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The 8 Best Car Refrigerators of 2022

Car fridge – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis

Having a car fridge can be the ideal solution if you plan to go on a long trip and want to have your cold drinks, fruit or food within reach at all times. Therefore, if you are considering purchasing one of these practical devices, we recommend you take into account some aspects that will allow you to choose the model that best meets your needs. Among them, the Severin KB 2922 refrigerator stands out, with a cooling and heat preservation function and with a capacity of up to 20 litres. On the other hand, if you are looking for a model that has a USB connection to charge your mobile and with 29 liters of capacity, we recommend the Mobicool G30 AC/DC.

The 8 Best Car Refrigerators – Opinions 2022 

Having the best car fridge will make your long trips much more pleasant and bearable by allowing you to carry any snack at your fingertips. Therefore, if you are interested in acquiring one, it is important that you look carefully at the pros and cons of each of the models that we present below.

Portable car fridge 

1. Severin KB 2922 Portable Electric Cooler

We begin this selection of the best car refrigerators of 2022 with this Severin brand model, which stands out for its versatility as it has a cooling function, as well as heat preservation.

It is an ideal portable car fridge for your camping trips, since you will have how to keep your drinks and other food at the desired temperature. This device can cool the interior up to 20 degrees below the ambient temperature, in addition to retaining heat up to about 60 degrees.

It has a total capacity of 20 liters and an internal space of 32 x 23 x 31 cm, which allows you to store up to 9 water bottles simultaneously. On the other hand, the external dimensions are 41.6 x 39.8 x 29.7 cm. The motor has a power of 58W, as well as an ecological function of 8W, for which it reaches an A++ energy classification.

If you don’t know many of these products and you don’t know which car fridge to buy, the first thing you should do is look at the following advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

Power : It includes two power outlets, so you can connect it both at home with 220-240V and in the car with 12V.

Handle : It has a handle that is used to comfortably transport the refrigerator, in addition to functioning as a security system to lock the lid.

Power : Allows you to vary the power in two levels between normal power of 58 watts and eco function of 8 watts.

Versatile : This fridge allows you to keep food cold at 20 degrees below room temperature, as well as retain heat at approximately 60 degrees.

Cons

Wheels : The incorporation of a pair of wheels that facilitates movement when the refrigerator is very heavy is missing.

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2. Campingaz Thermoelectric Powerbox Plus Fridge

With this portable fridge for car and home, you can keep your food cool, since it allows you to reduce the internal temperature from 16 to 19 degrees below the ambient temperature. It is a model with energy classification A++.

Campingaz is considered the best brand of car refrigerators thanks to its large storage capacity of up to 24 litres. It stands out for being a dual 12V/220 power supply portable refrigerator, it also offers high-quality insulation with polyurethane and antimicrobial coating, which allows it to remain free of bad odors, mold and mildew.

It has an adjustable cover that allows you to keep the interior protected thanks to its click closure system. In addition, this device has four control modes, be it Off, Eco, Night and Max.

To know which is the best car fridge, it is necessary to know the technical aspects of each one, so we recommend you evaluate those of this alternative.

Pros

Handles : It has practical side handles that allow you to comfortably carry the cooler anywhere.

Noise : It has a noise reduction system called “night” that allows it to be quieter.

Dimensions : Thanks to its reduced dimensions of 41 x 42 x 32 cm and weight of 3.6 kg, you can easily place this product in the car.

Cons

Plug : It is important to note that the power connection plug is close to the opening hinge, so you can damage the cable when moving the hinge.

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electric refrigerator for car 

3. Mobicool G30 AC/DC Portable Thermoelectric Cooler

Being able to drive and have your perfectly refrigerated food and drinks at hand is something that helps a lot, especially on those long trips where you just want to drive until you reach your destination without having to stop for a cold drink.

On these occasions, the Mobicool electric car fridge is one of the best alternatives thanks to its 29-litre capacity and the possibility of charging the mobile phone via a USB socket that it incorporates. The compartments located on the lid to store the power cables stand out.

This product manages to cool its interior up to 18 degrees below ambient temperature. In addition, it includes a power regulator with an ECO function that helps reduce the speed of the fan.

Known as the best car fridge at the moment, this product has the following positive and negative aspects.

Pros

Dimensions : It is a really compact and easy to carry car fridge thanks to its dimensions of 39.6 x 29.6 x 44.5 cm and its weight of 4.3 kg.

Classification : It has an energy classification of A +++, so it is a model that does not consume too much energy for its operation.

Operation : You can use this product both in the car with its 12V current cable or at home using the 230V plug.

Cons

Power : It is important to bear in mind that when it is connected to the car, the power regulation function is cancelled.

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4. Teesa TSA5000 Cooler Box with Keep Warm Feature

You are looking for a way to refrigerate your food when you travel but you do not want to spend an exorbitant sum of money, so we recommend this alternative, which is known as the best value for money car refrigerator, being one of the cheapest in the world. she is ready.

This electric car fridge has a capacity of 24 liters and its interior has a separating grid thanks to which you can better organize your food. Its cooling performance goes from 18 to 22 degrees below ambient temperature. In addition, if you wish, you can keep the inside of the refrigerator warm up to 65 degrees above.

The dimensions are 38 x 28 x 44 cm and its weight is 4 kg, so, thanks to its practical upper handle, you can easily carry the cooler in the trunk of the car.

If you are looking for one of the cheapest models, we recommend you look at the positive and negative aspects of this car fridge.

Pros

ECO power : Thanks to its ECO function, this refrigerator consumes a power of only 11 watts.

Versatile : You can both refrigerate and keep your food warm by using the function adjustment switch.

Material : It is made of insulating material such as polyurethane foam to maintain the internal temperature optimally.

Cons

Space : This car fridge allows you to insert up to two and a half liter bottles, so if you are looking for a model with more space, we recommend choosing another.

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12V car fridge 

5. Ardes TK44 Mini Artiko Portable Cooler

Who hasn’t wanted to have their perfectly cool favorite drink close at hand, especially on those hot summer days? With this 12V car fridge, this is no longer just a dream. With an input voltage of 12V for the car or 230V for the home, with this compact fridge you can store up to 4 500ml bottles and keep them at a cool temperature.

Keep the internal temperature of the fridge up to 14 degrees below room temperature, allowing you to keep food and drinks cool. In addition, for a better distribution, it has a removable grid.

Its silver design with retro tints stands out and its noise level reaches 32 dB. Its power is 40 watts and it has a capacity of up to 6 litres. In addition, it has a function that allows you to keep the interior warm.

If you still do not know which car fridge to buy, it is advisable to look at the pros and cons of this model.

Pros

Versatile : You can keep the interior of this car fridge cool or warm depending on your needs. 

Connection : Connect it both in your vehicle and at home thanks to the possibility of using two different plugs.

Dimensions : You will be able to carry this cooler anywhere with great comfort thanks to its compact dimensions and top handle.

Cons

Noise : This model can be considered very noisy compared to other similar car fridges.

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Compressor car fridge 

6. Dometic Coolfreezer CDF 18 Portable compressor fridge

Ideal to carry in the trunk of the car on your camping trips with the family, with this compressor car fridge you can keep food and drinks perfectly fresh. With an ultra narrow design but with internal dividers for better organization, this fridge will fit any space inside your vehicle.

With a top handle that makes it easy to transport, this portable cooler will not be missing on your walks. In addition, you can use it both in your vehicle and at home thanks to the fact that it receives 12V and 24V current, as well as 230V through the EPS 100 adapter.

It manages to maintain the temperature of your food up to 18 degrees below room temperature and its internal volume is up to 18 litres. Its dimensions are 46.5 x 41.4 x 30 cm and it weighs approximately 11.5 kg.

It is important to know each technical aspect of car refrigerators before choosing one, so we recommend you see the pros and cons of this model.

Pros

Lid : It has a removable and completely hinged lid to facilitate access to the interior of the refrigerator.

Handle : It has a practical handle that makes it easy to transport the device anywhere.

Capacity : With a capacity of up to 18 liters, this car fridge allows you to introduce various foods to keep refrigerated.

Cons

Weight : It is one of the heaviest car fridges, so if you are looking for a lighter model, we recommend that you look at another.

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electric portable refrigerator for car

7. Briebe Portable Electric Car Travel Cooler

This Briebe brand portable electric car fridge is an excellent alternative to take to your camps and be able to keep food perfectly fresh. With a total capacity of up to 30 litres, you’ll be able to store multiple 2-litre bottles upright.

This product works with both 12V and 230V power, so it is suitable for installation in the car and in the home or office. Allows you to keep food fresh up to 18 degrees below room temperature.

This versatile appliance allows, in addition to refreshing and cooling food, to keep it warm, making it ideal for use at any time of the year. It has a top handle that helps to transport it anywhere.

Given so many alternatives that the market offers you, it is vital to know the technical aspects of this and the other models on this list.

Pros

Switches . It has two switches, one to choose cooling or heating and the other to use the eco function.

Capacity : It has a large storage capacity of up to 30 liters, ideal for carrying enough drinks for the beach.

Versatile : Use this portable cooler both in the car and at home thanks to its two available plugs.

Cons

Materials : It is important to be careful to use it correctly and avoid hitting this cooler, as it could break relatively easily.

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car lighter cooler 

8. Ezetil 770620 Mirabelle E24 Thermoelectric fridge

If you are looking for a refrigerator for a car cigarette lighter, this alternative from the Ezetil brand is one of the most recommended today. It has a compartment that stores the 12-volt power supply cable, which you can connect directly to the vehicle.

It is made with high-quality insulation that provides long-lasting cooling, which is maintained even when the power is off. In addition, the lid is completely removable, which makes it easy to remove the products you keep stored inside. 

It has a specially designed design to be placed behind the driver and passenger seats, allowing its contents to be easily reached. Its dimensions are 39.3 x 23.3 x 40 cm and the handle works as a security system to fix the lid.

Finally, it is advisable to review the outstanding technical characteristics of this refrigerator to make an appropriate choice.

Pros

Lid : You will be able to completely remove the lid of this car fridge, which will allow you to access its interior quickly.

Portability : You can place this cooler in the back of the driver’s seat to keep its contents within reach.

Content : It has a capacity of approximately 20 litres, enough for trips and field trips.

Cons

Current: This car refrigerator obtains its current only from the cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle, therefore, if you are looking for one that you can connect to the current in your home, you should look at another alternative on this list. 

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Shopping guide 

A portable fridge is one of the most loved electrical appliances by drivers who want to have cold drinks within reach during their trips. It is ideal to take to the mountains, the beach and in general to any place where you travel. However, the wide variety of models on the market makes your choice a little more complicated than you think.

That is why we have made the decision to create this practical guide to buying the best car fridge so you can choose the model that best suits your needs.

type of fridge

In any comparison of car refrigerators, there is one main aspect that you should look at before making a light choice, and that is that distinguishing the type of refrigerator you are looking for is vital for you to acquire a device that is functional for your needs.

The market offers a wide variety of models to choose from, some only cool and others also heat your interior.

For this reason, it is important to know what type of food or drink you are going to take on your trip and if it needs to be kept cold or hot. The best fridges do both, so they have a small switch that you can quickly switch from hot to cold. This gives them a great advantage thanks to their versatility.

However, if you are concerned about how much it costs, it is important to know that the more features the device provides, the more expensive it will cost you.

Power

If you are looking for a good and cheap car fridge, then it is very important that you look at the power that the device provides, since, the more power it offers, it will logically cost a little more.

In these devices, the power is known as watts and this can vary a lot from one model to another. Therefore, if you are looking for a fridge that properly cools the interior and the food, it is vital that it has a good power.

As with the heating function, this feature will define how hot the inside of the device can get. However, remember that the higher the power, the greater the noise emitted by the motor and the fans, so it is advisable to take care of this aspect as well.

 

reaching temperature

Another aspect that you should take care of, especially if you are worried about keeping food inside the fridge at a certain temperature, is the level of cold or heat that the device manages to generate.

It is common in these devices that the level of cold or heat is determined by the ambient temperature, managing to reduce or raise the internal temperature a few degrees from the external temperature.

This is why most of these devices indicate that they can cool up to 15 degrees below the ambient temperature. This means that if it is 29 degrees outside, the interior may be 14 degrees. On the other hand, if the instructions state that the refrigerator raises the temperature up to 5 degrees, it means that the 29 degrees of the environment are added to the 5 of the interior, resulting in 34 degrees.

 

Design

Although it is one of the most unnoticed aspects when making a decision about which is the best fridge, very few users pay real attention to it. However, they are far from believing that it is a useless factor to look at, since the design is directly linked to the size and weight of the refrigerator, as well as the ergonomics and ease of use offered by the device.

First of all, it is important to see that the fridge can fit perfectly into your vehicle without any problem, but that it also has the possibility of introducing the amount of food and drinks you want. There are even models that include a separating grid with which you can better organize the interior of the fridge.

In addition, we recommend that you check if the device incorporates a system of handles that makes it easier for you to load it, as well as wheels that offer the possibility of moving the refrigerator comfortably when it is heavily loaded and thus avoid having to lift it.

Ability

Finally, another of the technical characteristics that distinguishes one car fridge from another is its storage capacity. The alternatives range from compact models with storage of up to 6 liters to rude and spacious refrigerators that can hold up to 30 liters. So, depending on the amount of food and drinks you want to take on your trip, choosing a model with enough storage space is key.

Frequently asked questions 

Q1: How to use a car fridge?

To use a car fridge, what you must do is buy a model that has a cable with a 12V connection that can be connected to the cigarette lighter socket. Activate the cold or heat function, depending on whether your model allows it, and start inserting the food and drinks that you want to keep at a certain temperature.

Remember to keep the fridge connected throughout the trip so that the interior remains at the same temperature.

 

Q2: How to install a refrigerator in the car?

To install a car fridge, just follow a few steps, starting by placing it in a stable place, either on a seat or in the trunk, so that it is completely firm.

In addition, depending on the location of the cigarette lighter socket and the length of the refrigerator cable, you must locate it in one place or another. 

Remove the cigarette lighter from the cigarette lighter socket and proceed to connect the corresponding cable to the 12V power supply. Remember to keep the lid tightly closed at all times to prevent cold escapes and thus your food can be preserved for longer.

Q3: How to make a car fridge?

To make a car cooler at home, all you need to do is get some lightweight plywood for the walls or insulation board. Ground cork, sawdust or pulverized asbestos should be placed between them.

Place a tray that serves as a bottom and sits on top of a piece of corrugated cardboard. Make a lateral deposit where you can place ice, so that the empty space receives that cold and humidity. The idea is that the water that is melting from the ice is stored and gives off cold to keep the temperature of the food compartment low. 

 

Q4: How to connect a car fridge at home?

There are a few models of portable and car coolers that have two different types of connections, one to connect directly to the 12V car socket and the other to plug into a 220 to 240 household socket. v.

In case you want to connect the portable fridge to the plug in the house, use the corresponding cable and connect it directly to one of the free sockets that you have in your home.

Q5: Which is better, electric or traditional car fridge?

In order to define a clear answer to this question, the first thing you have to take into account is what need you personally have, since the two are very different devices in various aspects.

While car refrigerators have the advantage of being able to be taken anywhere you want thanks to their portability aspect given by the dimensions and weight of the product, traditional refrigerators are much larger and heavier, so it would be impossible take them easily on your walks and trips.

In addition, it must be said that car refrigerators do not cool too much, but rather keep the temperature of the food a few degrees below room temperature. On the other hand, traditional refrigerators manage to cool the products that are inside them very well.

 

Q6: Which car refrigerator has a lower consumption?

There are some car fridges that have an eco-consumption function, so they significantly reduce the operating power to around 8 watts, as well as reducing the noise generated by the motor when it is running.

Among the most outstanding models with ECO function is the Severin KB 2922, which works at about 8 watts of power, as long as you have it connected to a wall outlet in the house, since if you connect it to the car, this function is disabled.

 

Q7: Why my car fridge doesn’t work?

Typically, 12-volt car coolers work as long as the vehicle is running. It is likely that the fridge is not cooling properly because you have turned off the car engine.

Try starting the vehicle and check that the leds on your fridge (as long as it has them) turn on. If not, wait a few minutes after starting the car to make sure the fridge is working properly.

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