Portable Fridge

Portable Fridge Review

A real off road vehicle or overlanding rig requires the right gear, and that also means a portable fridge, freezer or cooler. Portable fridges are that particular accessory that can completely change for the better, or worse, your road trip, camping or overlanding experience. Keeping your food, drinks or other important things fresh and cool is no joke, it's key.

Finding the right fridge is therefore something truly important, and you should see it as an investment. You want a unit that will last for years and years, working well on any environment, but most importantly, that it fits your car and it's needs accordingly. Another VERY important and most of the time essential accessory for us, car camping lovers, is to have our beverages very cold after setting up camp.

In this collection you will find a wide variety of brands such as Dometic, ARB and ROAM offering fridge freezers and coolers that serve exactly that purpose. Stick around until the end of this collection and who knows, you might just find the perfect portable fridge!

Quick Links

(Click each link to jump to section)

How to Choose a Portable Fridge
Best Portable Fridge	Portable Fridge FAQs
Best Portable Fridge Freezer	All Portable Fridges For Sale

How to Choose a Portable Fridge

With a variety of options available on the market, it's important to make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and preferences. When choosing a fridge or freezer for your car, several factors come into play to ensure a smart choice that suits your needs.

From capacity to features, power sources to convenient storage options, let's explore the key aspects that will help you make an informed decision.

Capacity and Size:

Estimate the amount of space you'll require based on the duration of your trips and the number of people you'll be catering to.
Ensure that the dimensions of the fridge or freezer are suitable for the available space in your vehicle. Measure the designated area to avoid any fitting issues.

Features:

Some models offer dual compartments, allowing you to separate different types of items for efficient organization.
Consider fridges that are capable of reaching and maintaining very low temperatures, especially if you plan to store frozen goods.
Look for user-friendly control panels and settings that enable you to customize the temperature according to your specific needs.

Location and Power:

Evaluate the available spaces in your vehicle, such as the trunk or backseat area, and choose a location that is easily accessible and secure.
Most car fridges and freezers operate using the 12v input of your car, ensuring a reliable power source while on the road.
While the 12v connection is common, it's wise to explore alternative power sources, such as portable battery packs or solar panels, to ensure continued operation even when the car engine is off.

Fridge Slide:

A fridge slide is a specialized tray or drawer system that securely holds your cooling unit.
This accessory makes it remarkably easy to slide out the fridge for quick access, open and close it without hassle, and store it conveniently.
Fridge slides are particularly beneficial for larger fridges that might be difficult to manage without assistance.

A Fridge Or A Cooler?

A fridge is essentially electric, meaning it draws power to cool or even freeze whatever is inside of it. It will connect through the 12v outlet of your vehicle, and some of them even have the cables to connect it directly to the common power outlets of your home.
A cooler, also known as ice chest, is just a box that helps trap the cold temperature inside of it. It keeps the food, drinks or items insulated with the colder temperature inside of it, even for days. So it won’t cool your items, it cannot freeze them, it’s not electric, but it keeps the cold inside.
However, both a fridge and a cooler can be used for similar purposes, with the first one being preferred for longer road trips or overlanding journeys (since it produces cold and can even freeze, as well as being portable so you can carry it anywhere), whilst the second one (ice chest) is preferred for a day activities.

By carefully evaluating these key aspects and understanding your specific needs, you can confidently choose a car fridge, cooler or freezer that aligns perfectly with your travel plans.

Best Portable Fridge

Think of portable fridges as your cool buddies. They help keep your food and drinks chilled but not frozen. They're great for things like fruits, veggies, drinks, and stuff you want to keep fresh but not icy. Picture temperatures like when you take a cool shower – around there. These fridges are awesome for:

Camping and Road Trips: You can stash all sorts of tasty treats to munch on during your journey.
Short Getaways: If you're only away for a little while, these fridges keep your snacks from getting spoiled.
Outdoor Parties: Whether it's a picnic or a BBQ, these fridges make sure you've got cold drinks and snacks on hand.

Now that we have covered what situations they are suited for, check out our top portable fridge picks:

National Luna Portable Fridge With Freezer

With a large 50-liter capacity, this fridge freezer is designed to keep all your food and drinks fresh and cool for days, no matter where you go. Whether you're camping, road tripping, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, the National Luna Legacy Smart Fridge Freezer will ensure that you always have access to fresh, delicious food and drinks.

But that's not all - this fridge freezer is also smart and technologically advanced. With a built-in Bluetooth module, you can easily control and monitor the temperature of your fridge from your smartphone or tablet. This means you can set the temperature to your exact liking and make adjustments on the go, without having to leave your seat or open the lid.

This revolutionary fridge freezer is also extremely durable and rugged, thanks to its stainless steel construction and heavy-duty hinges. It's designed to withstand even the toughest of conditions and will keep your food and drinks safe and secure, no matter how bumpy the ride.

Perhaps the best thing about this fridge freezer is its energy efficiency. It's designed to run on minimal power, which means you can enjoy all the benefits of a fridge freezer without having to worry about draining your battery. Plus, it comes with a 3-year warranty, so you can rest assured that you're investing in a high-quality and reliable product.

VIEW HERE

Dometic CFX Portable Fridge For Car

With its impressive 113-can/70L capacity, this fridge is designed to keep your food and beverages icy cold, even in the most challenging conditions. The dual-zone cooling compartment allows you to customize temperatures, ensuring your drinks stay refreshingly cold, while your frozen treats remain frosty at a chilling -7°C.

Compact yet spacious, the fridge boasts dimensions of 18.6"H x 34.9"W x 19.5"D, making it a perfect fit for your outdoor escapades. But what truly sets this cooler apart is its advanced technology. You can effortlessly monitor and control the temperature via the CFX3 App, guaranteeing your items are always at their desired chill level.

No need to worry about power sources—this cooler's advanced compressor electronics are remarkably energy-efficient, and it operates smoothly on AC, DC, and solar power. Enjoy the freedom to go off-grid without compromising on the cooling performance.

Moreover, the Dometic CFX-75DZW offers a 60% boost in storage capacity compared to traditional ice chests of similar size. Say goodbye to the hassle of constantly replenishing ice. Plus, the 3 Stage Dynamic Battery Protection System ensures your car's starter battery remains lively by shutting off the cooler automatically, enhancing overall car battery performance.

VIEW HERE

ARB Portable Fridge Freezer

This 12V portable car fridge is designed to be your ultimate travel companion, ensuring your food and drinks stay fresh no matter where your adventure takes you. With a spacious 47-quart capacity, you'll have ample room for all your essentials, eliminating the need for bulky coolers.

Say goodbye to condensation hassles, thanks to the anti-condensation technology that keeps the interior dry and comfortable even in extreme conditions. Organizing your items is a breeze with the internal basket system, offering quick and easy access. Cleaning up is a snap with the convenient drain plug, ensuring a mess-free experience.

Experience the convenience of an LED light inside the fridge, making it effortless to locate items, day or night. Crafted with a rugged and durable outer casing, this fridge is built to withstand the challenges of off-road travel.

Recessed carry handles and tie-down points make mounting secure and hassle-free. Upgrade your adventure gear today with the ARB Single Zone Zero Fridge Freezer - 47QT, and embark on your journeys with confidence and style.

VIEW HERE

Kakadu Mini Portable Fridge

Picture this: you're on an exhilarating road trip, sun on your face, and laughter in the air. You pop open this mini portable fridge, revealing an array of icy drinks and mouthwatering delights. It's not just a fridge; it's your gateway to unforgettable adventures.

With a spacious 45-liter capacity, this fridge is your go-to adventure partner. It's not about merely cooling drinks; it's about having the freedom to choose what suits your mood – from crisp salads to frozen treats. Thanks to its reliable LG compressor and advanced electronics, it guarantees consistent performance. Regardless of the terrains or hot temperatures, your goodies remain refreshingly chilled or perfectly frozen.

Built from tough polypropylene, this fridge thrives in the outdoors. Impact-resistant and well-insulated, it safeguards your treasures from the challenges of your journey. Power it up via your vehicle's DC outlet or a standard AC power source. Worried about your battery? The 3-stage battery monitor lets you protect it while enjoying uninterrupted cooling.

Customize your cooling experience with the dual-speed compressor. Whether you're conserving energy or rapidly cooling, you're in control. Moreover, a digital display and interior LED lighting ensure easy access, even in the dark. Plus, the dedicated dairy section keeps your delicate items fresh and separate.

This Kakadu mini portable fridge isn't just a fridge; it's a promise of culinary freedom and remarkable moments. Ready to elevate your outdoor escapades?

VIEW HERE

Dometic CFX Portable Fridge For Car

Dometic Portable Fridge Cooler

Engineered for off-road enthusiasts, this ice chest redefines outdoor experiences. With thick PU insulation, your ice stays frozen for days, allowing uninterrupted enjoyment of chilled beverages and fresh food, wherever you roam. The Dometic Patrol 105 features a large, leak-proof drain for effortless post-adventure cleaning. No mess, no stress—just easy maintenance.

Air-tight deep-freeze lid seal keeps your contents fresh by preventing air leaks, maintaining optimal temperature and ice retention. Built tough with one-piece rotomolded PE construction, this ice chest takes on any outdoor challenge, from rocky terrains to dense forests. Convenience is paramount with one-handed rubber latches for swift lid access. Grab what you need hassle-free during your outdoor pursuits.

Equipped with an 81-can/102-liter capacity, it's your reliable partner for extended adventures, ensuring you're well-stocked wherever you go. Optimal dimensions (18.8" H x 44.9" W x 18.1" D) strike the perfect balance between spaciousness and portability, fitting seamlessly into your setup.

Elevate your outdoor experiences with the Dometic Patrol 105 Ice Chest. Combining innovation, durability, and convenience, this ice chest is your reliable partner for all your off-road escapades. Whether you're embarking on a weekend getaway or a longer expedition, the Dometic Patrol 105 guarantees that your refreshments stay icy, your food stays fresh, and your adventures remain unforgettable.

VIEW HERE

Why Choose a Portable Refrigerator for Car?

Here's the deal – sometimes you want to bring along a mix of chilled drinks, fresh snacks, and frozen treats. A portable fridge freezer lets you do just that. It's like having your own mini grocery store on the go. Here's why they're awesome:

Versatility: Whether you're on a short trip or a long journey, having the option to switch between fridge and freezer mode means you can carry a wider range of foods.
Space-Saving: Instead of carrying two separate appliances, you get the benefits of both in one unit. This means more space for other essentials.
Efficiency: Portable fridge freezers are designed to be energy-efficient, using smart technology to keep your food at the right temperature without draining your power source.
Convenience: You don't need to worry about finding room for both a fridge and a freezer. Plus, you can easily adjust the temperature settings to match your needs.

Portable Fridge FAQs

1. Do portable fridges use a lot of energy?

Factors like size, cooling technology, insulation, ambient temperature, and usage habits affect energy use. Generally, larger fridges, compressor-based models, and efficient insulation use less energy.

2. How cold is a portable fridge?

It depends on the model and brand. However, portable fridges can typically cool to around 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C) in the refrigerator compartment and as low as -4°F to 14°F (-20°C to -10°C) in the freezer compartment. Temperature range depends on the model and external factors.

3. How much does a 12V fridge use daily?

On average, a portable 12V fridge might consume around 1.5 to 2.5 amp-hours per hour, which translates to roughly 36 to 60 amp-hours per day.

4. What to look for when buying a portable fridge?

When buying a portable fridge, consider size, cooling technology, temperature range, energy efficiency, insulation, durability, power source compatibility, portability, controls, brand reputation, noise level, warranty, and any extra features that suit your needs.