Emergency Wind Up Radios

A wind-up radio is the piece of emergency kit that can't let you down: no batteries to die, no charge to forget — a minute of cranking buys you the news. Our hand crank radios keep you informed through any power cut, and most double as a torch and an emergency phone charger.

Why wind-up beats battery-only

Battery radios are only as prepared as your battery drawer. A dynamo handle removes the single point of failure — which is why a wind-up model is the one the official household checklist really means. Many models add solar top-up and USB charging for phones, making them the Swiss Army knife of the power cut kit.

Wind-up radio FAQs

How long does a minute of winding last?

Typically 10–20 minutes of radio per minute of cranking, depending on volume and model. Solar-assisted models stretch that further in daylight.

Can a wind-up radio really charge a phone?

For emergency texts and a short call, yes — cranking generates a trickle, not a full charge. For proper phone power, pair it with a power bank.

Do wind-up radios get DAB?

Most are AM/FM, which is deliberate — FM sips power and carries local emergency broadcasts. Some newer models add DAB at the cost of battery life.

How long do they last in storage?

Years. Give the handle a wind every few months to keep the internal battery healthy, and it'll be ready when the lights aren't.