Ever been on a road trip, dreaming of a cold drink and a fresh sandwich, only to find everything lukewarm and soggy? It’s a common problem, right? The struggle is real when you’re miles from a fridge and battling the summer heat! That’s where a car refrigerator comes in handy.
Choosing the right car refrigerator can be tricky. There are so many different sizes, brands, and features. How do you know which one will keep your food cold, your drinks chilled, and fit in your car? It’s easy to get lost in the details, from understanding different cooling technologies to figuring out the best power source. Plus, you want something that’s easy to use and doesn’t break the bank!
This blog post is your ultimate guide. We’ll break down everything you need to know about car refrigerators. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to pick the perfect one for your needs. By the end, you’ll be ready to hit the road with confidence, knowing you’ll have cold refreshments at your fingertips. So, let’s dive in and explore the coolest way to travel!
Our Top 5 Car Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Car Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator 12V Car Fridge 23 Quart Portable Freezer Compressor Cooler 12/24V DC 110~240 Volt AC for Truck Van RV Camper SUV Travel Camping Road Trips Tailgating -7℉~50℉
Rating: 9.1/10
The BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator is a portable freezer. It is great for keeping food and drinks cold on the go. This 23-quart fridge works in your car, truck, RV, or camper. It uses a compressor to cool quickly and has different power options. You can use it for camping, road trips, and tailgating. It keeps food fresh without ice.
What We Like:
- Cools down fast, reaching 32°F in just 15 minutes.
- Uses very little power, saving energy.
- Quiet operation lets you sleep soundly.
- Works on 12V and 24V DC, and 110-240V AC power.
- Comes with a 2-year tech support for any questions.
- Has battery protection to prevent draining your car battery.
What Could Be Improved:
- Needs to be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent damage.
This BougeRV refrigerator is a good choice for keeping food cold on the road. It is efficient and easy to use, making it a great travel companion.
2. EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator
Rating: 8.5/10
The EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator is a portable cooler perfect for travel. This electric cooler keeps food and drinks cold. It works in your car, at home, or on a boat. It features an app control and a powerful compressor. The cooler is designed for convenience and durability.
What We Like:
- The cooler comes with both AC and DC adapters. This means you can use it anywhere.
- It cools down quickly, reaching freezing temperatures in just 15 minutes.
- You can control the cooler with an app on your phone.
- The magnetic lid helps keep the cold air inside.
- It has battery protection to prevent draining your car’s battery.
- The cooler is quiet and can handle bumpy roads.
- EUHOMY offers a 2-year tech support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size may not be large enough for big families.
The EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator is a great option for anyone who needs a portable cooling solution. It is easy to use and packed with useful features.
3. Antarctic Star Car Refrigerator
Rating: 9.3/10
The Antarctic Star Car Refrigerator is a portable cooler. It can keep your food and drinks cold. It has a 16 QT capacity. This car fridge uses a compressor to cool. It works with 12V DC and 100V AC power. You can take it in your car, RV, camping, or on trips. It has a control panel to set the temperature. It also has a safety lock.
What We Like:
- The refrigerator uses a good compressor for cooling.
- It works in cars, homes, and outdoors.
- It has a safety lock to keep your items safe.
- It is a compact size and fits in your car trunk.
- The LCD panel is easy to use to control the temperature.
- It is easy to carry with a handle.
- It protects your car battery from getting too low.
What Could Be Improved:
- The capacity could be larger for some users.
- The price may be a bit high for some people.
The Antarctic Star Car Refrigerator is a great option for keeping things cold on the go. It is a useful product for many different situations.
4. Setpower 12V Refrigerator 21 Quart Portable Freezer 50 Hours Backup Cooling
Rating: 9.4/10
The Setpower RF20 is a 21-quart portable freezer. It’s a 12V refrigerator that works in your car, truck, or RV. This electric cooler keeps your food cold on road trips and camping adventures. It has a built-in ice pack for extra cooling and can keep things frozen for up to 50 hours if the power goes out. This portable fridge is perfect for keeping food fresh and drinks cold without using ice. You can control it with a panel or an app on your phone!
What We Like:
- Keeps food cold for up to 50 hours.
- Cools down quickly, in just 15 minutes!
- Uses very little power, saving you money.
- Comes with an AC adapter and a DC cord.
- You can control it with your phone.
- Has a good size for road trips and camping.
- Offers great customer support.
What Could Be Improved:
- No obvious cons based on the provided information.
This Setpower portable freezer is a great choice for anyone who loves to travel. It’s a convenient and efficient way to keep your food and drinks cold on the go!
5. EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator
Rating: 8.6/10
The EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator is a portable electric cooler. It’s designed for camping, travel, and home use. This 59QT (55L) fridge has a 12V/24V DC and 110-240V AC power. It offers features like app control and fast cooling. The cooler keeps food and drinks cold wherever you go. It’s a convenient solution for keeping your items fresh.
What We Like:
- Dual zones help keep food separate and reduce smells.
- You can control the fridge with an app via Bluetooth.
- It cools down quickly, reaching 32°F in just 15 minutes.
- It has an energy-saving ECO mode and a fast-cooling MAX mode.
- It has battery protection to prevent draining your car battery.
- It works with both AC and DC power.
- It has a user-friendly LCD control panel and an internal light.
- It comes with a removable handle for easy carrying.
- It includes a 2-year tech support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product’s weight is not mentioned.
- The app’s user-friendliness could be improved.
This EUHOMY refrigerator is a solid choice for anyone needing a portable cooling solution. It’s packed with features and offers excellent versatility.
Chill Out on the Road: Your Car Refrigerator Buying Guide
Are you tired of warm drinks and soggy sandwiches on road trips? A car refrigerator is the answer! This handy gadget keeps your food and drinks cold while you travel. This guide helps you pick the best one for you.
1. Key Features to Look For
You should look for several key features before you buy.
- Size and Capacity: How much space do you need? Car refrigerators come in different sizes. Measure the space in your car where you plan to put it. Bigger refrigerators hold more food and drinks.
- Cooling Technology: There are two main types.
- Thermoelectric: These are the most common. They are usually more affordable and use less power. They cool by using electricity to transfer heat.
- Compressor: These are like mini-refrigerators. They cool better, especially in hot weather. They are more expensive and use more power.
- Power Source: Most car refrigerators plug into your car’s 12V outlet (cigarette lighter). Some can also plug into a wall outlet. Check the power cord length.
- Temperature Control: Some refrigerators have a temperature dial. This lets you set how cold you want it.
- Portability: Consider how easy it is to carry. Look for handles or wheels.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for models that use less power. This helps save your car battery.
- Additional Features: Some refrigerators have USB ports or cup holders. These are nice extras.
2. Important Materials
The materials used matter a lot. They affect how well the refrigerator works and how long it lasts.
- Exterior: Most car refrigerators have a plastic exterior. Make sure the plastic is strong and durable. Some have metal exteriors, which can be more rugged.
- Insulation: Good insulation keeps the cold air inside. It also keeps the heat out. Polyurethane foam is a common insulation material.
- Interior: The inside is often made of plastic. Look for plastic that is easy to clean.
- Seals: The seals around the lid are important. They prevent warm air from entering. They help keep the cold air inside.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things impact a car refrigerator’s quality.
- Brand Reputation: Buy from a well-known brand. They often make better products.
- Build Quality: Check the reviews. See if it’s built well. Look for sturdy construction.
- Cooling Performance: A good refrigerator cools quickly. It maintains a consistent temperature.
- Noise Level: Some refrigerators can be noisy. Look for a quiet model if this matters to you.
- Durability: A good refrigerator lasts a long time. It can withstand bumps and vibrations.
- Warranty: A good warranty protects your investment.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Using a car refrigerator is simple.
- How to Use: Plug it in. Put your food and drinks inside. Set the temperature.
- Road Trips: This is the most common use. Keep snacks and drinks cold on long drives.
- Camping: Keep your food fresh while camping.
- Tailgating: Have cold drinks at the game.
- Everyday Use: Some people use them for their daily commute. They keep their lunch fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How cold do car refrigerators get?
A: Thermoelectric refrigerators usually cool about 30-40°F (17-22°C) below the outside temperature. Compressor refrigerators can get much colder, sometimes down to freezing.
Q: How much power do they use?
A: Thermoelectric models use less power than compressor models. Check the product specifications for details.
Q: Can I use a car refrigerator in my house?
A: Many can. You will need an adapter to plug it into a wall outlet.
Q: How do I clean a car refrigerator?
A: Unplug it. Wipe down the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Let it dry completely.
Q: What can I store in a car refrigerator?
A: You can store drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and some types of fresh food.
Q: How long does it take to cool down?
A: It depends on the model and the outside temperature. Give it at least a couple of hours to cool down fully.
Q: Will a car refrigerator drain my car battery?
A: It could, especially if it runs for a long time without the engine running. Some models have a low-voltage cutoff to prevent this.
Q: Are car refrigerators noisy?
A: Some are, especially compressor models. Check reviews for noise level.
Q: What is the best size for a car refrigerator?
A: The best size depends on your needs. Consider how much space you have and how much you want to store.
Q: What is the difference between thermoelectric and compressor car refrigerators?
A: Thermoelectric models are cheaper and use less power. Compressor models cool better, especially in hot weather. Compressor refrigerators are more expensive.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hey there, My name is Joe Martin & I’m the author of OffroadersGuild.com. I’ve been hitting the dirt for a while now. I’ve been off-roading in all sorts of vehicles, from Jeeps to trucks and everything in between.
I’ve also built and modified a few off-road vehicles of my own, so I know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to upgrading and modifying off-road vehicles. I started this website to share my experience and help others get the most out of their off-roading adventures. Let’s hit the trails!