Summer is the time for frequent trips to the country or fishing. Often the main problem of such outings is the safety of food. One of the ways to solve the problem is to purchase a portable refrigerator for a car.
What are these devices? What to look for when choosing and which one is better? In this article, we will tell you how not to make a mistake when buying an auto hollow cover, and also prepared a rating of the best models based on customer reviews and expert opinion.
Types of car refrigerators
The choice of car refrigerators is very wide. To understand what exactly you need, it is worth understanding how these devices work.
Depending on the type of cooling system, the following refrigerated trucks are distinguished:
- compressor rooms;
- thermoelectric;
- absorption.
The subtleties of the device, the pros and cons of each of these types, we will consider a little below.
You also need to know that car refrigerators are built-in and external (portable). These devices work on a mixture of gases or from the mains. Moreover, some need to be connected to a central 220V network, while others only need a cigarette lighter (12V).
Thermoelectric car refrigerators
This is one of the most popular types of car cooling units. They are incredibly simple in design. A fan is installed under a sturdy casing made of thermal insulating material. This prevents heat from getting inside the container.
The thermoelectric refrigerator is able to maintain the temperature difference in the chamber and outside in the range from 15 to 25 C. However, it is best of all to preserve pre-cooled food. Auto refrigerators of this type can be plugged into an outlet or powered by the car's cigarette lighter.
Advantages:
- Very compact, does not take up much space even in a very small car.
- Many models, in addition to the cooling mode, also have heating.
- There are no moving parts in the design of these devices. So they can handle off-road driving just fine.
- They work almost silently.
- There is no refrigerant at all, so there is absolutely no risk of leakage.
- Cools food up to +5 C, and some especially powerful models even up to +2 C.
Disadvantages:
- The capacity of a thermoelectric refrigerator rarely exceeds 40 liters. This may not be enough for a large company.
- Picks up operating temperature for a long time.
- Most often it does not have a temperature controller.
See also:
- 7 best Bosch refrigerators according to customer reviews
- 8 Best Samsung Refrigerators According to Buyers
- 9 Best Inexpensive Refrigerators According to Buyers
- 10 best LG refrigerators according to customer reviews
Absorption models
Such refrigeration devices have gained the greatest popularity among owners of auto trailers or campervans. The capacity of such a refrigerator can reach 150-180 liters. He is able to work offline for a long time and without refueling.
The absorption refrigerator is powered by refrigerant. The most commonly used aqueous solution of ammonia. It needs electricity to keep it running. It can be taken from a fixed socket or car cigarette lighter. Also, the absorption refrigerator runs on gas. A regular six liter bottle will do.
Pros:
- work very quietly;
- "Omnivorous" when connected;
- very economical, consume little electrical energy.
Minuses:
- rather bulky;
- cost a lot of money;
- unable to freeze food;
- are afraid of strong shaking and sharp turns.
Compressor devices
These refrigerators are a full-fledged refrigerator, only of a small size. Its operation is based on thermostatic control. This is the only option in the case when you need to freeze and not just refrigerate food. No other refrigerated trucks can do this.
Compressor refrigerators are not very suitable for placement in a car. The fact is that there are a significant number of moving parts in their design. If you plan to travel frequently on unpaved roads, this option is not for you.
Benefits:
- food can be placed without pre-cooling;
- very economical;
- a powerful compressor is able to cool a large volume of the chamber, you can take more products;
- the temperature in the chamber is stable and lasts a long time;
- models are equipped with a built-in fuse in case of battery discharge.
Disadvantages:
- very sensitive to road bumps;
- weighs a lot;
- takes up a lot of space in the car;
- high price.
TOP-3 thermoelectric refrigerators
We present to your attention a small rating of thermal refrigerators, which according to customer reviews and expert opinion can be called the best.
Waeco Tropicool TC-35-FL
This model is considered the champion in the speed of cooling products among the auto-refrigerators of its line. The device is capable of stably maintaining the mode 30 C below the temperature “overboard”. When you turn on the heating function, it reaches +65 C.
The model is equipped with a special lock that excludes independent opening of the lid. Able to keep the set temperature for a long time during autonomous operation. Indispensable for long-term storage of food. Control is carried out using a touchscreen LED-panel, equipped on the top cover of the refrigerator. Weight about 10 kg.
Pluses of model:
- excellent build quality;
- good performance;
- heating and cooling function;
- power consumption is only 46 watts.
Minuses:
- quite high price.
See also - Rating of the best refrigerators with the No Frost system according to customer reviews
Ezetil ESC-28
Our review continues with German technology. The model is easy to carry and practical. The sturdy plastic case is housed in a special bag with additional thermal insulation. Its weight is only 3.8 kg, which makes it an almost indispensable device for outings in nature or the country. Ezetil ESC-28 is powered by a car cigarette lighter and is able to cool the contents by 20 C.
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- the presence of a convenient bag for transportation;
- compact dimensions are suitable even for a small car;
- reliable assembly, quality materials.
Disadvantages:
- there is no autonomous power supply, it works only from the cigarette lighter.
AVS CC-22WA
Another inexpensive model from a Chinese manufacturer that took its rightful place in the 2017 ranking. It cools food placed in it, 23-25 C.This built-in auto refrigerator is controlled by a LED display provided on the panel.
It weighs just over 5 kg, while the usable volume of the chamber is 22 liters. The heating function is capable of providing temperatures up to +65 C.
Pros:
- not too high cost;
- quite roomy camera;
- presence of an informative control panel;
- heat / cold mode;
- acceptable degree of cooling.
Minuses:
- non-critical noise during operation;
- After prolonged use, there may be some malfunction in the display.
Best absorption refrigerators
If you go out in the country for a few days, like to have a rest "savages" and are the happy owner of a camper, it is better to purchase a gas-electric car refrigerator.
Combicool Dometic RF 60
For the autonomous operation of such an aggregate, a small gas cylinder will be sufficient. And when driving in a car, it can be connected to the cigarette lighter. The model also works from a familiar 220 V electrical outlet.
The body of the unit is steel, and the convenient shelves on the door perfectly accommodate 1.5 liter bottles.
Advantages:
- the possibility of battery life;
- good volume of the cooling chamber;
- high-quality assembly and materials.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- dependence on the state of the environment;
- the side door can be opened when driving on a bumpy road;
- requires "gentle" handling, does not like bumps.
Waeco / Dometic COMBICOOL RC 1600 EGP
The model also has a triple power system: mains / gas / cigarette lighter. Even in the hottest summers, the refrigerator is able to keep the temperature inside at a level of +8 to +10 C. A quite decent volume of the chamber (33 l) is able to hold a supply of food for an average family. And one person will have enough for a week.
Convenient handles are located on the sides, which makes it easy to carry the refrigerator to a convenient place. For ease of use, piezoelectric ignition is provided.
Pros:
- the case of the model is made of impact-resistant anti-corrosion materials;
- there is an ice tray;
- three-phase adjustment in gas mode;
- practical and completely safe to use;
- sufficient roominess;
- the lid closes at the top, which prevents accidental opening when moving.
Minuses:
- quite high cost.
Ezetil EZ 4000
Excellent gas-electric refrigerator with a chamber volume of 40 liters. It is able to reduce the temperature by 25 degrees below external indicators, and the degree of cooling can be adjusted independently. At the same time, it consumes only 0.4 kg of gas per day. Has convenient transport handles.
Advantages:
- very economical to operate;
- a light weight;
- the ability to adjust the degree of cooling.
Disadvantages:
- except for a rather high cost, not found.
TOP-3 compressor units
If you need a very powerful and efficient car refrigerator, you'd better choose the compressor version.
Waeco CoolFreeze CFX-50
This model is one of the recognized category leaders. A versatile and very roomy device has a camera volume of about 50 liters and works completely silently. High-quality assembly and a stainless steel case will provide your products with reliable protection even on the hottest day.
Waeco CoolFreeze CFX-50 has a special basket and a built-in container for vegetables. The height of the refrigerator allows you to easily place large bottles in it. Even a solar battery can serve as a power source. The auto-compressor refrigerator is capable of maintaining any temperature, up to -22 C. Using a special Wi-Fi application, you can independently adjust the storage temperature of food.
Advantages:
- functionality and decent workmanship;
- versatility;
- excellent energy efficiency.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
Indel BTB-41A
This model is a little more democratic in price. At the same time, the useful volume of the chamber is quite large - up to 40 liters.The interior of the refrigerator is divided into two compartments. It easily fits vertically several two-liter bottles. For storage of other products there is a sliding basket.
Power supply from any type of electrical network, from 12 to 220 V. With the help of an electronic thermostat, you can independently set the parameters in the range from +5 to - 18C. Various options are provided to save electricity:
- "TURBO" - for super fast cooling;
- "ECO" - for the lowest possible energy consumption.
Pros:
- excellent cooling;
- availability of various operating modes;
- Italian quality;
- long period of warranty service.
Minuses:
- still not a very pleasant price;
- considerable weight - about 17 kg.
Arb Freezer Fridge-47
This is one of the most expensive, but also the most reliable models on the compressor vehicle market. The cost of such a refrigerator can reach ... The model is equipped with a system called swing-motor, which saves on weight, dimensions and energy consumption. As a result, the cooling chamber can hold as much as 47 liters of product.
Benefits:
- availability of proprietary developments and patented solutions;
- excellent external characteristics;
- the ability to control the temperature level;
- metal handle for easy transport.
Disadvantages:
- incredibly high price.
The best budget car refrigerator models
Inexpensive car refrigerators are most often installed in compact women’s cars. The internal volume of the chamber does not allow storing many products. So for a trip to fishing, it is hardly suitable. Budget models most often include thermoelectric ones. Conventional insulated bags and small insulated containers are also inexpensive.
Mobicool G30
This model is one of the flagships among budget auto-refrigerators. Weighing only 4.3 kg, two built-in coolers ensure fast food cooling. The difference between the outside and the inside can reach 18 C. The Mobicool G30 can operate from either a conventional or an automobile power supply.
Main advantages:
- universal type of food;
- affordable cost;
- light weight;
- excellent German quality;
- compact size.
Disadvantages:
- at too high outside temperatures, the cooling quality may suffer.
AVS CC-24 NB
An even more budgetary model, the production of the Middle Kingdom. The volume of the inner chamber reaches 24 l, despite the fact that the unit is quite compact in appearance. As with many budget models, the minimum temperature inside the refrigerator can be no more than 16-18 degrees lower than outside.
The thermo-refrigerator has built-in functions "Heating" and "Cold", as well as a switch between them. For ease of use, a wire pocket and a reliable handle for easy carrying are provided.
Pros:
- convenience and ease of operation;
- compact size;
- sufficient internal volume;
- low price.
Minuses:
- not detected.
Mobicool U26 DC
The most affordable model in our review. A refrigerated truck with a capacity of 25 liters is able to satisfy all the basic needs of the buyer.
Benefits:
- compact and lightweight;
- has excellent thermal insulation;
- is able to reduce the temperature by 17 C from the initial;
- equipped with a comfortable ergonomic handle;
- freely places bottles with a capacity of 2 liters;
- very affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- This model can only work on a 12 V network.
Which is better to choose in a car
If you still do not know which car refrigerator is better to choose, heed the advice of experts:
The useful volume of the refrigerator per person should be at least 5 liters. Thus, for a family of 4, it is worth choosing a model with a chamber of at least 20-25 liters.
It's worth considering how often and how far you are going to travel. For a one to two day trip, consider the thermoelectric option. If you are planning to rest for a couple of weeks, you cannot do without a gas-electric refrigerated truck.
An important criterion in the selection can be the quality of the route on which you are going to travel. If you are into mountain rallies, nothing more than a thermoelectric refrigerated truck will suit you. If you are resting within the bounds of good highways, there are no visible restrictions.
For the right choice, the average ambient temperature can also be of great importance. If your region has very hot summers, then an ordinary electric refrigerator will last no more than one day. For a long trip, you will need a bigger unit. Here you should pay attention to a chest freezer or a compressor auto-refrigerator.
And some more useful tips
To choose the right car refrigerator, you need to pay attention to a few more points:
- Pay close attention to the location of the device door. It is best if it is located on top and has an additional lock. It will be very unpleasant to find that the side door opened on its own from driving over bumps and all the contents of the refrigerator ended up in the trunk.
- If you are not going to store food in the refrigerator for more than a day, pay attention to the figure indicating the temperature difference that the unit can support. The higher it is, the more expensive a car refrigerator is.
- If you do not want to stay with a discharged battery after a long rest, choose models with such a useful option as self-shutdown with a minimum charge of the battery.
- Even if you have decided on the model and manufacturer, before buying it will be nice to additionally make sure that the auto-refrigerator fits in your car. Think about how you are going to secure the unit? Where exactly will it be located? Take a tape measure and take the necessary measurements.
Choosing a car refrigerator is not something too complicated. For a successful acquisition, it is enough to clearly understand how much money you are willing to spend. It is also important to decide which functions are very important for you, and which can be compromised. Putting all the data together, you will determine the best car refrigerator of 2017.
See also:
- 10 best Atlant refrigerators according to owner reviews
- 10 best refrigerators from according to buyers
- 11 best BEKO refrigerators according to customer opinion
- 15 best Liebherr refrigerators according to customer reviews
