You cannot underestimate the efficiency and effectiveness of compact, on-the-go mobile refrigerators and freezers. Be it camping vacations, backyard picnics or even unexpected gatherings at home, a portable fridge can come to your rescue. The best part is that you could also store it in your car and carry it to several locations in an emergency. It will swiftly satisfy your want for cool beverages, ice, frozen delights and other essentials as the temperature rises.
While the benefits are endless, it is essential to make an informed choice. Explored below are four critical factors to base your purchase on:
Material Construction
When it comes to portable refrigerators finding the perfect material is paramount. To ensure its unhindered durability, it is best to look for solid construction material, strong hinges, and thick casings to ensure your mini fridge can survive the probable impacts and strains it can be subjected to. Since portable refrigerators come in various casing materials, think about what’s best for your needs. And as your fridge is likely to get an adventurous ride in the back of your car, avoid materials and finishes that would cause dents and scratches. Nonetheless, the overall choice here must be based on your purpose and frequency of use. For instance, if you need your bottle of chilled beer to enjoy by your home-side beach, you don’t need a robust metal, heavy casing model.
Battery Protection
A fridge that shuts off when the battery starts to fail might certainly not rescue you from being stranded. Therefore choose a type that cuts out at a reasonably high voltage to avoid your battery going flat. Look for refrigerators that provide different levels of protection. Deep cycling a conventional car battery with a portable fridge will significantly diminish its life; thus, you need battery protection to help you avoid this. For frequent fridge use, you might consider installing a dual-battery system (with a battery built for deep cycling).
Size
Large portable refrigerators have more capacity but demand more electricity, and they take up more room in your automobile. When selecting a portable fridge, make sure it will fit inside your car, considering the additional height of any mounting hardware or slides. Make sure there’s an adequate area for any vents and you’ll be able to open the lid. Large refrigerators are also heavy, and with a complete family and their belongings already aboard, a fully-loaded fridge might push your automobile over its gross vehicle mass limit.
Insulation
Finally, it is ideal to buy a refrigerator with thick walls and insulation since this will typically result in higher efficiency, less stress on your compressor, and lower energy use. And that essentially translates to minimal energy bills!
Summing Up
A majority of portable freezers today are inexpensive. However, it is mainly dependent on the freezer you choose. But that should not be reason enough for you to settle down with something substandard. Compare pricing and features amongst various brands before making the final purchase. The idea isn’t necessary to get a cheap freezer but rather an efficient one that suits your needs and demands.
And you might also want to explore add-ons and accessories to increase the safety and usability of your mobile fridge while camping and the mounting hardware, a cover, and vehicle modifications.
Equipped with the information above, it’s time to grace your travels and leisure with a suitable portable refrigerator.
