As an adventurer, hitting the road or trail is always exciting. However, if you’re not well-prepared, things could go wrong pretty fast. A camping fridge is one item you don’t want to leave behind on your trip. While a cooler might seem like a good alternative, it won’t keep your food fresh for long, and you’ll be left with a pool of soggy, foul-smelling liquid in no time.
Investing in a camping fridge is a smart move, especially if you plan on staying put for an extended period. Not only does it keep your food fresh and cool, but it also saves you the hassle of constantly worrying about supplies. However, the high cost of a 12V camping fridge might be a turn-off for some. But if you’re planning to travel in hot and humid weather, it’s definitely worth considering.
When it comes to choosing the best camping fridge for your trip, it all boils down to how often you camp, where you’re headed, and what food you prefer. With so many options available, it’s important to choose a camping fridge that meets your specific needs. Whether you’re overlanding in a campervan or hitting the trails, a reliable camping fridge is the key to a successful trip.
Camping fridges have become a must-have for overlanding and outdoor trips. They provide the convenience of keeping your food fresh and frozen, eliminating the need to rely on ice that eventually turns into a mess. However, finding the best camping fridge that suits your needs can be challenging.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top camping fridges for your outdoor adventure in 2023.
Dometic CFX3 75DZ Portable Refrigerator and Freezer
The Dometic CFX3 is a top-of-the-line camping fridge with a maximum capacity and efficiency that allows you to store an incredible amount of fresh food and drinks. Its robust design and ExoFrame construction are built to withstand tough outdoor use, making it ideal for van trips, camping nights, and road trips. The CFX3 eliminates the dairy compartment, providing more room for all your favorite foods. With a removable wire divider, you can organize the space and enjoy a more even distribution of cool air with the extended evaporator on all inner walls of the unit.
ARB 73 Qts Dual Zone Portable Fridge Freezer
The ARB Zero Dual-Zone Fridge Freezer is built for convenience and personalized configurations, making it a breeze for overlanding. It has quick-release lids, DC-power inlets front and rear, and AC power conveniently positioned on the front for a quick connection. Even pouring a drink is easy with the anti-slip lid inserts that have a provision for your glass and bottle. The compartment divider is removable, allowing you to convert your dual-zone into a single zone. It is suitable for medium to large SUVs, wagons, and trucks.
Aspenora 54-Quart Portable Fridge Freezer
The Aspenora 54-quart fridge is a well-made, sturdy, and portable option that runs perfectly well for week-long trips. Its aluminum core design makes the portable compressor fridge run more efficiently, and the 1.57 inches thick insulation enables the refrigerator to maintain 10 hours of cooling after the power is turned off. With its large capacity and better space utilization, it stores more food for your family outdoor traveling.
Igloo BMX Cooler
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Igloo BMX Cooler is engineered for sturdiness and performance, making it an excellent choice for multi-day road trips. Its MaxCold body with 20% thicker foam and insulated lid provides advanced cooling performance and up to 4-day ice retention. It has durable construction with reinforced base and kick plates for increased strength and protection.
Mobicool MCF40 – Compressor Cooler
The Mobicool MCF40 is a portable compressor cooler that allows you to refrigerate your food on the go without depending on ice to keep things cold. It weighs 25 lbs with ergonomic handles and can hold 48 cans, 50% more capacity vs traditional ice chests of the same size. You can bring homemade snacks and lunch on a road trip, make one-pot camping meals, cook seafood with fresh veggies on the next camping trip, or bring some cool friends to the nearest waterfall.
Coleman Rolling Cooler 70 Quart
This is a reliable brand that can hold up to 85 cans and 2-liter bottles upright. It’s perfect for overnight camping trips, tailgate parties, or barbecues. Plus, it has a leak-resistant channel drain for easy draining without tilting the cooler, and it can keep ice for up to five days at temperatures up to 90°F.
AstroAI Portable Freezer 12V
If you need a portable freezer for your overland trips, the AstroAI Portable Freezer 12V is a great option. It comes with both a 12/24V DC and a 100V to 240V AC adapter, so you can use it at home, in your car, or outdoors with a portable power bank. You can also adjust the temperature to switch the freezer to a fridge, which is perfect for outdoor use. With three levels of battery protection, you can opt for an energy-efficient mode.
Also read: Best Refrigerators for Rental Property in 2023: A Guide and Review
ICECO GO20 Dual Zone
This smart fridge comes with an app that allows you to control the temperature range from 0°F to 50°F, just like a home refrigerator. It also has a detachable partition design that makes it easy to compartmentalize and provides two separate zones for refrigeration and freezing. The GO20 can be operated with two digital panels at the same time and has two functional modes: MAX Mode for fast cooling and ECO Mode for energy saving.
SetPower AJ50 53 Quart
For a powerful camping fridge that covers all your needs on the road, consider the SetPower AJ50 53 Quart. SetPower offers a range of portable car refrigerators from 12 to 45 liters, so you can choose what works best for your needs and capacity. The construction, materials, and value are solid and provide excellent cooling performance, even at extreme ambient temperatures and with minimal power consumption.
NORCOLD INC 1.1 cu. ft. Portable Refrigerator/Freezer
Lastly, the NORCOLD INC 1.1 cu. ft. Portable Refrigerator/Freezer is perfect for short trips. This 2-in-1 product has both freezer and refrigerator compartments and was designed for big families, long trips, or just big appetites. The exterior is made of strong, corrosion-proof plastic, ensuring its durability, and it comes with a stainless-steel interior that prevents stains and improves cooling. Plus, the separate refrigerator-only section prevents freezing of selected items, while the removable wire basket is easily removable for fast cleaning.
Adventure Cold For Day by Stanley
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line cooler that will last you for days on an epic road trip, the Adventure Cold For Day by Stanley is worth buying. This cooler can keep your food and drinks cold for up to four days, even under sweltering conditions. The durable, leak-free design and extra height can accommodate 2-liters, longnecks, fifths, and magnums, so everything fits comfortably and stays protected. You can even use the top as a table, step stool, or seat. Plus, you can pair it with a full adventure kitchen set that includes a stainless steel pot and 3-ply fry pan, built to perform like pros. With all the tools needed to prep, cook, serve, and clean up, you may even keep this set in your kitchen for everyday use.
Are you planning to go on a camping trip and bring a camping fridge along? Here are some helpful tips to maximize its use:
- To avoid any inconvenience, thaw your food ahead of time by transferring them from the freezer to the fridge area the night before.
- Make sure to use the thickest power cable available to minimize electrical resistance and maximize voltage supply. Avoid using car batteries to power your camping fridge, as this may drain your car battery quickly.
- Be mindful of the food you pack and choose the ones you will eat first when stacking them. This way, you won’t have to open the fridge frequently, which can waste power.
- It’s also crucial to keep your cooler away from the sun to maintain its coolness. Adjust the temperature accordingly to maximize power usage. Set it to the coldest degree while driving, and lower it as you reach your destination.
- Did you know that drinks in cans cool faster than those in bottles? So if you’re in a hurry, go for canned drinks.
- Lastly, keep spare fuses with you in case you need to replace them. Allow hot food to cool down before putting them in the fridge to avoid overworking it. And, as much as possible, keep your camping fridge full to increase its power efficiency.
By following these tips, you can make the most out of your camping fridge and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest!
Also read: Best Car Refrigerators for Your Next Road Trip 2023
Q: What is the most efficient camping fridge?
A: Compressor fridges are the most popular camping fridge, due to their low current draw and high cooling efficiency. They work by using a compressor to pump refrigeration gas around the system. Some of the most popular and trusted brands for compressor-driven camping fridges are Dometic (previously Waeco) and Engel.
Q: What brand of refrigerator has the least problems?
A: When it comes to top-freezer refrigerators, Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool are the top-rated brands for predicted reliability. However, it’s important to note that while these brands scored high for reliability, they may not necessarily rank high in terms of owner satisfaction.
Q: What should I look for in a portable fridge?
A: When shopping for a portable fridge, consider the thickness of the walls and insulation. Generally, thicker walls and insulation mean better efficiency and less load on the compressor, resulting in less power usage. Additionally, you should consider the outer casing materials. Metal is durable but conducts heat more readily than plastic, while fiberglass offers the best insulation.
