Who said you can’t take your fridge on the road?
Imagine this: you’re on a long road trip, and the sun is blazing. You’re craving that ice-cold drink you packed, but it’s as warm as a day in July! Portable refrigerators are your answer, turning your vehicle into a mini-cooler on wheels. Why suffer when you can chill?
Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or just heading to the beach, having a portable fridge makes life easier. No more warm sodas or spoiled snacks. With options ranging from compact designs to heavy-duty coolers, there’s a perfect fit for every adventure. Let’s dive into the best portable refrigerators to keep your drinks and food frosty!
Our Top Selections
Dometic CFX325 Portable Fridge Freezer
The Dometic CFX325 offers unparalleled cooling performance and flexibility, making it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts. With its robust design and advanced features, it's built to withstand the toughest conditions while delivering reliable refrigeration and freezing capabilities.
The Dometic CFX325 is an advanced portable refrigerator and freezer that's perfect for camping, road trips, or any outdoor adventure. It utilizes powerful VMSO3 compressor cooling technology, allowing it to refrigerate or deep freeze down to -7°F without the need for ice. The unit is built with heavy-duty, lightweight ExoFrame construction, making it durable yet easy to transport.
Key features include:
Though the CFX325 is on the pricier side, many users find it worth the investment due to its reliability and performance. Some have reported issues with fitting associated protective covers, but the fridge performs excellently under various conditions, making it a solid choice for serious adventurers.
ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Fridge
The ICECO VL60 stands out for its dual-zone functionality, providing independent cooling settings for both the fridge and freezer compartments. This feature, combined with its high-quality build, makes it a favorite among frequent travelers.
The ICECO VL60 is a versatile portable refrigerator designed for both home and car use, making it ideal for camping, road trips, or long travels. With a capacity of 60 liters, it features independent zone control, allowing you to use it as a fridge and freezer simultaneously. This capability is especially useful for those who want to keep a variety of items at different temperatures.
Notable features include:
While it may be pricier than other options, many users appreciate the reliability and quality of the ICECO VL60, as well as its exceptional customer service experiences.
BLACK+DECKER BCRK25B Mini Fridge
The BLACK+DECKER BCRK25B is a reliable compact refrigerator ideal for studios, dorms, and small offices. Its combination of functionality and sleek design makes it a popular choice among those needing efficient cooling in limited spaces.
The BLACK+DECKER BCRK25B Mini Fridge is ideal for those living in tight quarters or who need extra refrigeration capability without sacrificing too much space. Measuring just 17.5" x 18.5" x 26.6", this compact refrigerator can easily fit in dorm rooms, small apartments, or offices while still offering ample storage space.
It features a full-width freezer compartment, adjustable thermostat, and removable glass shelves, providing flexibility in storage options. The mini-fridge operates quietly at only 45dB, making it suitable for use in noise-sensitive environments.
Key features include:
Despite its compact nature, the BCRK25B has received positive feedback for its performance and design, making it a top pick for anyone looking for a reliable mini-fridge.
COSTWAY Dual-Zone Electric Cooler
The COSTWAY Portable Car Refrigerator is perfect for family trips with its ample 53QT capacity and dual-zone functionality. It offers rapid cooling and an efficient design, making it a practical choice for on-the-go families.
The COSTWAY Portable Car Refrigerator is an excellent choice for those who need a spacious cooler for family outings. With a capacity of 53 quarts, it can comfortably store a variety of foods and beverages, making it ideal for road trips, camping, and picnics.
Featuring a dual-zone design, this refrigerator allows you to control the temperature for each compartment independently, accommodating both freezing and cooling needs. It cools rapidly from 77°F to 32°F within just 10 minutes, ensuring your items stay fresh and chilled.
Highlighted features include:
While it excels in capacity and temperature control, some users have noted that the temperature difference between zones may not be as pronounced as expected. Overall, it’s a solid investment for families on the move.
Engel MR040 Portable Fridge Freezer
The Engel MR040 is a rugged, portable fridge/freezer that excels in demanding environments, particularly for marine use. Its energy-efficient compressor ensures efficient cooling without excessive power draw, making it a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Engel MR040 is designed with durability in mind, making it perfect for marine environments, camping, and outdoor adventures. This portable top-opening fridge/freezer features a powerful Engel Swing Motor Compressor that operates quietly and efficiently, typically drawing around 1 to 2 amps per hour.
Its robust construction includes a corrosion-resistant ABS case, ensuring longevity even in challenging conditions. The MR040 operates on 12V/24V DC or 110V/120V AC, allowing flexibility in power sources whether you’re on the road or docked at your favorite spot.
Key highlights include:
Though the Engel MR040 is a bit heavier, its reliability and performance make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts who need a dependable cooling solution.
Alpicool 12V Car Fridge
The Alpicool 12V Car Fridge is a lightweight and portable option that excels in cooling performance, making it a reliable companion for road trips and camping.
The Alpicool 12V Car Fridge is designed for portability and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for camping, road trips, or outdoor adventures. This 16-quart fridge can hold up to 20 cans and quickly cools from 77°F to 32°F in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for travelers.
Key features include:
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of larger models, the Alpicool is a solid investment for those seeking reliable cooling performance without breaking the bank.
EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator
The EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator is a compact, efficient cooler that offers Bluetooth control, making it a modern choice for campers and travelers looking for convenience and reliability.
The EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator is designed for portability and efficiency, making it an ideal companion for camping trips and long road journeys. With a capacity of 19 quarts, it can easily fit in most vehicles while providing ample space for your essentials.
One of its standout features is the ability to control the fridge via an app using Bluetooth, allowing you to monitor and adjust temperatures without having to open it. The fridge cools quickly from 50°F to 32°F in just 15 minutes, ensuring your items are kept at optimal temperatures.
Key highlights include:
While it may not be suitable for larger groups due to its size, the EUHOMY offers a blend of modern technology and reliable performance, making it a valuable addition to any adventure.
Koolatron Voyager 12V Cooler
The Koolatron Voyager is a versatile electric cooler that can warm and cool, making it an excellent choice for road trips and everyday use. Its compact design and functionality make it user-friendly and efficient.
The Koolatron Voyager 12V Cooler is designed for those who need a flexible cooling and warming solution on the go. With a capacity of 29 quarts, it can hold up to 48 standard cans, making it perfect for family outings, camping trips, or daily commutes.
What sets this cooler apart is its ability to switch between cooling and warming modes, ensuring that your food stays at the desired temperature whether you're heading to a picnic or bringing home takeout. The thermoelectric design allows for efficient cooling up to 40°F below the ambient temperature.
Highlighted features include:
While it’s not the most powerful cooler on the market, the Koolatron Voyager provides a practical and budget-friendly solution for anyone needing a reliable portable cooler.
Cooluli 15L Mini Fridge
The Cooluli 15L Mini Fridge is a chic, portable solution perfect for keeping your drinks, snacks, or skincare products cool. Its lightweight design and versatility make it a popular choice for dorm rooms and office desks.
The Cooluli 15L Mini Fridge is designed for those who need a compact refrigeration solution that fits seamlessly into small spaces like dorms, offices, or even your car. It measures 10.5" W x 13" D x 14.75" H and weighs only 10.7 lbs, making it easy to transport.
Key attributes include:
Despite its limitations in terms of cooling power, many users find it incredibly convenient for small essentials, making it a great addition to your personal space.
Wagan EL6206 12V Cooler
The Wagan EL6206 is a compact electric cooler that caters to light travel needs. Its dual-functionality makes it easy to keep drinks cold or warm food - perfect for day trips or picnics.
The Wagan EL6206 12V Cooler is ideal for individuals who need a portable solution for short trips. With a 6-quart capacity, it can easily store essentials without taking up too much space in your vehicle. This cooler can cool items down to 36°F below ambient temperature or warm them up to 140°F, providing versatile functionality.
Key features include:
While it may not be powerful enough for all-day cooling, it's perfect for day trips where keeping a few drinks cold or warming leftovers is necessary. Its affordability and user-friendly design make it a practical choice for many users.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to portability and performance, the Dometic CFX325 Portable Fridge Freezer stands out as the best choice for serious adventurers. With its robust build and stellar cooling capabilities, it can tackle even the toughest outdoor conditions. If you're looking for versatility, the ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Fridge offers independent cooling for both fridge and freezer compartments, making it perfect for family trips or longer travels. Choose these, and you won’t regret being the most popular person on the road!
The EUHOMY fridge with the app control sounds fancy! Is the Bluetooth connectivity reliable?
I have it and the app works well! Just make sure your phone is close enough.
Yes, the Bluetooth connectivity is generally reliable, allowing you to monitor and adjust settings easily.
The Cooluli mini fridge seems perfect for my desk at work! Is it quiet enough to not disturb my colleagues?
I have it at my office and it’s super quiet! No complaints from coworkers.
The Cooluli is designed to operate quietly, making it a great choice for office use.
Has anyone tried the Wagan EL6206? I need something small for picnics. How’s the cooling performance?
The Wagan is designed for light travel and works fairly well for short trips.
I’ve used it for picnics and it kept drinks cool for several hours. Not the best for long-term use though.
I’ve been eyeing the ICECO VL60 for a while now. The dual-zone feature seems perfect for both drinks and food. Can anyone confirm how well it maintains temperature?
Glad to hear that Laura! The dual-zone functionality is a favorite among users.
I own the VL60 and it’s been great! The temp control is precise, and I’ve had no complaints.
The BLACK+DECKER mini fridge is a lifesaver for my tiny apartment! 🙌 Fits perfectly in my kitchen nook. But I’m curious, how energy-efficient is it really?
The BLACK+DECKER BCRK25B is Energy Star rated, so it’s designed to save energy while providing good cooling performance.
I’ve had mine for over a year, and my electric bill hasn’t changed much at all!
I’m torn between the Engel and the Dometic. I need something rugged for my boat. Is one better than the other?
I’ve used the Engel MR040 on my boat and it survived some rough conditions, highly recommend!
Both are fantastic choices for marine use, but the Engel MR040 has a slight edge in durability.
Just bought the COSTWAY Portable Car Refrigerator for a family road trip. It’s huge! But does anyone have tips on how to maximize battery life?
Definitely pre-chill! And also, avoid opening it too often while driving.
Great choice! To maximize battery life, keep the fridge in a shaded area and pre-chill your items before loading.