Best 12 Volt Refrigerators and Coolers [Buying Guide and Reviews – 2023]

A 12 Volt refrigerator can come in quite handy whether you’re headed on a road trip or plan to spend a few months in an RV. It is also often used as a typical car fridge. It’s a great equipment to have to store your refreshing drinks and some food for the road.

A 12V fridge is one of the most popular choices when it comes to portable fridges for a car. But it can be challenging to select the right one.

Fortunately, you have a few options, and choosing the right 12V fridge is really just a matter of determining what’s most important for you and how you intend to use it.

The first 5 models are with a compressor and the other 5 are using thermoelectric cooling technology. Each of them is at the top of their categories, and our benchmarking specialist selects them specifically with customer reviews and opinions in mind.

Let’s take a look at the different types of 12V mini car fridges below.

Last updated: 01/21/2023

The best five models of 12V DC compressor refrigerators:

ManufacturerCapacity
(quarts)
Digital
Display
Our RatingPrice
Dometic
40

4.1/5$$
ARB
Editor's Choice
50

4.5/5$$$
Dometic
19

4.4/5$$
Dometic
11

4.2/5$$
Alpicool
Best Budget
21

3.9/5$

Choosing Your 12 Volt Refrigerator – What You Need to Know

A car fridge is a great alternative to the traditional cooler that requires ice. Because you don’t need to store ice inside, you can use the extra space to bring more food and drinks. But how do you choose the right one for you? Here are some of the important considerations.

Mounting Hardware

Do not overlook this factor. It’s important that your 12V fridge has robust mounting hardware so that it does not tip over when your car turns on sharp corners.

Accidental spills can cause a mess and also injuries. Make sure that your car fridge has sturdy mounting points in place. Some mini fridge models are designed with handles that you can use to anchor the unit.

Insulation

Choose a 12V/24V DC refrigerator or cooler that has thick walls and insulation. This can significantly reduce the load on your compressor if you choose a compressor-type model.

The outer casting material is also important. There are optional thermal covers that provide more insulation for your cooler.

Durability

It also needs to have a durable construction. It should withstand tough weather conditions if you intend to use it outdoors. Look for strong hinges and tough casing.

Controls

You should be able to easily see and adjust the settings of your 12V refrigerator. Some models feature digital control panels that offer a lot of conveniences.

Those are just some of the factors that you need to consider when choosing your 12V refrigerator. Ultimately, consider the size that you need and your purpose for buying one.

Compressors Get Much Cooler

The main advantage of compressor refrigerators is that they can get much cooler than thermoelectric ones. You can notice the same when looking at wine coolers. Wine coolers also come in thermoelectric and compressor models.

How Compressor Fridge Works?

12V Compressor fridges can reach temperatures of up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit or even as low as 3 degrees while if you look at the thermoelectric models we’ve listed below, they can only reach about 45 degrees. But they both have their own advantages.

Less Expensive to Operate

Compressor-type mini-fridges cost less to operate. Compressor coolers cycle on and off whenever necessary to maintain their internal temperatures. They also operate more efficiently in hot weather than thermoelectric coolers.

Provide More Storage Room

Compressor refrigerators generally provide more storage room. This is because it doesn’t have the same cooling and heating element that thermoelectric ones have. If you are concerned mainly about storage space, compressor models might be better for you.

Let’s take a look at some of the best 12V car fridges:

Dometic Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer CC40

One of our top choices in compressor fridges is the Dometic Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer. It uses a lightweight compressor that makes it highly portable. This 12V refrigerator weighs less than 25 pounds. It’s a great additional cooler for your RV, truck, or boat.

Dometic Portable Electric 12V Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer

Spacious Storage

This car fridge, a mini freezer can hold up to 40 quarts or 55 12oz sized cans of beverage. That means plenty of storage space for your food and drinks. Because you don’t have to use ice like in a traditional cooler, you can use the extra space for your food items instead. It’s great for camping, tailgating, and road trips.

Great for Home and Vehicle Use

The Dometic Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer operates on 120-volt (240V) AC  or a 12V DC or 24-volt DC so you can use it in your home and vehicle.

When going to the beach with your family, you can store your food while you’re on the road and plug it into an outlet when you are in the cottage. It’s the perfect solution.

LED Temperature Display

It’s easy to monitor the temperature of your car fridge with its LED digital temperature display. You can easily see the setting and adjust it accordingly from 3 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dometic Portable Electric 12V/24V Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer Control Panel

Space-Saving Carry Handles

This 12 Volt fridge is designed with folding carry handles so you can fold it down when it’s inside your car to save on space. Simply lift the handles up when you transport it from your car and you’re good to go. It makes it highly portable and convenient.

You can also use these same handles as hooks to anchor the cooler and keep it in position. This will help prevent spills while you’re driving.

Battery Protection

The Dometic Portable Electric Cooler Fridge Freezer features a battery protection system. It allows you to set it on high, medium, or low levels so that it cuts off the 12V/24V DC refrigerator when the voltage drops to its pre-set value.

Pros

Can be used for freezing and not just chilling food and drinks; suitable for meat products
Great for extended periods of use, AC/DC power cords included
Efficient and very low power consumption
Cools very fast; no need to wait before use

Cons

You might get some light frost on the walls when freezing
The digital temperature display may not be very accurate but the internal temperature is always correct

Click HERE to check price & user reviews

ARB 12/24V DC Fridge Freezer- 50 Quart

To those who like going on 4×4 adventures, the ARB Mini Fridge Freezer may just be what you’re looking for. It’s an ideal companion to keep your food and beverages chilled or even frozen.

The great thing is that since it’s a compressor fridge, it does not depend on ambient conditions to efficiently chill your food and drinks. You will always have a cold drink available on your trips.

Reliable Cooling and Freezing Power

This compressor 12V refrigerator is equipped with a robust compressor that provides powerful refrigeration. You can cool your food and drinks down as you would in your home freezer.

The best part is it would keep them cold all throughout your journey. It’s capable of reducing the interior temperature of the cooler up to zero degrees Fahrenheit.

This reliable cooling and freezing power can actively and passively cool your food and drinks. It works even while your vehicle is off.

Battery Protection

It features an adjustable integrated battery protection system so that the cooler sips battery power when your car is off. This allows it to keep your food and drinks cold without draining your battery.

Consumes Less Power

This 12V mini fridge consumes less power than a single headlamp. The 50-quart model is able to maintain sub-freezing temperatures in 90-degree heat while only drawing 0.87 amps per hour from a 12-volt power source. It is highly efficient without sacrificing performance.

Generous Compartment

It has a 50-quart capacity that is perfect for small groups. It’s suitable for most medium to large SUVs and pickup trucks. It also has a dairy compartment and can hold up to 72 12oz cans. The great thing about its design is that it’s tall enough to accommodate 2-liter soda bottles.

ARB 12/24V DC Fridge Freezer- 50 Quart Slider

Heavy Duty Construction

You can rely on the ARB Fridges especially on this 50 Quart freezer –  to last for years. It is designed with a super durable hinge system so that it doesn’t break down no matter how much you open and close the lid.

What’s more, is that the design is compatible with ARB fridge slides which makes it even easier to have drawer-like access to your food items.

ARB fridges or freezers can be mounted at extreme angles of up to 30 degrees without affecting operation or reliability according to the manufacturer.

Pros

No noise during the operation
Can be used with your car’s cigarette plug
Low power consumption, AC/DC power cables included
Suitable for long trips at a time

Cons

You may need additional insulation like foams or a canvas bag for optimal performance
Requires a certain amount of voltage upon startup to cool properly
Cost

Click HERE to check price & user reviews

Dometic 12v Electric Powered Cooler, Fridge Freezer CF18

Another great functional and economical choice is the Dometic 12v Refrigerator and Freezer. This is an ideal size for those traveling alone or with a couple of people.

It’s compact but has a reliable performance that is as good as what you would expect from a professional cooling system. You can choose from many sizes available.

Dometic 12v Electric Powered Cooler, Fridge Freezer

Compact and Lightweight

The Dometic Portable Freezer/Refrigerator Personal Size has a capacity of 19 quarts. It’s suitable enough for your picnic and road trips with a small group. It is really lightweight, weighing only 25 pounds, and is a great choice as a compact travel freezer.

3-Stage Battery Protection

It is designed with a battery monitor with a low-voltage shut-off that protects against a dead battery. The memory feature of this 12V/24V DC refrigerator maintains presets if the system is turned off.

Dometic 12v Electric Powered Cooler, Fridge Freezer Control Panel

Easy to Transport

This car fridge is very easy to carry and transport. It features a handle that easily folds down when not in use so you can save on storage space and it’s easy to lift up so you can transport it from one location to another.

Easy to Adjust Settings

You can easily adjust the settings by accessing the control panel at the bottom of the cooler. It has a knob and a switch that are both easy to understand.

By turning off the knob you can set the temperature, with a battery protection switch you can set 2 levels of battery protection, or no protection by leaving the switch in the middle.

Pros

Suitable for solar-powered setups
Connection DC cord included
Low power consumption
Suitable for long trips with overnights
Automatic battery cut-off to protect your battery

Cons

You may need an additional insulation canvas bag for better performance
Temperature inside grows rapidly after the unit is switched off
Weak manufacturer support

Dometic Smallest 12V Portable Freezer, Refrigerator

For those who only need a personal-size mini fridge, the Dometic Smallest Portable Car Freezer and 12V Refrigerator is a great choice. Take note that it is also available in different sizes, the smallest one is 11 quarts. Now you have the option to take your favorite drinks and keep them cold on a very portable 12v refrigerator for a car.

Dometic Smallest Portable Car Freezer/Refrigerator

Superb Energy Management

The Dometic smallest portable car freezer and refrigerator is a good investment because these units have superb energy management systems thanks to an electronic thermostat that provides flexibility for your every need. You can use any source of 12/24V DC current.

Digital Display

Easily see and set the temperature with its digital control panel that features a digital LED display. It’s easily accessible on the top of the cooler and features a simple plus and minus button so you can adjust the settings to your preferences.

Durable

This car fridge is designed with a high-impact weather-resistant polypropylene cabinet so it is extremely durable under any condition. Take it with you outside in any weather and you don’t have to worry about it breaking down.

Dometic Smallest Portable Car Freezer/Refrigerator Opened

Suitable for Solar Panels

What’s unique about this 12V refrigerator is that it offers a lot more versatility. Not only can you use it with your regular outlet but you can also use it with a solar panel. This is perfect if you have solar panels in your RV.

Pros

Extremely durable even in constant and regular use
Low power consumption
Lightweight and easy to carry

Cons

Expect a little bit of noise but not really bothersome
Small capacity 0.37 cubic feet

Click HERE to check price & user reviews

Alpicool Compressor Car Fridge 20Litres

The Alpicool Compressor Car Fridge 12 Volt refrigerator has a powerful cooling performance and is suitable for home and car use. It features superior insulation and has a durable design which makes it a great investment for families on the go. It is safe and convenient to operate and offers plenty of storage space.

Alpicool Compressor Car Fridge 20Litres

Insulation

The Alpicool Compressor Car Fridge features thick and high-density foam insulation which makes it more efficient in cooling down your food and beverages. It can be a fridge or a freezer, with its capacity to cool down up to negative 20 (-20) Centigrade (-4°F).

You never have to worry about bringing food that needs to be frozen. If you’re headed on a trip to the beach or camping and you need to keep your food or meat frozen, the Alpicool Compressor Refrigerator is the perfect solution. Simply put it inside your mini fridge and take it out when it’s time.

Digital Temperature Control

This 12V refrigerator also simplifies the entire process with its digital control panel. Easily see the current settings on the LED digital display and adjust the temperature as needed.

Alpicool Compressor Car Fridge 20Litres Control Panel

Power Inputs

This car fridge offers a versatile power supply. It features both a 12V and 24V DC as well as a 110 to 140V AC power input. That means you never have to worry about your power supply no matter where you are with your mini fridge.

3 Level Battery Monitor

This 12V refrigerator is a good investment because it protects your battery from draining with its 3-level battery monitor feature, from H1 as the lowest settings thru H2 in the middle to the safest and default value H3.

Battery protection stops the compressor and gives an F1 error on the display if the voltage drops too low. Behavior is the same for both Max and Eco modes. You never have to worry about your battery dying while it’s in operation.

Pros

Can be used to freeze food and doesn’t leak
Large storage space
Cools food and drinks fast
Runs well on battery and doesn’t drain fast
Cost

Cons

Occasional clicking noise but very minimal
Can’t stand horizontally, but safe to run on angles up to 45°from horizontal

Click HERE to check price & user reviews

12 V Compressor Refrigerators – How it Works

The most popular option when it comes to 12V refrigerators is the compressor-type model. A compressor refrigerator has a compressor at the core of its loop of pipes and tubes. It pressurizes gas until it becomes liquid. This liquid refrigerant goes into an evaporator tube.

The main difference between a thermoelectric and a compressor-type fridge is that compressors use compressed gasses (refrigerant) to cool the condensers and the thermoelectric one directly pumps heat out of the inside of the refrigerator by solid-state Peltier module which is using only one moving part –  fan or fans for distribution of cooled/warmed air inside and outside. This process is reversible in thermoelectric units, you can easily cool or heat up inside of the fridge with just a switch on the control panel.

The 12V thermoelectric units don’t use any refrigerants, so the correct name for them is 12V cooler/warmer, and because the compressor one uses refrigerants they are true 12/24V refrigerators.

Typically, compressor fridges require a lot of energy to run but in the mini car fridge that uses compressors, manufacturers have found a way to make them run on 12V or 24 DC electricity. They are great for keeping food and drinks cold for a longer period of time with better energy efficiency.

Let’s take a look at some of the best thermoelectric car coolers:

ManufacturerCapacity
(quarts)
AC/DC
Adapter
Our RatingPrice
Suaoki
7

3.8/5$
Koolatron
18

4.1/5$$
Rockpals
30

3.5/5$$$
Knox
48

3.9/5$$$
Koolatron
36

3.5/5$$

12v Thermoelectric Coolers

Thermoelectric mini-fridges have lots of advantages. They are some of the most affordable models and they are easy to operate. It’s also very easy to connect them to power sources.

Affordable

A thermoelectric 12V cooler is typically more affordable than other types of mini-fridges. It’s an inexpensive type of cooler and it’s a great choice when you’re buying a car fridge or 12V mini fridge for the first time. You can try these models first before deciding if you need to upgrade to a more expensive car fridge. If you have a standard ice-fueled cooler, this is the next and most reasonable upgrade.

Plugs Directly in Your Car Lighter

If you want to use your 12V cooler as a car fridge, you don’t have to look very far for a power source. No need to do fancy wiring or install other equipment. A thermoelectric 12V mini fridge can be plugged directly into the cigarette lighter in your car. Simply plug it into a 12V outlet and you can drive to your destination with your chilled drinks and food.

Can Be Powered by a Car Battery

A 12V fridge can also run off a standard car battery. Your car battery holds a lot of power but using it for other types of appliances can kill it. Usually, you would need a deep-cycle battery that is specially designed for longer periods of use. The great news is, you wouldn’t need one to power your thermoelectric 12V refrigerator. With a thermoelectric model, you don’t need a special battery. You can simply use your car battery.

Suaoki Portable Car Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer

This 12V cooler / warmer features a 7-quart capacity and works both as a cooler and warmer. It is nice handy equipment to bring to your family on road trips, camping, or whenever you’d like to bring some chilled or warm drinks to your drives. Whether you want a glass of cold juice or a warm hamburger on your trip, this car fridge will do the trick. It’s a reliable 12V cooler that will also save you on costs so you don’t have to buy overpriced food and drinks from roadside shops.

Suaoki Portable Car Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer 12V Refrigerator

Cooling and Heating

The Suaoki Portable Car Fridge allows you to store either cool beverages or warm food. It cools up to 18 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit lower than ambient temperature and heats up to 104 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Furthermore, this car fridge can keep its inside cool or warm even after a while without power because of its thermal insulation system.

Suaoki Portable Car Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer 12V Refrigerator Settings

Easy to Use

This thermoelectric 12V mini-fridge is easy to use. Simply plug the car fridge into your vehicle’s 12V DC outlet or any other 12V power supply and it will start cooling or heating right away. The unit also works with the compatible Suaoki Power Station.

Portable Design

The Suaoki Portable Car Fridge is highly portable because of its design. It includes a shoulder strap that makes it easy to transport. The material is lightweight so it’s easy to carry around. This is great for all your outdoor activities like picnics or camping and traveling.

Organized Storage

This 12V refrigerator features a 3-part storage space so you can easily organize your food and drinks. It has a dual can and cup holder for your beverage and a big square for food and fruits. It helps keep things organized.

Pros

Can be used with a Suaoki 220wh generator
Plugs directly into your car’s 12DC outlet
Slim but has a good internal capacity
Warming and cooling modes

Cons

No USB port
Not for long-distance overnight trips
AC-to-DC adapter is not included

Click HERE to check price & user reviews

Koolatron 18 qt. Compact Cooler

The Koolatron 18 qt. The compact Cooler is designed for those who have active lifestyles. This is perfect if you or your family are constantly on the go. This 12V cooler goes along for the ride while keeping all your snacks and drinks cool. Best of all, you would not need to store any ice which just takes up a lot of storage space. Devote all the storage capacity to your favorite food and drinks when on the road.

Koolatron 18 qt. Compact Cooler

Slim and Compact

This 12V fridge has a slim design and is very compact. It’s suitable for different types of vehicles like minivans, SUVs, and even smaller cars. The car fridge fits into tight spaces between and behind your car seats.

Plugs Directly to a Car Cigarette Lighter Socket

The cooler plugs directly into your car’s cigarette lighter socket so you don’t have to worry about the power supply. You can also plug this 12V mini fridge into any standard outlet if you are in a cottage or hotel using an optional AC adapter.

Quiet Cooling and Heating

The Koolatron 18 qt. The compact Cooler also works as a heater to warm your food. It features a quiet fan that silently circulates air for even cooling or heating. It heats up to approximately 135 degrees Fahrenheit and cools to approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit below the outside temperature.

Durable

Because this cooler has only one moving part which is the fan motor, this 12V cooler is extremely durable. You don’t have to worry about individual parts breaking down. The solid-state Peltier module heat pump is not affected by tilting, jarring, or vibration. This is a major advantage of thermoelectric coolers compared to compressor ones. It’s small and powerful with its 12V cooling module which is as small as a matchbook and can deliver the cooling power of a 10-pound block of ice.

Koolatron 18 qt. Compact Cooler from Behind

Pros

Suitable for cooling food for long trips
Lightweight and convenient to transport
Decent amount of storage space

Cons

Works really well but you need to ensure there is good circulation; make sure there is enough air circulating underneath
Because this cools at 40 degrees Fahrenheit below the room temperature, this can cause things to freeze inside the fridge if the car A/C is turned on

Click HERE to check price & user reviews

Rockpals Electric Cooler/Warmer on Wheels and Handle, Portable Thermoelectric Chiller

If you want something that has more capacity but is still portable, the Rockpals Electric Cooler/Warmer is a great option. It is ready to carry all your food and drinks with its spacious interior. This is great when traveling in large groups or on longer road trips.

Rockpals Electric Cooler/Warmer on Wheels and Handle, Portable Thermoelectric Chiller

Cooling and Warming Modes

This thermoelectric 12V cooler is capable of both cooling and warming your food and drinks. It has a cooling and a warming mode. When you use the cooling mode, the contents inside will stay cool up to 28 degrees Fahrenheit below the ambient temperature. And in warming mode, your food and drinks can warm up to approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is a convenient hot and cold switch with indicator lights so you can easily adjust the settings and choose the mode that you want to use.

Family Size

This car fridge is quite ideal for families because of its massive capacity of the interior chamber (30 Quart). It measures 15.5 x 12.4 x 9.9 inches. That’s enough for five 2-liter of soda or 40 cans. It is capable of handling your family’s entire lunch or dinner. Simply load up your cooler and head out to the park or beach.

Portable

The Rockpals Electric Cooler/Warmer is really easy and convenient to transport. It is designed with a folding handle and has built-in wheels so you can simply roll it to your picnic site. It’s extremely convenient to take, transport, and use.

Rockpals Electric Cooler/Warmer on Wheels and Handle, Portable Thermoelectric Chiller Features

Secure Storage

This thermoelectric 12V mini-fridge stores your food and drinks securely with an easy locking mechanism. It keeps the lid tightly sealed so that it maintains the internal temperature while it protects your food items from accidentally dropping out.

Environmentally Friendly

Best of all, the Rockpals Electric Cooler/Warmer is safe for the environment. There are no CFCs or refrigerants inside the unit so it doesn’t leak any harmful chemicals into the environment.

Pros

Has cooling and warming modes
Works with a portable battery supply when outdoors
Can fit in wine bottles
Keeps food fresh when in warming mode

Cons

Overnight cooling may be required before use for optimal performance
Prone to being accidentally switched from cooling to warming so ensure that area is safe

Click HERE to check price & user reviews

Knox Gear Electric Cooler/Warmer with Built-in Car and Home Plug

Another family-sized car fridge is the Knox Gear Electric Cooler/Warmer with Built-in Car and Home Plug. It is the perfect equipment for your family for all your activities all year round. It features a massive 48-quart interior and can keep your food and drinks hot or cold.

Knox Gear Electric Cooler/Warmer with Built-in Car and Home Plug Refrigerator

Tall and Wide

The dimensions of your car fridge are also important aside from its capacity. This 12V fridge is tall enough to fit 2-liter soda bottles while leaving enough room for other food containers. There is plenty of space so you can pack everyone’s favorite food.

Keeping Your Food Toasty

This thermoelectric 12V cooler can keep your food properly heated when you’re out on the road. On the Hot setting, the interior heats up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. It actively maintains this temperature so that it keeps your soups and bread ready to eat at any time.

Knox Gear Electric Cooler/Warmer with Built-in Car and Home Plug Refrigerator Features

Keeping Your Food Fresh and Cool

On a Cold setting, this 12V mini fridge can also keep your food and drinks cool. It chills and preserves your food when you’re on the road. Its inside can get down to a chilly temperature of up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It will maintain the temperature to keep your beverages and salads cool. This is great for your trips to the beach when you’re camping or tailgating, and your road trips with your family.

Built-in Adapter

What’s unique about its design is its 5 ½ foot long 12V DC adapter cable. It is safely tucked in a built-in chamber in the lid. Simply spin the cover and you can access the cable. This makes the cooler suitable both for indoor and outdoor use.

Prevents Accidental Spills

The car fridge is designed with a locking mechanism that keeps the lid tightly sealed. It maintains the internal temperature and protects it from accidental spills.

Pros

Very quiet operation
Nice large storage space for plenty of food and drink items
The warmer keeps food from freezing when in really cold climates
Great for long-distance trips

Cons

Needs pre-cooling to work properly

Click HERE to check price & user reviews

Koolatron 36 qt. Kool Kaddy Cooler

The Koolatron 36 qt. Kool Kaddy 12V Cooler is the perfect companion for long trips. It features 36 quarts of storage space so you can store sufficient amounts of food and drinks for the road. You can bring this 12V mini fridge to the beach, your campsite, or any sporting event. It is extremely convenient to transport and store in your car while you’re on the road.

Koolatron 36 qt. Kool Kaddy Cooler 12V Refrigerator

Cooler and Warmer

This thermoelectric 12V fridge works both as a cooler and warmer. It features simple operations to switch from heating and cooling. It’s great for those with newborns because you can warm milk for your baby while on the road.

It cools up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit below ambient temperature and heats up to 135 degrees Fahrenheit in warming mode.

Convenient Storage

The Koolatron 36 qt. Kool Kaddy Cooler is easy to place anywhere on your vehicle. It can sit either horizontally or vertically so you can save on space and have easy access to your food and beverage. It can be used as a small wine cooler which is portable.

Koolatron 36 qt. Kool Kaddy Cooler 12V Refrigerator Standing Position

Power Consumption

This 12V refrigerator consumes around 5 Amps of power regarding measurements. You can easily plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter and it will cool or warm your food and drinks on the whole trip. It’s great for day trips, overnight journeys, and even boating and fishing.

Durable

Because this cooler has only one moving part which is the fan motor, this 12V cooler is extremely durable. You don’t have to worry about individual parts breaking down. The solid-state thermoelectric heat pump is not affected by tilting, jarring, or vibration. It also features polypropylene material that makes it highly durable.

Pros

One of the more moderately priced with good quality performance
Has an excellent cooling feature; temperature drops easily
Brushless motor and quiet fan for air circulation
Plenty of room inside

Cons

Less insulation in walls compared to others, may need additional insulation for optimal performance
Some users were complaining about higher power consumption

Click HERE to check price & user reviews

Other Types of 12V Refrigerators

Aside from the thermoelectric and compressor models, there are other types of 12V refrigerators.

Absorption Refrigerators also known as Gas Refrigerators

An absorption refrigerator is similar to a compressor type because it uses refrigerant gas. Both absorption and compressor refrigerators use a refrigerant with a very low boiling point (less than −18 °C (0 °F)). In both types, when this refrigerant evaporates (boils), it takes some heat away from it, providing a cooling effect. The main difference between the two systems is the way the refrigerant is changed from a gas back into a liquid so that the cycle can repeat. An absorption refrigerator changes the gas back into a liquid using a method that needs only heat and has no moving parts other than the refrigerant itself. Both of them have no moving parts and require less energy, however, absorption fridges may take more time to cool than compressors.

Eutectic Refrigerators

Eutectic cooling is based on the term eutectic which means the freezing point of the fluid. For these models, the refrigerant is contained in tanks. Its primary advantage is that they save you on fuel costs and maintenance. It’s quite the green alternative though it’s not ideal for everyone because they require a tank.

 

FAQ:

What is the best 12v fridge?

1. ARB 12/24V DC Fridge Freezer- 50 Quart
2. Dometic 12v Electric Powered Cooler, Fridge Freezer – 19 Quart
3. Dometic Smallest 12V Portable Freezer, Refrigerator – 11 Quart
4. Dometic Portable Electric Refrigerator/Freezer CC40 – 40 Quart
5. Alpicool Compressor Car Fridge 20Litres – 21 Quart

What is the best 12v cooler?

1. Koolatron 18 qt. Compact Cooler
2. Knox Gear Electric Cooler/Warmer with Built-in Plug – 48 Quart
3. Suaoki Portable Car Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer – 7 Quart
4. Rockpals Electric Cooler/Warmer on Wheels and Handle – 30 Quart
5. Koolatron 36 qt. Kool Kaddy Cooler