Even when I was in the camp, I didn’t feel like preparing a cold beer for dinner.
The good thing is the luxury that you don’t have to give up when you are in the RV because you can use a 12-volt refrigerator to cool things down.
If you are looking for the best 12-volt refrigerator for drilling rigs, then this article can definitely help you.
Whether you are going camping, going to work, or just need to make your mobile home more comfortable, buying a reliable portable refrigerator is essential.
We reviewed the top ten travel refrigerators to help you find the refrigerator that best meets your needs.
All items on our list run on 12 volt DC, which means that it only needs to rely on the cigarette lighter of a motorhome or truck to run, which is ideal for situations where you need to drink while traveling.
Therefore, without further ado, here are our comments on portable refrigerators.
15 Best Portable Fridge Freezer Reviews
Dometic CDF-11 Smallest Portable Freezer/Refrigerator
Dometic is a reliable company known for producing 12-volt refrigerators for trucks and RV. CDF11 or CF11 is actually the smallest in its cooler series.
Although it can only hold 18 cans or about 11 liters, because of its small size, if you want a cooler that can be placed next to it, it is enough.
It is more expensive than the other coolers on our list, but the energy efficiency of the Dometic CDF11 is much higher than other coolers.
It can go from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in 30 minutes, which is fast enough for me. When first plugged in, it can use any power between 40 to 60 watts to reach the desired temperature.
However, once the target temperature is reached, it only consumes about 1 to 2 watts to keep the room cool. This means that it is indeed energy efficient and can actually make up for its price.
I like this 12-volt refrigerator for an RV. It is small enough to be carried around, and its material is thick and durable. You can simply tap the material to know that it is not made of cheap plastic.
It is perfect for overnight camps when you need to refrigerate or freeze meat and vegetables. However, due to its small size, it cannot hold much.
In addition, one thing I noticed is that if you don’t plug in to keep the interior cool, the temperature can easily rise. This means that it has poor thermal insulation and works as a household refrigerator.
All in all, if you are looking for a portable refrigerator that can stay plugged in and only needs to hold the amount of food for a day, this is it.
Pros
- There is absolutely no need for ice to cool your things
- Made of sturdy and durable material, can be durable
- Energy efficient
Cons
- If you want to go camping, it is too small and not suitable for family use
- Easy to heat when unplugged
Dometic CFX28 12v Electric Powered Cooler
Since we have tested the smallest refrigerator of all Dometic refrigerators, the next step is to look for other Dometic refrigerators that are becoming more and more popular.
Next on our list is the Dometic CFX40W, which can store 60 cans, which is equivalent to 38 liters of storage.
Compared to CDF11 (except for size), what I like the most is that you can use AC or DC in this 12-volt cooler. This means you can use it for solar systems.
The cooler is also energy-efficient, although due to its larger size, it consumes more energy than the CDF11.
This is very useful when you need to drive on the road for three to four days because it can store your meat, vegetables, and sandwiches efficiently.
If you are traveling or camping with your family, you can store food for a few days inside, so this refrigerator is very useful.
Another thing I like is that you can use the Wi-Fi app to monitor and set the temperature, which is a very nice feature.
Mobile devices with USB ports can even be charged, which is a good way to make the most of power when camping.
If solar energy is installed, it can run well on 12-volt deep cycle batteries.
However, you need to obtain an insulated protective cover (can be purchased separately) to ensure that the unit runs well when powered by batteries.
This means that the actual equipment is insufficiently insulated and cannot operate independently and efficiently, which is disadvantageous for such expensive products.
Pros
- Can be used for AC and DC, so it can work well even on solar systems
- Low power consumption while maintaining temperature, so it will not drain the RV battery
- When using battery power, the machine can be used for up to 24 hours
Cons
- An additional heat shield is needed to keep the temperature more effective
COSTWAY Car Refrigerator, 55-Quart Portable Compressor Freezer
This portable 12-volt refrigerator is a product that I will never get tired of – it can quickly cool down drinks and keep them at the right temperature during the journey: it is really suitable for travel.
I ordered this napkin before July 4th because I thought it could be used as a tail meat-I was right!
Even though there were about 10 adults in our group, I did not run out of cold beer-people noticed it and kept asking where I bought it.
Even though we kept taking out cold and refreshing drinks from it, they were still very surprised at how the cold drinks kept squirting out.
I really like that it can store a lot (54 quarts or 52 liters) and can still rise from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 32 degrees Fahrenheit in half an hour – I don’t think even my old refrigerator at home can do that.
Good to prevent the deterioration of frozen items, especially during the journey.
I don’t like wasting food, so I thought if I couldn’t find a campsite to plug into the grid, and I didn’t want to waste wasted frozen food, I would only use its 12V DC power option.
I won’t say that this is a transaction-breaking behavior, but I think it will be more convenient to use if it is a few pounds lighter (36 pounds when empty).
My wife wanted me to bring it to the children’s football game, so I brought it. But I think if it was just her, she would find it a bit heavy to put it in the trunk.
Although this family car refrigerator is heavier than a regular refrigerator, considering that it has a built-in compressor and I have been drinking cold drinks, I think I would choose this kind of refrigerator instead of an ordinary portable freezer.
Pros
- Keep cold drinks cool for a long time
- Can be used as an emergency refrigerator during power failure
- Can hold a lot of drinks and cool down quickly
- The digital LCD display is easy to control (in addition, if I say it doesn’t look cool, I would lie)
Cons
- About 5 pounds heavier than a typical cooler
Dometic CFX-65DZ Portable Electric Cooler
In fact, the most expensive Dometic CFX 65DZ on our list is also the largest. It can store up to 60 liters, about 106 cans. Although it is really expensive, it has been significantly improved from other models.
I like this size product, its power consumption is almost the same as CFX40W, compared with the previous product, the power consumption is reduced by about 30%.
This is a portable refrigerator very suitable for camping. It can store up to several weeks of food for a family of four to five. It has three battery setting levels, but I think it’s best to use only the lowest setting.
I actually don’t like the setting with too high a battery level, because it almost shuts down after connecting to the battery.
Once you reach the temperature you set, the compressors can hardly run, which means they greatly improve the compressor’s insulation.
Its temperature can be as low as -7°F, which is very suitable for your deep freezing needs.
My favorite place for this device is the Dual-Zone, which means you have a compartment for storing frozen food (for deep freezing) and a separate compartment for storing food. Just want to keep it refrigerated.
But disappointingly, they removed the Wi-Fi option for this CFX 65DZ, which is the only option in the CFX series that cannot be monitored via Wi-Fi applications.
Pros
- Made of durable materials, perfect for adventurous travel
- Very energy efficient
- Can be used on AC or DC, which is very useful for users with solar settings
- Can charge mobile devices through its USB port
- With dual zone function
Cons
- Very expensive
- The highest setting in battery protection mode Once connected to the battery, the cooler is turned off almost immediately
Whynter FM-45G 45 Quart Portable Refrigerator
If you want a real refrigerator to take with you on the go, Whynter FM-45G is one of them. I like the simple, stylish industrial design of this 12-volt portable cooler.
When you see it, it doesn’t look like it will run on a cigarette lighter, but it definitely does. You can plug it into AC or DC, whenever it is available.
This desktop mobile freezer has a flat surface and can be folded into a small table. However, we do not recommend sitting on Whynter FM-45G, because a person’s weight may damage the insulating seal on the lid.
The unit is well insulated. It seems that you are running at home instead of on a truck because it can keep its low temperature very well, which is really great for its price.
What I like most about this device is that you don’t need to use an insulated jacket or jacket to prevent any cold air from infiltrating, which is great. This means it is well insulated.
It always maintains a uniform temperature, which is much better than other coolers that cool the bottom but are hotter at the top.
However, if you only want to keep some food cool and freeze the rest, this may also be disadvantageous, as you can only set it to one temperature. If you set it to a very low temperature, you may end up freezing everything.
One way to solve this problem is to add a partition yourself and isolate the other side. In this way, you will be able to achieve functions similar to the dual-zone refrigerator.
Pros
- Very effective in maintaining low temperatures throughout the device
- Can be switched from AC to DC use, no problem
- Has a very stylish industrial design
- Made of heavy materials
Cons
- Very heavy, unable to move
- So large that it can’t fit most trucks’ preset compartments
Engel MR040F-U1 40 Qt AC/DC Portable Tri-Voltage Fridge/Freezer
Not all RV refrigerators are the same. This should always be kept in mind when buying the best RV refrigerator.
If you only want the best refrigerator for RV, then this refrigerator from Engel will surprise you with its top-notch performance.
This 12-volt refrigerator from Engel is amazing. I like the way it is designed. It is compact and sturdy, which means it can be carried with you. Its heavy-duty plastic shell protects important components inside.
In addition, considering its size, it is lightweight. Two people can easily carry it without using a cart. I also like the color of this product. This is very easy on the eyes, and it looks really elegant.
In terms of performance, I cannot say that this product is not good. It becomes cold and freezes quickly. In addition, the temperature can be easily controlled by a small knob on the side.
I also like the fact that this refrigerator is very energy efficient. It can easily switch from alternating current to direct current, an alternating current is the preferred power source.
What I am not completely satisfied with is that the product lacks security features to prevent unauthorized access. It has no lock, so other campers can escape the trouble of stealing drinks from the refrigerator.
I just want a reliable locking system to be included in the design. In any case, I am currently using the old chain method to secure drinks and food.
Pros
- Work quietly
- Energy efficient
- Quick ice making
- portable
- durable
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- It does not have a lock to prevent unauthorized access
Ausranvik 37 Quart Portable Fridge Car Refrigerator
If you are looking for a refrigerator that can cool food and drinks even when it is hot outside the camper, this 12-volt refrigerator from Ausranvik is a good choice.
My real satisfaction with this portable refrigerator is that it is very easy to clean: its drain plug is built-in – I don’t need to flip it to drain it, I just remove the stopper and wait for it to drain.
And wipe away the remaining moisture. My teenagers like the USB charging port the most, because… kids and their gadgets.
It has a volume of 45 liters, so it can hold a lot of things, but it is still small and can even be placed in the passenger seat.
Its 12 volt DC power compressor can be as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit, which means I can even freeze water into ice. It took a while to freeze the water, but it was definitely able to fulfill its promise.
However, I think the handle can be improved-my hands are large and I tend to hold it from the bottom because my hands cannot fit comfortably in the handle.
However, other design areas are also good. The anti-vibration design means that even if I walk on rough and uneven roads, it can maintain its position; even if they are tightened, they cannot be bumped up and down.
In addition to the above shortcomings, I think it is still a good refrigerator for any occasion. I can even bring steak when I travel! Ausranvik portable freezing is definitely not to be underestimated.
Pros
- Has a 1.4-inch thick insulation layer to keep everything cold
- With touch control and LED display, easy to use
- Stylish design, shockproof
- Built-in drainage device is easy to clean
- Save energy and automatically save the temperature you choose
Cons
- There is not enough space on the side handles to accommodate people with big hands
Alpicool C20 portable compressor fridge freezer
If you are looking for a 12-volt refrigerator compressor that can deep-freeze food, then Alpicool C20 may be your best choice. For the value it provides and the size of the unit, it is actually affordable, which is great.
It can hold 25 cans or about 20 liters of water, which is very good for couples camping on weekends. Its simple and clear design is very flattering.
Although the plastic does not look as thick as a Dometic cooler, you must be extra careful when handling and putting it down.
It has Max and Eco modes, but I prefer Eco mode because it does save a lot of power.
However, this only works when the car is running with a cigarette lighter or plugged into a wall outlet. However, if you want to use it on a battery, it may cause problems.
What I hate most is its useless battery protection mode. The highest setting of battery protection will only turn off when the battery reaches 11 volts, which is like draining the battery.
The next morning, running the motorhome battery all night may cause problems. The lowest setting will further drain the battery to 9.5 volts, which may actually damage the battery.
But in addition to that, it can also maintain the internal temperature very well, which is great if you need to maintain an accurate temperature, especially for drugs.
If you need to adjust the temperature level to suit your own thermometer, you can do the same.
Pros
- Maintain accurate temperature
- Adjustable temperature setting
- Preferential price
- Save power
Cons
- Battery protection mode does not really protect the battery
ARB Portable Fridge Freezer
If you need to store up to two weeks of food during travel or camping, then this ARB portable refrigerator may be your best choice.
The ARB 10800472 – 50-quart size is ideal for single travel for several weeks or family travel for 3 to 5 days.
It has AC and DC plug options, so you can use the car’s cigarette lighter or plug it into the solar system. Based on experience, it can easily keep the interior cool, especially if you buy an insulating jacket.
It can work continuously without knotting and keep the food frozen when the truck is driving, which is good.
If you plan to plug it into a solar system, make sure that the battery is fully charged, otherwise, the compressor will not even start.
However, if you are not careful, it can easily consume battery power, so if you insert a battery, make sure to set it to a conservative power level.
If your solar system does not get enough energy from the sun, then you will have to turn on the vehicle to keep the refrigerator running.
Although it can definitely keep frozen food in a frozen state, it does not seem to be able to freeze the food itself.
The temperature difference between the top and bottom is very obvious, so make sure to put food that needs to be kept fresh on the bottom. It seems that the cold air seeps from the metal parts of the cooler.
Even if you use a travel bag, you need to place additional insulation to keep the temperature down.
However, if properly insulated, it will consume very little power and will not consume much power.
Pros
- Easy-to-remove lid that can be easily fixed
- Thick material
- Can work normally even at high temperatures
Cons
- Need additional insulation to prevent cold leakage
- Since ARB is made in Australia, the US service center is only in Washington
CHO POWER SPORTS Portable Freezer Cooler
This portable freezer cooler solves one of the many problems that my family and I faced during our camping trip: there is not enough cold storage space to store all food and drinks.
I like to go camping with my two brothers and their family, so I thought of an RV cooler. However, the problem with this is that most coolers will not keep them cold if I want to.
Considering that there are always more than 15 people in all our families, so we need a better choice than regular coolers, I switched to this camping refrigerator.
I am very happy to make this choice because since I have this portable refrigerator, I no longer have to worry about drinking enough cold drinks for everyone or finding storage space for the remaining snacks to take home.
I especially like this freezer/fridge with sturdy wheels and retractable handles, which makes it very convenient to carry, so it can easily replace a typical cooler – unless you don’t have to add an ice pack to the ice pack to keep things cool for a long time.
The insulation layer does a very good job of maintaining the internal temperature of the refrigerator. This means that there is no need to consume a lot of power to maintain the required temperature.
My only concern about this type of freezer/cooler is that the rollers are not seamlessly embedded in the body of the freezer, so they are a bit protruding.
Compared with the way the main body of the freezer is designed to protect the wheels, the wheels may be more likely to get stuck.
All in all, this is a good freezer/refrigerator because it can be used both indoors and outdoors, can drop to -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius), and has a capacity of 30, 40, and 50 liters – therefore, You can choose the correct size you need.
Pros
- It Will not drain the car battery, and can be plugged into any socket
- Doubles as a cooler, can be easily transported by rollers and retractable handle
- Good insulation can ensure the proper temperature in the freezer or refrigerator
- Can be set to ECO and HH mode, depending on your cooling needs
Cons
- The wheels seem to stick out
Engel Coolers Series – Ac/DC Portable Fridge/Freezer
The refrigerator in my RV broke down before the start of summer, so I entered the emergency purchase mode and bought this Engel refrigerator without considering the price too much.
I don’t know what to do if there is no refrigerator available on the RV-I don’t even want to imagine what kind of chaos if our food goes bad even before the end of each trip.
Fortunately, it has proven to be a very good choice because it has all the features I want in an RV refrigerator.
It can be used as a refrigerator or freezer, depending on the temperature you set, and it will cool down quickly when using AC or 12V DC power.
It does not take up much space in the RV, and because it is a top opening, it is easy to avoid accidents during the journey.
To be honest, although I think its design is good, I hope it has other colors to choose from; now, I think it can only be used in platinum (I am not even sure if it is actually platinum, maybe this is what they say Refrigerator series, instead of color, its color looks somewhere between gold and silver).
I think if it is available in rose gold or black (like most phones today), it will look more complicated.
I also don’t like that it is heavy (about 70 pounds, most likely because it is made of galvanized steel), so it is not like the typical cooler that you can hang between two places.
Considering that this is the ideal size for my RV and keeping its temperature at the right level all the time, I still have to say that this refrigerator is worth it.
Since it is made by a manufacturer that has made refrigerators for more than 50 years, it is a brand you can trust.
Pros
- Built-in battery monitor and digital controller
- The top opens, so you won’t accidentally open it during the journey
- Due to its sturdy appearance, it can withstand transportation on rough roads/terrain
Cons
- Only one color is available
- Too heavy to carry
Dometic DM2852RB Americana Double Door RV Refrigerator
If you are considering replacing an RV refrigerator, then the best course of action is to buy a refrigerator that can be used for a long time.
Introducing the Dometic DM2652RB Americana two-door RV refrigerator, which is a powerful refrigerator that can make your travel enjoyable.
One of the best things about Dometic is how it fits in the RV space easily. It does not limit the walking space, thus reducing the way to block any part of the RV.
The device has a height of 6 cubic feet and dimensions of 24 x 23 x 53.8 inches, which can be easily installed in an RV.
Design is another laudable feature of this product. Due to its strong steel frame, it is durable. It has a three-position freezer.
In addition, it has a door lock to prevent the contents from spilling, especially when the RV is driving on a bumpy road.
Finally, it has its own juice rack, so children don’t have to transfer other content in order to get this drink.
In terms of energy efficiency, I really have nothing to say about this RV refrigerator. I like how to use propane or electricity to power it, whichever is in short supply.
With the natural gas power consumption of 1501.28 BTU/h, I can certainly extend the propane supply.
What I am not satisfied with this RV refrigerator is the thermal fuse. When switching from the refrigerator to DC, which was only the third month of the refrigerator, the fuse was blown.
Fortunately, I was able to contact maintenance personnel to solve this problem. However, now I must be especially careful about how to power the refrigerator.
After all, after speaking, I can say that the Dometic DM2652RB Americana two-door RV refrigerator is indeed an amazing product.
Except for a small defect (thermal fuse), the performance of this product is indeed top-notch. If you need a durable refrigerator that can store your favorite foods on the road, then this refrigerator is definitely for you.
Pros
- There is a three-position freezer
- Has its own juice rack
- Standing at 6 cubic meters. foot
- Can be powered by propane or electricity
- Energy efficient
- Made of solid steel frame
- durable
- There is a door lock for fixing internal items
Cons
- The thermal fuse is easy to blow
NORCOLD INC 1.1 cu. ft. Portable Refrigerator/Freezer
If what you need is an internally divided refrigerator, then Norcold NRF30 is perfect for you. There is no need to create partitions internally because it has already been done for you.
I hope you don’t have to worry about the sandwiches freezing and the meat getting wet.
The way it works is that the upper compartment becomes cold based on the overflow of cold at the bottom, so it can get the required temperature for almost all food.
You can use AC and DC power supplies, and the DC plug is included in the device. Unfortunately, the AC connector is not included in this machine, you must purchase one yourself.
I think the product should have been included in the purchase, which is disappointing.
I like its removable and reversible lid, which allows you to change the way you open the 12-volt portable refrigerator.
The material is obviously thick and durable, which is a good thing if you happen to be driving on bumpy roads. The plastic is also corrosion-resistant, which is very beneficial if you like camping.
Norcold NRF30 uses energy efficiently. Some people complain that the temperature does not reach a uniform level, but this is how the separation works, so the temperature is different to freeze certain parts and keep other areas cool enough. I really like this feature.
Pros
- Inner compartment
- Rugged and durable, very suitable for camping trips
- With three battery protection levels
Cons
- AC power plug not included
Dometic TC21-DC-A 12V Tropicool Tc21 Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer
If you not only want to cool the beverage but also want to be able to heat it as needed, then you will need a thermoelectric cooler/heater.
Among Dometic’s holding cabinet series, we recommend Dometic TC21 Tropicool. Since it is a thermoelectric cooler, it cannot reach a very low temperature like a cooler that uses a compressor.
Therefore, if you want food or beverages to become cold or actually freeze, it is recommended that you buy Dometic CFX40W or Dometic CFX 65DZ.
What I like about this device is its additional function, which can heat food. Like other Dometic products, it is very energy efficient.
I’m very happy that this car truck portable refrigerator can be used for both AC and DC power, so you can plug it into a power outlet or use a cigarette lighter.
Two plugs are provided. Just make sure not to cover the vents, as it will get very hot.
One thing I don’t like about Dometic TC21 is that when the outside temperature is really high, it cannot cool the food to the extent I need it. That is really the disadvantage of thermoelectric coolers.
If you really want to use the unit to the maximum, I suggest you plug it in at home for up to 12 hours to make it cold enough and then plug it into the vehicle to maintain the temperature.
Also, if there is direct sunlight, try to shade or cover the windows of your RV or truck.
Pros
- Has the function of keeping food warm or cool
- Can be used for AC or DC connection
- Suitable for solar
Cons
- Insufficient cooling, especially in high-temperature environments
SMETA 110V 12V 1.6 Cu.Ft Compact Refrigerator
The Smeta lockable truck refrigerator is the only vertical portable mini refrigerator on our list. If you are looking for a vertical mini-refrigerator suitable for motorhomes, then this is the one for you.
It looks like a mini-bar refrigerator in a hotel room. When you look at it, you will think that it is impossible to run on a lighter, but it can.
What I like about this refrigerator is its elegant appearance.
As the name suggests, this is a lockable refrigerator, which is very easy to use, so you don’t have to worry about the refrigerator door opening when you make a sharp turn and spill the contents.
The lock also helps to ensure that the door is properly closed and sealed to prevent leakage of cold air.
Its adjustable thermostat has six levels of cooling, so I recommend using the maximum setting when the refrigerator is full.
However, the liquid level of the thermostat does not indicate the expected temperature of each liquid level, so if you need an accurate temperature, especially for medication, you need to use a thermometer to check the temperature.
One thing that I was disappointed about with this device is that it has no freezing capability. It can keep food cool, but frozen items may eventually melt.
It does not use the compressor, which is why it cannot freeze anything. Also, if you just want to keep cold, this may be a good thing.
Because you can rest assured that it will not consume too much energy and will not give you the trouble of draining the battery.
You can use AC or DC connections to power up this miniature car refrigerator, so it can also work on any solar system.
However, when you plug it directly into the battery, you will notice that the refrigerator’s lights will not turn on.
It is like a glorious cooler, the advantage of which is that it leaves a lot of space for your food. However, I believe that the price matches the value it provides.
Pros
- Upright like a typical household refrigerator
- Minimal power consumption
- Equipped with a door lock to ensure safety during the journey
- Its exquisite design and mini-bar refrigerator design will bring your RV a homely feel
Cons
- Unable to freeze food
- What it can do is a bit expensive
Housmile Thermo – Electric Cooler and Warmer Car Refrigerator
Housemile Thermo is the smallest 12-volt refrigerator for RV on this list. Just like Dometic Tropicool, this is a cool/warm place.
Since the cooler/warmer does not use a compressor to cool the equipment, its minimum temperature setting is sufficient to keep your drinks and food cool.
This equipment is not ideal for keeping frozen food because it may eventually melt.
The best thing about Housemile Thermo is that the 7-liter type is very small, even if it contains food, you can take it with you.
It is so small that you can put it aside while driving so that you can easily get a cold drink when you are thirsty during the journey.
The reason I like this cooler is that, just like Dometic Tropicool, it also keeps food warm, so even after hours of driving, you can still enjoy its delicious warmth. It can be heated to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, when you are going to camp and need to store frozen food, this device may not be a good choice.
Your frozen food may eventually melt and become wet because it can only cool to 40 degrees Fahrenheit afterward.
Pros
- It is very light and easy to carry
- The food can be kept hot and cold according to the settings you choose
- Can use AC and DC power at the same time
Cons
- It is not as good as using a compressor cooler to cool
What to look for when buying a 12-volt refrigerator
If you want to get the best 12-volt refrigerator that meets your needs, you should pay attention to the following points:
Cooling capacity
do you need a cooler or a freezer? The cooler keeps your food and drinks cold, but it won’t freeze anything, nor will it melt frozen food.
If you are going to camp or move in the town for a few days or even weeks, then a mini-refrigerator that can keep frozen food for a long time will be your best choice.
In addition, please consider how much the temperature can be reduced when the cigarette lighter is inserted, and how long it will take to reach that temperature.
Durability
There is no doubt that if you are roughing in the wilderness, the refrigerator may also be exposed to harsh environments.
Your camping refrigerator should be durable enough to withstand changes in weather and occasional bumps.
Power consumption
Since you only rely on the power of the motorhome engine, if the system is installed, it may rely on solar energy.
Therefore, it is important that the car refrigerator does not use too much power. If the unit you choose can also be used on AC, it will be a benefit. (Portable coolers are usually direct current).
Storage capacity
how big or small do you need the refrigerator?
If you want to camp with your family or want a stable food supply during your trip for several weeks, then a large cooler of approximately 30 to 60 liters is best for you. If not, then the smaller one is fine.
Insulation
To prevent “leakage” of cold temperatures, the refrigerator should be adequately insulated.
If necessary, please provide an insulating cover to ensure that the device can be kept cool even at higher ambient temperatures or the refrigerator is exposed to direct sunlight.
The price of a mini-fridge
how much would you like to pay for this device? The price actually depends on the function and the brand. If you like popular brands such as Dometic, you can expect higher prices, but you can also expect quality.
If you choose a larger unit, the price will definitely increase. If you want to make the most of your funds, please choose the ones we mentioned above.
Other features that not all radiators have but can come in handy are:
Divided into double zones or internal compartments-so you can separate foods that should be frozen from foods that only require refrigeration.
With the ability to monitor the temperature
if the temperature display will be a huge advantage, then you can check whether the refrigerator is still cool enough without opening the refrigerator.
The battery power setting is too low
in this way, the device will automatically turn off and will not consume battery power.
Good customer service
this part is usually ignored, but it is also important. If there is a problem with your equipment, you can easily contact their customer service department to repair the refrigerator, it will be a good choice.
Other important factors to consider
What is a 12-volt refrigerator? How it works
In fact, a 12-volt refrigerator is a portable cooler that keeps food, drinks, and medicines cold while you travel.
It can work on a power supply of only 12 volts, so it can be powered by a car cigarette lighter, which can only generate about 10 to 15 amperes of current, which is equivalent to 120 to 180 watts.
Essentially, a 12-volt cooler cools food by dissipating heat from the inside of the device and transferring it to the outside.
This is why there are usually vents on the side of the cooler to blow away the heat. With the help of the insulated inner wall of the cooler, the cooling effect can be improved.
Types of 12-volt refrigerators
There are two main 12-volt coolers, and the way they work depends on the type of cooler you use. If you will notice, three of them in our 12-volt refrigerator review list are what we call thermoelectric coolers.
The rest uses compressors. Let us discuss the differences further.
- Thermoelectric cooler
This type of cooler utilizes the Peltier effect, which means that heat transfer occurs when current passes between two plates of different semiconductors.
Essentially, one board emits heat, and the other board emits heat. What the manufacturer has to do is to put the cooling plate inside the refrigerator and the heating plate outside the refrigerator.
After the inner plate is cooled, it can effectively reduce the temperature inside the device and maintain the temperature, especially when the cooler is well insulated.
In order to release heat, ventilation holes and fans are added to maintain the circulation of heat exchange.
Due to the simple heat exchange, the heating plate is placed inside and the cooling plate is placed outside, and the opposite operation can also be performed.
This is why the thermoelectric cooler can also double as a heater. With a simple switch, the cooling plate becomes a heating plate and vice versa.
Since it uses heat exchange, the temperature reached by the cooler actually depends on the ambient temperature.
If the external temperature is indeed high, it is difficult for the cooling unit to maintain the temperature at a very low level. Most thermoelectric coolers can only drop to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you just want to keep the food cold, a thermoelectric cooler is sufficient. Compared with a typical cooler, there is no need to put ice cubes inside to keep the food cool, so you will have more space for other items.
However, the heat provided by the heat exchange thermoelectric cooler is not enough to freeze anything.
This means that it neither produces ice nor can it keep frozen food in a frozen state. On the contrary, during heat exchange, it consumes little power, so even if the engine is turned off, it can still operate as expected.
- Compressor refrigerator
A 12-volt portable refrigerator uses the same compressor as a typical household refrigerator.
Compressor refrigerators use coolant or liquid refrigerant, the condenser coil located outside the unit, the expansion valve, and the evaporator coil located inside the unit.
The liquid refrigerant used becomes liquid at a very low temperature (usually -15 degrees Fahrenheit). This is the main ingredient that cools the inside of the refrigerator.
As the name implies, the compressor compresses the fluid refrigerant, thereby effectively increasing its pressure and temperature.
The high-pressure refrigerant in gas form is then pushed through the condenser coil, which is exposed to ambient temperature.
Since the ambient temperature is lower than the refrigerant temperature, the refrigerant still becomes liquid under high pressure.
Then, the expansion valve forces the fluid through a small hole, turning the refrigerant into a real cold mist.
When this cold mist flows through the evaporator coil, it absorbs heat from the air, thus cooling the inside of the equipment. When enough heat is absorbed, the refrigerant returns to gas form in the evaporator.
The compressor then pumps the coolant back to it so that it can be compressed again until it reaches the desired temperature inside the refrigerator.
Because the coolant can reach extremely low temperatures (as low as -27 degrees Fahrenheit), compressor coolers can actually freeze food and beverages.
However, to ensure the normal operation of the mini refrigerator during the journey, it must have sufficient power, proper insulation, and a robust design.
Do you need a 12-volt refrigerator?
If you are a frequent traveler or you want to camp for a long time, then yes, a refrigerator with a 12-volt cooler is important.
You don’t need to look for the nearest station or town often to buy the food you need because you can store it in the refrigerator cooler. You can ensure that food stays fresh and cold as needed.
The difference between a mini refrigerator with a freezer and an ice maker is that you don’t have to worry about running out of ice to keep food cool.
Since you have a portable refrigerator, you can keep meat and vegetables for a long time. No need to rely on hunting or canned food when going out camping.
If you do not go fishing, it is best not to use a portable freezer to avoid boiling the fish immediately.
The 12-volt refrigerator can also be used with a solar system, so you don’t need to plug it into the vehicle.
Even if you don’t use solar energy, there is almost no chance that the battery in the refrigerator will run out, especially when you use the low battery settings that these types usually have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best 12v refrigerator for RV?
If you want value for money, Whynter FM-45G 45-quart portable refrigerator/freezer, platinum is your ideal choice.
We think this is the best car refrigerator because it meets all the qualities we mentioned when looking for a 12-volt refrigerator.
Considering its cooling capacity, storage capacity, durability, insulation, power consumption, and price, it is the most affordable. The only drawback is that there is no partition inside.
You can easily make up for this deficiency by using cardboard, foam insulation, and a little creativity.
How does the 12-volt cooler work?
The cooling process actually depends on the type of cooler. Basically, a 12 volt DC refrigerator uses electricity to promote heat exchange between the air outside the refrigerator and the air inside the refrigerator.
With the help of the cooling system, the heat inside the unit is absorbed and then exhausted to the outdoors through the ventilation holes or coils. Repeat the process until the desired temperature is reached.
Where can I buy a 12-volt refrigerator?
As off-road is becoming more and more popular, 12v refrigerators are now easy to find. You can find one in home decor and department stores (such as Lowes, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Home Depot).
They are also available online on Amazon and eBay.
Should I buy Dometic 12 Volt refrigerator accessories?
- Insulating cover
Yes, it is. Having a heat shield is great for preventing leaks, which can make your equipment more efficient.
It can keep the low temperature for a longer period of time, and the compressor does not have to be turned on frequently, which can save energy.
- Slide
If you want easy access to the refrigerator, then you should. If you install the mini refrigerator on the shelf of the RV, it is recommended to use a sliding seat to facilitate your loading and unloading of food.
Conclusion
A portable refrigerator will add a lot of fun to your RV home, because it can solve many common problems, especially in food storage.
Once you have a camping refrigerator, you will realize that without it, you will no longer be able to camp.
If you want to drink cold drinks and fresh food during a wildlife adventure, buy the best 12-volt refrigerator and you will never look at camping food the same way again.