The 15 best portable refrigerator brands
Koolatron, LG and WAGAN lead our ranking of 15 portable refrigerator brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Portable Refrigerator brands, ranked
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1
Koolatron
Makes 12-volt coolers and warmers, mostly for road trips, camping and vehicles.
Website: koolatron.com |Brands like Koolatron
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
LG
LG makes phone cases for iPhones and the LG Stylo 5, along with large home appliances. The appliances include refrigerators and washing machines. Its phone cases are designed to protect handsets from drops and scratches.
Website: lg.com |Brands like LG
Popularity 3.5/10
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3
WAGAN
Six-quart personal unit that both heats and chills, sized for a single lunch, drinks or medication.
Top products: EL6206
Website: wagan.com |Brands like WAGAN
Popularity 3.3/10
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4
RoadPro
Its 12V coolers suit truck cabs and long drives, sized to fit a driver's footwell or seat.
Website: roadprobrands.com |Brands like RoadPro
Popularity 2.9/10
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5
Samsung
South Korean electronics company Samsung sells phone covers for Galaxy S8 and S10 models and for iPhones. These cases are designed to protect the phone from everyday knocks and scratches. Samsung also makes televisions, phones and home appliances under the same brand.
Website: samsung.com |Brands like Samsung
Popularity 2.9/10
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6
Emerson
Sold as compact single-door mini fridges for dorms, offices and bedrooms.
Website: emersonradio.com |Brands like Emerson
Popularity 2.1/10
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7
GE
Mainly sells countertop and dorm-sized compact fridges, backed by a large US appliance service network.
Website: gelighting.com |Brands like GE
Popularity 2.0/10
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8
Beko
European-designed mini fridges from Beko suit small rooms and offices.
Website: beko.com |Brands like Beko
Popularity 1.7/10
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9
BLACK+DECKER
Lightweight 12V coolers that run from a car outlet and suit day trips.
Website: blackanddecker.com |Brands like BLACK+DECKER
Popularity 1.4/10
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10
RCA
Retro-styled compact fridges with a small footprint, often sold as dorm and desk models.
Website: rcaaudiovideo.com |Brands like RCA
Popularity 1.4/10
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11
Summit
Summit Cabinets designs and manufactures custom cabinets with the best quality materials that are both innovative and stylish. By giving their consumers top-quality goods, prompt service, and a positive overall experience, they hope to forge lasting relationships with them. Summit...
Popularity 1.2/10
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12
Bosch
Robert Bosch’s desire to be self-employed allowed him to reach great heights in later years. In 1886, he started a workshop for Electric Engineering and Precision Mechanics, which served as the foundation for the Bosch brand. Initially starting with work...
Website: developer.bosch.com |Brands like Bosch
Popularity 1.0/10
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13
Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer is the go-to store for great-end clothing to inspire, encourage, and empower everyone to enjoy the outdoors and live their journey. Prepare for every trip in life with their extensive selection of premium-quality apparel that will keep you...
Website: eddiebauer.com |Brands like Eddie Bauer
Popularity 0.7/10
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14
Insignia
Insignia manufactures a range of electronic products, including TVs and headphones. They also carry other items like home theatre systems and gaming accessories. The brand's products are made using the latest technology and have simple and sleek designs. They are...
Website: bestbuy.com |Brands like Insignia
Popularity 0.7/10
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15
JoyTutus
Joytutus offers multifunctional accessories for your cars to keep them tidy and organized. The brand produces products that are functional and help you upgrade your vehicle and make it more practical. You can get car holders, accessories, refrigerators, and much...
Website: joytutus.com |Brands like JoyTutus
Popularity 0.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koolatron | koolatron.com | – | – | – | – |
| LG | lg.com | /LGIndiaPage | lg_india | @lgindia | LGIndiachannel |
| WAGAN | wagan.com | /wagantech | wagantech | @wagantech | MrWaganTech |
| RoadPro | roadprobrands.com | /RoadProBrands | roadpro_brands | @roadpro_brands | – |
| Samsung | samsung.com | /SamsungUS | samsungmobileusa | @SamsungUS | – |
| Emerson | emersonradio.com | /emersonradiocorp | emersonradiocorp | @buyemersonradio | – |
| GE | gelighting.com | /GELighting | gelighting | @GELighting | GELightingFuture |
| Beko | beko.com | – | – | – | – |
| BLACK+DECKER | blackanddecker.com | – | – | – | – |
| RCA | rcaaudiovideo.com | /RCA | – | – | – |
Portable Refrigerator Buying Guide
A portable refrigerator, also known as a camping fridge or travel fridge, is an essential item for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, such as camping or road trips. Not only is a portable fridge an ideal way of keeping food and drinks cool and fresh for longer periods of time, but it also eliminates the need to constantly purchase ice or rely on melted ice water in a cooler. However, purchasing a portable refrigerator can be a bit overwhelming, considering the numerous models and brands available in the market. Therefore, in this guide, we will provide you with essential factors to consider when purchasing a portable refrigerator.
Type of Portable Refrigerator
Before purchasing a portable refrigerator, it is essential to determine the type of fridge that suits your needs. There are three types of portable fridges – absorption, compression, and thermoelectric.
Absorption Refrigerators
Absorption refrigerators use propane or natural gas to operate, making them ideal for camping, RVing, and boating. They are highly durable and require less maintenance. However, absorption fridge models tend to be more significant, noisier, and less efficient than other portable refrigerators. Furthermore, absorption refrigerators have a limited cooling capacity, making them unsuitable for extended camping trips.
Compression Refrigerators
Compression refrigerators are the most commonly used portable fridge model. They operate through a compressor that runs on DC or AC power, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor activities. Compression refrigerators offer a larger cooling capacity, are energy efficient, and have adjustable temperature settings. They are also less noisy and lighter than absorption refrigerator models, making them ideal for extended camping trips. However, compression refrigerators are more expensive than absorption and thermoelectric refrigerators.
Thermoelectric Refrigerators
Thermoelectric refrigerators use a cooling technology that relies on a heat pump to remove heat from the cabinet. These portable refrigerators are lightweight and operate silently. They also require less power, making them ideal for small outdoor activities like picnics. However, thermoelectric refrigerators have limited cooling power, making them unsuitable for extended trips. They are also not energy efficient, run hot, and cannot cool to as low temperatures as the other portable fridge models.
Cooling Capacity
Another essential factor to consider when purchasing a portable refrigerator is the cooling capacity of the fridge. The cooling capacity of a fridge is typically measured in liters or quarts. The cooling capacity refers to the amount of food and drinks that a fridge can hold and the cooling duration it can offer. In most cases, the cooling capacity of a portable fridge ranges from 25 to 100 liters or 26 to 106 quarts.
The cooling capacity that you choose will depend on your cooling needs, the number of people you are traveling with, the length of your trip, and the available space for storage. A large cooling capacity fridge could be ideal for a family camping trip or an extended road trip, while a small fridge is sufficient for short weekend trips.
Power Consumption
The power consumption of a portable refrigerator is another critical factor to consider when purchasing a portable fridge. Portable fridges operate on various power sources, which include DC, AC, and solar systems. Portable fridges also have different power consumption rates, which are measured in watts per hour (Wh).
When purchasing a portable refrigerator, it is crucial to consider the intended usage, the available power sources, and the power consumption rate. For instance, if you plan to use your portable fridge in your vehicle, a DC-powered fridge may be ideal. However, if you plan to use the fridge for camping trips, an AC-powered fridge may be the best option. Solar-powered portable fridges are also ideal for campers who prefer a self-sufficient power supply. However, they require an adequate power source and have a lower cooling capacity, making them less suitable for extended trips.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a portable refrigerator. Different portable refrigerators have different temperature control settings, which are usually adjustable through a thermostat or digital display. A thermostat is ideal for people who prefer manual control, while digital settings are suitable for precise temperature control.
When purchasing a portable refrigerator, it is essential to choose a model that offers a temperature range of -4°F to 68°F (-20°C to 20°C). This range will ensure that the fridge can cool a variety of food and drink items to the required temperature for preservation.
Build Quality
Portable refrigerators are designed to last, but the build quality can vary widely among brands and models. When purchasing a portable refrigerator, it is crucial to choose a model that is durable and lightweight. Look for refrigerators made of sturdy materials such as insulated steel, aluminum, or plastic. A well-built portable fridge should also have sturdy and secure handles for carrying and transport.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of a portable refrigerator are essential factors to consider when purchasing a portable fridge. These factors will impact how easy the fridge is to transport and store. A lightweight and compact portable fridge model is ideal for people with limited storage space or those going on extended off-road trips.
Noise
The noise level of a portable refrigerator is another factor to consider when purchasing a portable fridge. Some fridge models can produce a loud humming noise, which can be bothersome, especially when in close proximity to humans or other animals.
When purchasing a portable fridge, look for models with quiet cooling systems or ones that offer adjustable noise levels.
Conclusion
A portable refrigerator is an excellent investment for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. When purchasing a portable fridge, it is essential to consider factors such as type, cooling capacity, power consumption, temperature control, build quality, size, weight, and noise. With these essential factors in mind, you can make an informed decision when purchasing the perfect portable fridge that meets your needs and budget.
