EmailBest Reviewed
Weather Radios
- Emergency crank radio Eton FR300 *Est. $50
- Best weather radio overall Midland WR-300 *Est. $50
- Handheld weather radio Oregon Scientific WR602 *Est. $65
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Emergency crank radio
- Four different power sources
- Includes effective hand-crank generator
- Integrated flashlight
- Built-in phone charger
- Lacks SAME technology
- Doesn't meet Public Alert Standard
The Eton FR300 weather radio earns high marks from both owners and experts. This radio can be powered from four sources, including its own internal crank-driven generator, which means it can be operated during power failures. The Eton weather radio covers standard radio broadcast bands and all National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather channels, and extra features include a built-in LED flashlight, flashing warning/location light and even a cell phone charger.
On the downside, the Eton FR300 lacks Public Alert certification and SAME technology, which lets you fine-tune which alerts you choose to receive, so it's not as good a primary alert weather radio as the Midland WR-300 (*Est. $50). The Eton FR300 is also sold under the Grundig and American Red Cross brands. If you're looking for a smaller portable weather radio, the Oregon Scientific WR602 (*Est. $65) receives positive reviews and is a handheld unit that can also coordinate with the Oregon Scientific weather docking station (*Est. $100).
We found the best review of the Eton FR300 weather radio in The Wall Street Journal, where Walter S. Mossberg includes the Eton in a story about disaster preparedness. The Eton FR300 is also discussed by owners posting to the retail sites Amazon.com and Cabelas.com. A detailed review of this individual model can be found in an article at Cabela's Outfitter Journal, a print copy of which has been scanned and reposted on the Eton website. A thorough video review can be seen on SurvivalistBoards.com.
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Our Sources
Mossberg looks at two emergency crank radios in this column about preparing for disasters. He gives the nod to the Eton FR300, particularly appreciating that this emergency radio can use multiple power sources. While this review is several years old, both of the models included in this comparison are still readily available, so the information is highly relevant.
Review: This Is a Test of Emergency Power Systems, Walter S. Mossberg, Sept. 21, 2005
2. Amazon.com
The Eton FR300 is the top choice at Amazon.com among emergency radios, earning high average ratings from nearly 140 owners. There are some complaints about durability and tuner reception.
Review: Eton FR300 Emergency Crank Radio, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of Oct. 2009
3. Cabelas.com
The Eton FR300 has accumulated nearly 60 consumer reviews at retailer Cabelas.com and maintains an average rating of four stars out of five. The reviews are brief, but comments are mostly positive.
Review: Eton FR300 Emergency Radio, Contributors to Cabelas.com, As of Oct. 2009
James C. Powell, the associate editor at Cabela's Outfitter Journal, describes his experience with the Eton FR300 (branded here as a Grundig) during a real-world disaster. Powell and his family were stranded for days with no power, and the Eton FR-300 kept them informed and entertained.
Review: Grundig FR300 Emergency Radio, James C. Powell, April 2007
An outdoor enthusiast provides a lengthy video review of the Eton FR300. While the review is somewhat unsophisticated, it does provide a visual representation of various features of the unit, as well as actual audio of the radio.
Review: Eton FR-300 Weather Radio Review, "AAPEXX", June 23, 2008
Weather Radios Runners Up:
3 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
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R-1630 All Hazard - Weather Alert Radio
 from Amazon.com New: $119.99 In Stock.
Average Customer Review:   |
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