The 10 Best Car Fridges for On-the-Go Cooling and Convenience

Below is a list of the top five products for which we conducted the most research, along with a summary of their benefits and drawbacks.

1. Best Overall: Wagan EL6206 12V 6 Quart

2. Best Budget: Wagan EL6214

3. Best Material: Setpower AJ30 Portable Refrigerator

4. Best Durability: EUHOMY Car Refrigerator

5. Best Design: Chefman Mini Portable Fridge

1. Wagan EL6206 12V 6 Quart

View on Amazon

Product Summary

These car fridge are available in a range of sizes, providing lots of storage and chilly temperatures. They are perfect for long journeys and outdoor experiences since they include energy-efficient compressors, computerized temperature controls, and sturdy construction.

Specification

• COMPACT CAPACITY: 6 quart compact size of this cooler allows storage for your road trip necessities while only taking up a small footprint in your vehicle.
• DUAL FUNCTION: Cooling/ Warming functions. Max cooling to ≈ 36°F below ambient temperature. Max warming to≈140 °F. Pre chill/heat your items to assist the unit to reach the lowest/highest temperature as quickly as possible. more

Reasons to buy

• It is simple to carry and tote them when traveling because they are lightweight and portable.
• No need to make numerous trips at convenience stores or petrol stations if you always have quick access to chilled or frozen food and beverages.
• Adaptable and may be utilized for a range of activities, such as road vacations, camping, boating, tailgating, picnics, and more.

Reasons to avoid

• Can drain the vehicle's battery if left running for an extended period without the engine running.

2. Wagan EL6214

View on Amazon

Product Summary

Built to withstand harsh conditions, they feature heavy-duty construction, reinforced corners, and secure latches. With efficient cooling capabilities and options for both fridge and freezer compartments, this portable fridge freezers are favored by off-road enthusiasts and frequent campers.

Specification

• 14L 12v cooler/warmer lets drivers save money and time by enjoying food and drinks on the go inside your vehicle, reduce or eliminate stops at fast food joints during road trips, and save gas by avoiding the line at the drive thru; ideal for road trips
• Keep food and beverages cool without messy ice, or keep them warm instead; unit holds up to 12 soda cans; standard size water bottles also fit inside (if desired, you can even pack healthy snacks like fruit and yogurt) more

Reasons to buy

• Allow you to precisely control the temperature, ensuring your items stay at the desired level of cooling or freezing.
• Properly chilled, car fridges help maintain food safety and prevent spoilage, particularly in hot weather or over extended periods
• Provide a solution for storing perishable items for longer periods, giving you the flexibility to carry more food and beverages during your travels.

Reasons to avoid.

• Have limited storage capacity compared to regular refrigerators.

3. Setpower AJ30 Portable Refrigerator

View on Amazon

Product Summary

These compact and efficient fridges use advanced compressor technology to provide reliable cooling performance. They are great for long periods of usage in your car because they provide a variety of storage capacities and utilize little power.

Specification

• 【3-Year Warranty & Top-Ranking Customer Service】 SetPower provides a 3-year warranty for the compressor of this car fridge and one year warranty for other accessories. We have a professional technical support team responsible for this car refrigerator that helps you to troubleshoot and provides the greatest RV life experience. Any product questions, plz do not hesitate to contact our live reps.
• 【Consumes Less Than 1kw.h Per Day & Fast Cooling】 SetPower 12volt refrigerator has the function of energy saving. With the energy saving mode, the operating power is less than 45W for its intelligence cycle work. This portable fridge can cool down From 77℉ To 32℉ in15 Minutes. more

Reasons to buy

• Have a temperature memory function, which retains your preferred settings even when the fridge is turned off and on again.
• Low voltage protection techniques prevent excessive battery drain and ensure your vehicle's battery is not drained.
• Have simple control panels or knobs that allow you to easily modify the temperature settings.

Reasons to avoid

• Size and space requirements.

4. EUHOMY Car Refrigerator

View on Amazon

Product Summary

They feature temperature control settings, and low-power consumption. These fridges are equipped with high-quality compressors and offer both cooling and freezing functions, making them versatile for different travel needs.

Specification

• DUAL STORAGE AREA&POWERFUL CAPACITY - Euhomy car refrigerator is equipped with two zone. Dual storage areas can reduce odor. Portable refrigerator freezer allows you to store a variety of foods while keeping fresh. This powerful rv fridge can hold 58can cola, or 36 bottles water or 18 bottles red wine, which fully meets RV1 / truck drivers,boat owners and campers to store seafood, snacks,meat, and beverages, travel, boating, and camping needs.
• SMART BATTERY PROTECTION & HOME/CAR DUAL-USE - Euhomy car fridge 12v is equipped with 110/240V AC and 12/24V DC adapters, which can be used at home or in the car. The RV refrigerator provides three (low, medium, and high) battery protection functions at different levels. This design can prevent the car power supply from being overloaded or short-circuited, so you don’t have to worry about running out of car power when using the 12 volt fridge. All this is for you to enjoy the journey. more

Reasons to buy

• Designed to be energy-efficient, guaranteeing low power use and conserving the battery life of your car.
• Designed to run softly, eliminating unwanted noise or annoyance when driving or camping.
• Eliminate the need for ice, saving you the hassle of constantly replenishing ice supplies.

Reasons to avoid

• They may not be usable in situations where power sources are limited or unavailable.

5. Chefman Mini Portable Fridge

View on Amazon

Product Summary

These energy-efficient fridges come with a variety of storage capacities and can cool items. They feature sturdy construction, user-friendly controls and solar, making them suitable for various outdoor activities.

Specification

• PERFECT PORTABILITY: The Chefman mini-fridge is perfect for personal spaces, travel, offices, dorms, road trips, boating, camping, tailgating, commuting, and more! Its small size and sleek design make it convenient for commuting. Use this micro-fridge to store your snacks, drinks, sodas, baby bottles, skin-care products, or even warm soup and meals..Lock Type: Electric
• COOLING AND WARMING: With the flip of a switch, set the fridge to either cool or warm to store your food and drinks the way you would like! Make sure you first unplug the fridge before switching settings. When switched to the cool setting, the food or drink being stored in the fridge must already be cold for the item to stay cool. For the warm setting, food must be warm/hot before placing in the fridge. The fridge cools to 44°F and warms up to 140°F. more

Reasons to buy

• Allowing you to organize your items effectively and maximize the storage space.
• Have a freezing function, allowing you to store frozen items like ice cream, meat, or ice cubes.
• Built to withstand the rigors of travel, with robust construction and durable materials that can handle vibrations and rough terrain.

Reasons to avoid

• Require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and hygiene

Power Options:

Check the power options available for the car fridge. Most car fridges are designed to run on a 12V DC power source, typically from your vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. Some models may also have the option for AC power when connected to a standard electrical outlet. Consider if you need a car fridge that can also operate on alternative power sources like solar or battery power.

Energy Efficiency:

Look for a car fridge that is energy-efficient to minimize power consumption and prolong battery life. Models with energy-saving features such as low-power modes or automatic shut-off when reaching desired temperature can be beneficial, especially if you plan to use the fridge for extended periods or when the vehicle is stationary.

Temperature Control:

Ensure the car fridge offers precise temperature control to maintain the desired cooling or freezing levels for your items. Look for fridges with digital temperature displays and adjustable settings to cater to different storage requirements.

Construction and Durability:

Consider the build quality and durability of the car fridge, especially if you plan to use it in rugged outdoor environments or off-road adventures. Look for sturdy materials, reinforced corners, and robust latches to withstand vibrations and impacts.

1. How much power does a car fridge consume?

   The cooling capacity, temperature settings, insulation, and efficiency of the appliance are only a few of the variables that affect a vehicle refrigerator's power usage. Usually, it is expressed in watts or ampere-hours (Ah). It's advisable to check the manufacturer's specifications for the power consumption details of the car fridge you are considering.

2. How do I clean and maintain a car fridge?

   Regular cleaning and maintenance are important to keep your car fridge in optimal condition. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the interior and exterior of the fridge. Remove any spills or food debris promptly, and periodically defrost the freezer compartment if applicable. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation around the fridge and check the seals and latches for any signs of wear or damage.

Overall, a car fridge is a valuable asset for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures, road trips, or simply wants to have the convenience of refrigeration on the go. It adds comfort, convenience, and peace of mind, allowing you to savor chilled refreshments and keep perishable items fresh throughout your journeys. When choosing a car fridge, consider factors like cooling capacity, power efficiency, durability, and additional features that enhance your experience. Look for reputable brands that offer warranties and have positive customer reviews. By investing in a high-quality car fridge, you can enjoy the benefits of fresh, chilled, and conveniently accessible food and beverages during your travels.

See more reviews here: The 10 Best Windscreen Cleaners For A Crystal Clear View