Best 12v Portable Refrigerators at a glance
- Dometic CoolFreeze CDF Series
- Bluefin-Active DC Series
- ARB Series
- Dometic CF Series
- Mobicool MCF Series
1: Dometic CoolFreeze C.D.F. Series
Coming in at the top spot on the best Portable refrigerators is the CoolFreeze CDF series portable refrigerator by Dometic. If you know anything about portable fridges, then you will no doubt of heard of the name Dometic.
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The Swedish company has become a global leader in providing some of the best refrigeration solutions for mobile living areas.
The CoolFreeze CDF series is a range of compact, lightweight chest refrigerators. Thanks to the shoulder strap, carrier bar or built-in handles, you can take these coolers anywhere. Super-compact, and easy to squeeze into the tightest of spaces, CoolFreeze CDF refrigerators are super-efficient and can deep-freeze food and drinks with minimal power consumption.
All models feature a digital temperature display with an electronic thermostat.
| Model | Storage Volume (L) | Width (MM) | Height (MM) | Depth (MM) | Weight (KG) | Input | Temp. Range | Technology | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDF-11 | 10.5 | 235 | 358 | 540 | 8.2 | 12/24 V DC | +10 °C to –18 °C | Compressor | |
| CDF-16 | 15 | 260 | 360 | 550 | 11.8 | 12/24 V DC | +10 °C to –18 °C | Compressor | |
| CDF-18 | 18 | 300 | 414 | 465 | 11.4 | 12/24 V DC | +10 °C to –18 °C | Compressor | |
| CDF-36 | 31 | 340 | 380 | 560 | 12.5 | 12/24 V DC | +10 °C to –18 °C | Compressor |
2: Bluefin Active D.C. Series
The Bluefin Active DC series of compressor refrigerators have been growing in popularity over the last few years and for a good reason. Designed in the U.K., these compact refrigerators feature superior build quality and come with all the latest onboard tech. These refrigerators are a perfect addition to your campervan as they do an excellent job at keeping your food and drinks cold wherever you go.
Every model features a responsive touch screen panel accompanied by a bright digital display, making it a super simple when selecting the ideal temperature.
With a choice of 5 storage volumes, the Bluefin Active range covers all the significant capacities you look for in a portable refrigerator.
There is also an onboard turbo mode. This feature is excellent when you want to drop the temperature fast.
| Model | Storage Volume (L) | Width (MM) | Height (MM) | Depth (MM) | Weight (KG) | Input | Temp. Range | Technology | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC-25T | 24 | 329 | 425 | 480 | 10.4 | 12/24 V DC + 100/240V AC | -18° to +10°C | Compressor | |
| DC-35T | 35 | 280 | 455 | 540 | 12.4 | 12/24 V DC + 100/240V AC | -18° to +10°C | Compressor | |
| DC-42F | 42 | 350 | 544 | 585 | 16.8 | 12/24 V DC + 100/240V AC | -18° to +10°C | Compressor | |
| DC-60F | 60 | 455 | 458 | 780 | 23.4 | 12/24 V DC + 100/240V AC | -18° to +10°C | Compressor | |
| DC-80F | 80 | 455 | 546 | 780 | 26.5 | 12/24 V DC + 100/240V AC | -18° to +10°C | Compressor |
3: Dometic C.F. Series
Very similar to the C.D.F series, the C.F. series is another range of compressor refrigerators offered by Dometic that has made it into this list; and for a good reason. With handy shoulder straps and a set of sturdy carry handles, the C.F. series is a compact compressor cooler you can take anywhere.
As small as a thermoelectric unit, these lightweight coolers are remarkably easy to handle.
Every refrigerator model variant comes equipped with a compact yet efficient compressor that has exceptional performance. So much so, that these tiny coolers can get down to a mighty –18°C, all the while using minimal power.
One additional benefit of the C.F. series coolers is they can take both a 12/24 volts D.C. and 100-240 volts A.C electrical input.
| Model | Storage Volume (L) | Width (MM) | Height (MM) | Depth (MM) | Weight (KG) | Input | Temp. Range | Technology | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CF11 | 10.5 | 235 | 358 | 540 | 8.5 | 12 or 24 V DC, 100–240 V AC | -18° to +10°C | Compressor | |
| CF16 | 15 | 550 | 366 | 260 | 9.5 | 12 or 24 V DC, 100–240 V AC | -18° to +10°C | Compressor | |
| CF26 | 21.5 | 550 | 425 | 260 | 10.5 | 12 or 24 V DC, 100–240 V AC | -18° to +10°C | Compressor |
Why should you buy a portable 12v fridge?
You should buy a portable fridge if you plan on travelling for an extended period and plan on storing food items. They are the perfect companion for a long road trip or family holiday, a portable fridge can help keep your drinks cold and your food fresh.
How does a portable fridge work?
A portable camping fridge is a compact cooling system that typically runs off either a 12-volt electrical system, a 110/230-volt electrical system, or natural gas. The cooling system works by using a built-in refrigerant system (compressor or absorption technology) to keep your food and drinks cold (or frozen) indefinitely.
How cold does a portable fridge get?
A portable refrigerator can generally cool down to approximately -18 °C. This is cold enough to keep all food and drink stored inside the refrigerator fresh over an extended period.
What power does a portable fridge use?
Depending on the refrigeration technology system aboard the refrigerator, a portable fridge can be powered from three individual power systems. Those are 12 volt D.C. power, 110/230 volt mains power or natural gas.
How heavy are portable fridges?
Depending on the model, a portable fridge typically weighs between 8 kilograms to 34 kilograms. For example, one of the smallest compressor refrigerators, the Dometic CDF-11, weighs just 8.1 kilograms. In contrast, the largest portable compressor refrigerator from Blufin-Active weighs 26.5 kilograms.
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