Best Portable Refrigerators in Canada | 2022 Buyer’s Guide
What is the best portable refrigerator? There are two types of these appliances: compressor and thermoelectric refrigerators. The compressor-based type is the most common and versatile. This kind of fridge provides more effective cooling, lowering temperatures much better than thermoelectric models do. Compressor fridges/freezers offer more storage options and have higher capacity. However, they produce more noise and vibrations. The main advantage of thermoelectric fridges is energy efficiency as they require only a small amount of electricity. Besides, thermoelectric models boast quiet, vibration-free operation and generally are more lightweight (~2 kg) compared to the compressor-based options.
Portable Refrigerators Сompared
COSTWAY Car Refrigerator, 70-Quart Portable Freezer | |
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Dometic CFX28 27-Quart 12v Electric Powered Compressor Fridge Freezer | |
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Alpicool C20 Portable Refrigerator, Mini Fridge Freezer | |
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Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer | |
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YAPASPT Portable Thermoelectric Refrigerator | |
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Whether you're camping, enjoying some tailgating, or having a simple picnic, a portable refrigerator or a portable freezer can come in handy. It's one of the easiest methods of keeping food and drinks cool, and some are even capable of warming everything up as well. It does benefit you to have a good portable refrigerator, however. The best types can maintain their intended temperature ranges and are easy to transport. Below, you will discover more about portable refrigerators in addition to the top 5 models on the market.
How Do Portable Refrigerators Work?
As previously stated, portable refrigerators are intended to keep food and drinks cool. Some products are capable of warming everything up as well.
When it comes to these types of refrigerators, various cooling technology is used. There are two primary technologies you will generally find:
Compressor
This may be the most common type of portable refrigerator as it most closely resembles the refrigerators found in households. Because of that, these types tend to be the most efficient. You can run these types of portable refrigerators with 12V DC power or AC power.
These compressors are versatile, making them advantageous for almost all situations. It doesn’t weigh too much in the car either, so you can keep it plugged in during your road trip or camping excursion.
Thermoelectric
Thermoelectric portable refrigerators rely on electricity to move the heat out of the refrigerator. They can cool or warm food and drink, but they are not as efficient as their compressor counterparts. What they do best is for one-time usages such as tailgating or other outdoor activities.
These types of portable refrigerators are generally compact and light in weight which can make it easier when transporting them.
Top Best Portable Refrigerators
1. Dometic CFX28 12v Electric Powered Cooler
The Dometic CFX28 offers flexibility as you can freeze or cool with the unit. There are even separate cooling compartments for vegetables and fruits. You can control the temperature directly on the unit or use the Wi-Fi app. However, there are reported complications with the app.
As for durability, it's built to last with stainless steel hinges and reinforced corners. It has low power consumption for use with AC or DC, making it great for solar setups for those living off-grid.
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Dometic: Check the current price
2. Alpicool C20 Portable Refrigerator 21 Quart (20 Liter)
The Alpicool portable freezer and refrigerator fits well in your home or outdoors. It can run on 12/24V DC, 110V-240V AC power, and small solar systems. This is best for those living off-grid or those coming from a fishing trip and who need to keep their newfound catch cold.
It offers plenty of space as it's capable of fitting about 25 cans of soda. The plastic material is light and easy to carry, but take caution as it can slide around in your car.
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Alpicool: Check the current price
3. Wagan EL6224 24 Liter Electric Car Cooler and Warmer
This portable refrigerator from Wagan is designed for both cool and warm items. The built-in light will alert you whether it's in warming mode or cooling mode.
With a 24L capacity, it's capable of holding up to four 2L bottles vertically, making it ideal for storing snacks for family road trips. It operates on a 12V DC for use in a vehicle, but it's also capable of using AC. However, the adapter is sold separately.
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4. Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer (4 Liter / 6 Can)
With this cooler and warmer from Cooluli, you can easily switch between modes to keep items cold or hot all day. You can even select from five colors.
This unit tends to appeal more to moms who need to keep breast milk cool without leaving their bedrooms or office, and to college students living in dorms. Though it has a magnetic self-lock latch door, the seal itself could be better.
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Cooluli: Check the current price
5. YAPASPT Electric Car Cooler 25L 12V DC | Lightweight Collapsible Portable Thermoelectric Refrigerator
The YAPASPT electric car cooler is a good choice for those going on a family picnic or camping trip. Designed like a handbag, transporting it is easy and stylish.
It keeps items warm or cool, and it has insulated pearl cotton and aluminum foil lining for thermal resistance to maintain temperature for a few hours unplugged. This also fights off mold and bacteria. It'll benefit you to pre-chill items beforehand though to get the most out of it.
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YAPASPT: Check the current price
Expert Opinion: Isaac Harrison, Expert in Battery-Backed Systems
Isaac Harrison, Expert in Battery-Backed Systems
Isaac Harrison specializes in battery-backed and solar systems, with over eight-year experience with renewable energy. Isaac worked with Aussie Batteries & Solar in Queensland and today, he is director and co-founder of Melbourne-based Bunjil Energy.
Often people wonder how many amps that portable fridge or freezer is expected to use during their camping trip. On average, a portable fridge will draw between 1 to 4 times per hour depending on the outside temperature. So you can expect to use about 20 to 60 amps per day. When you run your unit solely as a fridge, you can expect to use approximately one to two amps per hour. If you use the device as a freezer, the usage will increase to about 2 to 4 amps per hour, although you can have a peak now and again of up to 5 amps in a dual combination as a fridge and a freezer. You can expect it to use somewhere in between around 2.5 to 3 amps per hour. Not only does the temperature setting influence the amps, but the size of the compressor and the fridge has an impact too. For example, a smaller compressor on a larger fridge won't work efficiently.
10 Best-Selling Portable Refrigerators in Canada | Comparative Table
Customers' Choice
AstroAI Mini Fridge 4 Liter/6 Can Mini Frigo AC/DC Portable Thermoelectric Cooler and Warmer for Skincare, Foods,...
- COOL TO WARM: Cool up to 32°F (18°C) below ambient temperature, or keep warm up to 150°F (66°C) ,86°F (30°C) -64°F (18°C) within an hour, 86°F (30°C) -50°F (10°C) within 2 hours, 86°F (30°C)-37°F( 3°C) within 3 hours
- 4 LITERS OF CAPACITY: Store (6) 12 oz cans with ease; Inner dimensions are 5.5” x 5.3” x 7.85”; The removable shelf makes small items like yogurt, fruit, milk, or juice easy to separate
- AC/DC ADAPTERS: Two plugs are included for both standard wall outlets and 12V cigarette lighters in vehicles; NOTE: Make sure to only run your cooler/heater while your vehicle’s engine is on or you risk draining your vehicle’s battery
- ECO-FRIENDLY ENGINEERING: Semiconductor refrigeration chip is freon-free and environmentally friendly; Quiet technology keeps sound at a minimum (25dB), so you can rest easy
- CE, FCC, ETL, RoHS certified; 3 Year Warranty Provided by AstroAI - if you have any dissatisfaction with your product quality, please reach out to us immediately
Best Value
Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator 16 Quart(15 Liter) Vehicle, Car, Turck, RV, Boat, Mini Fridge Freezer for...
- ❄ FREEZES WITHOUT ICE: -4°F(-20°C) deep chilling down performance, can be a fridge and freezer. Run great with your small solar system as well.
- ❄ STORAGE SPACE: Exterior Size- 22.4"x12.6"x10.2".16 Quart(15 Liter) capacity ,fits 20 cans of Cola.
- ❄ CAR BATTERY PROTECTION: With temperature memory function and 3 different levels for battery protection: Low, Mid, and High to protect your vehicle battery without run down.
- ❄ STRONG PLASTIC MATERIAL: Lightweight but durable and easy transport to anywhere.
- ❄ KEEP COOLING AND FRESH: Reliable sealing property construction, thick and high-Density Foam Insulation. Continues to keep cooling performance during your journey. Fresh all way and super energy saving!
Most Popular
CalmDo 35L Car Fridge Portable Travel Refrigerator Freezer, Compressor Electric Cooler, Non-Stop Cooling Supply...
- REFRIGERATED BY COMPRESSOR: Achieving rapid cooling with the compressor cooling system. Cool up from 77°F to 32°F, within 20 minutes, 77°F to 4°F, within 60 minutes. After power off, it can maintain an interior temperature ( rise up from -4°F to 68°F) for 300 minutes
- 35L LARGE CAPACITY: Holds up to 45 cans of 350ml cola/beer, or 10 bottles of 1.25L coke/fruits juice/mineral water/red wine. It's also can store fruits, vegetables, meat, cosmetics, etc. Enough for a family's entire party or picnic to use
- MULTI-USE COOLER: A 12V/24V DC vehicle outlet adapter is included for on-the-road use; a 110-240V AC home outlet adapter is also included. You could apply it at home, camping, outdoor or vehicles, etc
- GOOD STABILITY: CalmDo portable refrigerator has a shock-proof design and a standard inner basket to avoid impact on the cabinet. Keeps it running well even on the steep slopes. While Low noise design of less than 45 dB
- HUMAN-BASED DESIGN: Only needs 95 kWh a year. The 3 stages dynamic battery system prevents the car battery run down and improves car battery performance
Best Budget
Whynter FM-6TBG Insulated Transit Bag for Portable Refrigerator/Freezer Model FM-65G, Gray
- Protects and provides additional insulation for your Whynter portable freezer
- Custom-tailored with openings for your freezer's handle grips, air vents, and power cords
- Comes with a fast open top flap for quick and easy access to the freezer compartment
- A convenient side pocket allows you to tote any cords and accessories with the bag
- Comes in three different sizes to fit your FM-45G, FM-65G, FM-62DZ, and FM-85G portable refrigerator/freezer
Most Discussed & Reviewed
ARB 10802442 Portable Fridge/Freezer 47 Quart Single Zone Portable Fridge/Freezer
- The capacity of 65 x 375ml Cans. Wireless monitoring and control via compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, Front Opened Quick-release lid with non-slip glass/bottle provision
- Dual DC power inlet at opposing ends for customized installations, Front AC power inlet for quick home or powered site connection
- Tough, durable steel outer casing, Recessed carry handles with integrated tie-down points. Versatile, removable internal basket system with provision for tall items/bottle
- Convenient USB five-volt, 3,000mA outlet for charging phones and similar devices
- Highly-efficient, variable-speed compressor, Low power draw LED interior light
Best Trusted
Pinhaijing Control for -Xbox One Console Cooling Fan Cooler Controller USB Gadget DC 5V Portable of Refrigerator...
- ★We designed and produced this cooling fan to cooling and accelerated air circulation of the fan. H gear expresses high wind speed and L gear express low wind speed. OFF express turn off. The fan can accelerate air circulation and it have two USB extended port.
- ★When using, take out the dust cover near the air intake on the console. Then plug the micro USB interface of the fan into the console. The fan has two gear.
- ★H gear expresses high wind speed and L gear express low wind speed. OFF express turn off. The fan can accelerate air circulation and it has two USB extended ports.
- ★It doesn't affect the appearance of the console
Best Cheap
AfazfaUSB Charging Air Conditioner Fan Mini Portable Refrigerator Air Cooler Nano Fan (Pink)
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Other Popular portable refrigerators
TZSMSSH Jewelry Box Car Refrigerator Truck Refrigerator Portable Fridge Freezer Mini Fridge Incubator TZSMSSH
- POPULAR GIFT IDEA - The hottest gift for a mother, girlfriend, wife, daughter, colleague, friend, or any other special woman in your life.
- Portable Travel Refrigerator and Heater - Whether you are traveling on the road or camping on an RV, camper, or minivan, this car is used to heat and keep warm or cool and cool food and beverage incubators.
- External size: 33*28.5*41CM, internal size: 23*22*33.5CM.
- It has the advantages of no pollution, small size, easy to carry, lightweight, long service life, and low power consumption.
- Suitable for offices, dormitories, RVs, campers, truck cabs, cars, and SUVs.
AstroAI Mini Fridge 9 Liter/12 Can AC/DC Portable Thermoelectric Cooler and Warmer for Skincare, Foods,...
- CAPACITY: Stores (12) 12 oz cans, medications and skincare with ease; Inner dimensions are 9.96” x 8.26” x 6.22”; The removable shelf makes small items like skincare, cosmetic, food, or medications easy to separate
- COOL TO WARM: Cool up to 32°F (0°C) below ambient temperature, or keep warm up to 150°F (66°C)
- AC/DC ADAPTERS: Two plugs are included for both standard wall outlets and 12V cigarette lighters in vehicles; NOTE: Make sure to only run your cooler/heater while your vehicle’s engine is on or you risk draining your vehicle’s battery
- ECO-FRIENDLY ENGINEERING: Semiconductor refrigeration chip is freon-free and environmentally friendly; Quiet technology keeps sound at a minimum (25dB), so you can rest easy
- CE, FCC, ETL, RoHS certified; 3 Year Warranty Provided by AstroAI - if you have any dissatisfaction with your product quality, please reach out to us immediately
AstroAI Mini Fridge 9 Liter/12 Can Mini Frigo AC/DC Portable Thermoelectric Cooler and Warmer for Skincare,...
- 9 LITER STORAGE CAPACITY: Store (12) 12 oz cans! Its compact size (external: 12.91" W x 12.71" D x 13.7" H; internal: 8.26" W x 6.22" D x 9.96" H ) easily fits 20 oz soda bottles and cans; The removable shelf makes small items like cosmetics, food, or medications easy to separate. It can accommodate skincare products, lipstick, lotion, essences, masks, and much more!
- COMPACT IDEAL SIZE MAKES LIFE EASY: The fridge takes up very little room, fitting right under your nightstand. Enjoy a snack or cold drink without venturing all the way to the kitchen
- AC 110V / DC 12V ADAPTERS: Two plugs are included for both standard wall outlets and 12V cigarette lighters in vehicles, making it a great cooler on road trips; Keep your precious snacks and drinks at your office desk, away from hungry coworkers. the fridge is also perfect for keeping drinks cold at your desk
- COOL TO WARM: Cool up to 32°F (18°C) below ambient temperature, or keep warm up to 150°F (66°C); Two temperature modes maximizes the versatility of this handy fridge at home
- ECO-FRIENDLY ENGINEERING: The semiconductor refrigeration chip is freon-free and environmentally friendly; Quiet technology keeps sound at a minimum (25dB-38dB). CE, FCC, ETL, RoHS certified; 3 Year Warranty Provided by AstroAI - if you have any questions or concerns regarding your mini-fridge
FAQs about Portable Refrigerators
Yes, it is possible to leave the portable refrigerator on. Many have claimed to leave theirs on continuously for months, if not a year. Read more...
Yes, it is best to leave some space around the cooling vents. This allows for better circulation, which leads to even cooling throughout. Read more...
Generally, it is best to leave your portable refrigerator plugged in to get the most use out of it. Some maintain the temperature for a little while after being unplugged, but leaving it hooked to a power source ensures the temperature. Read more...
Will the portable refrigerator be noisy when plugged in?
This will largely depend on the model itself, but the majority of portable refrigerators make little noise. In fact, many sound just like a regular household refrigerator.
Can the refrigerator be kept on multiple surfaces?
Yes, a portable refrigerator should be able to function properly on hard surfaces such as wood, or soft surfaces such as carpet with no problems.
Benefits & Cons of Using Portable Refrigerators
There are ups and downs that come with using portable refrigerators:
Benefits
- Portability: One of the most obvious benefits that come with having a portable refrigerator is the "portability" aspect of it. Take it with you on an RV, use it outside during a camping trip or little league game, or have it during a road trip. Many can easily be plugged into your car's cigarette lighter. Having portable refrigerators with a handle makes carrying even simpler.
- Keep cool on the go: Food and drinks can maintain their coolness when you're out and about with these refrigerators, taking the worry away about food spoiling. This even pays off after a trip to the grocery store on a hot day; you can fit some perishable items inside the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
- Additional storage: Portable refrigerators even benefit you at home. Though many have regular household refrigerators, sometimes you need that extra space and don't have the means of purchasing a larger freezer. This can help those who are storing breast milk or medicine that needs to be kept cold.
Cons
- Quantity limit: Since these portable refrigerators tend to be compact and space-saving, you're limited to how much you can actually store. Many can handle a good number of drinks and food but don't expect to load them up with meals that'll last days.
- Lack of temperature control: This all depends on the model you decide to get as some do have the ability to control temperature. Many models do not, unfortunately, which can cause items inside to get too cold or too warm. This tends to occur with thermoelectric refrigerators.
Conclusion
Portable refrigerators are some of the most convenient items made. Whether you are enjoying the outdoors with a picnic or a camping trip, or you need some more space at home or in a college dorm room, a portable refrigerator can become your best friend. It keeps perishable items at their proper temperature, whether that's cool or warm, and they are generally easy to transport.
With the above reviews, FAQs, and guides, you're sure to find the best portable refrigerator for your specific needs.