12v portable fridge/freezer

Thanks all for the replies and suggestions.

I figure if the Australians use something, and recommend it, it's good for my uses in spades.

You can't go wrong with the Engle, Dometic or ARB, they are fine units.

I have an ARB single fridge/freezer chest. I got creative, since the ARB only cools from the bottom, and put my freezer things on the bottom, then a towel * on that, and my fridge things on the towel. I was able to keep the bottom frozen and the top refrigerated, but it was not easy, took trial-n-error and not easy to live with.

I bought an ICECO with two compartments. Each one can be turned on or off independently, or set at any temp independently - so one can be a fridge and one a freezer, or both freezers, or both fridges, or just have one on as a fridge or freezer to save some power when you do not need both compartments.
The ICECO was a LOT easier to use/program than the ARB.

Less than 5 amp draw.

ALL of these mentioned above use the Danfoss compressors that sip electricity, and in my opinion, and many others, are superior to the propane absorption fridges of old.

I got the ICECO and the ARB on eBay, both new. I "made an offer" on the ICECO for $800 and have been happy with it.

* I used a regular bathroom size towel as you would shower with

Guys in the Australian outback have been using Engel refrigerators for many years. They only have 1 moving part inside. Incredibly power efficient. Will easily go from refrigerator to freezer with the turn of a dial.

I bought one to use in our Jeep while cruising trails. No worries of it draining the battery. It has also been used for keeping our food cool during a recent hurricane in Florida.

I built a digital thermostat control for mine. Details here: http://2manytoyz.com/engel-thermostat.html



Here's the testing done over 27 hours:



It used 18AH in 27 hours:



The magic is the swing compressor. You can read about it here: http://www.roadtrucker.com/engel/engel-12-volt-fridge-freezer-technical.htm

There are many other less expensive brands, but you do get what you pay for. If you need very low power cooling for off-grid usage, you won't find a better/more efficient brand.

Oh, and FWIW, I've given away several thermoelectric coolers that were given to me. 5A draw constantly, only cooling 20F below ambient (not the 30F as advertised). No bueno when it's 95F here. 75F beer? Blah!

I have a Dometic CDF-11 12V compressor unit, purchased from Amazon as a supplement to my built-in 3-way unit. It has performed well for several years. Tiny, but that is all I needed, it fits between the cab's bucket seats, and I am able to lift it even with my bad back.

Before choosing this unit, I read many views of similar products. Sources: Amazon, YouTube, Expedition Portal, etc.

NRALIFR wrote:
I don’t believe the OP is talking about thermoelectric coolers, the type that uses a Peltier device that can either heat or cool. They rarely live up to their specs, and generally will only cool to about 30* below ambient.

I believe the OP wants to discuss portable 12v compressor fridge/freezers.

:):)

The as far as I know the ARB is a true refrigerator/freezer.

Geewizard wrote:
I'm looking for recommendations for a 12v portable compressor fridge/freezer.

Any suggestions, comments, recommendations?

I have a Dominic. Purchased on Amazon, ~$325-400.

The one I have has a two digit digital display for the set temperature.
(believed to use a small "DanFoss" DC compressor)

- Mark0.

That one looks pretty good, thanks.

I hope you don’t mind a recommendation of one I haven’t tried, but I would sure give serious consideration to this one before spending twice as much or more for a similar sized unit.

ICECO VL47



:):)

Rolling Condo wrote:
I have both an Engel 40 qt. and an Edge Star 43 qt. They are about 10 years old and have given me great service working as a refer. or as a freezer.

Thanks, that's the kind of reply I'm after.

NRALIFR wrote:
I don’t believe the OP is talking about thermoelectric coolers, the type that uses a Peltier device that can either heat or cool. They rarely live up to their specs, and generally will only cool to about 30* below ambient.

I believe the OP wants to discuss portable 12v compressor fridge/freezers.

:):)

Correct.