Road trips are awesome, until your snacks turn into a lukewarm mess. A 12V fridge freezer can be a lifesaver, keeping your drinks cold and your food fresh, whether you’re camping, overlanding, or just hitting the highway. I’ve tested a bunch of these things over the years, and honestly, some are great, and some are… not so much. So, I put together this list of the best 12V fridge freezers to help you make the right choice and avoid the duds.
Here’s a quick look at my top picks:
- Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator: Best budget-friendly option.
- ICECO GO20 Portable Refrigerator: Best for small spaces and quick trips.
- Dometic CFX3 45 Portable Refrigerator: Best overall performance and features.
- ARB 47 Quart Fridge Freezer: Best for off-road adventures and durability.
- ACOPOWER LiONCooler X40A Portable Solar Fridge Freezer: Best for solar charging and extended trips.
Top 5 Best 12v Fridge Freezers
1. Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator
The Alpicool C15 is a solid entry-level 12V fridge freezer that won’t break the bank. It’s surprisingly spacious for its size and cools down quickly, making it a good choice for short trips or keeping drinks cold in your car. It’s a no-frills option, but it gets the job done.
Pros:
- ✅ Very affordable
- ✅ Cools down quickly
- ✅ Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- ❌ Build quality isn’t the best
- ❌ Temperature control can be a little inconsistent
- ❌ Noisy operation
Verdict: If you’re on a tight budget and need a basic 12V fridge freezer, the Alpicool C15 is a decent option. But don’t expect top-of-the-line performance or durability.
2. ICECO GO20 Portable Refrigerator
The ICECO GO20 is a compact and efficient 12V fridge freezer, perfect for solo travelers or anyone with limited space. I used this on a weekend camping trip and was impressed by how quickly it cooled down and how little power it used. It’s surprisingly well-built for its size and has some nice features like a digital display and adjustable temperature settings.
Pros:
- ✅ Very compact and portable
- ✅ Energy efficient
- ✅ Well-built and durable
Cons:
- ❌ Small capacity
- ❌ More expensive than other similar-sized options
- ❌ Limited temperature range
Verdict: The ICECO GO20 is a great choice if you need a small, efficient, and well-built 12V fridge freezer. Just be aware of its limited capacity.
3. Dometic CFX3 45 Portable Refrigerator
The Dometic CFX3 45 is a premium 12V fridge freezer that offers top-of-the-line performance and features. It cools down incredibly fast, has precise temperature control, and can even be controlled via a smartphone app. I used this on a long road trip through the desert, and it kept my food and drinks perfectly cold the entire time. It’s definitely an investment, but it’s worth it if you want the best of the best.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent cooling performance
- ✅ Precise temperature control
- ✅ Smartphone app connectivity
Cons:
- ❌ Very expensive
- ❌ Heavier than other options
- ❌ App can be buggy at times
Verdict: If you’re looking for the best 12V fridge freezer on the market and are willing to pay a premium, the Dometic CFX3 45 is the way to go. It’s a top performer with all the bells and whistles.
4. ARB 47 Quart Fridge Freezer
The ARB 47 Quart Fridge Freezer is built tough for off-road adventures. This thing is designed to withstand bumps, dust, and extreme temperatures. It features a robust construction, efficient cooling system, and a secure latch to keep everything in place, even on the roughest terrain. I’ve seen these things take a beating and keep on ticking. A friend of mine swears by his for his overlanding trips.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely durable and rugged
- ✅ Excellent cooling performance in extreme conditions
- ✅ Secure latch and robust construction
Cons:
- ❌ Expensive
- ❌ Heavy
- ❌ Basic features compared to other premium models
Verdict: If you’re an avid off-roader or overlander and need a fridge freezer that can handle anything you throw at it, the ARB 47 Quart is an excellent choice. It’s built to last and will keep your food and drinks cold no matter where you go.
5. ACOPOWER LiONCooler X40A Portable Solar Fridge Freezer
The ACOPOWER LiONCooler X40A is a unique 12V fridge freezer that can be powered by solar energy. It has a built-in battery and can be charged via solar panels, AC adapter, or 12V car adapter. This makes it a great option for extended trips or situations where you don’t have access to a reliable power source. Plus, it’s pretty cool knowing you’re using solar to keep your food cold.
Pros:
- ✅ Solar charging capability
- ✅ Built-in battery
- ✅ Versatile power options
Cons:
- ❌ Solar panel not included
- ❌ More expensive than other similar-sized options
- ❌ Battery life can be limited depending on usage
Verdict: The ACOPOWER LiONCooler X40A is a great choice if you need a 12V fridge freezer that can be powered by solar energy. It’s perfect for off-grid adventures or situations where you need a reliable backup power source.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right 12V fridge freezer can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to consider:
- Size and Capacity: Think about how much space you need. Are you just keeping drinks cold for a day trip, or do you need to store food for a week-long camping trip?
- Power Consumption: Check the amperage draw and consider how long you’ll be running the fridge freezer off your car battery. Look for models with energy-saving features.
- Cooling Performance: Consider the temperature range and how quickly the fridge freezer can cool down. Some models are better suited for hot climates than others.
- Durability: If you’re planning on using the fridge freezer in rough conditions, look for a model that’s built tough with a robust construction and secure latches.
- Features: Some fridge freezers come with extra features like digital displays, adjustable temperature settings, smartphone app connectivity, and built-in batteries. Decide which features are important to you.
- Price: 12V fridge freezers can range in price from a couple hundred dollars to over a thousand. Set a budget and find a model that offers the best value for your money.
FAQs
Q: Can I run a 12V fridge freezer off my car battery?
A: Yes, you can, but it’s important to be mindful of your battery’s capacity. Running a fridge freezer for extended periods can drain your battery, so consider using a dual-battery system or a portable power station.
Q: How long will a 12V fridge freezer keep food cold?
A: It depends on the model, the ambient temperature, and how often you open the fridge freezer. Some models can keep food cold for several days, while others may only last for a day or two. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for more information.
Q: Can I use a 12V fridge freezer as a freezer?
A: Yes, many 12V fridge freezers can be set to freezer mode. However, keep in mind that freezing temperatures can increase power consumption.
Q: What’s the difference between a thermoelectric cooler and a 12V fridge freezer?
A: Thermoelectric coolers use the Peltier effect to cool, while 12V fridge freezers use a compressor, similar to a household refrigerator. Compressor-based fridge freezers are generally more efficient and can cool to lower temperatures.
Conclusion
A 12V fridge freezer can make your road trips, camping adventures, and overlanding excursions much more enjoyable. There are plenty of options out there, so take your time, do your research, and find the one that best suits your needs and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, portability, durability, or advanced features, there’s a 12V fridge freezer out there for you.
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