There’s nothing like having a refrigerator in your van to really bring the comforts of home on the road. Refrigeration means you can store fresh food and other cold items. A good 12V fridge is one of the biggest investments you’ll make when building your van. And when you’re throwing down that much money on one thing, you need to know that the fridge you’re getting will meet your needs and hold up to the daily grind of life on the road.
We took all of this info and compiled it into a massive spreadsheet for you to examine on your own. And now we present you with our review of the best portable 12v refrigerators. By the way, if you have a van, you will also need a portable 12V microwave.
Portable 12V Refrigerators Under $400
Refrigerators in this category have excellent characteristics for their value. They are small, but this only adds advantages for use in small cars or camping. Buyers note the high performance and reliability of these models.
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Koolatron P20
The absence of laches in the top lid means you and your fellow RVers could casually take snacks and drinks out of the Koolatron fridge. Because P20 plugs directly into DC power outlets on recreational vehicles, getting it running is essentially a piece of cake.
Interestingly, Koolatron P20 can be switched between cooling and warming mode which allows it to adapt to plenty of applications.
As for handling, P20 has a practical folding handle so you would have an easy time moving it between locations. Besides that, with the incorporation of a brushless motor, the refrigerator made by Koolatron boasts a low noise level and operates normally even if tilted.
Made from enduring plastic, P20 of Koolatron also holds itself together well in regular use. Finally, sold at an inexpensive price, P20 is by all accounts the best 12-volt cooler for RVers that don’t like to spend big bucks.
Advantages of the model:
- Noiseless operation
- Good values for the price
- Low-profile construction
In terms of maintenance, the smooth plastic liner of the fridge from Koolatron proves to be very simple to wash. Hence, it’s a breeze to keep P20 in top shape as you travel from one camping location to another. As proof of confidence, Koolatron willingly backs its 12-volt refrigerator with a one-year warranty that covers all manufacturing defects.
Alpicool C20
It can fit up to 25 cans or about 20 liters, which is great for a couple of people camping out over the weekend.
Its simple and straightforward design is pretty likable, although you would need to be careful in carrying it and putting it down as the plastic doesn’t seem as thick as Dometic coolers.
Advantages of the model:
- Maintains accurate temperature
- Adjustable temperature setting
- Great price
- Saves power
It has Max and Eco mode, but users love the Eco mode more as it really saves a lot of power. However, this only works well for when your car is running when plugged in the cigarette lighter or you plug it in a wall outlet. But if you will be using this on your battery, it can cause problems.
Koolatron P27
Using advanced solid-state thermoelectric cooling technology, P27 Voyager ensures that RVing enthusiasts don’t have to work around messy ice while arranging the contents.
In addition, the 12V portable fridge made by Koolatron could warm snacks and drinks all the way to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of that, once it comes to versatility, Koolatron P27 Voyager is certainly the best 12-volt refrigerator money can buy.
Advantages of the model:
- Noiseless
- Long-lasting
- The cooling output is sublime
As the Koolatron 12-volt refrigerator only features a single moving part, which is the fan motor, it’s very reliable. P27 Voyager has relatively undemanding maintenance requirements as well so keeping it in working order is a piece of cake.
About noise level, P27 Voyager of Koolatron operates in a silent manner so it seldom bothers people in its vicinity. Aside from that, with the low-profile build, the 12V fridge of Koolatron should fit narrow spots in recreational vehicles.
Regarding price, Koolatron P27 Voyager is inexpensive and that makes it a superb model for RVers that have limited budgets. P27 Voyager normally runs on DC power but by pairing it with the optional adapter sold by Koolatron, the unit could run on AC power.
Alpicool CF45
Even though it does come with a highly affordable price tag, it does not fall short of premium features, some only seen in much higher priced portable fridges. For starters, it measures 27.17 x 13.58 x 18.19 inches, weighs 30 lbs, and offers a rather large 45-quart capacity to fit 60 – 12-ounce cans of cola.
If that’s too much storage room for your needs, the Alpicool CF55 budget portable fridge is available in 35-liter and 45-liter capacities.
The Alpicool CF45 portable refrigerator doesn’t just look good on the outside with its sturdy, fully functional design, it boasts a powerful -4°F(-20°C) cooling performance.
It is vibration resistant, which protects it from damage during transportation, and is appointed with an LCD display with digitized temperature adjustment. Adding to this, the CF45 portable fridge by Alpicool is embedded with high-quality thick high-density foam insulation, which provides continuous cooling throughout your journey.
The temperature of the Alpicool CF45 portable refrigerator can be adjusted to serve as a fridge or a freezer. It can be powered by plugging it into a 12/24-volt DC outlet, or with a small solar system.
Advantages of the model:
- Available in three sizes
- -4°F(-20°C) cooling performance
- Vibration resistant design with adjustable HH and ECO modes
- 3-battery protection levels
The interior of the Alpicool CF45 portable fridge is equipped with a removable basket to keep your stuff organized, and an LED light to see better in dark conditions. It is fitted with handles on both sides, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
The Alpicool CF45 portable fridge runs smoothly, thanks to its onboard high-efficiency compressor with adjustable HH and ECO modes. It runs quietly compared to other devices in its segment, so you can leave it running even while you sleep.
The Alpicool CF45 RV portable fridge offers three different battery protection levels to choose from — low, medium, and high to protect your vehicle’s battery from the rundown. The lid of the Alpicool CF45 fridge can be secured with an integrated high-quality door latch,
The appliance features corner protectors to prevent damage to the base. It is safe to run on angles up to 45 degrees, making it an ideal choice for 4WDing or any other rugged adventures.
Portable 12V Refrigerators Under $900
This category includes goods of the average value. They are the most popular among customers. These models are made of high-quality materials, which confirms their reliability and durability.
Whynter FM-45G
Customers love the no-nonsense, sleek industrial design of this 12-volt portable cooler, that when you look at it, it doesn’t look as if it won’t run on your cigarette lighter, but it definitely would. You can plug it on AC or DC, whichever is available to you at the moment.
This bench-type mobile freezer has a flat surface, which can be doubled up as a small table. However, we don’t recommend that the Whynter FM-45G be sat on because the weight of a person might compromise the insulating seal on the lid.
This unit is very well insulated; it’s as if you’re running it from your home instead of from your truck because of how well it can maintain its cold temperature, which is pretty awesome for its price. What users love most about this unit is that they don’t need to use insulated covers or jackets to prevent any coldness from seeping out, which is wonderful. It means it’s well-insulated.
Advantages of the model:
- Very efficient in maintaining cold temperature all throughout the unit
- Can switch from AC to DC using with no problems
- Has a very sleek, industrial design
- Made of heavy-duty material
This model maintains an even temperature all throughout, which is so much better than other coolers that cool the bottom but is warmer at the top. However, this can also be a disadvantage if you want to just maintain the coolness of some food, and freeze the rest, because you can only set it to one temperature. If you set it at a very low temperature, you might end up freezing everything.
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Dometic CDF11
Although it can fit only 18 cans or about 11 liters, it’s good enough if you want a cooler that you can place right beside you because of its small size.
It is on the more expensive side than other coolers on our list, but the Dometic CDF11 is so much more energy-efficient than others.
It can go from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 30 minutes, which is fast enough for me. When you first plug it, it can use anywhere between 40 to 60 watts to reach your desired temperature.
However, once it reaches your target temperature, it will only consume about 1 to 2 watts to maintain the coolness inside. This means it is really energy-efficient, which actually makes up for its price.
Advantages of the model:
- No ice needed to cool your stuff
- Made of strong and durable material that would surely last long
- Very energy-efficient
What customers love about this 12-volt refrigerator for RV is that it is small enough to carry around, and its material is thick and durable. You can simply knock on the material to know that it is not made of cheap plastic. It’s great for an overnight camp for when you need to chill or freeze your meats and vegetables.
NORCOLD INC Portable Refrigerator/Freezer for RV
There’s no need to create a partition inside as it’s already done for you. I like that you wouldn’t need to worry about your sandwiches getting frozen and your meat getting soggy.
The way it works is that the upper compartment gets cold-based on the spillover from the cold at the bottom, so you pretty much get the desired temperature for all your food.
You can use the AC and DC power source, and the DC plug is included in the unit. The bummer thing is that the AC connector is not included in the unit and you would have to purchase one for yourself. I believe that item should already be included in the purchase, which is a disappointment.
Advantages of the model:
- Compartmentalized inside
- Strong and durable, great for camping trips
- Has three battery protection levels
Customers like its removable and reversible lid, which allows you to change the way you open this 12-volt portable refrigerator. The material is noticeably thick and durable, which is a good thing if you happen to go on a bumpy road. The plastic is corrosion-proof as well, which is advantageous if you like camping out.
Dometic CDF-11
Slim and sleek, CF-025 is a breeze to carry and the amount of space that it occupies is generally deemed inconsequential. Being impact-resistance, the fridge made by Dometic could handle plenty of hits in use.
Additionally, with low power consumption and first-class three-stage battery protection, Dometic CF-025 is capable of preventing dead batteries.
Though the capacity of the Dometic refrigerator is unexceptional compared to its competitors, it can still support usual RV adventures.
Thanks to the LED light in the interior of CF-025, you should have an easy time organizing snacks and drinks. CF-025 of Dometic contains a coated removable wire basket too so you have multiple options in terms of item arrangements. Through the top LED display and push buttons, you could read the temperature and increase/decrease it as you like.
Advantages of the model:
- Flexible
- Sturdy body
- Splendid handling
Since CF-025 is sold with a DC cable, you can put it to use the moment it leaves the packaging. As for accessories, CF-025 of Dometic could be paired with an insulated cover for improved efficiency and reduced energy usage. Dometic backs its fridge with a two-year warranty so if your CF-025 fails due to manufacturing defects, you may claim yourself a free replacement.
Whynter 62 Quart Dual Zone Portable Fridge
The Whynter FM-Series offers portable refrigeration at a fraction of the cost of the big-name brands, and with many of the same basic features.
But Whynter fridges tend to be inconsistent. If you get a good one, it can be a great companion for you on the road. But there are many tales of units that break down after a few months, and of owners having difficulty getting support from the manufacturer.
While Whynter fridges are energy efficient, power draw tests and user reports tend to be all over the map, further suggesting that there may be some quality control issues with this brand.
Whynter fridges also don’t use Danfoss compressors (instead, they use a proprietary knockoff), adding more reliability concerns. Many customers do use Whynter/Edgestar fridges with success, and they can be a good option if you’re on a budget. But there are some question marks to be aware of here.
Advantages of the model:
- Adjustable temperature range
- LED temperature display
- Operates as a refrigerator or freezer
- Two removable wire baskets
- Power low indicator
Like most fridges on this list, Whynter’s units include all the basic features, such as low voltage shut off, interior lighting, digital controls, and a drain plug. There are few accessories available, but they do offer a transit bag.
Portable 12V Refrigerators Under $1400
This is the category that includes goods with the highest cost. They fully justify it, having a high quality and long service life. The special difference is the large capacity, which is noted by most buyers.
ARB 10801472 Fridge
The ARB 10800472 – 50 Quart size is perfect for a lone trip for a couple of weeks, or a family trip for three to five days.
It has AC and DC plugging options so you can use your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or you can plug it into your solar energy system.
Based on experience, it can easily maintain the coolness inside, especially if you purchase the insulating jacket. It works continuously without hitch, keeping your food frozen when you’re your truck is running, so that’s good.
If you’re planning to plug it into your solar power system, make sure that the battery has enough power, else the compressor won’t even start.
However, if you’re not careful, it can easily drain your battery of power, so always make sure it’s set to conservative power if plugged into a battery. If your solar system is not pulling enough power from the sun, then you’re going to have to turn your vehicle on to keep the fridge running.
Advantages of the model:
- Easily removable lid that can easily be secured
- Thick and solid material
- Works well even in high-temperature
It can definitely keep frozen food frozen, it seems that it can’t freeze food itself. The difference in temperature between the top and bottom is very evident, so make sure you place the food you need to keep fresher at the bottom. It seems that the cold bleeds through metal parts of the cooler. Even with the travel bag, you would need to place additional insulation to keep the temperature down.
Norcold Portable Refrigerator
Norcold NRF fridges are fairly standard units that perform just fine and do so for a lower price than many other fridges. If you can’t justify the cost of a Dometic, ARB, or Engel fridge, then Norcold is worth a look.
Though you can save some money with a Norcold, you do sacrifice a bit in terms of reliability and support.
Norcold fridges have a 2-year limited warranty – which is less than that offered by the three major brands – and some owners have reported difficulty getting servicing and parts from the manufacturer when they need it.
NRF fridges are also not true AC/DC fridges, since they require an aftermarket converter to plug the fridge into a standard 110V AC wall outlet. All of the other fridges we looked at can natively use 110V AC power and come with a standard 3-prong power cord.
This may not be an issue for you, but we’ve found it really useful to bring our ARB fridge inside and plug it into a wall outlet whenever we’re staying out of the van for more than a few days.
Advantages of the model:
- CFC-Free insulation foam
- Low voltage protection
- Corrosion-proof exterior
Norcold NRF fridges include all basic 12V fridge features, including digital controls, low voltage cutoff, interior light, and drain plug. We couldn’t find any accessories like slides or insulated covers out there, but that doesn’t prevent you from making your own. NRF fridges don’t come with an AC wall adaptor, and they require an add-on AC converter to plug into a standard three-pronged outlet.
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ARB 10810602 Portable Fridge
ARB manufactures its products in Australia and is among the worlds leading suppliers of off-road and RV equipment. It is available in a choice of two different sizes — 50 quarts and 37 quarts, making it easy to buy the right fit for your needs.
The 50-quart ARB portable refrigerator measures 27.75″L x 14.96″W x 20″H, and tips the scales at just 53 lbs. It can accommodate up to an impressive 72 12-ounce cans, and a two-liter bottle of cola, so you’ve got a lot of storage space to work with.
The main compartment of the ARB portable fridge measures 13.27″D x 11.22″W x 15.79″H, and a 5.95″D x 11.22″W x 8.11″H dairy compartment. This large capacity portable cooler from ARB cools fairly quickly, and can easily maintain a minimum temperature of zero degrees.
It comes with temperature control, and can be used in an ambient temperature of over 70º F. It boasts a rugged, solid build, and is fitted with a two-pole auxiliary plug that’s tucked away under the DC collar to attach it to a power source for bumpier adventures.
The ARB portable fridge freezer comes with two power cables — a DC power cable to connect with your vehicle’s 12/24-volt DC power outlet, and an AC power cord to connect with your standard home AC power outlet.
This portable camping fridge by ARB is topped with a two-piece front opening lid, which is protected against harmful UV rays. It is equipped with a robust hinge, which allows you to detach the lid completely from the fridge for easy access to your refreshments. The ARB fridge also comes with a large EZ grip latch to secure the lid tight.
The ARB fridge comes with easily removable baskets to help you organize your food and beverages in the interior. It features drain plugs in the interior of the unit, which you can undo for easy cleaning. The interior is equipped with an LED light, allowing you to access the goods inside in low light conditions.
Advantages of the model:
- Compact and rugged footprint
- Large capacity
- Available in 2 sizes
- Interior LED light
- The front opening lid and patented hinge
- Drain plug for easy cleaning
- 2 power cords included
- Quiet operation
The front of the ARB fridge is fitted with an intuitive control panel, which provides you with easy access to several functions of the appliance including electronic temperature settings.
With regards to noise, the ARB portable fridge freezer is fairly quiet, so you get more cooling, without the annoying humming sound. Another noteworthy feature of the ARB portable fridge is that it continues to cool your stuff even when your vehicle is turned off. It comes with a battery protection system, which prevents draining your vehicle battery.
FAQ for portable 12v refrigerators buyers:
How long will a 12v battery run a fridge?
A very small user of power is a 1.2 watt LED light running on a 12-volt power source that will use 1.2W / 12V = 0.1 amps. Therefore a 100ah (amp-hour) battery will last for 1000 hours. A slightly different example is a 60-watt fridge running on a 12-volt power source uses 60 /12 = 5 amps, but only while the motor runs.
How does a portable refrigerator work?
As an electric current travels between different types of conductors, it heats up, with one end getting hot and the other end getting cold. The cold end of the Peltier is inside of the fridge, keeping the items inside chilled, and the hot end is outside of the fridge, releasing the warmth into the outside environment.
How long can a deep cycle battery power a fridge?
So, if a refrigerator consumes on average 1 amp per hour, and is the only appliance running from a 100 amp-hour battery, you should be able to have the refrigerator run for around 50 hours before recharging becomes necessary.
Can you run a 12-volt fridge from a solar panel?
Really the only way you can run a 12v fridge off a 110Ah Battery, topping up that battery with a Solar Panel, is to have a 12v fridge (compressor type) that is specifically designed to do that. There are ones around but they are expensive.
What size 12v fridge do I need?
50L camping fridge models are suitable for a whole week’s adventure for a couple, or a long weekend for a family of four. 60 to 65L = 106 cans. A family camping for longer than a long weekend will need at least a 65L portable fridge.
Is it safe to have a mini-fridge in your room?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that keeping refrigerators in the bedroom is harmful to health. While the main concern is typically gas poisoning or EMF radiation exposure, either is found to be remote. If it does happen, it’s likely that the level or amount is so insignificant to be even considered toxic.