The best portable refrigerators
Portable Fridge – Buying Guide, Opinions and Comparison in 2022
Portable refrigerators have always been a very efficient and practical product when it comes to taking the food and drinks you want to a specific place with you, keeping them well chilled. In this sense, it should be noted that there are models on the market such as the Mobicool 9103501266. This is characterized by the capacity it offers you, being the same 29 litres, and by its energy classification of type A++. On the other hand, the Campingaz 2000024776 model is made of high-quality plastic, while its interior structure offers thermal insulation for up to two hours.
Opinions on the best portable refrigerators
Among so many products available on the market to refrigerate food and drinks, there are portable refrigerators, capable of satisfying your needs during your trips to the beach, while hiking or even in your own home. That is why, below, we show you some models that could be of interest to you to choose the best among all.
electric cooler
Mobicool 9103501266
Those who are in search of the best portable fridge could take into account the Mobicool 9103501266 model, since we are talking about a product that offers you a total capacity of 29 liters so that you can store what you think is necessary inside.
Likewise, its dimensions are 44.5 x 39.6 x 29.6 centimeters. Therefore, you could even store 2-liter bottles vertically inside. It should be noted that this electric portable fridge is capable of cooling up to 18⁰ centigrade below the ambient temperature, therefore, it is very practical and functional.
For its part, being electric, it incorporates in its structure a power regulator with a special eco mode so that you can reduce the speed of the fan whenever you want. Likewise, it has a compartment to store the cable when you want to store it. Its energy classification is A++ and its design is available in gray with blue.
If you want to buy the best portable fridge of the moment, you will simply have to consider each of the details that it has to offer you.
Pros
Dimensions: It should be noted that the dimensions of this model are 29.6 x 44.5 x 39.6 centimeters.
Refrigeration: The portable cooler is capable of maintaining a refrigeration of 18⁰ centigrade below the ambient temperature.
Capacity: The product offers you a total capacity of 29 liters.
Design: Its design is available in gray with blue. In addition, it is energy classified A++.
Cons
Delicate: For some users, this portable fridge is very delicate, starting with the lid, as it is fragile when used.
Amazon Basics 9600003113
Among the best portable refrigerators of 2022 you can find the 9600003113 model sponsored by AmazonBasics. This has to offer you A +++ energy efficiency and has an ECO function of only 6.2W. Likewise, it could be powered through a 230-volt power cable or through a car cigarette lighter connector.
On the other hand, its capacity is 26 liters, while its dimensions are 39.5 x 39.5 x 29.6 centimeters, and its weight is 4 kilograms. As for its manufacture, this portable refrigerator is made with polypropylene insulating material and has injected polyurethane foam.
It should be noted that this electric portable refrigerator gives you the ease of heating and cooling products. Therefore, you will be able to keep the heat at about 65° Celsius and the cold at about 18° Celsius below the room temperature.
To know which portable fridge to buy, you must take into account both its dimensions and the functions it can offer you.
Pros
Energy efficiency: This portable fridge has an ECO function of only 6.2 W and offers you A +++ energy efficiency.
Power: This model could be powered by a car cigarette lighter connector or a 230 V power cable.
Dimensions: Its dimensions are 39.5 x 39.5 x 29.6 centimeters and its weight is 4 kilograms.
Hot and cold function: You can have the ideal hot or cold function to cool or keep hot whatever you like.
Cons
Ventilation system: Some users comment that the ventilation system usually takes up space inside the portable cooler.
portable mini fridge
Campingaz 2000024776
If you are looking for a portable mini fridge among so many models available on the market, you could consider this option, since we are talking about a product with really tight measurements so that you can take with you only what is necessary when camping or hiking.
In this sense, the dimensions of the mini fridge are 12.5 x 21.5 x 16.5 centimeters. Likewise, its weight is 454 grams, which makes the product quite light and easy to transport.
Speaking of transport, it should be noted that the mini fridge has a special handle to carry it easily and comfortably to each of your outings. As for its capacity, it is 2.5 liters and its design has a combination of colors such as gray and red in its structure. Finally, we mention that it is made of plastic and offers thermal insulation for up to two hours.
Before buying a portable fridge, you should look at its dimensions, the manufacturing material or even its capacity.
Pros
Dimensions: The dimensions of this portable mini fridge are 12.5 x 21.5 x 16.5 centimeters.
Handle: This model is equipped with a special handle to facilitate its transport.
Capacity: Being a mini model, this portable fridge offers you a capacity of 2.5 liters.
Material: This model is made of quality plastic that guarantees thermal insulation for up to two hours.
Cons
Zipper: Different users comment that the zipper of this mini fridge is of poor quality.
Coleman Polylite 5
If you want to know which is the best portable fridge available on the market, you should pay attention to each of the features present in the models that most attract your attention. On this occasion, the Coleman brand offers you a quality product made of highly resistant and durable plastic so that you can use it for a long time.
Also, this model has an insulation in the body and the lid completely made of polyurethane, while the lid is reversible and is designed to function as a cup holder, since it has the interior molded for such action.
It should be noted that the dimensions of this portable mini fridge are 26 x 18 x 20 centimeters, while its total capacity is 4.7 liters. Best of all, it could keep whatever you store inside fresh for an entire day.
Coleman could be considered the best brand of portable refrigerators thanks to the fact that it offers you a variety of products aimed at guaranteeing practicality and functionality at all times.
Pros
Manufacturing: This model is manufactured with high quality materials, among which the resistant and durable plastic stands out.
Insulation: The insulation of this model is possible thanks to the lid and body made entirely of polyurethane.
Lid: It should be noted that the lid is reversible, so you can use it as a cup holder.
Capacity: Its capacity is 4.7 liters, enough in the case of a portable mini fridge.
Cons
Closure: Many users miss the presence of a special closure to properly secure the lid.
Portable car fridge
Klarstein Gray
If you are looking for a portable car fridge, you could consider this model, since it has to offer you a capacity of 45 liters, ideal both to keep warm and to cool what you want.
For its part, the method of transporting this portable fridge does not leave much to be desired, since it has a removable handle and wheels so you can carry it as a trolley.
If we talk about its technical specifications, this thermoelectric model has an A++ type energy classification and has two function modes that make it very practical, since it could easily cool and heat your food and drinks.
As for its dimensions, these are 55 x 45 x 40 centimeters on the outside and 41 x 33 x 33.5 centimeters on the inside. In addition, a practical instruction manual, 1 CD mains cable and an AC mains cable are included with the purchase.
The purchase of a quality product will always depend on each of the characteristics it has to offer you, so you will always have to consider them.
Pros
Capacity: The capacity offered by this portable refrigerator is 45 liters.
Transport: You will be able to enjoy a comfortable transport of the portable cooler, thanks to the removable handle and the wheels that it includes.
Dimensions: As for the dimensions, these are 41 x 33 x 33.5 centimeters inside and 55 x 45 x 40 centimeters outside.
Cons
Sound: Some users comment that the transport wheels emit an uncomfortable sound while they are in operation.
Severin KB 2922
If you want to have a quality car cooler at your disposal, then you could consider this model offered by the Severin brand. It is a dual-function cooler, that is, it is capable of keeping your food and drinks hot and cold. according to your requirements. Likewise, it works with a 220-240 connection through a power cable and 12 volts through the connection to the car cigarette lighter.
For its part, it can cool up to 20° Celsius below ambient temperature, while the maximum heat it could reach is 60° Celsius. As for its design, this model has a structure available in green with white and made of resistant and durable plastic.
Its dimensions are 41.6 x 39.8 x 29.7 centimeters and its maximum capacity is 20 litres. In addition, we are talking about a product with an A++ energy classification.
To buy a portable refrigerator you must take into account characteristics such as the dimensions it has, the energy classification and the manufacturing material included in its structure.
Pros
Dimensions: Its dimensions are 41.6 x 39.8 x 29.7 centimeters, therefore, you could even store the fridge comfortably.
Capacity: The capacity offered by this model is 20 liters so you can store the drinks and food that you think are convenient.
Double function: It allows you to keep the products inside both hot and cold depending on your requirements.
Cons
Transport: Some users miss the presence of wheels and a special handle to facilitate transport.
portable cooler with wheels
Papillon 5080126
Next, we present the Papillon 5080126 model with great advantages to offer you, starting with the fact that it has an extendable handle and special wheels in its structure to make its transport more comfortable and safe while you use it.
For its part, this portable cooler with wheels guarantees a comfortable and safe use where you can store some drinks and food so that you can keep them for a certain time while camping or going on trips, since its total capacity is 38 liters.
As for its manufacture, we are talking about a portable refrigerator made with nylon on the outside, while its interior is made of peva, ideal to guarantee you a long useful life as long as you give it the use it deserves. Best of all, in addition to providing you with appropriate dimensions for a portable cooler, it weighs only 2.2 kilograms, which makes it even easier to transport.
When looking for a good portable fridge, you should not leave aside each feature present in its design to confirm that it is what you really need.
Pros
Practical: This portable cooler has in its structure an extendable handle and special wheels to facilitate its transport.
Manufacturing: This model is made of nylon on the outside and peva on the inside.
Capacity: The total capacity offered by this portable refrigerator is approximately 38 liters.
Cons
Quality: Some users comment that both the handle and the base of this portable cooler are a bit flimsy and of low quality.
small cooler
Fields 75223
Among the cheapest models available on the market, this is the best value-for-money portable fridge, as it gives you functionality and practicality for each use. In this sense, we are talking about a product made of polypropylene. It also has expanded polystyrene insulation.
For its part, it offers you an appropriate capacity of 10 liters to store inside only what is necessary before each outing. In addition, its design is totally modern and simple, with a comfortable size and easy to carry so that you can enjoy a proper use experience.
In this sense, its dimensions are 36.5 x 28 x 22 centimeters and its weight is only 1.5 kilograms. It should be noted that, in addition to being one of the cheapest models available on our recommendation list, this small portable cooler is resistant to UV rays and is perfect for use during camping, beach trips and walks.
Campos offers you the best quality and cheapest portable fridge, capable of offering you a long useful life.
Pros
Materials: This refrigerator is made of polypropylene. In addition, it has an expanded polystyrene insulation.
Capacity: The model offers you a total capacity of 10 liters so that you can store only what is necessary inside.
Dimensions: It should be noted that the dimensions of this portable refrigerator are 36.5 x 28 x 22 centimeters.
Cons
Handle: For some users, the handle of this cooler looks a bit flimsy.
portable refrigerator with compressor
DOMETIC Coolfreeze CF 35
Among so many models available on the market, you could also opt for a compressor cooler, as it gives you adequate practicality to enjoy a special operation.
It should be noted that this product offers you a digital display, so we are talking about a modern and innovative design. Also, its temperature can be regulated from +10⁰ to -18⁰ centigrade regardless of the temperature outside.
For its part, this portable fridge has a capacity of 31 liters so you can store food and drinks inside. In addition, its dimensions are 58 centimeters long, 36 centimeters wide and 38.5 centimeters high and its weight is 15 kilograms.
Best of all, it contains a 3-level voltage controller, ideal for securing the vehicle’s battery. In addition, it is equipped with a soft start and turbo cooling.
When buying a portable fridge, it would be ideal for you to confirm that the model that most attracts your attention is capable of satisfying all your needs.
Pros
Digital display: This product has a digital display through which to regulate the temperature inside the refrigerator.
Capacity: Its capacity is 31 liters, while its dimensions are 58 x 36 x 38.5 centimeters.
Voltage controller: You will have at your disposal a 3-level voltage controller to ensure the vehicle’s battery.
Cons
Price: To mention one drawback, this model has a considerably high price.
12V portable fridge
Oneconcept Picknicker
During the search for portable refrigerators available in the market, you will surely want to acquire the best of them according to each of the details that the product that most attracts your attention has to offer you.
Thus, we present the Picknicker model, a 12V portable refrigerator sponsored by the Oneconcept brand with a total capacity of 4 liters, which is equivalent to the storage inside of about 6 cans of beverage. On the other hand, its dimensions are 17 centimeters long, 24 centimeters wide and 26 centimeters high, and its weight is 1.5 kilograms.
Regarding its operation, it has a variable power supply, that is, by means of a 220-240 volt plug or through a 12 volt cable. In addition, for added convenience, there is an on/off switch strategically located at the rear of the cooler.
Among so many portable refrigerators available in the market, make sure you buy the one that is capable of exceeding your expectations so that you can enjoy proper operation.
Pros
Capacity: Being a mini fridge, it offers you a total capacity of 4 liters.
Dimensions: The dimensions of this portable cooler are 26 centimeters in height, 17 centimeters in length and 24 centimeters in width.
Switch: It should be noted that this model has an on and off switch on the back.
Cons
Noise: Users comment that this portable refrigerator is usually a bit noisy, so you should consider this drawback.
Guide to buying a portable fridge
If you want to carry out the purchase of a quality portable refrigerator, you must take into account some details that will undoubtedly allow you to choose the best one among all. That is why, below, we present a guide to buying the best portable refrigerator so that you can learn more about what are the characteristics that matter most when looking at a product of this type, since only this way you could verify how functional and practical it could be for each use, even if it would be what you are looking for to satisfy your needs.
Shopping guide
Cooler type
Being able to buy a good and cheap portable fridge will also depend largely on the model you decide to buy, taking into account that there are many types on the market, starting with those that are electric, with a compressor or even those for cars.
In this sense, you should consider that the electric ones need a connection to an electrical network to be able to function, so that you can enjoy all the advantages they have to offer you.
For their part, the models with a compressor offer you the possibility of having a display with which to fully configure the operation that you want the portable fridge to carry out.
Likewise, there are also those portable refrigerators capable of offering you an extremely simple operation with which you only have to house the products you want inside and that’s it. That is, they do not depend on any type of connection to keep your food and drinks well chilled.
Ability
Before carrying out the purchase of a product of this type, you should consider carrying out a comparison of portable refrigerators with the intention of being able to detail in depth what is really of great importance when deciding on a model in specific.
Thus, portable refrigerators come in different sizes, colors, models, dimensions and capacities. Therefore, according to your requirements, you should consider the capacity that the model that most attracts your attention can offer you.
It should be noted that there are portable refrigerators with a capacity of 2.5 liters and up, therefore, each one of them has been manufactured with the purpose of adapting to the requirements of each person. That is why you should study before buying what you really need it for, the use you could give it and consider what size would be the right one to cover your needs for each use.
Feed Type
Another detail that is important to take into account before the purchase is about the type of power that the portable refrigerator that you decide to acquire may have. Well, it should be noted that, thanks to today’s technological advances, electric models allow you to carry out a power supply through the special cable to connect to any power outlet or through the car cigarette lighter connector, thus being able to always have the possibility of keeping the fridge on to enjoy your food whether it is hot or cold.
Roles you can perform
It should be noted that portable refrigerators are generally ideal for keeping your food and drinks cold and well preserved. However, today there are models capable of developing other functions, such as heating their interior to keep the products you prefer at the ideal temperature. In this sense, we speak of the double function cold and heat.
Thus, the most advisable thing would be to look at products with cooling and heating functions, so that you can use them according to your requirements during each type of situation that may arise.
It is important to note that this detail could influence how much the product costs, however, it is always best to opt for a model that is capable of providing you with the necessary functionality to satisfy any need during constant use.
cooling capacity
When we talk about portable refrigerators, without a doubt we must consider a detail as important as the cooling capacity that a specific model can offer you. Well, it should be noted that among so many options there are also electric and compressor types. Each of them has the ability to cool the food you want to a temperature for less than what is available in the environment.
This being the case, it would not hurt if you managed to look at this detail considering that some refrigerators maintain a refrigeration of 18⁰ centigrade or more below the ambient temperature.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: Why doesn’t my electric cooler get cold?
After a certain time of use, your portable electric cooler may begin to present some inconveniences. Among them, some models usually stop cooling, this could be due to different factors such as the voltage output that the product is presenting, as well as problems with the transformer or even with the heat sink that they include to guarantee a much more adequate operation.. Thus, the most advisable thing would be to go to a person specialized in solving this type of inconvenience, so that you can continue enjoying the proper functioning of your portable fridge.
Q2: How does a portable cooler that turns into a table work?
The portable refrigerators that become tables are totally practical and functional for each use. These same ones offer you the comfort you need, since they work easily to be at your entire disposal. In this sense, all you have to do is assemble them once you have reached your destination. To do this, depending on the model you have purchased, you will have to unfold the side parts and then fix its legs to prevent improper sliding. Then, very carefully, it is time to extract the stools that are attached to the sides that you have previously opened. In this way, you could enjoy a portable cooler and a table at the same time.
Q3: Which is better, rigid or flexible cooler?
Everything will always depend on the needs and tastes of each user, however, for many people those flexible portable refrigerators are more practical, since they are capable of offering practicality at all times, even when storing them after giving them appropriate use.. Being a flexible model, these could take up less space once you decide to store them.
On the other hand, rigid portable coolers always keep the same shape, so you must have a certain space to take them with you wherever you go. These are also very useful, however, they have the aforementioned disadvantage compared to flexible coolers.
Q4: How does a cooler work without electricity?
Portable refrigerators without electricity have always been a very useful product for those who usually go for a walk to the beach, camping or even traveling to any destination, since they do not require much effort to function. In this sense, you only have to house the drinks and foods you want inside and they will do the rest of the work. Well, being made with quality and heat-insulating materials, they allow you to keep your products inside at an appropriate temperature. There are even those who pour ice inside to keep drinks cold.
Q5: How to keep an electric cooler cold?
To keep an electric portable fridge cold, you must take into account certain details that will allow you to enjoy your drinks and food at the temperature you want. In this sense, the first recommendation is to regulate said temperature at the lowest level, so that the portable refrigerator begins to cool properly. Now, to keep that cold, you will have to move the product away from the sun so that you can enjoy a much more optimal operation. Likewise, it would be ideal if you avoided opening the fridge very frequently so that the cold does not manage to escape from its interior.
Q6: How to make a homemade portable fridge?
If you want to carry out the elaboration of a homemade portable refrigerator, you will have to have a tupperware, several sponges and zip-lock bags on hand. Next, soak each sponge with plenty of water and then proceed to put each one in a bag and then take them to the freezer. Next, proceed to place these bags with the frozen sponge inside the tupperware and that’s it. You will already have at your disposal a homemade portable fridge where you can keep some food and drinks very cold for a certain time as long as you manage to keep it closed to avoid prolonged thawing of the sponges.
Q7: How to clean a portable cooler?
Portable coolers are usually very easy to clean. Everything will always depend on the degree of dirt available both inside and outside. In this way, if we are talking about a model with a rigid structure, you could easily remove any type of dirt using a damp cloth. Now, if it is a flexible portable cooler, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, you could even wash it with plenty of soap and water after each use.
Q8: What is a hot and cold portable fridge for?
These portable refrigerators are as practical as you imagine them to be, since they allow you to regulate the temperature according to your requirements. So if you want to keep your food and drinks piping hot or cold, it’s just a matter of setting them up and you’re good to go.
How to use a portable cooler
Before going out to the countryside, to the mountains or even to the beach, the presence of a good portable fridge will be ideal to take with you the food and drinks that you prefer, being properly refrigerated or hot, depending on your case. In this sense, there are countless models on the market, so you must take into account the fact of using the one you have acquired in the correct way so that it can be of great use to you for a long time. Thus, we invite you to read our recommendations described below.
Unpack the cooler
Before buying a portable fridge, the first thing you should do after receiving it at home is to carefully unpack it to be able to put it into operation. T
