In the summer months, residents of large and noisy cities tend to get out into nature as often as possible — to the country house, to the beach, or just to barbecue. It is quite natural that you cannot do without food and soft drinks. It is necessary to keep them fresh, and this can be done using a special device — a car refrigerator.
In stores you can find a large assortment of such devices, so an inexperienced person can easily get lost in such a variety of goods. To prevent this from happening to you, we decided to compile our rating of the best car refrigerators. Here we will not only analyze the useful characteristics of specific models, but also give a number of useful tips that will be quite important when buying this device. Let’s start with this.
How to choose a car refrigerator in 2022?
Today, there are three main types of these products — connected to the vehicle’s on-board electrical network, gas-powered and completely autonomous, which do not need a power source at all. According to the principle of operation of the cooling system, the structures are also differentiated into several groups: compressor, thermoelectric, isothermal and absorption.
Compressor devices operate on the same principle as household counterparts. They are very economical due to the small amount of electricity consumed, they are characterized by a decent capacity (the volume of usable space of such a car refrigerator can reach hundreds of liters), the temperature inside the chamber can be lowered to -20 degrees. However, such devices are very sensitive to vibration and shaking, so they are not very suitable for Russian road conditions.
In thermoelectric refrigerators, cooling is carried out only by electricity, without the use of freon or other refrigerant. These models can not only reduce the temperature in the chamber to -3 degrees, but also raise it there to +70, so that food can be heated there. They are not too sensitive to vibration, operate almost silently and have compact overall dimensions. The average volume of the chamber is 50 liters, such refrigerators are characterized by a significant consumption of electricity, and besides, they cool for quite a long time.
Absorption refrigerators use a water-ammonia solution as a refrigerant. It does not provide for moving elements, so no potholes and pits found on the road surface will not be afraid of him. Not only electricity, but also gas can act as an energy source here. This refrigerator has a decent chamber volume — up to 150 liters, it works very economically and at the same time silently. There are also isothermal containers that do not need an external power source at all. They are made of special plastic, the outer and inner sides are lined with nylon. On their own, such containers are not able to generate heat or cold, but they are able to maintain the initial temperature of the products for quite a long time. This is one of the cheapest options, besides, these refrigerators are generally not sensitive to even the most serious shaking.
Depending on the complexity of the device and its type of work, the cost of this product is formed, which you should definitely pay attention to when buying. In addition, it is advisable to immediately consider where exactly this device will be placed, as well as how many products it will be designed for.
When choosing models to include in this review, we were guided by all the above parameters, and also took into account a number of other factors: value for money, user reviews, and so on. We hope that after a careful study of the rating, you will be able to choose the best model for yourself.
Thermoelectric Models
4. Ezetil E45
Has decent capacity. The case of this device is made of the highest quality plastic, which is distinguished by significant indicators in the field of strength. Such a refrigerator will be very useful both when leaving for an ordinary picnic, and on long trips. Engineers carefully thought out the design of this device — inside the chamber you can easily place several one and a half liter bottles in a standing position at once. The product is based on thermoelectric plates that work without making the slightest sound. According to the energy efficiency class, they belong to group «A», so the wiring of the car will have a minimum load.
The inner walls are made of environmentally friendly plastic, which, if necessary, can be washed from absolutely any contamination. It does not absorb foreign odors and does not emit harmful substances into the environment. The total weight of the empty appliance is 7 kg, the useful volume of the refrigerator compartment is 42 liters, the control is mechanical, the overall dimensions are 58x38x43 cm. With these parameters, the refrigerator can easily be placed on the back seat of a car or in the trunk.
Advantages:
- Compact;
- Works reliably;
- Good workmanship and assembly;
- Perfectly cools food.
Disadvantages:
- It is advisable not to allow sunlight to hit the housing, as this leads to an increase in power consumption.
Ezetil E45
3. Ezetil ESC 28
This model has been on the Russian market for over 5 years, and it can be powered not only from the car’s on-board electrical network, but also from a standard household network with a voltage of 220 W. The refrigerator is characterized by low energy consumption — about the same as 1 dipped / main beam lamp. The useful volume of the chamber is as much as 27 liters, so it will include everything you need for a picnic and stay fresh and cool for a long time. The body is made of high-strength plastic, so the design can be carried not only in the cabin, but also in the trunk of a car. All seals are characterized by a high level of quality, so even in the off state, a cool temperature will remain in the chamber.
The cooling system has a fairly simple design — there is almost nothing to break in it, so the refrigerator has a long service life. The device weighs about 4 kg. The power cable is placed in a special socket, which is located in the lid handle, it must be placed there very carefully, otherwise it will not all fit. The refrigerator is quiet enough. If you additionally equip the chamber with special cold accumulators, you will be able to achieve even more efficient cooling of products.
Advantages:
- Made exclusively from the highest quality materials;
- Significant capacity of the refrigerating chamber;
- Saves energy;
- Differs in excellent reliability.
Disadvantages:
- The power cord could be longer.
Ezetil ESC 28
2. Mobicool W 40 AC/DC
Able to maintain the temperature inside the chamber from +10 to -15 degrees. This is a unique refrigerator, the design of which combines two cooling technologies at once — compressor and thermoelectric. In the first case, the model is able to cool food and even freeze them at temperatures up to -15 degrees, regardless of how hot the environment is. When working with the use of thermoelectric cooling, it is possible to achieve a temperature decrease in the chamber by 20 degrees lower than outside the structure. The developers have provided for a smooth adjustment of the power of the product. The refrigerator is also characterized by compact overall dimensions and ease of use.
According to users, this refrigerator is a hybrid model, the circuit of which is activated depending on the power source used. This is due to the fact that the device can operate not only from the standard on-board network of the vehicle, but also from an ordinary household network. To do this, the set comes with two power cables — one for connection through the cigarette lighter, the second for the socket. The lid around the perimeter is closed with a special gasket made of soft rubber. The lock is equipped with a magnetic latch. The rubber is of high quality and does not dry out over time. The resource is quite long.
Advantages:
- The volume of the chamber is as much as 40 liters, so a large amount of food can be placed in it;
- Two cooling technologies are used;
- The compressor has a decent power that can provide deep freezing of products;
- Significant temperature range;
- Versatility of application.
Disadvantages:
- The manufacturer did not provide lighting for the refrigerator compartment.
Mobicool W 40 AC/DC
1. Waeco Tropicool TC35FL
The leader of this part of our today’s review was a German-made model, which is distinguished by a very stylish and attractive appearance: the body is made of matte plastic, on which dust and other contaminants are practically invisible. The lower part is dark in color, the upper part is light gray. The camera itself is finished with smooth plastic from the inside, which, if necessary, can be easily cleaned even of fairly persistent dirt. The lid flips up. In addition, there is an LED control panel on the front side. Here you can adjust the performance level, select the operating mode — heating or cooling. This miracle of German technology works on the basis of large-sized thermoelectric panels.
The useful volume of the refrigerating chamber is 21 liters. The work intensity regulator includes 7 positions. The device can be powered both from a car battery and from a household power outlet. Overall dimensions are not very large — 30x45x42 cm, so you can install these products in the back seat. The product consumes no more than 65 W of energy per hour. Weight of equipment — 6 kg. A removable cover is installed here, which greatly facilitates the cleaning of both itself and the camera. After switching off, the last operating mode is stored in the memory.
Advantages:
- Very high quality workmanship and assembly;
- Long period of operation;
- Can both cool products and heat them;
- It is possible to connect to both a household network and a car battery;
- Stylish appearance;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Low power consumption.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
Waeco Tropicool TC35FL
Compressor devices
3. Waeco CoolFreeze CF-40
Another German-made product that has managed to incorporate all the best qualities of compressor refrigerators. Not every user will dare to call the device compact, but with its size it can easily fit in the trunk of a vehicle or in the back seat. Another important factor is the ability to connect the structure both to the vehicle’s on-board network and to the household electrical network. In this regard, the model can be used as a stationary refrigerator, for example, in the country. The case is made of high-strength plastic, which will withstand even significant physical impact. The inside is also plastic, but absolutely smooth, food-grade.
Temperature indicators are regulated using a special electronic thermostat, which is additionally equipped with an indicator. The operating temperature range is from +10 to -18 degrees, so this refrigerator can be used as a full-fledged freezer. The thermal insulation of the model does not use polyurethane, so this model will not emit harmful and toxic substances either into the environment or into its chamber. The compressor is positioned so that it is completely isolated and sealed. It has a reliable system that protects it from power surges. The lid of the refrigerator is removable, the chamber itself has a backlight, there is a special vertical compartment where you can install several one and a half liter bottles. The model does not consume too much electricity — only 45 watts.
Advantages:
- Excellent workmanship;
- Cools quickly and very efficiently;
- Long warranty period — as much as 3 years.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Significant dimensions.
Waeco CoolFreeze CF-40
2. Intel B TB 41A
The internal volume of this refrigerator is 40 liters — this size of the product will be quite enough even for a large company. These are Italian-made products, which also speaks of the high quality of the products. The outer case is made of high-quality plastic, resistant to physical influences. The plastic is slightly rough, has a matte finish, so no dirt will accumulate on it, including dust and fingerprints. A fairly powerful Danfoss compressor is used here as the main working element, and R-134A, a completely environmentally friendly substance, acts as a refrigerant. Despite the fact that the device is compressor, it works almost silently. On the front panel, you can find control buttons, next to which there is an LED display — due to this, the use of the refrigerator becomes more comfortable.
The temperature here is regulated in the range from +5 to -16 degrees. The refrigerator also has an electronic thermostat that maintains the temperature set by the user with a deviation of no more than 0.5 degrees. The design can work both from the cigarette lighter and from the household power supply. There is a special protection for the car battery from discharging. The internal space of the working chamber is carefully thought out. There is a special basket with handles, which can be removed if necessary, a vertical grate is provided that divides the internal volume into two parts. She also gets out.
Advantages:
- Excellent Italian assembly;
- Very efficient work;
- Spacious working chamber;
- Versatility of use;
- Long warranty period — 3 years.
Disadvantages:
- The mass of the device is as much as 17 kg.
Intel B TB 41A
1. Waeco CoolFreeze CFX 50W
The model is characterized by quite impressive features. The main distinguishing feature of this refrigerator is the presence of the original CFX electronics, which provides for automatic turbo cooling, and is also equipped with a memory function. In general, this refrigerator can be used as a freezer, as it has the function of freezing food up to -22 degrees. Another original characteristic of the device is the presence of a solar battery system, which makes the device completely autonomous if necessary. Regardless of the ambient temperature, this refrigerator is able to provide thorough cooling, and it works very quietly. The hinges of the lid are made of high quality stainless steel, so you can not be afraid that they will begin to misbehave after a few years of use.
In addition, the case is equipped with reinforced corners that can withstand even significant physical exertion. The lid is coated with a special composition, which allows it to retain its original appearance throughout its entire service life. The device is equipped with a Wi-Fi module: if necessary, the user can download a special application through which he will regulate the temperature in the chamber, as well as a number of other parameters. The useful volume of this refrigerator is as much as 46 liters, in addition, in the immediate vicinity of the control panel, you can find a USB input through which you can charge various mobile gadgets.
Advantages:
- With all its capabilities, it consumes a minimum amount of electricity;
- Extended functionality of the device;
- Versatility;
- High build quality;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- Very high cost.
Waeco CoolFreeze CFX 50W
Inexpensive car refrigerators in 2022
3. Mobicool U26 DC
This product is able to maintain the temperature in its chamber 17 degrees lower than the environment. It will not work to cool food and drinks much, but this device will be quite enough to keep food fresh. The internal useful volume is 25 liters with a height of about 40 cm. This model can be easily placed not only in the trunk, but also on the back seat of the car. The body is made of durable plastic, resistant to physical influences. It is food grade and does not release toxic substances into the environment. There is a handle for easy portability. This refrigerator weighs only 3.7 kg.
The heat-insulating layer of this refrigerator is made of reliable foam, which over time will not crumble or crumble. The top cover is removable here, the manufacturers have provided a special compartment for storing the power cable. The height of the chamber is such that several plastic bottles, the volume of which can reach 2 liters, can be installed in it in a vertical position. In addition, modifications of this equipment are on sale today, which have a refrigerating chamber volume of 15, 22 and 30 liters.
Advantages:
- Decent working volume with small overall dimensions;
- Quite acceptable cost;
- Decent workmanship and build quality.
Disadvantages:
- Cools not as fast as we would like;
- Works exclusively from the on-board network of the car.
Mobicool U26DC
2.AVS CC-24 NB
There is a function not only for cooling and maintaining the selected temperature, but also for heating, so if you wish, you can warm up your lunch in this refrigerator. The dimensions of the inner chamber are 33.5x32x21.5 cm. Such parameters will be quite enough to place there about 5 bottles with a volume of one and a half liters or a whole box of beer cans or bottles — about 24 pieces. Inside there is also a special dividing grid made of stainless steel. The grooves for it are arranged in such a way that the container is divided into two unequal parts — two thirds and one third. The carrying handle does have a good level of strength and reliability, but it will only fold in one direction. It should immediately be noted that the refrigerator is able to cool food to a temperature that will be lower than the environment by only 15 degrees.
If desired, you can use cold accumulators, which allows you to cool products to 0 degrees. The thermocontainer is capable to keep temperature for a long time. The heating and cooling switch is located on the back of the device. The container can be connected both to the cigarette lighter and to an ordinary power supply. All controls are located here on the back of the case. They are easy enough to find.
Advantages:
- A fairly simple design, in which there is practically nothing to break;
- With such a capacious refrigerating chamber, the device has small overall dimensions;
- Quite reasonable cost, but the workmanship is at a very high level.
Disadvantages:
- Relatively long time cools food.
AVS CC-24NB
1. Mobicool G30
Not very dimensional products, the useful volume of which is about 30 liters. The refrigerator is used to keep drinks and food fresh during the hot months. This model is capable of providing temperatures approximately 18 degrees below ambient. The device can be connected to the power supply in different ways: through the car’s on-board network or an ordinary 220 V power supply. All the cables necessary for this are supplied with the refrigerator. Despite the fact that this is a Chinese-made design, it still has decent workmanship and assembly quality. The overall dimensions of the device are 396x296x445 mm — these parameters are quite enough not to put the refrigerator in the trunk, but place it on the back seat and enjoy cool drinks throughout the journey.
The mass of the device is 4.3 kg. The lid has two built-in fans, if desired, you can install cold accumulators, which will allow you to achieve even lower temperatures. This design is characterized by low electricity consumption and low cost, which makes it very popular among users.
Advantages:
- Universal power supply — for 12 and 220 V, all necessary wires are supplied in the kit;
- Small overall dimensions;
- Excellent workmanship and production.
Disadvantages:
- Without the use of cold accumulators, the efficiency of the cooling system directly depends on the ambient temperature.
Mobicool G30
In conclusion, a useful video
Well, our review of the best car refrigerators has come to an end. For each model, we tried to collect as much information as possible so that you can choose the most suitable design. If you still have some questions regarding a particular product you like, then do not hesitate to ask us in the comments to this article. We will promptly respond to each request and provide a number of additional information.