangean MMR-88 gives you access to news, radio programs and music as well as weather warnings and alerts. This makes it perfect when you are stuck inside of your home because of a weather event or another natural disaster.Something you will appreciate about this hand crank radio is the fact that it includes an emergency buzzer and a flashlight. It is a versatile unit but it is also extremely easy to use.
Midland ER310
No list of best emergency hand crank radios would be complete without including the Midland ER310. Regardless of whether you are using it every day or during severe weather events, it will be ready for you because it has multiple charging options.There are 7 channels in this NOAA receiver so you can listen to the news, weather alerts or messages in the event of an emergency on any of the channels. If there is an alert of impending danger, it will also notify you with a loud siren.You can enjoy a variety of radio stations on this crank radio as well and share the music with others. If you want to listen privately, you can connect headphones as well.The Midland ER310 includes a 2600mAh lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable. When charged, it will last for well over 30 hours and you can recharge it by plugging it in with a USB cable, hand cranking or using solar power.If you are looking for an option to keep you and your family safe in an emergency, the Midland ER310 has plenty to offer.
Kaito Voyager Pro KA600
The Kaito Voyager Pro KA600 is the perfect hand cranked radio that is set apart by two distinct features: the ability to enter a frequency using a direct keypad entry and a Radio Data System (RDS) that allows all listeners to enjoy conventional FM radio broadcasts.
The Kaito Voyager Pro has NOAA’s seven main weather channels that will provide reliable information about the kind of weather to be expected around the world during a disaster or when you are planning to travel. There are also entertainment channels that feature talk shows, sports, and breaking news. You will be well covered no matter where you live.
With excellent FM reception quality, you can be certain that this hand crank emergency radio is dependable at all times. Boasting of features like a solid battery life, a digital thermometer, and a humidity meter, the Kaito Voyager Pro KA600 is one of a kind. It is also the companion that you need during a power outage or when camping out because it has lights that will enable you to see in the dark.
American Red Cross FRX3
The American Red Cross FRX3 is a multi-functional emergency radio that can alert you about the weather, charge your smartphone, and much more. Through the weather alert feature, the device allows you to prepare yourself beforehand against unforeseen natural disasters as well as for other emergencies.
Besides charging the radio with the hand crank, you can also recharge it with solar power or with a set of NiMH batteries. If the device is fully charged it offers continuous performance for up to four hours.
Another notable feature of the American Red Cross FRX3 radio is that it comes with dual-function LED flashlight. If you press the button located at the upper corner of the radio once you will get a bright light, pressing the button again will make the LED light blink.
This hand crank radio also comes equipped with an AUX audio port as well as with a headphone output port. And with the USB charging port you can recharge the batteries of the radio itself as well as recharge other devices such as your Smartphone.
If you are looking for a multipurpose survival radio that comes with a bounty of beneficial features at an affordable price, then the American Red Cross FRX3 radio is a good choice.
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Buying Guide
An emergency crank radio is an investment so you should keep a few things in mind before you pull out your credit card. First of all, you need to know the specifications that are necessary for what you want to get out of the radio. In addition, it is always beneficial to do research rather than simply jumping at the first radio you see. You might ask yourself questions about the features it includes or perhaps how useful it will be in the event of an emergency. This guide can help to give you some direction so you can make a wise choice.
What Type Of Radio Is Best For You?
This is the first question, but it is very important to ask. Some hand crank radios are designed for specific, one-way communication to provide you with alerts but they don’t offer the ability to communicate with others. If you need to hear the alerts but also contact the authorities, a more expensive radio should be considered. If you only want to get information about what is going on outside when you are stuck inside during a crisis, almost any radio would do the job.
What Is Necessary To Receive On The Radio?
Another important consideration before buying a hand crank radio is the reception of the device. You can look to buy a radio that has good reception on it’s own, but another option is to use a separate antenna to improve the reception of your emergency crank radio.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that the radio you buy has a NOAA logo, because this means you will be able to receive warnings and news from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Even when you don’t have good reception this will make sure you will still be able to receive alarms in emergency situations, like natural disasters or severe weather conditions.
What Power Options Do You Need?
There are different power options, depending upon the radio that you purchase. A higher quality radio may have more options for charging the batteries. It’s important to consider the battery life but you also may need to charge it in an optional way if the power is down.
On a day-to-day basis, the AC adapter will suffice for keeping the unit charged. What are you going to do when there is no power? Some emergency hand crank radios may also offer a solar panel and that can be another convenient option for charging the device. Even if the unit has been down for a long time, you can still listen to warnings or alerts when you use those alternate options for charging.
The better radios that include a solar panel option will also include extra batteries. This may be a matter of life and death in certain situations so consider the alternate power options when making your decision.
Are There Other Features To Consider?
We already covered some of the essential points for choosing a good radio. What if you’re looking for something specific or an additional feature that may be useful for you?
Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME)
SAME is a feature that you may want to have available in an emergency crank radio. It can really help to cut through the noise when you’re dealing with a major emergency because it only provides alerts and warnings that are specific to your area. In other words, you don’t need to continually monitor all of the alerts because with the SAME feature only those alerts that pertain to you will come over the unit. It saves time, power and is a convenience you might appreciate.
Water Resistance, LED Lights And Alarm Clocks
There are a variety of other features that may be offered on hand crank radios, including water resistance, alarm clocks or LED lights.
If you live in an area that is prone to a lot of rainfall, you may find a water-resistant unit to be a good choice. If dust may be a problem, see if there is a dust resistant option.
LED lights work in numerous ways, including providing you with a secondary source of light in an emergency or using as an emergency signal. You may even have a Morse code flashlight on some units that can help you to get help when necessary.
A Look At Charging Ports
Some emergency hand cranked radios are going to have a convenient option that allows them to charge other electronic devices. When the power is out and your phone goes dead, those charging ports are really going to come in handy. If you want a way to listen to music quietly around others, be sure it includes a headphone jack.
Conclusion
There are so many different options available and sometimes it can be overwhelming when you’re trying to choose the right hand crank radio for your needs. By using this guide, however, you can choose a radio that has the right options for you.You will find that a good hand crank radio can be used on a day-to-day basis and also when there is a crisis. Just look for the various features that you will want to use in either situation. When you have the perfect radio available, it will be there for you to survive a catastrophe and it will also keep you entertained when you’re at home or traveling.Take the time now to make your choice and buy a top rated emergency hand crank radio!
