Compact A/C refrigerator research help

[Minor_Threat]

I'm researching compact A/C refrigerators (3.5-4.5cf) for use outdoors during summer months. It would only be used a week at a time for probably four weeks out of the year. The location is in Julian, CA and temps could get into the mid 90's. I would have a canopy shading it during the day. The A/C is free to me at the campground so energy use is not deciding factor.

I see electronic vs analog temp controls and am not sure if one is preferred.

Also, some have compressors vs thermoelectric.

I've read a large condenser is best for compressor units but these specs aren't something manufacturers list.

I would like to stay under $300 USD ideally and look forward to any assistance.

[Minor_Threat]

Sorry for not thanking everyone for their input sooner. Good information.

[PNW_Steve]

I looked at the Igloo chest freezers at Best Buy recently. They are well reviewed, efficient and have a"refrigerator" setting. They were on sale for under $200.

I decided to go with a whirlpool 10.7cu. Ft. Standard refrigerator/freezer. $403 at BestBuy and averages .6kWh/day.

[ktmrfs]

ktmrfs wrote:
one of the "dorm" fridges. I have had one in my small home built toyhauler for 12 years now, running of a MSW inverter, works fine. If possible find one with cooling fins on the outside in the back, rather than enclosed. The ones with the cooling coil enclosed in the back have a harder time keeping things cold when the temps in the room are much above normal room temperature. However, the ones with the outside cooling fins are getting harder to find, so if you can't find one, the other will likely work. Or try a second hand store/goodwill/yard sale.

Definitely go with a compressor model. TE are very inefficient, can't really cool stuff down, and can only maintain about a 40F temp difference at best. Bad news is that I've seen more than one "dorm" fridge that is really a TE unit, not a compressor driven unit. Read the label carefully.

But $100-$150 should buy you something that more than meets your needs.

[ktmrfs]

one of the "dorm" fridges. I have had one in my small home built toyhauler for 12 years now, running of a MSW inverter, works fine. If possible find one with cooling fins on the outside in the back, rather than enclosed. The ones with the cooling coil enclosed in the back have a harder time keeping things cold when the temps in the room are much above normal room temperature. and when your traveling with the trailer, it can get a mite warm in the trailer.

Definitely go with a compressor model. TE are very inefficient, can't really cool stuff down, and can only maintain about a 40F temp difference at best. Bad news is that I've seen more than one "dorm" fridge that is really a TE unit, not a compressor driven unit. Read the label carefully.

But $100-$150 should buy you something that more than meets your needs.

[pkunk]

A little smaller than what you asked about, but this one will freeze beer on a 3 setting. 10 should work at 100°!
Danby DAR195BL 1.8 cu.ft. All Refrigerator
Holds a full 30 pack!

[rockhillmanor]

When my RV fridge broke while I was on the road I picked up one of those $100 dorm fridges from Walmart. I just put it in the hall way of my MH on top of a plastic storage tub so I didn't have to bend down.

Darn thing worked so good I used it for months until I really had the time to pull off the road and have repair come out for my RV fridge.

[DrewE]

Thermoelectric is considerably less efficient than traditional with compressors etc. Many thermoelectric units struggle to maintain anything resembling cold temperatures in high ambient temperature conditions; at least some of the cheaper ones don't even bother with a thermostat, I think, and just run constantly and let the temperature fall where it will.

I think a compressor model would work better. You would probably gain some performance (and lose some aesthetics) by attaching foam insulating board around the outside, of course leaving the condenser coils and compressor unit open to air circulation. You also would be well served to avoid opening the door unnecessarily.

Based on my college dorm days, an analog thermostat works fine once you get the proper setting (which can be tricky, particularly if you care about keeping ice cream frozen and drinks thawed). I suspect a digital control might be rather similar—fine once you found the right setting, but perhaps tricky getting there.

If you have a college nearby, you may well be able to get a good deal on a used small fridge—possibly even free for the taking—if you poke around when the spring semester is ending.

[MrWizard]

Stay away from thermo electric
Stick with compressor driven