How to choose a car refrigerator: tips for motorists

Choosing a car refrigerator is an important task for those who often travel by car or enjoy outdoor activities. The right car fridge will help to keep food fresh and drinks cold during the whole trip. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you make the right choice.

Main types of car refrigerators

Thermoelectric refrigerators

Thermoelectric refrigerators are a convenient and popular option for motorists and travellers. They work on the Peltier principle, which is to create a temperature gradient when an electric current flows between two different conductors. Here are the main characteristics and features of thermoelectric refrigerators:

Principle of operation

• Peltier effect: When current passes through the junction of two different conductors, one side of the device heats up and the other side cools down. This allows a thermoelectric refrigerator to cool or heat the contents.
• Cooling and heating: Most models can not only cool but also keep warm, which is convenient for keeping food hot.

Advantages

1. Portability: Lightweight and compact, easy to transport.
2. Easy to use: Connects to car cigarette lighter (12V).
3. Versatility: Can be used for both cooling and heating food.
4. No moving parts: Less noise and vibration compared to compressor refrigerators.

Disadvantages

1. Limited cooling capacity: Can typically cool 15 to 20 degrees below ambient temperature.
2. Dependence on outside temperature: Cooling efficiency is reduced in hot weather.
3. Power consumption: Can consume a significant amount of electricity, which is important to consider when operating for long periods of time without starting the engine.

Application

• Short trips: Ideal for day trips, picnics or travelling short distances.
• Limited use: Suitable for storing beverages and easily spoilt foods for a few hours.

Model selection

When choosing a thermoelectric fridge, it’s worth considering its size, capacity, connectivity (12V or 24V for lorries), and additional features such as digital thermostats or USB ports for charging devices.

In conclusion, thermoelectric fridges are a great choice for those looking for a convenient and mobile solution for short journeys. They provide sufficient cooling for basic needs and are easy to use. However, for longer journeys or in high outside temperatures, a more powerful solution such as a compressor fridge may be required.

Absorption chillers

Absorption refrigerators are a unique type of refrigeration unit that is particularly popular with travellers and camping enthusiasts. These refrigerators use a chemical process for cooling, which allows them to operate without a compressor and with minimal noise.

Principle of operation

• Chemical process: Absorption chillers use a mixture of ammonia, water, and hydrogen. The ammonia serves as the refrigerant. When the mixture is heated, the ammonia is absorbed by the water, and when it is cooled, it is released, absorbing heat and cooling the refrigerator chamber.
• Energy sources: They can run on electricity, natural gas or liquefied gas (propane), making them ideal for use in a variety of environments, including remote locations without access to the power grid.

Advantages

1. Flexible power sources: Can be powered by electricity or gas, ideal for long journeys and remote locations.
2. Quiet operation: The absence of moving parts ensures quiet operation.
3. Reliability: Simple design and no moving parts increase reliability and service life.
4. Energy efficiency in gas operation: Particularly efficient when using liquefied gas.

Disadvantages

1. Limited Cooling: Cannot cool contents below a certain ambient temperature.
2. Level Dependency: For proper operation, the refrigerator must be installed strictly horizontally.
3. Low efficiency when running on electricity: Compared to compressor refrigerators, they are less efficient when connected to the mains.

Application

• Camping and travelling: Ideal for long journeys, motorhomes, and camping where access to mains power is limited.
• Frequent movements: Suitable for use in environments where the power supply changes frequently.

Model selection

When choosing an absorption refrigerator, it is important to consider its size, type of power supply (electricity, gas), power consumption and additional features such as the ability to automatically switch between power sources.

In conclusion, absorption refrigerators are a versatile solution for those who spend a lot of time on the road or outdoors. They are ideal for places where there is no stable access to electricity, and are valued for their quiet and reliable operation. However, for more efficient cooling in high ambient temperatures, you may need to consider alternatives.

Compressor refrigerators

Compressor refrigerators are one of the most efficient and powerful types of portable refrigerators, widely used in cars, camping and on yachts. They work on the same principle as conventional household refrigerators, which gives them a number of significant advantages.

Principle of operation

• Compressor: The compressor compresses refrigerant, which is then circulated through the refrigeration system. When the compressed gas expands, it absorbs heat, cooling the interior of the refrigerator.
• Thermostat: Allows precise control of the temperature inside the refrigerator, unlike thermoelectric and absorption models.

Advantages

1. Powerful cooling: Can cool the contents to a preset temperature, regardless of the outside temperature.
2. Fast cooling: Efficiently and quickly cool the contents, even in hot weather.
3. Energy Efficiency: Although they consume more energy at start-up, they are generally more energy efficient, especially when maintaining a low temperature.
4. Temperature control: Allows you to set and maintain a specific temperature, ideal for long-term food storage.

Disadvantages

1. Price: Usually more expensive compared to thermoelectric and absorption refrigerators.
2. Weight and Size: May be heavier and take up more space.
3. Noise: Due to the operation of the compressor, more noise may be produced.

Application

• Long journeys and camping: Particularly useful for long journeys where reliable cooling of food is required.
• Extreme conditions: Ideal for use in hot climates or environments where constant and powerful cooling is required.

Model selection

When choosing a compressor refrigerator, it is important to consider its size, capacity, energy consumption, and additional features such as freezing capabilities or having separate compartments for different types of food.

In conclusion, compressor refrigerators are a great choice for those who need powerful and reliable cooling on the go. They offer high efficiency and the ability to maintain a stable low temperature, making them ideal for serious travellers and outdoor enthusiasts.

What to look out for when choosing

Capacity: Determine how much food you need to store. For short journeys, a small refrigerator with 15–20 litres is suitable, for longer journeys more spacious models are suitable.

Power supply: Make sure that the refrigerator is compatible with your vehicle’s power system.

Energy efficiency: Choose models with good energy efficiency to minimise fuel consumption.

Noise level: Important for travelling comfort, especially if you plan to use the fridge at night.

Additional features: Some models are equipped with freezing functions, built-in thermometers or USB ports for charging gadgets.

Manufacturers and brands

When it comes to choosing a car refrigerator, the brand and manufacturer play an important role as they can vary greatly in quality, reliability, and functionality. Here are a few well-known and reputable brands that produce different types of car refrigerators:

Dometic

• Features: Widely recognised for its high quality compressor and absorption refrigerators.
• Products: Offers a wide range of models including portable and recessed versions suitable for different types of vehicles.

Waeco (part of Dometic Group)

• Features: Known for its compressor refrigerators, offering high energy efficiency and reliability.
• Products: Manufactures a range of models for cars, campers, and yachts.

Engel

• Features: This brand is famous for its durable and efficient compressor refrigerators.
• Products: Engel refrigerators are ideal for extreme conditions and are widely used in expeditions.

ARB

• Features: ARB is renowned in the off-road and adventure travel industry for offering reliable compressor coolers.
• Products: These coolers are ideal for long journeys and off-road conditions.

Norcold

• Features: Manufactures both compressor and absorption chillers suitable for automotive and marine applications.
• Products: Particularly popular with motorhome and yacht owners for their reliability and versatility.

Thetford

• Features: Known for its absorbent models designed for camping and road trips.
• Products: Offers a variety of models with different power options.

Coleman

• Features: Well known in the thermoelectric refrigerator segment, ideal for short trips and picnics.
• Products: Easy to use and affordable models.

Conclusion

Choosing the right car fridge depends on many factors, including the length of your journey, available power sources and personal preferences. With the above tips in mind, you will be able to choose a model that will meet all your requirements and ensure comfort on the road.

Looking for the perfect car cooler for travelling and outdoor activities? Do you want to get the most for your money? Then we have a great offer for you! Go right now to reBITme.com and choose the perfect car cooler from a wide range of leading brands.