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JULY 4, 2022 BY JOZEPH P

10 BEST PORTABLE REFRIGERATORS FOR TRAVELERS & CAMPERS

best-portable-refrigerators

Image Credits: arb

Are you a frequent traveler or a party maniac? Do you like organizing small family events, get-to-gathers and outdoor trips? If so, you would certainly need a portable outdoor refrigerator to store your favorite beverages. Unless you visit a place with a market or good refrigeration facilities, you would need a refrigerator to keep your ice cream, drinks, or juices cool and handy.

A portable refrigerator is lightweight, easy to move and keeps its contents cool with AC or DC power. They help immensely by storing ice packs, first-aid materials, snacks, fruits, and other beverages.

Types of Portable refrigerators:

Compressor

Compressor-based portable refrigerators are common and resemble household refrigerators. They provide effective cooling better than thermoelectric models. Additionally, compressor fridges offer more storage options and higher cooling capacity but are noisy and produce vibrations. Moreover, portable refrigerators run with 12V DC power or AC power. You can charge these lightweight units in your car while driving to your family trip destinations.

Thermoelectric

Thermoelectric portable fridges consume less energy offering efficient cooling. They operate quietly, are vibration-free and are usually lighter than compressor-based units. They are best for one-time usages, such as tailgating or other outdoor activities. Furthermore, thermoelectric fridges are compact and easy to transport while traveling or camping in rural areas.

We have mentioned a few best portable refrigerators to help you choose the best one that matches your needs.

10 Best Portable Refrigerators

ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Freezer Refrigerator

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ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Freezer Refrigerator
best-portable-refrigerators-ICECO-VL60

Image Credits: icecofreezer

What We Like

A Dual Zone Freezer Fridge with fast cooling technology that best suits RVs and Camper vans

Specifications

Dimensions 34.90L x 21.70W x 22.40H Inches
Weight 65.7 lbs
Cooling Range 0℉~50℉
Power 12-24V DC , 110V-240V AC
Additional Features Dual Zone Freezer. Secop (Danfoss) compressor
Price $789.00

ICECO VL60 Portable Refrigerator comes with a Dual-Zone Freezer Fridge best for your Home, RV, Outdoor events and Camper Van. Its impact-resistant caps provide smooth closing without friction while opening the unit. The shockproof design allows the refrigerator to withstand harsh outdoor environments with ease. ICECO comes with a sturdy and durable platinum paint shell, heavy-duty corner cap and built-in spring steel handle for easy maneuvering.

Moreover, its advanced cooling technology with SECOP (Danfoss) Compressor and R134a-CFC Free refrigerator gas provide faster cooling for food and beverages. You can turn off one zone for energy-saving or capacity requirements.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Innovative design Can convert small freezer area into fridge
Impact Resistant Caps  
Dual-zone freezer and refrigerator  
Fast Cooling technology  

ARB 10810602 Elements Weatherproof Portable Fridge Freezer

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Best Long-lasting Portable Refrigerators for Cars
best-portable-refrigerators-weatherproof

Image Credits: weatherproof

What We Like

63 Quarts Elements Weatherproof Series, With Lock to protect and secure the contents, Design and Tested for Outdoor Use

Specifications

Dimensions 37L x 24W x 22H Inches
Weight 93 lbs
Cooling Range NA
Power NA
Additional Features Compact freezer, Electronic lock and backlit LED
Price $1649.00

ARB 10810602 Elements Weatherproof Portable Fridge/Freezer is designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions. It can be permanently mounted in the back of an open ute, SUV, Jeep, under a dual cab canopy, in a camper’s kitchen, or on the deck of your boat. This fishing and camping portable fridge is made of rugged stainless steel with a gas strut-assisted lid that holds the lid open as you search the fridge. Moreover, a 4-digit electronic pin lock ensures consistent temperature to preserve the inner contents.

Moreover, the easy-to-use digital controls include a delay timer and a strong brew option. Finally, the LCD shows the fresh brew timer that indicates the after-time of the brewed coffee, up to 120 minutes.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Weatherproof stainless steel exterior Freezer stores pre-frozen food
Gas strut assisted lids  
Four-digit electronic pin lock maintains internal temperature  
Backlit LED display with dimmer  

Dometic CFX3 75L

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Best Battery-Powered Outdoor Refrigerator
best-portable-refrigerators-Dometic-CFX3

Image Credits: dometic

What We Like

A battery-powered unit with incredible freezing and cooling, durable exterior and Smartphone app-enabled controls

Specifications

Dimensions 35.10L x 19.50W x 18.60H Inches
Weight 61.3 lbs
Cooling Range -7°F to +50°F
Power 12/24 Volt DC and 12Volt AC
Additional Features Removable wire basket, LED lights, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity
Price $1399.00

Dometic CFX3 75L Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator/Freezer is battery powered and provides superior cooling and freezing of food and drinks. The CFX3’s robust design and ExoFrame prevent damage caused by outdoor use. Furthermore, the mobile app and Wi-Fi connectivity allow you to control your portable fridge to enjoy efficient cooling and freezing on your adventure trips. You can combine this refrigerator with the Dometic PLB40 lithium-ion battery pack to keep it powered as you travel long distances.

Furthermore, Lafeeca is created with quality materials and comes with a 30-day Money Back Guarantee.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Robust design prevent damage Expensive
Excellent cooling and freezing options  
Water drain plug and USB port charging  
Smartphone app controls  

Coleman PowerChill Portable Thermoelectric Cooler

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Best Portable Fridge for Tailgaters
best-portable-refrigerators-Coleman-Power

Image Credits: coleman

What We Like

Thermoelectric Iceless Cooler or warmer with top and upright opening, removable lids, and an adjustable shelf best for RVs and trucks tailgater riders.

Specifications

Dimensions 23.5L x 15.3W x 17H inches
Weight 18 lbs
Cooling Range Up to 40 degrees cold/warm
Power 12V DC
Additional Features Removable door and adjustable shelf
Price $159.99

Coleman PowerChill Portable Thermoelectric Cooler is a versatile cooler/warmer that keeps food items without ice to stay up to 40 °F colder or warmer than the surrounding temperature. You can power this 44-cans unit with a car or boat outlet. In addition to this, the door opens from the left or right side for added placement flexibility. Coleman is your partner for long road trips in RVs, trucks, cabs, or the family car.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Top or upright 2-way lid usage No carrying handle
Door can open from right and left sides  
Cooler and warmer up to 40 degrees  
Adjustable shelf  

Personal Chiller LED Lighted Portable refrigerator

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Best fridge for personal cosmetics and skincare products
best-portable-refrigerators-Personal-Chille

Image Credits: Amazon

What We Like

A thermoelectric mini cooler and warmer with a writable glass surface stores food and personal care items like cosmetics.

Specifications

Dimensions 10.6L x 7.7W x 11.7H inches
Weight 4.7 lbs
Cooling Range 4-18 degrees cool

55 degrees warm

Power 12V DC, 110V AC
Additional Features Writable Surface and Touch controlled LED lighting
Price $39.88

Personal Chiller LED Lighted Portable refrigerator comes with a two-position adjustable shelf and inside door storage rack that allows you to configure your fridge personally. The 4litre capacity unit stores protein bars, fruits, and chocolates and keeps your favorite beverages and energy shots cold. You can also preserve your cosmetics, medicines and skin care products in this device. Its compact size and integrated handle helps you place it in a small bedroom, dorm room, office cubicle, RV, boat, or any place with an electric socket.

Moreover, Personal Chiller has touch-controlled LED Lights and a writable surface for you to write reminders with dry-erase markers. Finally, this eco-friendly thermoelectric fridge operates quietly and vibration-free with flip-switch Chill or Warm Settings.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Stores personal cosmetics, medicines and skin products No freezer
Compact suitable for small rooms and office cubicles  
Chill and warm switch settings  
Erase marker writable glass exterior  

BODEGAcooler TWW35 Dual Zone Portable Car Fridge/Freezer

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Best smart portable compressor refrigerator
best-portable-refrigerators-BODEGAcooler

Image Credits: bodegacooler

What We Like

A battery-operated dual-zone refrigerator with wheels and Smartphone app controls gives powerful cooling up to 4degree Fahrenheit

Specifications

Dimensions 23.62L x 15.75W x 17.32H inches
Weight 39.2 pounds
Cooling Range -4ºF~68ºF
Capacity 37 Quart(35L)
Power AC 1.5A – 2.7A,

DC 6.0A(12V) / 3.0A (24V)

Additional Features Drain plug and removable basket, retractable handle, wheels, cutting board and LED light
Price $457.59

BODEGAcooler TWW35 Dual Zone Portable Car Fridge/Freezer can hold 52 cans cola or 27 bottles water or 12 bottles red wine. This Smartphone app-controlled fridge compressor gives powerful performance with an electric charge or battery. Its multifunctional non-slip base prevents vibrations and performs quietly. Moreover, Bodega comes with a drain plug and two removable baskets for easy cleaning of the fridge interior. Additionally, the RV fridge has a retractable handle, a vegetable cutting board, wheels and a removable door with LED lights to see the inside contents at night. You can store your favorite food and beverages in this fridge in an RV, truck, boat, car or camping van, etc.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Lightweight and easy to move Low freezing capacity on the larger side
Powerful cooling and smaller side freezing  
Extremely quiet operation  
Easy to clean with removable baskets  

COSTWAY 55-Quart Portable Freezer/Refrigerator

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Best high capacity electric freezer and cooler
best-portable-refrigerators-BougeRV

Image Credits: costway

What We Like

A powerful and high-capacity portable refrigerator with digital controls for home use or in traveling.

Specifications

Dimensions 27.5L x 14W x 21H inches
Weight 36 lbs
Cooling Range -4°F – 50°F
Capacity 52 liters/55 quarts
Power 12 V/24 V (DC), 110-240 V (AC)
Additional Features Quick compressor cooling, shock resistance and LED display with digital controls
Price $349.00

COSTWAY 55-Quart Portable Freezer/Refrigerator with a large capacity provides enough space for your drinks and snacks. It can work on different voltages and maintain a cool temperature. This sturdy and durable ABS shell unit with an interior shelf tray resists shocks during bumpy car rides. You can store your food, beverages, cosmetics and other personal items at home or carry them in RVs, camping cars, fishing, or boating in this portable fridge. Moreover, different levels of battery protection ensure the safety and low noise function of the device. Also, the LED lights and digital temperature controls make operation easy and handling helps move the unit quickly.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Large capacity stores lots of goods Low-quality AC adaptor
ECO mode saves energy and max mode is used for fast cooling  
Digital temperature controls  

BougeRV 30 Quart Portable Refrigerator

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Best budget portable compressor refrigerator
best-portable-refrigerators-BougeRV-30

Image Credits: Amazon

What We Like

A 30-quart capacity refrigerator with a durable, shock-proof exterior, powerful cooling, quiet operation and low energy consumption

Specifications

Dimensions ‎22.44L x 12.6W x 15.55H inches
Weight 30 pounds
Cooling Range -7.6 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit
Capacity 30 quart
Power 12/24V AC, 110-240V DC
Additional Features Touchscreen controls, LED display, Magnetic lid and removable partition
Price $299.99

BougeRV 30 Quart Portable Refrigerator and a 12V freezer cools fast in 16minutes, keeping food fresh longer without any ice. It preserves your stored food without spoiling, thus saving money and space. Its ECO mode saves energy and MAX mode does maximum cooling using low energy suitable for use in SUVs, Truck, RVs, Camper, Van, Boat, etc. BougeRV comes with a shock-proof design to balance on uneven roads or inclines with low noise operation. Furthermore, a 3-level battery monitor prevents battery drainage

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Excellent cooling performance Non-adjustable compartment divider
Versatile power supply with low-voltage protection.  
Sturdy and durable exterior  
Quiet function  

Engel MR040F Portable Tri-Voltage Fridge and Freezer

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Best durable refrigerator for outdoor water trips
best-portable-refrigerators-Engel-MR040F

Image Credits: engelcoolers

What We Like

A battery-operated refrigerator with durable anti-corrosive ARB steel case gives quality cooling suitable for road and water trips or home use

Specifications

Dimensions ‎22.44L x 12.6W x 15.55H inches
Weight 30 pounds
Cooling Range -7.6 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit
Capacity 30 quart
Power 12/24V AC, 110-240V DC
Additional Features Touchscreen controls, LED display, Magnetic lid and removable partition
Price $299.99

Engel MR040F Portable Tri-Voltage Fridge and Freezer is durable, with corrosion-resistant ABS steel case and offers excellent performance suitable for marine applications like fishing, boating, etc. The highly efficient Engel Swing Motor Compressor consumes 40% less energy than a traditional one. Moreover, It is vibration resistant and operates quietly with automatic AC/DC voltage selection. The top opening plastic with removable handles has variable temperature controls to personalize your cooling needs. The battery-operated fridge and freezers best suit your road trips, water journeys or convenient home use.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Durable anti-corrosive steel case A bit noisy
Compressor consumes 40% less energy than others Expensive
Auto-voltage selection AC/DC  
Variable temperature controls  

Dometic CFX3 45L Portable Refrigerator

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best-portable-refrigerators-Dometic-CFX3

What We Like

A sleek, high-quality cooling unit with easy to use controls, 3stage battery protection and smartphone app controls

Specifications

Dimensions 15.7L x 27.3W x 18.7H Inches
Weight 41.2 lbs
Cooling Range -7°F to +50°F
Capacity NA
Power 12/24DC, 120V AC
Additional Features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, LED light,
Price $956.38

Dometic CFX3 45L Portable Refrigerator has heavy-duty, yet lightweight ExoFrame construction with fender frame protected edges and aluminum alloy handles for safe and easy use. Its powerful VMSO3 compressor provides excellent freezing and cooling of food and drinks at home and outdoors. Moreover, it’s easy to read high-resolution color displays with soft-touch buttons that enable seamless control and monitoring of the fridge’s performance. Additionally, the CFX3 App allows temperature control and shows its work history via WiFi or Bluetooth. Finally, its 3-stage dynamic battery protection system prevents dead car batteries or allows deep draw on dual batteries.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
High-quality durable unit Poor customer service
Special lid design make it easy to take off Shorter charge cable
Smartphone app easy control via WI-Fi or Bluetooth  
3-stage battery protection  

Important points to consider while buying a portable refrigerator

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best-portable-refrigerators-Buying-guides

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Purpose of Use – Before you buy your favorite portable refrigerator, ensure that it suits the purpose you are buying it for. Do you travel frequently or prefer to use the device while camping with friends? Also, check what things your fridge can carry, like a few cans of soda, food and beverages for a day or a week.

Size, Weight and Storage capacity – The external and internal size of your refrigerator determines the quantity and type of goods you can store in them. The larger-sized units store more materials and occupy more vehicle space.

Similarly, heavy-weight fridge units are more difficult to move than light-weighted ones.

Moreover, portable refrigerators come with a storage capacity of 20 to 50 quartz/ up to 60 liters, depending on their size and cooling technology.

Cooling Technology – Portable outdoor refrigerators come with compression and thermoelectric cooling methods. Compression fridge models are more powerful with greater temperature control than thermoelectric fridges. However, they are heavier and more expensive. On the contrary, thermoelectric fridges use solid-state cooling technology to produce less noise and cool or warm their contents according to the user’s needs. They are lightweight and less expensive than compressor fridges.

Price – Compression fridges range from $500 to $1,500, while thermoelectric models range from $300 to $500. Smaller thermoelectric models usually cost only $50 to $150. However, some models with advanced features are more expensive. You can select the model that is reasonable and suits your needs.

Power – A standard plug on a 110/120V AC outlet, is usually enough to run a portable fridge. However, for DC power, you would need a cigarette lighter outlet adapter or a direct battery connection. You can look for portable fridges working on both power sources. Also, you can use a power inverter if your vehicle doesn’t have an AC outlet.

FAQs:

Yes, you can leave your portable refrigerator on for the entire day. Some of them can work continuously for months with a steady AC/DC power supply.

Yes, portable refrigerators, like regular ones, work best when left with some area around the cooling vents. Better air circulation provides better cooling in the unit.

It mainly depends on the model used. Compressor-type portable refrigerators are usually loud, just like a household refrigerator. However, thermoelectric fridges are less noisy.

You can set your portable refrigerator surfaces like wood or carpet without any problems. It usually functions properly on any surface it’s kept.

Conclusion

Portable refrigerators are compact,energy-efficient, and light enough to carry on your RV, truck, or camping-car convenient items. They are the best source of cooling and freezing your food and drinks while enjoying a picnic, a camping trip, home, or office. Moreover, some fridges have cooling and warming options for your snacks and beverages. They are easy-to-charge transport, use and clean. Some units can also connect to your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to make monitoring easy.