2023 buyers guide to getting a portable fridge for camping

Looking to replace your old portable camping fridge? Or just sick of warm beer and soggy sandwiches when the esky ice melts? You’ve come to the right place. I’m going to walk you through everything you need to consider when buying a portable camping fridge as well as show you some options for all sized wallets.

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A portable camping fridge is a game changer for camping trips. Once you get one, you no longer have to sacrifice fresh food and cold drinks for the sake of camping in the wild. But you do need to make sure you get the right one. Consider your needs carefully and consider these next factors when shopping for your portable fridge.

Things to consider when buying a portable camping fridge

Size matters (bigger isn’t always better)

Ultimately, the size of your portable camping fridge will depend on your specific needs and preferences including the length of your camping trips and the size of your group. Many people will suggest 40L for a couple and 65L or more for a family. I manage with 40L for a family of four easily as I only have a small amount of milk, vegetables, yoghurt and some meat in the fridge. Those with teenagers, a larger family or drinks to be chilled will probably need a larger size.

Getting a larger fridge ‘just because’ is not necessarily a good idea if you don’t use that extra space. A larger fridge will typically require more energy to run which is not so great when you’re camping off-grid. They are also harder to transport, manoeuvre and find a spot for in your vehicle. In general, larger portable camping fridges also cost more to purchase.

Can you live without a freezer?

If you can’t live without a freezer, you’ll want to ensure your portable camping fridge has dual-zone cooling. This means your fridge will have two compartments that allow it to run simultaneously at different temperatures as a fridge and freezer. Sometimes the compartments are permanent and other times you can remove a divider to turn the whole thing into a fridge or freezer. A single zone fridge only has one ‘zone’ so it can only be run as a fridge or a freezer at any time.

Many people think they need a freezer when looking at portable camping fridges but if you rarely camp longer than a week between visiting towns, think again. A lack of freezer can easily be overcome by ensuring you get the best use-by-date on your products when purchasing them and vacuum sealing your meat.

Energy efficiency is critical

Most camping fridges will run on both 12/24V power, allowing you to run off your vehicle’s battery and plug into mains power when needed. Obviously, the less strain your portable camping fridge puts on your battery, the better. Why? Because this means you can go off-grid longer before recharging.

If you have a dual battery that’s charged via both solar and your vehicle’s alternator, there is no reason why you can’t keep an energy-efficient portable camping fridge going off-grid for weeks on end.

I’ve included energy efficiency information in the round-up of portable camping fridges a little further down.

Many caravans come new with a three-way fridge. These are designed from the ground up for not only 12/24V, but also to run on gas. However, these are often set up as permanent installations and, while they are efficient when running on gas, are not so great when running on 12/24V.

Portability and durability

As the name suggests, the ability to be portable is a critical feature for camping fridges. Look for models that are lightweight, easy to transport, and can fit into your vehicle. Handles, wheels and carrying straps all go a long way to portability.

Durability is also essential. Camping can be rough on equipment, and we want our portable camping fridge to last for years (decades even), not months. Look for models made with durable materials that feature sturdy hinges and locking mechanisms. A decent fridge should be able to take the weight of someone sitting on it.

Price

Although you often get what you pay for when it comes to portable camping fridges, the most expensive isn’t necessarily the best. Just weigh up the features and get the best that you can afford. Any portable fridge is better than none for camping.

So, which brand of portable fridge should I get?

I’m not going to try hard sell you a particular brand as not everyone has the budget for premium branded products and gear snobbery is my pet peeve. Just aim for the best that you can afford.  

However, I will give you a list of well-known portable camping fridges in Australia sorted from cheapest to most expensive with details on features so you can decide for yourself. 

Kings 45L Stayzcool

Specs:

• Cost: $649
• Temperature range: -18°C to 10°C
• Dual zone: No
• Power consumption: 0.7 – 1.0Ah (set at 3°C)
• Power: 12/24V
• Weight: 23.6kg
• Size: 713mm (L) x 405mm (W) x 461 mm (H)
• Warranty: 5-years
• Construction: Steel body and lid, polyurethane insulation
• Extras: Lid opens both ways, 12/24v inputs at both ends, 2 x USB ports for charging devices, 3 x battery protection settings, LCD display

XTM45 40L

Specs:

• Cost: $849
• Temperature range: -20°C to +10°C 
• Dual zone: No
• Power consumption: 1.44Ah
• Power: 12/24V
• Weight: 18.5kg
• Size: 600mm (L) x 270mm (W) x 470mm (H)
• Warranty: 2-years
• Construction: Unknown
• Extras: Comes with a cover, 3-stage battery protection, LED light, digital display

Ironman IceCube 43L

Specs:

• Cost: $879
• Temperature range: -22°C to 14°C
• Dual zone: No
• Power consumption: 0.7Ah (at 3°C)
• Power: 12/24V
• Weight: 25kg
• Size: 630mm (L) x 365mm (W) x 517mm (H)
• Warranty: 5-years on compressor
• Construction: Unknown
• Extras: 3-stage battery protection, USB outlet for charging devices, monitored and adjusted by BlueTooth app, comes with a cover, digital display

Kings 85L Upright

Specs:

• Cost: $899
• Temperature range: -0°C to 10°C (fridge) / -5°C to -15°C (freezer)
• Dual-zone: Yes
• Power consumption: 1.5 – 2.0Ah (amp draw set at 5°C) 
• Power: 12/24V
• Weight: 25kg
• Size: 560mm (L) x 475mm (W) x 630mm (H)
• Warranty: 5-years
• Construction: Polypropylene and steel body with polyurethane insulation
• Extras: Reversible door, includes mounting kit (not very portable), dedicated freezer, LCD display, auto LED light

Evakool Down Under 47L

Specs:

• Cost: $899
• Temperature range: -18°C to 10°C
• Dual zone: No
• Power consumption: 1.6Ah (at 2°C), 2.2Ah (at -16°C)
• Power: 12/24V
• Weight:19kg
• Size: 700mm (L) x 395mm (W) x 465mm (H) 
• Warranty: 3-years (all components) 5-years (compressor)
• Construction: White powder-coated steel
• Extras: 3-stage battery protection, internal LED light, digital display, spring loaded handles, reversible lid

KickAss 75L

Specs:

• Cost: $1,049
• Temperature range: Unknown
• Dual zone: Yes
• Power consumption: 1.5Ah (both compartments at 3°C), 2.5Ah (both compartments at -18°C), 1.7 – 2.2Ah (split compartments at 3°C/-18°C)   
• Power: 12/24V
• Weight:32kg
• Size: 800mm (L) x 470mm (W) x 515mm (H) 
• Warranty: 5-years
• Construction: Polyurethane insulation
• Extras: Powder-coated finish, 3-stage battery protection, Bluetooth app to control your fridge from your phone, digital display

Companion 60L Lithium Rechargeable 

Specs:

• Cost: $1,299
• Temperature range: Cools to -18°C
• Dual zone: No
• Power consumption: Unspecified but lasts 36 hours off one charge
• Power: 12/24V
• Weight: 26kg
• Size: 820mm (L) x 482mm (W) x 460mm (H)
• Warranty: 3-years
• Construction: Unknown
• Extras: Removable lithium battery that doubles as a power pack with 4 x USB ports, storage area, LED light, dual lid, direct solar connections, bottle opener

Engel 60th Anniversary 40L 

Specs:

• Cost: $1,539
• Temperature range: -18°C to 8°C
• Dual zone: No
• Power consumption: 0.5 to 3Ah 
• Power: 12/24V
• Weight: 24kg
• Size: 631mm (L) x 360mm (W) x 508mm (H)
• Warranty: 5-years 
• Construction: Powder-coated steel and high-density polyurethane
• Extras: BlueTooth app for monitoring & control, USB port for charging, 3-stage battery monitor, lid close alarm, beer control icon, digital control panel

Evakool 85L Infinity

Specs:

• Cost: $1,999
• Temperature range: Unknown
• Dual zone: Yes 
• Power consumption: 0.7 – 1.0 Ah (at 5°C – economy mode fridge), 1.0 – 1.5Ah (at 5°C – normal mode fridge), 1.5 – 2.0 Ah (at -16°C – fridge/freezer)
• Power: 12/24V
• Weight:30kg
• Size: 940mm (L) x 545mm (W) x 465mm (H) 
• Warranty: 4-years (all components) 5-years (compressor)
• Construction: High glossy fibreglass
• Extras: Removable divider for dual-zone, digital control, 3-stage battery protection

Dometic CFX3 75L

Specs:

• Cost: $2,099
• Temperature range: -22°C to 10°C 
• Dual zone: Yes
• Power consumption: Unknown
• Power: 12/24V
• Weight: 28.6kg
• Size: 892mm (L) x 495mm (W) x 472mm (H)
• Warranty: Unknown
• Construction: ExoFrame with fender frame-protected edges and alloy handles
• Extras: Temperature control and monitoring via app, 3-stage battery protection, digital control, USB charging port for devices

Engel 75L Combi

Specs:

• Cost: $2,159
• Temperature range: -18°C to 8°C 
• Dual zone: Yes
• Power consumption: 0.5 to 4.2Ah max
• Power: 12/24V
• Weight: 40kg
• Size: 790mm (L) x 490mm (W) x 561mm (H)
• Warranty: 5-years
• Construction: Powder-coated steel body and high-density polyurethane insulation
• Extras: LED light, gun metal metallic finish, 3-stage battery protection, 43L fridge  and 32L freezer capacity

Many, if not all, of the above brands, feature additional sized portable fridges than the ones listed above. So make sure to check out their individual websites for more options.

In terms of brands, Engel, Evakool and Dometic all have a good reputation. But at the end of the day, Engel has the most efficient motor available on the market and has for quite some time.

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