Car Fridges
Car fridges, also known as portable fridges or cool boxes, are compact refrigerators designed to keep food and drinks cold while you’re on the go. They’re a great option for road trips, camping trips, picnics, and other outdoor activities.
Popular Features of Car Fridges
- Digital Thermostats: These provide precise temperature control and easy monitoring. Many models display both the current and target temperature, allowing you to fine-tune cooling for optimal performance.
- cupholders and Can Dispensers: Built-in cupholders and can dispensers prevent spills and keep drinks organised, especially during bumpy rides. No more loose cans rolling around!
- Energy Efficiency Ratings: Just like home appliances, car fridges have energy efficiency ratings. These ratings indicate how much power the fridge consumes, impacting battery usage. Understanding these ratings can help you choose a more economical option for your needs. Different rating systems may apply depending on your location, so do some research to understand yours.
- Additional Features: Look for car fridges with features like:
- Reversible Doors: This feature allows you to open the car fridge door from either side, increasing convenience depending on car model and placement.
- USB Charging Ports: Some car fridges offer USB ports to charge your phone or other devices while on the go. This can be a helpful feature for long road trips.
- Digital Thermostats: Digital thermostats provide precise temperature control and easy monitoring. They often display both the current and target temperature, allowing for adjustments to optimise cooling performance.
- cupholders and Can Dispensers: Built-in cupholders and can dispensers prevent drinks from spilling and keep them organised, especially during bumpy rides.
- Removable Shelves: Removable shelves allow for easier cleaning and organising your food and drinks within the car fridge.
- Interior Lighting: Interior lighting provides better visibility inside the fridge, especially when searching for items at night.
- Carrying Handles and Straps: Carrying handles and straps make it easier to transport your car fridge, especially useful for picnics and outdoor activities.
Why Choose a Car Fridge?
- Beat the Heat: No more soggy sandwiches or lukewarm drinks! Car fridges keep your food and beverages perfectly chilled, even on the hottest summer days.
- Picnic Perfection: Pack worry-free for beach trips, barbecues in the park, or spontaneous adventures. Your car fridge ensures your snacks and drinks stay fresh and delicious.
- Road Trip Rockstar: Hitting the road for a long journey? A car fridge lets you stock up on healthy snacks and drinks, saving you money on overpriced motorway services.
- Versatility is Key: Many car fridges can also function as coolers, keeping your goodies chilled even without a power source for shorter outings.
Choosing the Perfect Car Fridge
There’s a car fridge out there for every budget and travel style. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Size: How much space do you have in your car, and how much food and drink do you typically need to store?
- Power Source: Will you primarily use your car fridge on 12V power from your cigarette lighter, or do you need a model that can also run on mains electricity? Some even have built-in batteries for short-term use without a power source.
- Cooling Technology: There are two main types: thermoelectric and compressor. Thermoelectric fridges are quieter and more affordable, but they can’t get as cold as compressor models.
- Features: Do you require a fridge with a built-in freezer compartment? Some models even have handy extras like cupholders and adjustable shelves.
Learn more fridge key terms
Our Top Picks
- Best 12v car fridge 15L — Alpicool C15 Car Fridge
- Best 12v 50l car fridge – Smad 12V 50L Caravan Fridge [Upgraded]
- Best 36L car fridge — Bodega 36L Car Fridge
- Best 40L car fridge cooler — DOMETIC ACX3 40G Portable Absorption Cool box – 41L
- Best car fridge freezer 30L — Alpicool CX30 30L Portable Refrigerator Car Fridge Freezer
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Editor's Picks: Best Car Fridges
We've selected these fridges for their size, features, and value. Find the perfect one for your needs!
Displayed by Best Ratings. See how we rate fridges: link here
Showing 211–235 of 235 results
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Portable Insulin Cooler Travel Case – Mini Fridge for Insulin...
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Portable 12V Car Refrigerator: Oreq Mini Fridge with Thermoelectric...
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Koolatron Retro 4L 6 Can Portable Mini Fridge
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12V Car Fridge 18L – Portable Mini Fridge Freezer with...
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NORTHCLAN 15L Mini Fridge for Bedrooms Black – AC/DC Powered
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Coca Cola Coke Zero 4L 6 Can Portable Cooler/Warmer
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Koolatron Retro Mini Fridge 4L 6 Can Portable Cooler Compact...
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Bodega Car Fridge 8L
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Koolatron Thermoelectric Iceless 12V Cool Box
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EMtronics EMMF16WHT Mini Fridge 16L – White
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Professional Beauty Refrigerator, 12L
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Longziming Makeup Beauty Mini Fridge – 8L
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Garosa Portable Mini USB Fridge Beverage Beer Drink Cans Cooler
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Alpicool C20 Car Fridge – 20 Litre Portable Mini Fridge...
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Russell Hobbs Silver Mini Fridge – Retro Style, Silver
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ARTETHYS Mini Fridge for Bedrooms and Offices – 10L
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SENSIOHOME 10L Mini Fridge Cooler & Warmer – AC+DC...
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Coca-Cola SPO04 Sprite 4L 6 Can Portable Cooler/Warmer –...
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LVARA 9L Pink Mini Fridge – Portable Skincare Fridge (Quiet)
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DR. PEPPER MIS135DRP Curtis Mini Fridge
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HOMCOM 4L Mini Fridge – White
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Smad 3 Way Fridge[Upgraded] – Black – 40L
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Subcold Vanity6 – 6 Litre Beauty Fridge – White
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Smad 3 Way Campervan Fridge – 40L – Black
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Youyijia 4L Mini Car Fridge – White
Safety Considerations for Food Storage
Using a car fridge for food storage requires proper precautions to prevent food bourne illnesses. Here are some key points to remember:
- Reference Reputable Sources: Always follow guidelines from trusted sources like the NHS (https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/policies/food-safety-policy/) for safe food storage at proper temperatures.
- Maintain Cold Temperatures: Proper temperature control is crucial. Pack your food in insulated containers for additional protection and maintain proper air circulation by not overloading the fridge.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Clean your car fridge regularly to prevent bacteria growth. Wipe down surfaces with a mild disinfectant solution and keep spills cleaned up promptly.
Car Fridge FAQs
- Q: How much power does a car fridge use? A: The power consumption depends on the size and type of fridge. However, many models are designed to be energy-efficient.
- Q: Can I use my car fridge at home? A: Yes, some car fridges come with adapters that allow you to plug them into a mains electricity socket.
- Q: How do I clean my car fridge? A: Most car fridges have removable shelves and interiors that are easy to wipe clean.