If you’re just dipping your toe into the world of camping and looking for ways to keep your food and drinks cool when you’re on the move but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. A portable refrigerator is just what it sounds like mini fridge that can be transported with you wherever you go and is designed to run on very little power, typically from your car’s 12V battery.
These devices were traditionally fashioned as an open chest with a top lid, similar to a refrigerated eski. They are incredibly popular in Australia for camping, caravans, trucks, UTEs, automobiles and 4WDs, isolated and off-grid settings.
Since, there is plenty to consider when choosing the right portable fridge for your camping aspirations – from power usage, size and internal layout, we have tested different models to come to know what makes a good portable design. Based on our expertise we have compiled a list of some of the best portable refrigerators available on the market these days.
Dometic WAECO CoolMatic CRX140: Our Top Pick
Never settle for warm drinks again and keep all your food fresh, even on the go with a top-quality and easy-to-carry Waeco 12v fridge freezer. Being one of the best and top-selling brands on the market, Waeco has a reputation for producing high-quality and durable goods. Every model the brand makes outstands the previous one and is worth every coin you spend.
Their Dometic CoolMatic CRX140 fridge for camping is the daddy of the game in many aspects. The modern stylish exterior, plus well organised and practical interior, makes this Waeco fridge the logical choice for your caravan, motorhome, yacht or boat.
The compressor in Dometic fridges is a master of the quick change. Its trick is not a secret, but an innovation. The temperature is set via the soft touch control panel, which is flush positioned in the interior wall and stylishly combines the LED light. Smart electronics are at work here: the system adjusts the compressor speed, resulting in energy savings of up to 25%. Whether small or medium-sized RV or boat, single or large family, nobody is forced to live without the CRX 140 Waeco fridges.
Moreover, the tried-and-true Dometic CRX 140 line offers great energy efficiency for built-in mobile applications. Even in slanted postures and high ambient temperatures, their operation is dependable. They are inexpensive, quiet, and perfect for use with solar panels.
These versions are designed to meet all your mobile fridge requirements as there is a matching refrigerator for every size vehicle and situation. All in all, this Waeco 12v fridge freezer is the natural solution for your caravan, motorhome, yacht, or boat, with a modern fashionable exterior and a well-organized and useful interior.
IceCo VL60: Best Dual Zone Portability
The VL60 portable refrigerator from ICECO is a terrific alternative for ardent campers, beachgoers, picnickers, and road trippers (as long as you have a dedicated power source, of course). It has two separate areas for storing food at two different temperatures and a big 63-quart capacity. It also includes two wire baskets that fit inside the two compartments, an insulated cover, and an inside light. If you opt to power the cooler with your car battery, it offers a car battery-protection mode that helps prevent the battery from being entirely depleted.
The compressor’s amazing cooling range is comparable to that of full-size refrigerators, and the substantial five-year warranty demonstrates how the manufacturer stands behind its durability and design. The only downside of this camping fridge is that it weighs 65 pounds and may take two people to carry.
Coleman 40-Quart: Best Versatile Design
Large portable refrigerators and coolers can be pricey, but this Coleman selection is an excellent value for its size. It can contain 44 cans, according to the company, and its versatile design allows you to use it as a chest or flip it upright to use as a refrigerator. The 12V plug-in cord is 8 feet long and can reach the middle or back seat of your vehicle, depending on the design.
It’s worth noting that, while it does chill the contents, it’s reliant on the temperature outside the cooler. It can only cool the contents to 40° below the outside temperature. So, keep in mind that depending on the ambient temperature, the fridge may not meet food safety regulations. On the other hand, it can be utilised to keep meals warm.
Wagan EL6214: Best Personal Cooler/Warmer
This little car cooler can serve as a console in the middle of the seats, making it ideal for road trips. It can carry 12-ounce cans and features a strap for simple transport from the car to your destination. It connects to your car’s 12V outlet (the little circular one where you may plug in a car phone charger), and the six-foot cord can reach the middle or rear seat.
It should be noted that this is more of a powered cooler than a refrigerator: The cooler’s temperature is determined by the outside temperature. It can chill 32° to 36° below the outdoor temperature, therefore if you want to keep food safe below 40° F, use ice packs or a good refrigeration system. It also keeps food warm. The EL 6214 can reach temperatures of up to 140° and features an indicator light that lets you know what temperature setting is in use at a glance.
SetPower X50: Best Rechargeable Battery Operated
All of the choices on our list, as well as the majority of portable refrigerators on the market, are powered by DC or AC cords, which means they must be connected in and remain plugged in.
However, the 50-quart selection from SetPower can also be powered by a rechargeable battery that can last up to eight hours, giving you the option to travel away from outlets which makes it the ideal portable refrigerator for camping. There’s also a wireless charging place and a USB connector, though charging any other gadgets would reduce the refrigerator’s overall battery life.
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