Best Portable Fridge in the UK 2022 | Comparison, Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
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 | |
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Alpicool C20 Portable Car Fridge Freezer | |
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Wagan 12V Portable Electric Cooler/Warmer - 24L Capacity | |
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Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer | |
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Koolatron D25 Hybrid Portable 12V Lightweight Cooler Bag | |
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Koolatron: Check the current price
10 Most Popular Portable Fridges in the Uk | Comparative Table
Customers' Choice
Mini Fridge 15 Liter/18 Cans Cooler & Warmer Small Fridge Portable AC/DC Mini Refrigerator for Car and Home,...
- 🎁15 Liter Beauty Fridge: mini fridge's cold temperature range is 5-8°C, which is the best temperature for storing various essences. The removable shelf makes small items like skincare and cosmetics easy to separate, the best gift for women and girls.
- 🎁Cooler and Warmer Mini Refrigerator: The advanced thermoelectric system can cool up to 5°C below the ambient temperature or heat up to 65°C. Keep your drinks cold or food warm at a flick of a switch!
- 🎁AC/DC Adapters: Two plugs are included for both standard wall outlets and 12V cigarette lighters in vehicles, YOU can use Beauty Fridge in home and outdoor.
- 🎁Eco & Max Mode: With 2 energy modes, "ECO" (energy saving), "MAX" (quick cooling), you can choose the ECO mode to save energy and money or MAX mode to fast cooling.
- 🎁Perfect Portability: Great for personal spaces, travel, offices, dorms, road trips, boating, camping, tailgating, commuting, and more! Its small size and sleek design make it a perfect fit for anywhere.
Best Value
AstroAI Mini Fridge 4 Litre/6 Can Portable AC/DC Powered Thermoelectric System Cooler and Warmer for Cars, Homes,...
- COOL TO WARM: Cool up to 32°F (0°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 (25 Db), 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
Most Popular
Best Budget
Most Discussed & Reviewed
Mini Fridge 8 Liter Beauty Fridge, 2 in 1 Makeup Mirror Skincare Fridge with LED Light, Compact Portable Cooler...
- 【Makeup Mirror Skin Care Fridge】The mini fridge unique mirror design can be used for a makeup mirror in bedrooms, dormitories, offices and dressing rooms, very fashionable and convenient. Delicate makeup that will illuminate the details of your face perfect.
- 【Cold & Warm 8L Fridge】You can switch between cooling and Heating according to your needs. Minimum cooling temperature: 22°C-25°C below ambient temperature. Maximum heating temperature: 65°C. Our fridge are great for skincare and cosmetics - and are big enough. Can extend the shelf life of all your skincare by 40%.
- 【Multiple Functions】: This multifunctional mini fridge features cooling and heating functions. Not only can be used for refrigerating beverages, fruits, food, medicines, skincare and other essentials, but also can be used for store hot drinks, warm milk, breast milk, lunch and so on.
- 【Silent / Energy-saving Design】There is no compressor-type start-up noise or vibration noise, and efficient cooling is achieved, resulting in quiet and stable operation. The portable refrigerator is only 28 dB. This is a very soft voice, but for light sleep, do not put it in the bedroom to avoid disturbing your rest.
- 【AC/DC Adapter】Includes plugs for both standard home outlets and 12V car chargers. NOTE: Make sure to only run your cooler/heater while your vehicle’s engine is on or you risk draining your vehicle’s battery.
Best Cheap
iceQ 22 Litre Portable Mini Fridge - Black, Cooler & Warmer, 220-240V AC & 12V DC, Dual Peltier System
- Ideal for home, office, and bedroom use, for keeping snacks & drinks warm or cold
- Door with Magnetic Lock, Digital temperature control
- Quiet Dual Peltier System (30DB), AC & DC cables included
- Cooling Range: 0°C-65°C (Ambient temperature dependent) - Capable of reaching optimum temperature in Under 10 Minutes
- Holds up to 27 330ml drink cans
Best Trusted Camping Fridge UK
Alpicool C15 Car Fridge 12v 15L Car Mini Fridge Car Refrigerator Portable Quiet Camping Fridge Freezer Vehicle...
- ❆ FREEZES WITHOUT ICE & FASTER COOLING: -20℃(-4℉)to 20℃(68℉) powerful chilling performance. The Alpicool C15 car refrigerator can be a fridge and freezer it can be cooling to 0℃(32℉) in 30 minutes
- ❆ CAR BATTERY PROTECTION. Alpicool car fridges have temperature memory function and 3 different levels for battery protection: Low, Med and High to protect your vehicle battery without run down.
- ❆ SUPER ENERGY SAVING. Two different modes can be adjusted as needed, MAX & ECO MODE. The refrigerating system will stop operating when the car freezer reaches the set temperature and will restart to operating when the temperature in the box has risen a few degree Centigrade/Fahrenheit.
- ❆ RUGGED DESIGN: The car fridge freezer owns shockproof and durable design for handing rocky road. Incline operation up to 45° angel in short time.
- ❆ KEEP COOLING AND FRESH: Reliable sealing property construction, thick and high density foam insulation. Continues keep cooling performance during your journey. Fresh all way! !! If any question about operation, please first contact us and we will provide professional technical guidance.
Other Popular Portable Refrigerators
Alpicool K25 25 Liter Portable Car Fridge Freezer 12/24V Car Refrigerator Cooler Box, Electric Mini Fridge Freezer...
- ❆ COMPACT LAYOUT WHILE LARGE CAPACITY. Alpicool K25 car refrigerator with 23‘’x 13.2’’ x 13.8’’ exterior size, you can carry it everywhere easily with two handles. This 25L car fridge is spacious enough to hold 44x330ml coca-colas or 22x550ml drinking bottles.
- ❆ FREEZES WITHOUT ICE & FASTER COOLING: -20℃(-4℉)to 20℃(68℉) powerful chilling performance. The Alpicool K25 car refrigerator can be a fridge and freezer, it can be cooling to 0℃(32℉) in 30 minutes.
- ❆ CAR BATTERY PROTECTION. Alpicool Car Fridges have temperature memory function and 3 different levels for battery protection: Low, Med and High to protect your vehicle battery without run down.
- ❆ SUPER ENERGY SAVING. Two different modes can be adjusted as needed, MAX & ECO MODE. The refrigerating system will stop operating when the car freezer reaches the set temperature and will restart to operating when the temperature in the box has risen a few degree Centigrade/Fahrenheit.
- ❆ KEEP COOLING AND FRESH: Reliable sealing property construction, thick and high Density Foam Insulation. Continues keep cooling performance during your journey. Fresh all way and super energy saving! !!!If any question about operation, please first contact us and we will provide professional technical guidance.
Socobeta Fridge Cooler and Warmer Multi-functional Freezer Easy to instal Portable Refrigerator Useful for Home...
- It features lovely appearance of miniature refrigerator that can hold two cans of drinks at most.
- Useful and multi-functional, this mini refrigerator can keep cool beverage cold and keep hot drinks warm longer as needed.
- It is light, compact and portable. No matter you are hiking, traveling or in traffic jam, you can enjoy drinks and foods at a proper temperature.
- The built-in LED lights also make it easy to use at night.
- Easy to install and operate. It is powered by USB cable and no batteries required.
FAQs about Portable Fridges
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 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.