As you embark on a road trip, camping adventure, or a long drive for work, keeping your food and beverages at the right temperature is essential. A fridge freezer is a perfect solution for preserving perishable items and maintaining the quality of your snacks and drinks. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of investing in a portable fridge or chest freezer, the various features to consider when choosing one, and how to make the most of this handy appliance while on the road.
Top reasons to use a portable freezer.
Food Safety: A portable freezer ensures that perishable food items remain at safe temperatures during your journey, preventing spoilage and reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. This is especially important for those traveling with young children, the elderly, or individuals with compromised immune systems.
Convenience: With a fridge freezer, you can bring along your favorite chilled or frozen foods, such as ice cream, frozen fruits, or meal prep containers. This allows you to enjoy home-cooked meals or snacks while on the go, saving time and money spent on dining out.
Versatility: Portable freezers are not limited to just cooling or freezing food. They can also be used to keep medications at the required temperature, store breast milk for nursing mothers, or chill beverages for a refreshing drink on a hot day.
Cost Savings: By using a portable freezer, you can reduce your reliance on convenience stores or fast-food chains, and frozen goods, which can be expensive and unhealthy. Instead, pack and store your own nutritious meals and snacks, ultimately saving money in the long run.
Environmentally Friendly: Reusable ice packs and gel packs, while convenient, can contribute to plastic waste. A fridge freezer eliminates the need for these single-use items, making it a more sustainable option for eco-conscious travelers.
Features to consider when choosing a portable freezer.
To ensure you get the most value from your investment, consider the following features when selecting a portable freezer:
Size and Capacity: Portable freezers come in various sizes, ranging from compact models that hold a few items to larger units that can accommodate enough food for an entire family. Determine your storage needs and available space in your vehicle before making a decision.
Power Source: Most portable freezers operate using a 12V DC power source, which allows them to be plugged into a car's or truck's cigarette lighter or accessory socket. Some models also include an AC adapter for use with standard household outlets or a solar panel for off-grid adventures.
Temperature Range: Ensure the portable freezer you choose has the necessary temperature range to accommodate your cooling or freezing needs. Some models offer a dual-zone design, allowing you to maintain different temperatures in a single zone or separate compartments.
Insulation and Efficiency: Look for a portable freezer with high-quality insulation and an energy-efficient compressor, as this will help maintain consistent temperatures while reducing power consumption.
Durability and Construction: A well-built portable freezer and cooler should be able to withstand the rigors of travel, including bumps and vibrations. Opt for a model with a sturdy exterior and reinforced corners for added protection.
Tips for using a portable freezer on the road.
To optimize the performance and longevity of your portable freezer, follow these best practices:
Pre-cool Your Freezer: Before loading it with food or beverages, plug in the portable freezer and allow it to reach the desired temperature. This will help maintain consistent temperatures once items are finally added.
Pack Strategically: Place heavier items at the bottom of the freezer and distribute the weight evenly. Use airtight containers or resealable bags to keep foods secure and prevent spills and cross-contamination.
Monitor Temperature: Regularly check the temperature of your portable freezer to ensure it's maintaining the desired setting. Most models come with a built-in thermometer or digital display for easy monitoring.
Conserve Energy: When possible, limit the number of times you open the freezer to reduce the loss of cold air. If you're concerned about power consumption, consider using a portable solar panel or a battery backup system to supplement your vehicle's power supply.
Proper Cleaning and Maintenance: After each use, clean the interior lid, and exterior of your portable freezer with mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly. This will help prevent odors and maintain the appliance's overall performance.
Conclusion
A portable freezer is an invaluable addition to any road trip, camping excursion, or long-distance drive. By considering factors like size, power source, temperature range, and durability, you can find the perfect model to suit your needs. With proper care and usage, a portable freezer will keep your food and beverages cool or frozen, ensuring you enjoy fresh and delicious meals while on the road. So, before you hit the road for your next adventure, consider investing in a portable freezer for a convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution to your cooling and freezing needs.
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Portable Freezer on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Portable Freezer - Reviews
The Best
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Discover the exceptional cooling capabilities of the SECOP Compressor, offering a versatile cooling range from 0°F to 50°F (-18℃~10℃) to cater to all your freezing and refrigeration needs. With adjustable cooling rates, you can choose between MAX mode for rapid cooling or MIN mode for enhanced energy efficiency. The SECOP Compressor ensures that your car refrigerator operates smoothly even at a 40° tilt, making it an indispensable companion on the road.
Enjoy the convenience of using the portable refrigerator both at home and in your vehicle, thanks to its dual power options. Independent 12V/24V DC and 110-240V AC output ports eliminate wire clutter, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment. The user-friendly design features a height suitable for pickup truck tonneau covers, a durable metal shell, thickened inner walls, and foldable pull-down locks, providing optimal insulation. Interior lights and removable wired baskets make accessing and restocking your fridge a breeze, even in the dark.
Experience peace of mind with the 3-level battery protection feature, designed to automatically battery power off the car refrigerator based on your chosen setting, preventing your car battery from being drained. Select from three different gears to suit your needs, ensuring your vehicle's battery remains protected during use.
Invest in a reliable and efficient portable refrigerator unit with a comprehensive warranty and dedicated customer support. Benefit from a 5-year warranty on the compressor unit and a 1-year warranty on all other parts. Our customer service phone line is readily available, and we guarantee a response to your Amazon messages within 24 hours, even on weekends, ensuring you receive the assistance you need.
A high percentage said that they are very happy with the fridge/freezer. Cools very quickly and holds a set temperature well. Very reasonably priced for the quality. Much better than others. Some mentioned that they had been using this model as their fridge/freezer in their off-grid van. After 2+ years of 24/7 use, the compressor died, they contacted customer service and they sent a replacement immediately! You may never have to buy ice.
Some users said that ICECO customer service is severely lacking professionalism, and also their quality control doesn't seem that good. Some freezers have some problems for sure! A few mentioned that the compressor keeps working even when the temperature has reached the required degrees. Overpriced for this so-called premium quality.
Our Thoughts - Weird, how some customers have a bad experience with customer service while others had a great one. Apparently, when you have a question for the first time about the fridge/freezer try to contact Yara as he seems to be the best person to contact to help and guide you. This fridge freezer is completely different from an upright freezer but similar.
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Experience added convenience and protection with FREE included accessories, such as an insulated protective cover and a 12 feet-long extended DC power cable. These extra components not only ensure the durability of your portable refrigerator but also provide flexibility in usage, making it perfect for outdoor adventures or long road trips.
Take control of your energy consumption with the innovative MAX & ECO mode features. ECO mode allows you to slow down the compressor's running speed for increased energy efficiency, while MAX mode maximizes the compressor's speed, enabling a rapid cooling effect that quickly reaches your desired temperature. Additionally, the need for ice is eliminated with adjustable temperatures ranging from -7℉～50℉(-22℃～+10℃). The Danfoss compressor operates intelligently, stopping when the set temperature is reached and restarting when the internal temperature rises by 6℉-9℉, conserving energy in the process.
Invest in a high-quality portable refrigerator backed by a comprehensive warranty and global product insurance. The German SECOP Compressor, ETL certification, and 5-year warranty on the compressor, along with a 1-year warranty on all other parts, attest to the exceptional quality and reliability of this product. Furthermore, local after-sales service ensures you receive prompt assistance whenever needed, giving you peace of mind in your investment.
We love it! Say goodbye to damp paper food packaging, soggy deli meats, and moisture-laden ziplock veggies, and eliminate melted ice sloshing chaos – all in one go! From many happy users: We are very pleased with the ICECO refrigerator/freezer, and it didn't cost much more than the price of the fancy more expensive coolers that are now gathering dust in the garage. One customer, in particular, reached out to ICECO to request getting a replacement lid, and their customer service was A+.
A few customers said that the fridge/freezer didn't work out of the box. Some mentioned that customer service is horrible. It took over a month to arrive. Unfortunately, after the wait, it does not hold a steady temperature. The temperature fluctuates regardless of settings, the display thermometer does not read accurately and it's not trusted to keep food safe.
They got in touch with ICECO but the communication was spotty and now their "return window" is closed through Amazon.
Our Thoughts - After two years of use, still going strong, and have loved it ever since. The fact that we no longer have to carry ice to keep our food fresh when we go on trips is the winning factor. We still don't get it! Some customers are not happy with customer service while others are over the moon.
Good Value
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Introducing a high-capacity, heavy-duty 12-volt refrigerator with an impressive 15L capacity and spacious interior dimensions of 13.8” L x 9.6” W x 7.1” H. This versatile power cooler functions as both a fridge and freezer, making it perfect for keeping drinks, fruits, ice cream, vegetables, seafood, meats, skin care products, milk, and more chilled or frozen. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, camping, house parties, and all your adventurous endeavors, this fridge is a must-have companion.
Experience rapid cooling with the powerful compressor in our car refrigerator, capable of reaching 32°F within 15 minutes when empty. Achieve the lowest temperature of -4°F (-20°C) in just about an hour. Switch between MAX and ECO modes for accelerated cooling or energy-saving options, consuming less than 1 KW.H per day in ECO mode. Note that the operating temperature does not exceed 131℉.
Extend your car battery's life with the portable freezer's three power-saving levels: low, medium, and high. These modes are designed to reduce power consumption according to your preferences, optimizing your car battery for usage. The refrigerator will automatically re-apply your chosen setting each time you turn it on, ensuring consistent energy efficiency.
The functional design of this fridge features an LED display for easy operation and temperature monitoring in low-light conditions. A USB port allows convenient phone charging, while the UL-listed car cigarette lighter extension cord and AC input both come with replaceable fuses for protection against overloads and short circuits. With included AC/DC adapters, the AstroAI 15L fridge/freezer seamlessly transitions between home and car usage, and can even be powered outdoors using a portable power bank.
The ice in the cooler just sucked! Happy customers said that we've been using it now for close to a year, and it hasn't given any issues. We are able to pack enough food cold or frozen for a whole extended weekend. It easily maintains 32°F even while staying in a hot car, it would be more efficient in ambient temperature. Cools rapidly, lightweight and compact, great pricing, excellent customer service, quiet operation, and 3 options for battery protection.
A few users said that they followed instructions word for word. It was mainly purchased to use on a one or two-week road trip. In the middle of the trip n and this freezer/fridge just stopped cooling. The compressor was running but the temperature would not drop. Some mentioned that it doesn't maintain a constant temperature. It fluctuates by about 20 degrees.
Our Thoughts - We have used this on several different occasions, both as a freezer and as a refrigerator. The results have been flawless.
Good
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Introducing the SetPower RV45S car refrigerator, boasting a large capacity and exceptional insulation. The super-thick insulated layer and rubber gasket provide impressive cooling performance, even in extreme environments. With a generous 45L capacity, this portable car fridge is perfect for outdoor travel or work, keeping your food and beverages at the ideal temperature.
Experience user-friendly design with convenient interior LED lights for easy access during dark nights. The portable fridge freezer also features two removable wire baskets for quick emptying and restocking, a 45L capacity, and an adjustable temperature range of 0°F to 50°F. Stainless steel locks and side handles ensure durability and ease of transport.
Equipped with a powerful compressor, the SetPower RV45S offers a 3-YEAR warranty on the compressor, ensuring reliable performance. Choose between MAX mode for fast cooling or MIN mode for energy-saving operation, with power consumption at just 0.689kw.h/24h. The compressor operates efficiently even under a 40° tilt and maintains a low noise level of 45db. Use a portable power station or solar panel for outdoor living without compromising on cooling capabilities.
Enjoy the versatility of both car and home use with the SetPower RV45S portable refrigerator. It comes equipped with a 12V/24V DC cord and a 110-240V AC cable, providing three battery protection functions (low, medium, and high) to prevent draining your car's battery. With a smart battery protection function, you can enjoy worry-free usage on the go. Benefit from a 3-year warranty on the compressor and a 1-year warranty on all other parts, along with professional technical support from SetPower's LA-based team. Your Amazon messages will be answered within 24 hours, even on weekends.
Many happy users said that they love this cooler! They use it in a camper van and have had incredible success with it keeping food fresh and safe. It pulls very little energy and the size is perfect for up to 5 days or so of meals for 2-3 people depending on how you pack it/ prepare. It cools down very quickly and stays cool. A few said that they live off the grid and run on solar panels and this freezer is the best thing they ever bought. They love it. It works great with lots of room and low power consumption. An absolute must-have if you are off-grid.
A few users said that it doesn't hold temperature. It doesn't even get to the temperature it says it is at. If it was set for 20°, the thermometer inside said 34°. The food was partially defrosted. This was after being plugged into a wall socket for over a week. Some customers said that this fridge/freezer arrived damaged. The fridge/freezer was dented on arrival, and now you expect us to pay for a return?
Our Thoughts - It doesn't seem fair that due to no fault of the buyer, he/she has to pay to return the damaged item. A few customers said that when they tried to return it, the merchant asked to keep all the original packaging, if you don't have the original carton, there is no return service, and you have to pay for return shipping! Hard to comprehend this mentality.
Good
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Experience peace of mind with the CR28 12V refrigerator, backed by a 2-year warranty. If you have any questions or concerns about the product, reach out to BougeRV before returning it, as they offer hassle-free after-sale service. The package includes a removable partition board, DC power cord, AC power cord, and user manual, ensuring you have everything you need for optimal use.
Enjoy fast cooling capabilities with the compressor refrigeration technology of this 12V car refrigerator. Achieve rapid cooling from 77℉ to 32℉ in just 20 minutes, and from 77℉ to -5℉ in 50 minutes, keeping your food fresh without the need for ice. Save money and space with this lightweight (24.14lb) and compact refrigerator (Dimension: 22.44x12.60x15.55in).
Benefit from low power consumption with the 30 Qt portable refrigerator's ECO energy-saving mode, operating at less than 45W. Even when running on MAX mode, it consumes far less than 1kwh/day due to its intelligent cycle work. This portable freezer fridge can be powered by a 12-volt +/24 V DC on various vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, RVs, campers, vans, boats, and more.
The portable chest fridge and freezer are designed for low noise operation at 45dB, ensuring a good night's sleep after long drives. Its shock-proof design allows it to withstand uneven roads and operate without issues even at a 30° inclination when off-road. Additionally, the RV fridge/freezer features a 3-level battery monitor to prevent draining your vehicle's battery, allowing you to choose the voltage at which the fridge shuts off, avoiding complete battery drain.
On eco mode, this portable chest freezer can run overnight plugged into the car, and hardly use any power at all. On max mode, with the fridge empty it will go from 75 to 32 in about 15 minutes. A few mentioned that they purchased this portable chest freezer mostly for use as a freezer. They measured the noise level and was 41db @ 2.5 ft. The temp shown on the panel may not be the temp inside but about (+-5 degrees F).
Some users said that this car fridge/freezer ceased to work about a week after they bought it - for no apparent reason. Customer service wasn’t helpful. They sent it back to Amazon. A few customers said that it seems to cool well but they haven't put any food in it yet because it has such a strong noxious VOC new plastic smell, especially when it's opened. The temps are inconsistently off. Sometimes up to 10 degrees full or empty, doesn’t matter.
Our Thoughts - Love this refrigerator and we run it nonstop. It's a 12 v 30 qt that holds the temp well. It has plenty of room for drinks veggies, boxes of eggs on top of drinks, etc.
Good
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Introducing the top-opening AC/DC portable fridge-freezer, designed to cool from 45 degrees F down to below 0 degrees F with adjustable temperature control. Equipped with a super quiet, highly efficient Engel compressor, this fridge boasts low amp draws even at start-up, making it the most vibration-resistant compressor on the market. Enjoy seamless automatic voltage selection between AC and DC power, prioritizing AC power for your convenience.
The variable temperature control ensures optimal cooling performance for all your needs. The portable chest freezer package includes a wire basket, AC & DC cords, and handles with mounting screws. Its durable plastic outer case and heavy-duty removable handles make it perfect for on-the-go use. Experience minimal power consumption, ranging from 0.7 to 2.7 Amps (12V DC), making this portable fridge-freezer an energy-efficient addition to your outdoor adventures.
A few customers said that they did a lot of online research on this portable fridge freezer. They choose the angel due to its reliability. As one customer put it "The Compressor is the reason for buying ENGEL". This portable chest freezer comes with a 2-year warranty, beginning from the date of purchase. Some users said that they have had their fridge freezer for over 3 years. It has been used continuously in the house and while camping without problems.
A few users said that the latches are cheap thin plastic. One of the latches doesn't create any downward pressure on the lid and it leaks. Customer service blew them off; These users simply asked for a new latch assembly and would install it themselves but they were ignored. Some users said that after taking a closer look at the cooler they were disappointed with what was delivered for the price: terrible workmanship, loud operating noise, useless 12V plug, no voltage monitor, no light, product documentation is meager, and 48 lbs empty weight.
Our Thoughts - The main concerns were reliability and low power consumption. we think the angel satisfies those concerns.
