Whether you love camping and taking frequent road trips, leading that van life, living in an RV, or prefer staying off the grid for an extended period, purchasing a high-quality portable fridge is one of the more consequential investments you’ll make. And not just because of convenience, either. 

Sure, regular coolers can keep your drinks chilly and refreshing. However, they can’t maintain low temperatures for long, and that’s precisely where portable fridges come in. 

Unlike coolers, these compressor-based, temperature-regulating portable fridges function similarly to your household’s models. As such, they play a vital role in keeping things cool and protecting perishable items like meat and dairy when you’re away from home for extended periods. 

Yet, with so many makes and models, finding a suitable portable fridge for your specific needs can be overwhelming. That’s why today’s guide will focus on helping you find the right one. So, stick around as we review the five most vital features you should look for in a portable fridge. 

1. Size – Deciding Between Compact and Family-Sized Portable Fridges 

As you’ve probably guessed, the size of a portable fridge is the first thing to look into. Of course, that depends on whether you need a refrigerator for one person or the entire family. So, start by considering how much food and how many drinks you want to store in it, as well as its intended use. 

A compact-sized portable fridge can be a great fit for a solo traveler or a camper, as it can hold just enough food and drinks for one person while being light enough to carry around easily. 

On the other hand, couples living van life and families taking their RVs for an extended trip will likely need a larger model that can store a lot of food and drinks for the entire group. 

2. Power Source – Finding a Fridge Compatible With Your Intended Use 

Unlike coolers, which rely on ice packs and can only regulate the temperature of your food and drinks for a few hours, portable fridges can keep your items fresh much longer but require a power source whether they’ll be near a vehicle or away from electricity matters significantly. 

Some portable fridges run off batteries, making them ideal for off-the-grid living and camping. However, they also have finite electricity storage, especially if you get one without solar charging capabilities. 

Conversely, other models come with AC/DC adapters, allowing them to keep your items fresh and safe for longer, but only if there’s a vehicle or another source of electricity around to power them. 

Therefore, consider where the fridge is going, what access to power you’ll have, and how often you’ll be able to charge it to find the perfect model for your intended use. 

3. Cooling – Considering the Fridge’s Temperature Range and Capacity

Knowing the size and the power source you need in a portable fridge isn’t enough to find the right one. After all, the model’s cooling performance is also critical, especially if your portable fridge must keep your food and drinks safe and chilly in very hot or humid conditions. 

Once you start looking into specific models, pay close attention to their cooling capacity and speed. Moreover, their temperature ranges are also essential, and these refrigerators should be able to stay within them consistently. 

4. Build Quality – Finding Sturdy Fridges with Durable Compressors 

A portable fridge’s durability is another factor worth thinking about. It’s especially vital if you plan to use the refrigerator exclusively in different outdoor conditions. If that’s the case, the model you pick should be able to last a long time in such circumstances. 

The model’s build quality is worth a thorough investigation, and you should look into models with resilient, impact-resistant exteriors and reinforced latch mechanisms and hinges. Moreover, high-quality compressors that keep things cool and fresh are also vital. 

After all, you’re spending your hard-earned money on it, so the portable fridge you decide on should withstand the wear and tear of rugged environments for a long time. You don’t want it to stop working after a few uses, right? 

5. Energy Efficiency – Looking Into the Fridge’s Power Consumption 

While it doesn’t play as vital a role as the features mentioned above, a portable fridge’s energy efficiency is also worth considering. After all, you don’t want an inefficient fridge model that drains your vehicle’s battery entirely and leaves you stranded in the wilderness. 

In most cases, spending a bit of extra on a portable fridge model with a better energy efficiency rating and automatic shut-off features is worth it. Besides, these energy-efficient models generate less heat, making them ideal for hot and humid environments, whether inside vehicles or other interior spaces. 

Conclusion 

A portable fridge is essential for anyone who frequently takes car and RV trips, enjoys van life, or loves camping with friends and family. It’s also a must-have for off-the-grid enthusiasts. 

While finding a fridge for your intended use will depend on how and where you’ll use it, there are still some key factors to consider. These include the portable fridge’s size, power source, cooling capabilities, durability, and energy efficiency, and considering these can help you find a model that fits your needs. 

Published by Elle G.