What is the best portable fridge? 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. In addition, compressor fridges offer more storage options and have higher capacity. However, they produce more noise and vibrations. The major 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 are generally more lightweight than compressor-based options.

Portable Fridges Compared

Dometic CFX-65 60L 12V Portable Compressor Fridge Freezer 
With a weight of 22 kg, this portable compressor freezer has a compact design. The unit features a 60-liter capacity and 2 separate compartments for cooling and freezing. Power source: 12/24V DC and 100-240V AC. Its high-performance compressor reaches -22ºC. Built-in 3-stage battery protection and electronic thermostat.

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Alpicool C20 Portable Car Fridge Freezer
This 20-liter fridge can hold up to 30 cans of drinks or nine bottles of wine. Made with durable material, it weighs only 9 kg. The unit freezes down to -20℃, with low, medium, and high settings for battery protection.

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Wagan 12V Portable Electric Cooler/Warmer - 24L Capacity 
Designed with two temperature settings, the fridge cools down to 2ºC in half an hour and heats up to 60ºC. It has a 24-liter capacity, a 7-foot DC power cord, and a heavy-duty handle.

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Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer
A super lightweight (2.2 kg) thermoelectric mini fridge with a 4-liter capacity. It has a sleek design and is available in 7 colors. The unit is Freon-free. Perfect for skincare & beauty products like serums, creams, and medications.

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Koolatron D25 Hybrid Portable 12V Lightweight Cooler Bag
This collapsible fridge is made with a waterproof soft-sided bag and is a perfect choice for traveling. It holds up to 25 liters and has a 50 lbs. load capacity. Thermoelectric technology and brushless fan motor. Cools to 22°C below the surrounding temperature.

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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 fridge, 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 in 2022.

How Do Portable Fridges Work?

As previously stated, portable refrigerators keep food and drink cool. Some products are capable of warming everything up as well.

When it comes to the 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 fridge 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 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 fridges 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 usage, such as tailgating or other outdoor activities. They are generally compact and light in weight which can make it easier when transporting them.

Top Best Portable Fridges | Reviews

1. Dometic CFX-65 60L Portable Compressor Fridge Freezer

The Dometic CFX-65 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. 

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.

Pros Cons
  • Quickly cools items down
  • Easy-to-use digital controls
  • Interior LED light
  • A little on the heavy side
  • The compressor can get noisy

Dometic: Check the current price

2. Alpicool C20 Portable Fridge/Freezer (20 Liters)

The Alpicool portable freezer and refrigerator fit 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 that 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.

Pros Cons
  • Change display between Fahrenheit and Celsius
  • Cools quickly
  • Energy-saver
  • Compressor can short circuit
  • Initial plastic-like smell

Alpicool: Check the current price

3. Wagan 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. 

Pros Cons
  • Deep, spacious inside
  • Even cooling throughout
  • Less susceptible to overheating
  • Plug cable doesn't detach
  • Low-quality handle

Wagan: Check the current price

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.

Pros Cons
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Near-silent operation
  • Comes with cords for home and car
  • Might cause condensation outside
  • Could benefit from being taller

Cooluli: Check the current price

5. Portable Thermoelectric Car Cooler Bag | Best Camping Fridge

The Koolatron 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.

Pros Cons
  • Easy to wipe down and clean
  • Simple to carry
  • Waterproof
  • Doesn't cool down warm liquids
  • Cord connector seems flimsy

Koolatron: Check the current price

10 Most Popular Portable Fridges in the Uk | Comparative Table

Customers' Choice

Best Value

Most Popular

Best Budget

Most Discussed & Reviewed

Best Cheap

Best Trusted Camping Fridge UK

Other Popular Portable Refrigerators

FAQs about Portable Fridges

Is it possible to leave the item running 24/7?

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...

Should you leave room in the refrigerator when running the cooling function?

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...

Does it need to be plugged in all the time to work?

Generally, it is best to leave it 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 fridge 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, it should be able to function properly on hard surfaces such as wood, or soft surfaces such as carpet with no problems.

Benefits & Cons 

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 fridge 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. 
  • 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 it to keep them fresh.
  • Additional storage: 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 fridges 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, they 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.

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