A reliable portable fridge is a critical piece of equipment for anyone who loves vehicle-based travel and camping. The ability to keep food and drinks cold, fresh, and even frozen for extended periods – weeks at a time in some cases – enables adventurers to travel farther and stay out longer than ever before. However, to keep your fridge running efficiently, a dependable power source is necessary. Fortunately, advances in battery technology, including the development of high-capacity lithium batteries and more efficient solar charging systems, have made powering portable fridges easier and more affordable than it was even a few years ago.
Historically, the design of portable fridges was quite simple. Most resembled a traditional cooler or Esky: a box with a lid that opened from the top. The primary difference was that these portable fridges had a compressor and evaporator inside, as opposed to being filled with ice. They also came equipped with a power cord that could be plugged into a vehicle’s 12V socket or directly wired to the vehicle’s starting battery. These chest-style fridges are still widely available today and remain the most popular option among travellers. However, they have been joined by other types of 12V fridges, such as drawer fridges and upright fridges, which might better suit your needs depending on your vehicle’s setup. Plus, the advent of portable power packs (and portable solar panels) has meant it’s not necessary to have an auxiliary battery fitted to your vehicle to run the fridge.
Fridge basics
When choosing a portable fridge, regardless of its style, it’s crucial to examine the specifications closely to ensure that it matches your needs. The fridge should be the right size for your requirements, not too heavy, and not excessively power-hungry. Portable fridges come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from compact thermoelectric cooler-style units that fit neatly between front seats to large 80-litre or more compressor fridges with separate compartments for refrigeration and freezing. An important distinction to be aware of is between thermoelectric coolers and compressor fridges; thermoelectric coolers do not have a compressor and can only cool to a certain level below the ambient temperature. For instance, if a cooler can reduce the temperature by 18°C from ambient, and the temperature inside your vehicle is 25°C, the cooler will only chill to around 7°C. In contrast, so long as there is a reliable power source, quality compressor fridges are capable of maintaining a set temperature, to freezing or below, regardless of the ambient conditions.
That said, some fridges are more efficient than others. Efficiency is primarily determined by the performance of the compressor, the design and placement of the evaporator (the cooling surface inside the cabinet), and the quality of the insulation and door seal. In general, the more efficient a fridge, the less power it will require to maintain the desired temperature. This is particularly important when relying on your vehicle’s electrical system to keep food and drinks cold.
Where you place your fridge within your vehicle also affects its efficiency. For example, if the fridge is exposed to direct sunlight or housed in a poorly ventilated canopy on the back of a ute, it will need to work harder to keep its contents cool. Additionally, it’s important to leave enough space around the compressor for adequate airflow, which is crucial for the fridge’s efficient operation.
When considering fridge size, think about whether you need a compact unit for weekend getaways or a larger model for multi-week adventures. Your decision should also take into account how much space you have available in your vehicle for the fridge. It’s a good idea to assess how much food and drink you’ll need to store, as well as which non-perishable items can be stored elsewhere until needed. For shorter trips, a 40-60 litre fridge is often ideal, as it can typically hold enough provisions for a family on a weekend escape or for a couple on a longer journey. Keep in mind the weight of the fridge as well; a 30-litre unit will be much lighter than an 80-litre one, which can weigh around 30kg before you even load anything into it. This weight eats into your vehicle’s payload capacity.
Chest fridges
The traditional chest-style portable fridge remains a favourite among many travellers, and for good reason. One of the primary advantages of a chest fridge is its ability to hold a large amount of items, all packed securely within. The more items you pack into the fridge, the less likely they are to tip over or spill as the fridge bounces around in the back of a moving vehicle. Another benefit is that the more items you have in the fridge, the better it will maintain its set temperature. These chilled items help to stabilise the internal temperature, allowing the fridge to run more efficiently.
A significant advantage of chest fridges is their top-mounted lid, which ensures that cold air remains inside when the lid is opened. Additionally, smaller chest fridges equipped with robust handles are genuinely portable, so with a portable power source it is easy to remove them from your vehicle and set them up next to your campsite.
On the downside, the lid’s top-opening design can make accessing items difficult if the fridge is mounted high in a raised vehicle. In such cases, you’ll likely need a fridge slide to facilitate access, which adds complexity and weight to your setup. Opting for a drop-slide, while convenient, can be expensive and add even more weight.
Many chest fridges come with a removable basket, allowing you to see and access items more easily. Other features to look for include a smooth interior and a drain hole for easy cleaning, as well as a removable lid, which is useful if there’s a height restriction in your vehicle. Some models have lids that can open from either side or at one end, providing more flexibility depending on your setup. Additionally, most modern chest fridges include an interior light, and many offer Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to monitor and adjust the temperature via a mobile device.
Other considerations include a sturdy outer case and lid, robust handles that double as tie-down points, and overall durability; the material of the fridge’s exterior, whether zinc-coated steel, stainless steel, tough plastics, or fibreglass, should be chosen based on the intended environment and use.
Upright fridges
If your vehicle setup has enough space, such as a ute with a large canopy on the back, you might consider installing an upright fridge. One of the main benefits of upright fridges is that they don’t require a fridge slide, which can simplify your setup. Accessing items inside an upright fridge is just as easy as retrieving items from a fridge at home. However, items inside an upright fridge are more prone to shifting and tipping over unless they are securely packed. Additionally, every time you open the door, cold air escapes, requiring the compressor to work harder to maintain the set temperature.
As with chest fridges, upright fridges are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 20 litres to over 100 litres. The size you choose will depend on your vehicle’s available space and its payload capacity. The features in upright portable fridges are similar to those found in kitchen fridges, including shelves for different items, a veggie/fruit drawer, storage pockets in the doors, and a separate freezer section. Most also include a door latch to prevent the fridge from opening during transit.
Drawer fridges
Drawer fridges are another innovative option. As the name suggests, these fridges are essentially drawers that can be installed in place of standard cargo drawers in the back of a vehicle. Several models are available, with most having a capacity of between 30 and 40 litres. One of the biggest advantages of a drawer fridge is the ease of access to its contents. Simply slide it out and grab what you need. Drawer fridges are also space-efficient and, unlike chest fridges, they don’t require a separate slide mechanism, which offers a weight-saving advantage.
However, drawer fridges do have some drawbacks. They are usually permanently mounted in the vehicle, meaning you have to sacrifice some cargo space even when you don’t need a fridge. This also means they can’t be easily transferred from vehicle to vehicle. Additionally, drawer fridges don’t offer a lot of depth, so while they are perfect for storing drinks, fruit and veggies, larger items like milk bottles must be laid on their side, increasing the risk of spills.
Due to their modest capacity, drawer fridges are better suited for shorter trips rather than extended expeditions, unless used in conjunction with a chest or upright fridge. In such a scenario, a drawer fridge is great for storing items that you want easy and frequent access to, such as drinks and snacks, while you keep food for meals in the chest or upright fridge.
Additional considerations
There are several additional features that can enhance your portable fridge experience. For instance, having a separate compartment for delicate items like fruit and dairy ensures they are protected and easily accessible. A movable basket divider can also help you organise your fridge more effectively.
Fridges with a smooth, built-in evaporator are easier to clean, as there are no hidden spaces where spills or crumbs can accumulate. Other useful features include a drain plug for easy cleaning, rubber feet to prevent the fridge from sliding around, and a cabinet light to help you find items in low light conditions. In chest fridges, a removable lid is an advantage, especially if space is limited inside your vehicle.
Modern fridges often come equipped with advanced temperature controls, allowing for precise temperature settings and monitoring. Look for features such as a temperature lock to prevent accidental adjustments, recessed controls to avoid accidental bumps, a clear temperature readout, and a clearly visible on/off light.
Noise level is another important consideration. Before purchasing a fridge, it’s a good idea to listen to it while it’s running. Noise levels can vary between models, and a quiet fridge is essential for a peaceful camping experience.
The exterior of the fridge should be durable, particularly if you plan to place it in the back of a ute where it may be exposed to other cargo. The cabinet material should be chosen based on your specific needs and environment. Zinc powder-coated steel, stainless steel, tough plastics, and fibreglass are all commonly used materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
When it comes to portability, especially for chest fridges, strong handles are a must. Not only do they make it easier to move the fridge, but they also serve as secure mounting points for when the fridge is installed in your vehicle.
Finally, it’s advisable to stick with reputable brands that offer reliable warranties, service, and parts support. While lesser-known brands might be cheaper, they can fail unexpectedly, and finding replacement parts or getting service can be difficult or impossible.
Portable fridge power options
Powering a 12V fridge is relatively straightforward, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. While you can plug the fridge directly into your vehicle’s 12V power socket, there is a risk that the fridge could drain your starting battery if left running while the engine is off. To prevent this, it’s best to equip your vehicle with an auxiliary battery and an isolator that ensures your starting battery doesn’t discharge. Alternatively, you can use an external power source, such as a portable power pack, to run the fridge.
Lithium batteries have become increasingly popular as auxiliary batteries due to their lightweight construction, ability to be discharged almost fully, and longevity – they can be recharged many times without significant degradation. However, a special DC-DC charger is required to power a lithium battery from a modern vehicle’s smart alternator, and to isolate the starting battery. Some chargers can also accept power input from a solar panel, which is an excellent option for campers who want to stay in one spot for several days without starting their vehicle to recharge the auxiliary battery.
Regardless of the battery type you choose for your dual-battery system, it must be securely mounted in your vehicle. A dedicated battery box with built-in power outlets is a good option, and some models even incorporate a DC charger for added convenience.
Some portable fridges, like those from Companion Outdoor and myCOOLMAN, are available with a lithium power pack that is either built-in to the fridge (but still removable) or magnetically attached to the cabinet. These options provide the advantage of keeping the fridge running when you’re away from your vehicle or another power source, with the ability to recharge once you return. Another lithium-based power option is the portable power pack. Again, companies such as Companion Outdoor produce these products and the latest versions are incredibly powerful, allowing for a full weekend (or, often, longer) of powering your fridge. Add in the ability of these power packs to be recharged via solar and you have a fantastic system that can be removed from your vehicle when not needed for camp, and also used around the home, too.
Fridge slides and barriers
While upright and drawer fridges are gaining popularity, chest fridges remain a favourite among adventurers thanks to the wide range of brands, models and sizes available, as well as their portability. Chest fridges can be placed in a vehicle’s cargo area, on a back seat, or outside your vehicle next to your camp chair.
When mounting a chest fridge in the back of a vehicle, a fridge slide and a fridge barrier can make your life much easier. A basic fridge slide allows you to pull the fridge out far enough to access its contents. It’s important to check the dimensions to ensure the slide will fit your fridge. Features to consider include weight capacity, slider quality, and whether the slide locks in both the open and closed positions. Depending on your vehicle’s setup and the fridge’s lid hinge, you can choose between standard slides and sideways slides.
Some drawer systems come with built-in fridge slides, which can be convenient, but there are a few downsides to consider. First, check the weight capacity and fit of the slide. Second, some systems expose the contents of the drawer when extended, which can cause items to fall behind the fridge. A fridge barrier can prevent this issue by keeping the area around the fridge clear. Another drawback is that the fridge will sit higher, making access more difficult, especially for shorter individuals or when the vehicle is lifted.
For ultimate convenience, consider easy-access slides like the MSA 4×4 Drop Slide, which lowers the fridge by 30cm, or the Dunn & Watson Slide & Tilt, which tilts the fridge forward. Both designs make accessing your fridge much easier, particularly when it’s mounted high in a vehicle.
Portable fridges: A whole new world
No matter which fridge configuration and power source you go for, using a portable fridge will be a revelation for camping families. With fresh food and icy-cold drinks always available – and no more worries about where to source ice – all you have to worry about is how soon it’s deemed polite to crack that first coldie!
