Finding top rated best 12 volt refrigerators is not easy, specially if its 12 volt portable refrigerators. A 12 volt compressor refrigerator rv is best for short trips.
The portable fridge has replaced the esky as the go-to beer-chilling tool for campaign and camper van. We have a chat to the fridge experts in the industry.
The Esky may still have a home at many campsites. Its simplicity outgunning the need for power points and solar panels, but with the proliferation of power-management and dual-battery systems minimising the frequency of flat batteries. There is now a wide choice when it comes to high tech portable refrigeration.
The fridge plays a crucial role on any trip, be it weekend escape or 12-month pilgrimage from Cape Byron to Steep Point, as it keeps food fresh and beers cold.
Swing into any campsite these days and you’ll note the fridge is but one of many technologies in use; without doubt camps will be illuminated by the latest LED lights and you’ll spot kids neglecting nature for their tablets and mobile phones parents too.
With this ever-growing reliance on technology when off the grid, it’s obvious that your 4×4 needs to be set-up to cope with charging said devices, while not draining the starting battery.
The thing with a 12-volt fridge is, it needs to be constantly on so that food stays crisp and liquid gold stays ice-cold. We chat to the folks who know this better than most, from Ironman 4×4, Evakool, myCOOLMAN and ARB. Let’s get stuck in.
Fridge Perfect
There are plenty of 12 volt refrigerator brands to choose from when selecting a fridge. But you should be looking for low power draw; solid construction; power sources; accessibility; and how it fits in your available cargo space.
Keep in mind that finding camping refrigerator is not going to be an easy task at all.
Some portable fridges are weather-proof and robust enough to handle harsh outdoor and marine environments.
Types of 12 Volt Fridges and Refrigerators
PEOPLE need to understand there are different types of 12 volt fridges; you have thermoelectric, three-way and compressor fridges.
Each work differently, and some are more efficient than others,” explains Ironman 4×4’s director of 4×4 products, Adam Craze.
Thermoelectric refrigerators
You can’t buy a thermoelectric cooler and expect the same cooling functions as a three-way or compressor style.
A thermoelectric ‘cooler’ can’t reach the same high and low temperatures of a three-way or compressor fridge, recording a much more limited temperature range.
And, unlike the other two options, a thermoelectric cooler doesn’t cycle on and off. Generally, they’re a cheaper option.
Absorption refrigerators
In layman’s terms, a three-way fridge – also called an absorption fridge – doesn’t feature a compressor and uses heat to provide the required energy, with gas a source of power.
Compressor refrigerators
A compressor fridge uses a compressor unit (obviously) to move refrigerant through the system, which also includes components found in domestic fridges such as an evaporator and a condenser, and it’s powered by 240V mains or 12V DC.
The benefits of a 12-volt compressor fridge include a lower current draw, they can be left running for longer periods, and they can be left running in a vehicle, whereas “a three-way fridge must be removed or have external vents when on gas,” Craze adds.
Plus, you don’t need to hire a certified gas fitter to certify a fixed-mount compressor fridge. On that, there’s also no exposed flame.
Another benefit of a compressor fridge is that the temperature can be controlled on both DC and AC voltages. “Compressor fridges can run off existing dual-battery systems, as battery operated refrigerator. Whereas three-way fridges aren’t as efficient on DC battery powered refrigerators, meaning you would need to carry gas around with you,” says Evakool’s CEO Marc Jarvis.
A compressor fridge also maintains colder temperatures than a three-way fridge. “A compressor fridge is able to cool from ambient temperature by 50°C, meaning if it was 32°C your fridge can get to -18°C,” says ARB’s Shannon Diedrich.
“However a three-way fridge is only able to manage 25 to 30°C from ambient, meaning in the above scenario, the three-way would only reach between 2 to 7°C.”
Another advantage of compressor fridges is they can be mounted on angles and can operate on uneven terrain. Three-way fridges, on the other hand, must stay level during operation so as not to affect the gas-flow cooling system.
“Generally speaking for a portable fridge and for my needs, the compressor-style is the way to go,” says Adam Craze.
Size Matters
FINDING the ideal fridge to keep your beers cool is limited by many factors, none more so than space. Depending on your rig, what you pack, and your individual setup. Perhaps you head bush sans roof rack, for example.
It can often be difficult to find ample space for large items. “Consumers first need to decipher what size fridge is suitable. Both from available space and a litre-age perspective. And then research features to decide what suits their lifestyle,” says Shannon Diedrich.
This is why all fridge manufacturers have a range of sizes in their catalogues – from 30L right up to 105L. What size you pick is entirely dependent on your individual requirements.
A neat design attribute that can also save space are flushmounted carry handles. “These nullify potential breakages and allow for extra packing space,” says Darren Sloan, product manager at myCOOLMAN, of the brand’s sturdy flush-mount handles.
Remember, sturdy, foldable, flush-mount handles can also double as tie-down points. There’s another way to maximise space in your cargo area, and that’s by mounting the fridge on a fridge slide with a fridge barrier.
This not only opens up space around it for more storage, but it also keeps it secure and makes accessing contents a lot easier.
Power Struggle
ONCE settled on the size and style of portable fridge that best suits your needs, the next vital aspect that needs to be researched is how much power the fridge will use to maintain optimum cooling.
We’ve all seen and heard the terms 12V, 24V and 240V-mains bandied around when talking about fridge/ freezers, and multi-voltage (being able to use 12V, 24V or 240V) functionality is a key cog in making a system more user-friendly, by enabling different means of power options.
Also look for multiple 12V/24V DC entry points for convenience. A fridge’s current draw is measured in amps per hour, and the specs sheet will typically read something like 12V = 1.2Ah, which means the fridge will draw 1.2amp per hour over a 24-hour period.
A portable fridge will typically run somewhere between 1.0Ah and 5.0Ah. “Low power is key!” says Adam Craze. Theoretically you could run your 12V fridge using your vehicle’s starting battery, but we’d strongly recommend you don’t if you don’t want it to go flat.
Instead, the smarter choice is to opt for a dual-battery system and run all of your electrical gadgets off the auxiliary battery.
The ultimate in fridge-freezers feature separate compartments, and battery protection.
As well as your vehicle’s alternator, solar power is also a great option to maintain charge of the auxiliary battery. Battery Management Systems such as Redarc’s Manager30 are also handy, as they monitor and manage how much juice is being delivered to accessories and ensure batteries stay alive.
Some fridge/freezers also have Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows the consumer to easily monitor the voltage of a battery, as well as cabinet temperature.
Some of these also offer remote control. A fridge will draw plenty of power while cooling a warm cabinet, so it pays to be smart with how you power it up.
For example, run the fridge on 240V power before you leave on a trip, so that when it’s switched to 12V power it’s already cool.
Plus, instead of loading it with room-temp drinks, chuck the drinks in the fridge at home to get them nice and cool before loading them into the portable fridge. Using a freezer brick and insulated cover won’t hurt either.
Low Voltage, Rock and Roll
IF YOU’VE ever been camping and been haunted by the nagging thought that your fridge/freezer (and every other electronic gadget abuzz) is draining the battery, then these words should help you sleep a bit better: low-voltage cutout protection.
Ensure the fridge/freezer has built-in battery protection and it’ll curb your concerns of ending up with a dead battery.
Fridge/freezers, like those from Ironman, ARB, myCOOLMAN and Evakool have inbuilt battery protection with low-voltage cutout points, some that are user adjustable.
“Ensure your fridge has an integrated battery protection system, which will read the voltage of the battery and based on your setting (high/medium/low) will automatically cut power to the fridge if the battery reaches that voltage,” advises Shannon Diedrich.
The myCOOLMAN range of fridges has three-stage battery protection levels (Lo, Med and Hi) cutouts to cater for different power-source setups. “For a single battery powering the fridge select high; for reliable dual-battery setups select med; lithium set-ups select low,” explains Darren Sloan.
Dual or Single Zone
WHILE some single-zone fridges will be supplied with a divider to keep contents organised, true dual-zone fridges have two separate compartments so one can be used as a fridge while the other can be used as a freezer.
Separate lids for each compartment is ideal.
The alternative for those who want to refrigerate some items and freeze others is to fit their vehicle with two smaller fridges rather than one large one.
Design Elements
PORTABLE fridges have evolved to a point where they are near-on indestructible. Hell, some of the rough-and-tumble tracks we tackle as four-wheel drivers mean fridges have to be built to survive a beating.
To this end, solid construction is high on the essentials list for fridge manufacturers. The materials used in the construction of the fridge itself also have an impact on power consumption.
Stronger materials with greater insulation properties mean the compressor doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the optimum cooling temperature. “One thing that has a major influence on power is the casing and, more importantly, the insulating properties of that casing,” explains Adam Craze.
Insulated covers are an excellent idea to help a fridge maintain optimum performance in the outdoors.
“The better the fridge can keep the cool in and the heat out, the more efficiently the fridge will run.” All of the respectable brands are constructed in such a way to minimise the power draw of their units.
Evakool products, for example, are designed and built specifically for Australian conditions using polyurethane, fibreglass and metal. Ironman 4×4 utilises rubber-mounted compressors, metal bodies and quality mechanical internals.
ARB’s range is equally robust: “ARB’s range of fridges feature a steel construction and robust poly extrusions, which keep the fridges substantially capable,” says Shannon Diedrich.
And MyCOOLMAN also utilises steel in the sidewalls, as well as eight corner protectors with stainless steel mounting screws and robust ISO-style hinges. Other features to look for include insulated covers, easy-tosee temperature control gauges, and smart layouts of interior compartments.
On this point, the capacity for upright storage is also something to contemplate, as Darren Sloan explains: “This allows you to store open milk cartons and wine bottles, with the top level basket having a section of the floor that can lift up to allow for this upright storage.
Or (you can) leave the flap down to utilise an entire top level of separate storage.” Some brands even have a handy bottle openers on their fridge/ freezers.
And, while it might seem a no-brainer, ensure the fridge/ freezer has an internal light to find that midnight snack.
Exposed to the Elements
STRAP a fridge/freezer onto an open tub and it’ll probably survive sun, rain and mud, but some will fare better than others in the long run. With plenty of experience touring o remote places, Adam Craze says Ironman’s range can be exposed to the elements.
“We have them on backs of trays and in boats,” he says. “My two 50-litre Ironman 4×4 fridges have lived on the tray of my dual-cab for two years, and we did four months in the Kimberley with no issues.”
In saying that, it still makes more sense to store them in a well-ventilated space and/or a shaded area, as Evakool’s Marc Jarvis explains: “Your fridge will run better if it’s kept cooler and out of direct sunlight, as it doesn’t have to work as hard.”
“It depends on the fridge,” adds ARB’s Shannon Diedrich. “The ARB Elements fridge, for example, is weatherproof, so it can be left in an open tub or tray without a problem.
However, other fridges will need to be kept in a dry place.” A better idea is to securely house the fridge beneath a canopy, in a camper, or in the back of a wagon.
Not only will this protect it from prying eyes, it’ll save it from the wear and-tear of constant abuse from the harsh Aussie elements – protecting the fridge and minimising power draw.
Bargain Buy
MOST of us have dipped into the world of online shopping to save a penny or two – which is fine, mind you – but there are issues you’ll encounter when buying an essential item like a portable fridge. Something you don’t want breaking down in the middle of the Simpson Desert.
Buying from an unknown brand without a reputation in the industry can lead to problems due to the use of unknown components, and you’ll have no aftermarket support and no warranty if something goes wrong.
“You risk buying a knock-off fridge where they’ve cut corners,” adds Marc Jarvis. Trusted brands will list in detail every component fitted to their products. Plus, extensive warranties will be offered on components and the fridge itself.
You’ll also find a lot of superseded models online, with less features and lower warranty periods; so it’s best to navigate to respected websites for the latest and greatest units.
“You also want genuine factory-approved accessories, not cheap inferior accessories,” adds myCOOLMAN’s Darren Sloan. Basically, it pays to use common sense.
If you recognise the brand and it has a trusted reputation, you should be good to go. “Some major retailers have their own eBay accounts with good deals – these are safe,” advises Marc Jarvis. “But if the brand is not majorly known, I would steer clear.”
As mentioned, and we can’t stress this enough, it’s important to buy from a brand that provides support when it comes to servicing, parts and back-up.
For example, look for brands that have distributors all over Australia that can assist customers if something does go wrong, or if you have an accident and break something.
So, how much are you going to need to shell out for a quality unit? Well, there’s plenty of variety, and you’re going to have to swipe the credit card for something with a few more digits to ensure you get a reliable, honest fridge.
For comparison’s sake, here’s a quick pricing guide for a selection of similar-sized fridge/freezers: Evakool 40L Fibreglass (from $1299); Ironman 4×4 65L Icecube (from $1300); ARB 69L Zero (from $1599); myCOOLMAN 60L AllRounder (from $1345); and Thunder 60-litre (from $1064). “You get what you pay for,” adds Darren Sloan.
Installation and Care
A GOOD power supply, in conjunction with good power cables, is essential when installing a portable fridge in the back of your 4×4.
“Installing your 12 volt portable fridge is as simple as plugging it into a 12V connection and bolting it down to secure it,” says Shannon Diedrich.
“However, if you want to run it via an auxiliary battery, unless you have electrical/12V experience, we would recommend getting a professional to fit it for you.”
Marc Jarvis adds that if you’re handy with the tools, fitting a 12V fridge and/or a fridge slide and drawers shouldn’t create too many problems.
“Just wear/use the appropriate safety equipment and follow the manufacturer’s install guideline and you can save yourself a lot of money,” he says.
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