There are two types of 12V fridges: compressor fridges and thermoelectric coolers. The compressor-based type provides more effective cooling, lowering temperatures much better than thermoelectric models do, and has a higher capacity. Thermoelectric fridges are energy efficient as they require a small amount of electricity, boast quiet, vibration-free operation, and are more lightweight. 

If you want to learn more about the differences between compressor and thermoelectric refrigerators, read Best Portable Refrigerators in Canada Compared in 2021

Compressor Fridge & Thermoelectric Cooler Compared

Which one to choose: a compressor-based fridge or a thermoelectric one? To answer this question, we have compared two models, each representing each type, and compared them based on the most essential criteria. The first one is the Koolatron 12V Travel Electric Cooler and Costway Portable Car Refrigerator.

Temperature Range

Being a compressor-based unit, the Costway Refrigerator is more efficient in terms of cooling and can lower temperatures better than the thermoelectric Koolatron P95. Specifically, the Costway model has a temperature range of -14.8°F (-26°C) to 50°F (10°C) while the Koolatron unit can cool only to 40°F (22°C). As you can see, the former is more versatile and can not only keep your food and drinks cool but also freeze them if needed. There are some more benefits, though. The Costway refrigerator features an energy-saving mode and a fast-cooling mode. You can control temperatures via a user-friendly display panel as well as switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

The Koolatron P95, on the other hand, is good for keeping things cool but not cold. It’s not like it is deprived of other benefits except for the lower price. Not at all. In some situations, it may be even a better choice than the Costway option. For instance, it has a warming mode allowing you to heat food to 135°F (57°C). This is particularly beneficial if you need an all-in-one unit for short picnics and car trips. On the other hand, the device has no thermostat, so you cannot control the temperature — it can be either 22°C or 60°C, and that’s it.

Capacity

Typically, compressor coolers provide more storage room than thermoelectric models. However, it isn’t the case with the Koolatron P95 that has a whopping 43-liter capacity versus 35 liters of the Costway Refrigerator. This high-capacity thermoelectric cooler can hold more than 70 cans, which will be enough for a big party or a long car trip. Moreover, it features a domed-lid design that expands the cooler’s capacity even more so that it could fit large food items. While being of the lower capacity, the Costway fridge is nonetheless pretty roomy and can accommodate more than 65 bottles of 330ml drinks. What we particularly like about this model is that its interior is divided into two sections: one is for refrigeration and the other is for freezing.

Energy Efficiency

One of the disadvantages of thermoelectric coolers is that they operate uninterruptedly, whereas compressor fridges get a break from time to time and do not run at a 100-percent capacity. When the unit reaches the necessary temperature, the compressor shuts off. Since thermoelectric fridges are designed to only maintain the set temperature, they are more energy-efficient than thermoelectric coolers that operate constantly. Apart from having low energy consumption, the Costway Refrigerator offers 3-level battery protection. Additionally, the unit can operate from 100V to 240V outlets. As for the Koolatron P95, it is a battery-hungry device. We recommend that you disconnect the unit when your car is not running because, otherwise, it will drain your battery.

Design & Noise Level

One of the strengths of the Koolatron P95 is its enhanced portability. The unit weighs only 6.5 kg whereas the Costway Refrigerator is three times heavier. Despite being of lower capacity, the Costway compressor-based unit is bulkier and measures 67 cm x 46 cm x 44 cm versus 53-by-38-by-44-centimeter dimensions of the Koolatron. On the other hand, the Costway fridge is sturdier and boasts a shock-proof design, and is made with stainless steel handles. Besides, it comes with two doors for better accessibility and a built-in LED light for comfortable night-time usage. The Koolatron P95 features a durable injection-molded exterior, molded inset handles, and includes a 12V power cord. Basket-style shelves make it easier to organize the content while a magnetic seal allows you to use the cooler in any position.

As for the noise level, the Costway fridge is very quiet and emits only 45db of noise. And yet, if you are looking for the quietest cooler, go with the Koolatron, which is totally silent. It operated so noiselessly that we had to check it to make sure that the unit was running. Quite logically, given that silent operation is typical for thermoelectric coolers because they have no moving parts except for a slight hum produced by a fan. If you place the unit on a firm and even surface, you will not hear any noise whatsoever.

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