Beginner's Guide to 12v Fridges
Introduction:
Welcome to our compressor fridge buying guide. This is not a full comprehensive guide but a simple place to start. You are on your way to no longer needing ice while on the go! All the fridges we have listed below use a small 12v compressor to cool the inside of the fridge. They work very similarly to the fridge inside your home and are efficient and quiet. Don’t be mistaken by the cheaper “thermoelectric coolers” that use a peltier design and draw much more power. They will not work for most portable cooling needs.
We suggest you research and find out what will work best for your needs. Do you need a fridge that’s lightweight and easy to move? Do you need a fridge with two temperature zones? Would you rather have metal or plastic construction? The amount of money you spend on a fridge typically translates into reliability and build quality. You always want to get the biggest fridge you can afford within your budget. As you continue reading you’ll find helpful information about 12v fridges and our personal recommendations for great fridges that are currently available. Thanks for checking it out!
ICECO GO20 Dual Zone Fridge and Freezer
Available Sizes:
12v fridges come in many different sizes. They are measured in either quarts or liters. Since these fridges don’t need ice you get much more space for food/drinks than a traditional ice chest. No more dealing with a watery mess when the ice melts too!
Smaller fridges start around 10 quarts of storage and larger fridges can reach up to 100 quarts. Two people sharing the same fridge will usually require around 40qts of storage for a weeks worth of food. Having a small family with children usually requires a fridge near 60qts to get a weeks worth of food. These are GENERAL guidelines so your mileage will vary due to your family size or eating habits.
Compartment Types:
There are three main types of 12v fridge compartments: chest style, divided, and dual zone. Each compartment type has their benefits and drawbacks. It usually comes down to personal preference on which one you would prefer to use. Let’s talk about each one:
Chest style fridges support only one temperature setting at a time. The chest style design is most similar to a standard ice chest or cooler. Chest style fridges have one large area of cooling so they usually have the most space for larger food items. They are simple to control and use.
Divided style fridges have one temperature setting just like chest style fridges. They have a divider inside the fridge that provides to two separate storage areas. By design the divider causes one area to be cooler than the other. When setting the temperature on the fridge display you are controlling the temperature within the large storage area. This design allows you to have your large area to be set at 30F and the smaller area will be near 45F. You can then store drinks, cheese, or produce in the small compartment to avoid freeze damage. Additionally, you can set the large area to 20F on the fridge display and use it as a large freezer and the smaller area would be near 35F to be used as a small fridge.
Dual zone style fridges have two separate thermostats to control each section of the fridge separately. They are very useful for people who want both a freezer and a fridge at the same time. These fridges tend to be larger and use more power due to controlling two temperature zones. With a dual zone fridge you can have the ultimate flexibility in your setup because you can set the temperature in both zones differently. For example, you can set both sides to be the same temperature and have one large fridge, or one large freezer. You can also set different temps in each zone and have one freezer and fridge at the same time.
Typical Power Usage:
Fridge power usage is based on how often the compressor is running. When the compressor is not running most fridges only pull 1.5 watts. Most fridges have two power settings: ECO mode and MAX mode. ECO mode runs the compressor at a slower speed which pulls less power and MAX mode runs the compressor at the highest speed possible. ECO mode usually pulls around 35 watts for most fridges and MAX mode usually pulls around 50 watts. I recommend using ECO mode for the best power usage while running off a portable battery pack.
During our in depth fridge power consumption testing a fridge running in an ambient temperature of 70F will pull around 11-16 watts average depending on the size and insulation thickness. When running a fridge in an ambient temperature of 85F it will pull around 21-36 watts average. Please notice that these numbers are much lower than the rated ECO and MAX numbers because the compressor doesn’t run 100% of the time. If you have the fridge stored in hot vehicle, plan for the compressor to run much more often and pull near max wattage of your current power setting.
Thicker insulated walls/lid tend to help with better power consumption. The larger the fridge the more power it will use. It is more efficient to run one large fridge instead of two smaller fridges. Many people are surprised to see these power consumption numbers. Feel free to test your fridge power consumption yourself and let me know what results you see.
Power Source Options:
There are multiple ways to power your 12v compressor fridge. You can run it off an AC/DC adapter while on 120v power, you can run them directly off a 12/24 volt portable battery pack, or you can run them off your vehicle/boat 12v socket. I will discuss each one below:
AC/DC Adapter: Running your 12v fridge off 120v power is very simple. If your fridge comes with an AC/DC adapter it allows you to use the fridge while at home for extra refrigeration space or in a hotel while on a road trip. Not all fridges come with AC/DC adapters so you might have to purchase one separately. If you are planning to head out on a road trip you can use your AC/DC adapter to pre-cool your fridge before leaving. Just plug in your fridge a couple hours before loading it up, set the desired temperature, and you’ll be good to go when it’s time to load up the food.
Portable Battery: After years of experience the best way to power a 12v fridge is to use a portable battery setup. Many of these portable battery setups accept multiple charging options from solar panels or other DC power sources. These portable batteries are called solar generators and they are getting more affordable each day. You might recognize big brand names like Goal Zero, Jackery, and Bluetti. Each brand offers different sizes starting around 150wh all the way up to 1500wh. With a 500wh battery pack you can expect over 24 hours of runtime on a 12v fridge during a warm afternoon. I would not recommend anything under 500wh to power a fridge. With the addition of solar panels or DC to DC charging you can charge the portable battery and run a 12v fridge forever. You can also make your own battery packs using LiFePO4 or lead acid batteries. Check out my YouTube build videos if you are interested in building your own battery pack for more value for your dollar spent.
12v Vehicle Socket: Using your vehicle starter battery to power your fridge is only recommended while driving or only for short periods while the engine is not running. If you plan to run your fridge off your vehicle 12v system you’ll need to monitor it very closely. I have used my 4Runner starter battery to run my fridges but one can easily run the battery down too low, cause permanent damage, and leave yourself stranded with a dead battery. Most vehicles weren’t designed for 12v fridges in mind and their power sockets shutoff without the key installed. Some vehicles also have smaller wire which causes large voltage drop so your fridge won’t even power on. So unless you plan to modify your vehicle wiring or run a second AGM/LiFePO4 vehicle battery it’s best to stay away from this option.
Conclusion:
Are you lost now? We know it’s a lot to take in. Hopefully the information we provided will help you make an informed decision when creating your 12v fridge setup. We usually suggest someone purchase the solar generator and a 100 watt folding solar panel to start their setup and just grow from there. We have listed multiple options for fridges below. The following links are affiliate links so we can continue to make this content for our viewers. These links add no additional cost to you but throw a small commission to the channel when used by you. We use this money to keep this website running and grow the YouTube channel. Did you notice we don’t have advertisements on the website? Thanks again guys and enjoy finding your next 12v fridge!
Compare fridge performance here
After reviewing and testing all the fridges on my channel, I have assembled performance and pricing information so they can be compared side by side. You can view the spreadsheet here on the ’12v Fridge Comparison Page’: Portable Power Station Buyers Guide – Jasonoid – Google Sheets
Recommended 12v Fridges Below
Please note that fridge prices and stock levels fluctuate daily so the current pricing may not be accurate. If you pay more money for a 12v fridge, that usually translates into higher quality and design. We have attempted to post correct information about each model below, please excuse any errors. Near large holidays in the summer you will usually see a large sale on 12v fridges on Amazon.com and on manufacturer websites (4th of July, Labor Day).
Small 12v Fridges ( 20-30 Liter Capacity)
Model: Alpicool C20
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 20 liters
Weight: 19 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $179.99
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3k9edJF
Model: Vevor C22
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 22 liters
Weight: 21lbs
Compressor brand: LG
Average Price: $199.99
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/37rTrzH
Model: Setpower FC20
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 20 liters
Weight: 20 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $189.99
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/2NJCbiI
Discount Code Available:
Visit setpowerUSA.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 12% discount on any fridge purchase.
Model: ICECO GO20 Dual Zone Fridge & Freezer
Style: Dual zone, dual temp
Capacity: 20 liters
Weight: 23 lbs
Compressor Brand: Secop (Danfoss)
Average Price: $429.00
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3dqp7cB
Discount Code Available:
Visit icecofreezer.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 12% discount on any fridge purchase.
View my video review here:
https://youtu.be/PmWRDSitUyU
Model: BougeRV 28 Liter
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 28 liters
Weight: 30 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $245
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3ukA05P
Model: Setpower AJ30
Style: Divided style, single temp
Capacity: 30 liters
Weight: 32 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $245
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3bsVaGh
Discount Code Available:
Visit setpowerUSA.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 12% discount on any fridge purchase.
Model: ICECO JP30
Style: Divided style, single temp
Capacity: 30 liters
Weight: 35 lbs
Compressor Brand: Secop (Danfoss)
Average Price: $529 (with protective cover)
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/2NTrOZp
Discount Code Available:
Visit icecofreezer.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 12% discount on any fridge purchase.
Model: Dometic CF18
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 18 liters
Weight: 25 lbs
Compressor Brand: Secop (Danfoss)
Average Price: $565.00
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3aygCKF
Medium 12v Fridges ( 40-50 Liter Capacity)
Model: Setpower AJ40
Style: Divided style, single temp
Capacity: 40 liters
Weight: 35 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $230
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3sbB0aH
Discount Code Available:
Visit setpowerUSA.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 12% discount on any fridge purchase.
Model: Alpicool CF45
Style: Divided style, single temp
Capacity: 45 liters
Weight: 33 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $300
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3k3ACYS
Model: Setpower RV45S
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 45 liters
Weight: 46 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $370
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/2NJEoe0
Discount Code Available:
Visit setpowerUSA.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 12% discount on any fridge purchase.
Model: ICECO VL45
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 45 liters
Weight: 49 lbs
Compressor Brand: Secop (Danfoss)
Average Price: $520
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/37snyXO
Discount Code Available:
Visit icecofreezer.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 12% discount on any fridge purchase.
View my video review here:
https://youtu.be/kBRVoQud_Ic
Model: Setpower RV45D
Style: Chest style, dual temp
Capacity: 45 liters
Weight: 39 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $429
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3pXyyoi
Discount Code Available:
Visit setpowerUSA.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 12% discount on any fridge purchase.
View my video review here:
https://youtu.be/64TaFNtlKjc
Model: ICECO JPC42 Roto-Molded
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 45 liters
Weight: 50 lbs
Compressor Brand: Secop (Danfoss)
Average Price: $560
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/37sLjiC
Discount Code Available:
Visit icecofreezer.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 12% discount on any fridge purchase.
View my video review here:
https://youtu.be/EXsiBZJjknM
Model: Whynter FM45
Style: Chest style, tall skinny, single temp
Capacity: 45 liters
Weight: 52 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $500
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3dsq5F9
Model: Dometic CF40
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 40 liters
Weight: 33 lbs
Compressor Brand: Secop (Danfoss)
Average Price: $805
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3bihr9H
Model: ARB 47Qt
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 44 liters
Weight: 65 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $980
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3k4sM0U
Large 12v Fridges (Over 50 Liter Capacity)
Model: Setpower AJ50
Style: Divided style, single temp
Capacity: 50 liters
Weight: 37 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $280
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/2MduCQK
Discount Code Available:
Visit setpowerUSA.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 12% discount on any fridge purchase.
Model: Costway 55 Quart
Style: Divided style, single temp
Capacity: 51 liters
Weight: 36 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $340
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3drR2ZC
Model: Alpicool LGCF55
Style: Divided style, single temp
Capacity: 55 liters
Weight: 35 lbs
Compressor Brand: LG
Average Price: $340
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3s4yNO8
Model: ICECO TR-60
Style: Divided style, single temp
Capacity: 60 liters
Weight: 43 lbs
Compressor Brand: Secop (Danfoss)
Average Price: $535 (After Discount Code)
Available on Frontier Hub:
https://frontierehub.com
Discount Code Available:
Visit Frontierehub.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 33% discount on the TR-60 and TR-45 models
View my video review here:
https://youtu.be/YxniqIxh8Mg
Model: Whynter 62 Quart
Style: Dual zone, dual temp
Capacity: 60 liters
Weight: 62 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $745
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3pum4T3
Model: ICECO VL60Pro
Style: Chest Style, Single temp
Capacity: 60 liters
Weight: 55 lbs
Compressor Brand: Secop (Danfoss)
Average Price: $799
Available on Amazon.com:
https://icecofreezer.com/
Discount Code Available:
Visit icecofreezer.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 12% discount on any fridge purchase.
View my video review here:
https://youtu.be/ou8r_Ur1pmk
Model: ICECO VL60 Dual Zone
Style: Dual zone, dual temp
Capacity: 60 liters
Weight: 65 lbs
Compressor Brand: Secop (Danfoss)
Average Price: $789
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/2ZxtUkt
Discount Code Available:
Visit icecofreezer.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 12% discount on any fridge purchase.
Model: ARB 63 Quart
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 63 liters
Weight: 62 lbs
Compressor Brand: Unknown
Average Price: $1185
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/2OTDnAv
Model: ICECO VL74
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 74 liters
Weight: 62 lbs
Compressor Brand: Secop (Danfoss)
Average Price: $810
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3k2a9e2
Discount Code Available:
Visit icecofreezer.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 12% discount on any fridge purchase.
View my video review here:
https://youtu.be/KQ7pTDK2W_c
Model: Newair 80 Qt Dual Zone
Style: Chest style, dual temp
Capacity: 80 quarts
Weight: 49 lbs
Compressor Brand: LG compressor
Average Price: $650
Available on Newair.com:
Newair.com/products
Discount Code Available:
Visit Newair.com
Apply the code “JASONOID” upon checkout for 10% discount on your purchase.
View my video review here:
https://youtu.be/QMa1Ceel-eU
Model: Dometic CF80
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 80 liters
Weight: 58 lbs
Compressor Brand: Secop (Danfoss)
Average Price: $1135
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3aw7dmQ
Model: Dometic CF110
Style: Chest style, single temp
Capacity: 110 liters
Weight: 69 lbs
Compressor Brand: Secop (Danfoss)
Average Price: $1225
Available on Amazon.com:
https://amzn.to/3ua1QBD