Want to know a reliable way to keep your food as well as drinks fresh and cold while you travel around? One of the best ways to do that is by a car fridge. This small portable cooling solution allows you to make sure that your meals and beverages stay fresh as you make your way to your destination. Moreover, unlike traditional coolers, these don’t require any ice, which also makes them a hassle-free option for your road trips, camping, etc.
In addition to all of this, these cooling systems also come in a few different types, which means that it doesn’t matter if you are exploring a remote destination or going off-grid camping — there is a small car fridge for all of your needs. If you are curious and want to know more about these tools, then continue reading.
Types of Car Fridges
Thermoelectric Car Fridges
This is one of the more affordable options on the list and uses the Peltier effect for its cooling process. These work best in mild conditions and will struggle in extremely hot temperatures — while it might not reach freezing temperatures, it is an ideal solution for keeping your drinks and snacks chilled for short trips as well as outdoor adventures.
Compressor Car Fridges
These fridges work similarly to the ones available in households — they offer powerful cooling along with freezing capabilities, which also makes them a perfect option that consumes minimal power while still maintaining consistent temperature. It is ideal for long trips, off-grid camping, overlanding, etc, as it makes sure to provide reliable performance no matter the temperature.
Absorption Car Fridges
Famous for being silent and flexible, these fridges can work using fans, AC or even DC power. Which also makes them perfect for remote locations that might not have electricity. Even though it might be less efficient than a compressor, its ability to run on propane makes it a perfect choice for your off-grid adventures, stationary use, etc.
How Does a Car Fridge Work?
Explanation of different cooling technologies
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Thermoelectric – These use the Peltier effect, which allows them to transfer heat away and keep your items cool but can be less efficient in high temperatures.
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Compressor – this one uses a refrigerant gas cycle, which allows it to provide efficient and powerful cooling alongside freezing.
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Absorption – it uses heat sources like gas, DC, AC power and then creates cooling, which also makes it an excellent option for off-grid use.
How a Car Fridge Operates Depending on the Car’s Power Supply
When the Car is Running
When your car is running, it can be powered directly from your 12V socket, which allows it to draw energy directly from the alternator.
When the Car is Off
While it can depend on your vehicle, the most common outcome is that your vehicle will turn off the fridge but if it is hardwired it can continue running but will drain your battery.
With a Dual-Battery System
If you have a dual-battery system, you can keep your fridge running without having any negative effect on your actual battery.
With Solar Power
It can provide conscious power if you make sure to install and configure it properly.
Factors Affecting Performance
Your car fridge will work best when the external conditions are stable. What this means is that high temperatures can lead to reduced cooling efficiency, which can make insulation quality much more important to maintain a low temperature. Moreover, a steady power source also makes sure that its performance is also constant alongside proper ventilation while allowing the compressor to prevent overheating along with making it energy efficient.
Powering a Car Fridge — What Are the Options?
12V Car Battery
Commonly you can run your car fridge using a 12V battery, which can be taken directly from your vehicle but using this process for a long period of time or without any precautions can drain your battery, which can potentially leave you stranded if you don’t have any backup power available.
Solar Panels
You can also use a 200W solar panel to power your 12V car fridge, but its performance can depend on the sunlight as well as the fridge's efficiency. If you are using a solar panel, make sure that it is configured properly so that your fridge can continuously operate. Hence, it is also an ideal option for off-grid camping.
Dual-Battery Systems
Installing a second battery can also aid you in preventing your main battery from draining while you run your car fridge. In addition to that, this setup also provides you with a reliable power source if you like to go on extended trips.
AC/DC Power
Almost all car fridges support AC or DC power, which allows them to run at home as well as powered campsites. Moreover, this flexibility also makes sure that your fridge remains working even before your trip or when you find an external electrical source.
Portable Power Station
You can also use portable power stations like AC180T, which will allow you to have a reliable power source for your car fridge, allowing you to make sure that you have continuous cooling without draining your vehicle's battery. Thus, it is also a reliable option for off-grid adventures.
Battery Protection Features
Most car fridges come with low-voltage cut-off systems, which allow them to prevent your vehicle's battery from draining — not only that, but some of these also come with ECO modes, which aid them in reducing power consumption and optimizing energy efficiency.
Can You Run a Car Fridge While Driving?
While you can run your car fridge while driving, make sure that you are following these practices for a secure and effective experience.
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Secure the Fridge Properly — Your car fridge should be secured properly, which will allow you to prevent any movement while driving. Having an unstable placement can cause you to face price spills, damage the unit or even become a safety hazard because of a sudden stop or terrain.
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Using a Dedicated 12V Plug — Some vehicles have weak power outputs, which can cause your car fridge to shut down. You can prevent this by using a dedicated 12V plug, which allows you to make sure that you have a stable connection.
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Impact on Fuel Efficiency — A small car fridge has little impact on your fuel efficiency but a larger model will consume more power, leading to increased fuel usage, depending on your alternator load as well as overall vehicle power demand.
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Using a Hardwired Connection vs a Cigarette Lighter Socket — Your cigarette lighter socket might lose power when you turn off your vehicle, whereas a direct battery connection will allow you to keep your car fridge on but does require monitoring so that you can prevent excessive battery drainage.
Will a Car Fridge Drain the Battery?
How Much Power Does a Car Fridge Consume?
If you are using a car fridge with a compressor, it usually uses 30 to 60W per hour and cycles on and off for efficiency, whereas a Thermoelectric cooler can use 50 to 70W per hour and runs continuously which leads to more power usage.
How Long Can a Car Battery Run a Fridge?
A 12V 100Ah battery will be able to power a car fridge with a compressor for 1 to 2 days without any recharging but the actual runtime can differ depending on your fridge's efficiency, temperature and power management.
How to prevent battery drainage?
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Using a Dual-Battery System — With a dual-battery system, you can make sure that your fridge keeps running without draining your main battery. Moreover, this setup will also allow you to increase your fridge operation while keeping your main battery reserved.
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Running the Fridge Only While the Engine Is On — This will allow you to prevent your battery from depleting and make sure that your alternator is supplying the power allowing you to reduce stains from the battery during stops.
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Using a Low-Voltage Cut-Off System — Using a low-voltage cut-off system will allow you to automatically shut down your car fridge when your battery level drops. This allows you to prevent complete battery drainage and makes sure that your vehicle starts when needed.
For a more efficient and worry-free solution, consider the BLUETTI MultiCooler. This innovative portable cooler offers a 42-quart (40L) capacity and is powered by a 716.8Wh LiFePO₄ battery, providing up to three days of cooling on a single charge. It rapidly chills from 86°F to 32°F in just 15 minutes and operates quietly under 45dB, ensuring minimal disturbance during your travels.
Apart from its detachable battery, BLUETTI AC180T car fridge can also be recharged via AC outlets, car chargers, solar panels, offering flexibility to suit various environments.
How Long Can a Car Fridge Run?
It can depend on how you are powering your car fridge — if you are powering it when your engine is running, then it will only work during that time period but if you are using an external 100Ah battery, it can usually last 24 to 48 hours. On the other hand, using a proper solar setup can aid you in powering your fridge continuously.
Are 12V Car Fridges Worth It?
Here are some advantages and disadvantages that you can expect when investing in a 12V car fridge.
Pros
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It doesn't need ice, which allows it to keep your food fresh and dry.
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Depending on the fridge you are using, you can even freeze your items unlike with regular coolers.
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It is more efficient as well as reliable for long trips and remote camping.
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You can use Dual-zone models to freeze and cool your items at the same time.
Cons
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These fries are much more pricey compared to an ice cooler.
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You will have to manage your power along with battery usage.
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Some of these fridges are bulky and will need to be installed properly.
Choosing the Right Car Fridge
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Capacity — A small 15 to 30 L car fridge is ideal for individuals or weekend trips, whereas medium 30 to 50 L models are more suitable for small families and the large 50 to 80 L+ units are more ideal for long adventures.
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Cooling Power — A car fridge with a compressor will offer you powerful cooling and freezing which makes it perfect for long trips. On the other hand, thermoelectric models are perfect for keeping your items chill but lack the ability to freeze them.
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Portability & Design — If you want more convenience, look for fridges that come with handles, wheels, etc.
Additional Features
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Look for a fridge that comes with a battery protection mode to prevent overusing your vehicle's power.
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If you want easy operation, then get a fridge with digital control and temperature settings.
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Make sure that it has a USB port for charging your other devices.
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You can also get a Dual-zone cooling fridge that allows you to both cool and freeze your items simultaneously.
FAQ’s
Can my car fridge run without draining my vehicle's battery?
Absolutely — you can use a dual-battery system or a low-voltage cut-off to prevent your battery from draining.
Which size should I go for if I want to go on a long trip?
Car fridges ranging from 50 to 80L are perfect for long trips or group travel as they provide a lot of storage.
Can I run my car fridge on solar power?
Yes — you just have to make sure that you are using the proper size solar setup that can meet the demands of your fridge.
