Camping Fridge - The Camping Air Conditioner

A Comprehensive Review of the Alpicool C15 Camping Fridge Freezer

When I first started camping, I didn’t think that I needed that much gear. But the more trips I went on, the more I realized the importance of camping appliances like a camping stove, air conditioner, or dehumidifier. And out of all of those camping appliances, I still think that a camping fridge is one of the most important ones to have.

With a camping fridge, you don’t have to think how to safely store your food in your car, allowing you to go on much longer trips.

If you’ve browse the market for a while, you’ll already know how expensive camping fridges are, meaning it’s quite rare to come across one that is both good and affordable. One such example is the Alpicool C15 portable fridge freezer, and in this review article, I’ll be going over everything you need to know about this model.

And by the end of this review, you’ll have a crystal-clear idea as to whether or not it’s good enough for your needs.

By the way, The Camping Air Conditioner is sponsored by readers. When you buy through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator Review Summary

While it’s important to know as much as you can about a product before buying it, this can also be pretty time-consuming. But don’t worry; if you’re in a rush and don’t have time to read the entire review, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a quick summary of the Alpicool C15 review that has everything you need to know.

If you’re in need of a compact and affordable camping refrigerator, this is the right pick for you. It’s easy to use, and it even has two convenient handles to make lifting and transporting it around a breeze. The plastic material is also fairly durable while still being lightweight, which is a nice change when shopping for a camping fridge at this price point.

It even has low battery detection, so it will automatically shut off or adjust depending on the battery level of the power source. All in all, this is a really convenient refrigerator to bring with you when going on a camping trip.

That said, while the product descriptions say that it won’t make ice despite staying at sub-zero temperatures, some customers report that if you leave it on too long, it will start developing frost. Alternatively, you can just get yourself a camping ice maker.

Specifications	Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator
Capacity	15 Liters
Weight	18.92 lbs
Dimensions	10.2″D x 23.25″W x 12.6″H
Voltage	12 Volts
Power Source	External battery or power source

Pros

Can keep temperatures below -4°F (-20°C)
Can be used for both a fridge or a freezer
Freezes without ice
Can be powered up via the lighter socket in the car

Cons

Can't be used as a fridge and freezer at the same time
Not suitable for accommodating large parties

Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator

Can keep temperatures below -4°F (-20°C)
Can be used for both a fridge or a freezer
Freezes without ice
Can be powered up via the lighter socket in the car

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How the Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator Works

One thing to keep in mind with this refrigerator is that it’s a compressor refrigerator. This basically means that this refrigerator has a compressor that compresses and pumps hot liquid gas that will cold down and then suck the heat out of the refrigerator. It also has great insulation that you need to keep the temperature inside the refrigerator consistent and prevent the compressor from working too hard.

If you want to understand refrigerator compression a bit more, you can refer to the video below.

In order to run a 12V fridge while camping, it has to be plugged in to a power supply at all times. This is why you need to make sure you have an external power source with you on your trip if you bring this refrigerator. If you don’t, then you won’t be able to use it since it doesn’t come with its own power source or battery.

Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator Design & Specifications

I really liked the fact this refrigerator comes in a solid and simple design. It has one silver-ish colorway that works great for outdoor settings. It doesn’t grab too much attention, but the design definitely isn’t boring that it pushes you away.

Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator

Can keep temperatures below -4°F (-20°C)
Can be used for both a fridge or a freezer
Freezes without ice
Can be powered up via the lighter socket in the car

Check Price

Design & Weight

This is a pretty simple refrigerator. It isn’t dual-zone, which means you only have one compartment to store all of your consumables. While you can store things below zero in this fridge, keep in mind that this means that everything inside will freeze since it doesn’t have a separate fridge compartment.

It has a 15-liter capacity, which is a fair amount. However, I did notice that this is one of the smaller models on the market, so it might not be the best idea for large camping trips with friends and family.

The fridge is largely made out of plastic. However, Alpicool did make sure to use high-quality plastic in making this model, so you can rest assured that it’s durable and will last you a long time.

And despite having a strong build, this is a pretty light fridge. It’s around 18 pounds and has two well-placed handles to ease the burned of carrying it to and from your camping site.

Operating Specifications

This is a 12-volt, 45-watt appliance, so, it doesn’t use up that much power. This is really good since you don’t want your refrigerator eating up all your power and leaving you without electricity after the first day of camping.

That said, this isn’t a three-way fridge, so it won’t be able to run on propane. This can limit you in terms of power sources, but it’s not too big of a flaw for short to medium camping trips.

In terms of power consumption, this is a very eco-friendly device. It can last you a long time even when plugged into a battery, and using the fridge is actually very easy. So, all in all, I would highly recommend getting this fridge if you want something that’s functional. affordable, and will last you for many years.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

My biggest pet peeve with a lot of portable refrigerators on the market is how difficult they are to figure out and get running. Yes, it’s nice to have tons of features at your disposal, but if you have a hard time accessing those features, isn’t the whole thing pointless?

Everything is very straightforward with this model, and it even has automatic car battery protections. So, when it comes to ease of use, this refrigerator scores very high, which is why it’s one of my favorite camping refrigerators on the market today.

Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator

Can keep temperatures below -4°F (-20°C)
Can be used for both a fridge or a freezer
Freezes without ice
Can be powered up via the lighter socket in the car

Check Price

Alternatives to the Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator

Not quite sure about the Alpicool C15? This is how it compares to similar alternatives on the market.

The Dailyint fridge freezer is larger and more powerful but is also significantly more expensive than the Alpicool C15 On the other hand, the Zafro 16L camping car fridge freezer is slightly bigger in storage capacity, and is more affordable than the Alpicool C15.

My Top Pick

Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator

Check Price

9.7

Can keep temperatures below -4°F (-20°C)
Can be used for both a fridge or a freezer
Freezes without ice
Can be powered up via the lighter socket in the car

A Larger Alternative

DAILYINT Refrigerator 20L Portable Refrigerator

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9.5

20L storage capacity
Can reach 0 degrees Fahrenheit easily
Doesn't require ice to work
Operates extremely quietly

A More Affordable Pick

ZAFRO 16 L Camping Car Fridge Freezer

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9.2

16 L storage capacity
Equipped with DC 12V/24V and AC 100-240V adapters
Designed with energy saving in mind
Can reach a minimum temperature of -4℉

Conclusion

Overall, I personally wouldn’t shy away from the Alpicool C15. For the price that you’re getting it for, it has quite literally everything you need to store all of your consumables in a cool and safe place.

And while it would be quite nice to have a two different storage compartments so one can be used as a fridge and the other as a freezer, it’s honestly not that big of a deal.

Can a Solar Panel Run a Camping Fridge?

Camping Fridge

While camping fridges can be expensive, despite that, no one can argue that they come in extremely handy when out camping for longer periods of time. I bought my first camping fridge when I planned out to go and live in a tent long term because I needed to somehow store my consumables and keep them safe for consumption for longer.

And since I had no direct access to power, that’s when I started looking for alternative ways to power up my 3-way camping fridge. I came across one possible solution – solar panels.

And that’s precisely when I started asking myself; can a solar panel run a camping fridge?

After some research and personally trying out to power my camping fridge using my solar panels I found out that yes, it is totally possible.

The only thing you need to make sure is to do it right, which is what I’ll be explaining to you in this article. Besides, I’ll also you exactly how much power my camping fridge uses just so you can get an idea.

By the way, The Camping Air Conditioner is sponsored by readers. When you buy through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Can I Use a Solar Panel for My Camping Fridge?

If you have solar panels on your car or you have a portable solar panel at home, you might want to consider using it to power your camping fridge. The thing with camping fridges is that they won’t use as much power as a normal fridge, which is why you can easily use a solar panel to power it up.

If you don’t have a solar panel at hand (which is the case with most people), there are a ton of great options on the internet. However, since I don’t want to leave you empty handed, I’ve done the research for you, and you can find the best options in this post.

How Much Power Does My Camping Fridge Use?

If you want to use your solar panels for your camping fridge, you need to figure out how much power the fridge actually uses. For instance, mini fridges can be used while camping with most solar panels as they consume very little energy.

The thing is that different fridges will have different wattages and consumption rates, so it can be hard to figure out exactly how much power you need for your fridge.

For a quick guide, we’ve made a table that has the average amount of watts different solar panels produce and how many watts a camping fridge will consume on average. So, before choosing the right system to power your camping fridge, check out the table below.

Type of Solar Panel	How Many Watts the Panel Produces	Power Consumption of Camping Fridge
Portable Solar Panels	Between 60 and 200	<100
Residential Solar Panels	250-350	<100
Camping Fridges w/ Built-in Solar Panels	Around 100	<100

As you can see in the table, you can use a portable solar panel to power your camping fridge. Just make sure that the solar panels can produce the same or more watts than your camping fridge. Even camping fridges with built-in solar panels can run on solar, even if the wattage isn’t that high since it uses solar power to keep the battery charged and the fridge cold.

How Do I Power My Camping Fridge with Solar Power?

There are different ways you can use solar power to run a camping fridge. And when camping, it’s important to find and use the method that offers the most benefits for you and fits your own needs.

So, here are the different methods you can apply when running a camping fridge on solar power.

Panels on Your Vehicle

This could be one of the most effective and convenient ways to power a camping fridge and other appliances such as a camping ice maker or a car camping heater if you plan on camping on the beach in the winter. When you have panels built into your vehicle, it will be much easier to hook everything up and have reliable power when on a camping trip.

However, the major downside to this is that installing one of these systems is expensive and complicated. On top of that, if the panels aren’t collecting sunlight (like in the evenings or during gloomy days), the fridge will gather power from the car’s battery, which is something you’re looking to avoid with solar panels.

Portable Solar Panels to Run your Camping Fridge

Another option for people looking to use solar power on the campsite is to use a portable power system. These are usually a combination of batteries and solar panels that work in tandem to provide you with reliable power while on a camping trip.

The biggest benefit of these systems is flexibility. You can look for specific portable systems that don’t produce that much power if you’re only looking to run a couple of appliances. This can save you money and also make it easier to pack.

With these systems, the camping fridge will still run on a battery. However, these batteries are constantly recharged by the solar panel system, which makes them last longer and reduces your consumption. These are the three portable solar panels I think every camper should consider:

Best Budget Pick

DOKIO Foldable 100W 18v Solar Panels

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9.5

Maximum power - 110W
Total weight - 6lb (2.7kg)
Dimensions - 21"x29"x0.5" (54x73x1.2cm)
Works right out of the box

Best Value for Money

ALLPOWERS 200W Portable Solar Panel

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9.6

Maximum power - 200W
Total weight - 16.4lbs(7.4kg)
Dimensions - 25.6"x20.3"x2.4"
Waterproof

Premium Pick

Alrska GreenSun 200 Watt Portable Solar Panel

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9.7

Maximum power - 200W
Weight - 18.41lb(8.35kg)
Dimensions - 24.6"x23"x2.8"
Set up in seconds

Using Solar-Powered Camping Fridges

The most economical way to use solar power for camping fridges is to get specific solar-powered models. There are tons of solar-powered camping fridges available today, and they can last you a very long time.

To figure out how these work, you can imagine a portable solar power system built right into the camping fridge. So, the fridge has a battery that charges using the power from the solar panels, giving you a lot of sustainable power.

The downside to this is that there are tons of solar-powered camping fridges that aren’t that strong enough to keep going for days. So, make sure to pay close attention to the fridge you buy when going for a solar-powered model to ensure that you get a functional for at the campsite.

Conclusion

If you have a camping fridge, you might be wondering how you can keep it powered up through a solar panel. That way, you won’t have to wonder how to keep food in your car safely while camping. Today, that’s more than possible thanks to the high wattage solar panels can generate and the low electricity consumption by camping fridges.

So, the next time you go camping, don’t worry about your batteries running out on you while running the fridge. Simply pick up one of the solar panels that I’ve recommended above, and you’ll have no trouble keeping your fridge cold what so ever.

What Is a Three-Way Camping Fridge? (and The Best Options)

Camping Fridge

I’ve always been an avid camper. There have been countless times that I decided to go on a solo camping trip or try to convince my friends to come with me because I enjoy nature so much. As a result of my love for nature, recently, I’ve been exploring a couple of approaches to camping for longer periods of time and even living in a tent long term.

One of these approaches is camping with an RV. When RV camping, you have a lot more comfort, supplies, and space than tent or hammock camping, which makes for a completely unique experience.

Think about it…you don’t have to wonder how to insulate your tent floor or try and find ways to prevent your hammock from flipping during the night.

And as I was looking at what I could bring with me when camping with my RV, I stumbled upon a three-way camping fridge. That got me thinking, what even is a three-way camping fridge?

After some research, I found that a three-way camping fridges are more flexible and versatile in terms of how the appliance can be powered up compared to a standard fridge.

And because I know many avid campers like myself also want to find out more about three-way camping fridges, in this article, I will get into more detail about what they are as well as list you three of my favorite picks.

By the way, The Camping Air Conditioner is sponsored by readers. When you buy through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

What Is a Three-Way Camping Fridge?

A three-way camping fridge is a portable refrigerator that works with three different power sources. With a three-way fridge in your RV, you can choose to run it on propane, 12v DC, and 120V AC. This gives you a whole lot of flexibility when it comes to powering the fridge, allowing you to keep it running for much longer.

With many RV and camping fridges, you have only one or two choices of power source. So, if your primary power source runs out, you’re left without refrigeration for the rest of your trip – which could force you to start wondering how to safely store your food in your vehicle while camping without a fridge. But with a three-way fridge, you can have two backup power sources on your trip.

Most portable camping fridges run on batteries. While this is all fine for shorter camping trips, you don’t want to rely on a car battery for longer adventures. This is because battery power won’t last you too long when you aren’t driving, and if you exhaust the battery in your RV, that will lead to a whole different level of trouble.

There are tons of unique and modern pieces of camping gear available on the market. You can get camping stoves, dehumidifiers, and even air conditioners, which can really help you take your adventures to the next level. But in my experience, there aren’t many fridges that can compare with the three-way camping fridge.

Not only will these appliances help you keep your food cold and fresh for longer, but you can switch between different power sources according to your needs. So, if you’re going on a long RV camping trip soon or you plan on sprucing up your current RV setup, a three-way camping fridge could be the investment you need.

Best Three-way Camping Fridges – A Summary Review

In a rush? Here are the best three-way camping fridges on the market today.

If you’re on the lookout for the best 3-way camping fridge on the market, you can’t go wrong with the SMETA ‎SCD-100. On the flip side, if you’re looking for the most value for money, I feel like the SMETA ‎SDSX-40B2U-1 offers more for the price, which is nearly 3x less compared to the larger SMETA model.

I also came across the Kohree camping fridge, which isn’t a 3-way model, but still, it is a fantastic alternative if you don’t plan on using propane to power up your camping fridge anyway.

Best Value for Money

SMETA 3-Way Mini Camping Fridge

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9.5

3-way power-up capabilities
1.2 cubic feet storage capacity
Very quiet operation
Removable shelves for more space

Best Overall

SMETA 3-Way Camping Fridge

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9.7

It can be powered through propane(LPG), AC 110V, and DC 12V
3.4 cubic feet storage capacity
Near silent when operating
Sleek and modern design

Best 3-Way Fridge Alternative

Kohree 3-Way Camping Fridge

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9.7

50L total capacity
Dual storage areas
No noise when working
Multiple power up options

Best Three-Way Camping Fridges

During my research, I came across a number of great 3-way camping fridges. Below, I’ll show you three of my favorite picks.

SMETA 3-Way Camping Fridge

If you’re looking for the best 3-way camping fridge on the market today, the this model by SMETA is arguably the best appliance you can currently get. It can be powered up through propane, AC 110V, and DC 12V – giving you plenty of flexibility.

This SMETA model also has a storage capacity of 3.4 cubic feet or just under 100 L, which is a lot, making it perfect if you decide to drink while camping and need to cool down your drinks if you don’t plan on bringing a portable camping ice maker.

If you do decide to run this camping fridge on gas, it consumes around 0.6 lb per day, provided you run it around the clock, which you should. In terms of drawbacks, it is pretty expensive.

Pros

Powered up through propane, AC 110V, and DC 12V
3.4 cubic feet capacity
Silent when working
Modern and sleek design

Cons

Very expensive
Pretty heavy

SMETA 3-Way Camping Fridge

Can be powered through propane, AC 110V, and DC 12V
3.4 cubic feet storage capacity
Near silent when operating
Modern and sleek design

Check Price

If you’re on the lookout for a 3-way mini camping fridge that is also much more affordable than the SMETA model from above, then this appliance is a great choice for you. It has a storage capacity of 1.2 cubic feet, and thanks to the removable shelves, you can easily store up all of your food and drinks.

One of the cooler features on this particular mini fridge is that the temperature can be controlled with ease simply by using the thermostat knob. It also have a very sleek and modern-looking design, which I particularly like. It’s also very quiet when working, which is always good news as it won’t be disrupting your night’s sleep.

Pros

1.2 cubic feet capacity
Quiet operations
Removable shelves for more space
Fairly affordable

Cons

Pretty chunky and heavy

SMETA 3-Way Mini Camping Fridge

3-way power capabilities
Has 1.2 cubic feet of capacity
Shelves can be removed for extra space
Temperature can be adjusted through the thermostat knob

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Best Alternative to a 3-Way Camping Fridge

Koohree 3-Way Camping Fridge

If you’re looking for a 3-way camping fridge with a lot of fridge space, then this model by Kohree is perfect for you. Though it’s quite expensive, the features of this appliance are very remarkable for its size and weight.

One of the biggest benefits of this 3-way fridge is that has two compartments – one for freezing and keeping your food and drinks ice cold – the other being a standard refrigerator. That being said, the refrigerator is only 10L while the actual freezer is 40L.

This 3-way refrigerator can also cool down from 77℉ to 32℉ within 25 minutes and down to -4℉ in just 75 minutes.

Pros

50L storage capacity
No noise during operation
Two different storage compartments

Cons

Not a 3-way camping fridge

Kohree Camping Fridge

Can reach a temperature of 32℉ from 77℉ within 25 minutes -4℉ within 75 minutes.
This appliance makes almost zero noise when operating
40L freezing area and 10L refrigeration area
Flexible and versatile power up capabilities

Check Price

Conclusion

If you plan on going on a long camping trip, it’s best to have a fridge with you. With a high-quality three-way camping fridge, you’ll be able to keep supplies cold and fresh for longer. The only real downside to these appliances is that camping fridges can be expensive, but they offer a ton of benefits, which justify the price.

With a three-way camping fridge, you can easily switch between different power sources as needed. This allows for a lot of flexibility on your trip, and allows you to keep the fridge running for much longer.

Why Are Camping Fridges So Expensive? (The reasons are…)

Camping Fridge

Knowing how to keep food in your car safely for longer isn’t anywhere near as good as storing the food in a camping fridge – especially if you’re planning on camping out for longer than a few day.

The trouble is, camping fridges are so expensive, and in some cases, they can reach price points of up to $1,000+, which is way out of budget for most of us.

And as a result of that, a very common question that is circulating the community at the minute is: “Why are camping fridges so expensive?”

After some research, I found that camping fridges are typically high-quality appliances that incorporate top-notch technology, including active cooling, exceptional insulation layers, and microcontrollers. For this reason, they are definitely not cheap to make (at least the ones that are good and will do the job).

However, that isn’t the only reason, and in this article, I’ll go over the many other reasons camping fridges are so pricey.

And to make sure you don’t leave empty handed, I did some pretty extensive research to find the best and most affordable alternatives to expensive camping fridges. You can find those products at the bottom of this article.

By the way, The Camping Air Conditioner is sponsored by readers. When you buy through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

What Makes Camping Fridges So Expensive?

Camping is a very popular activity. In 2021 alone, over 57 million households went camping in North America. And when people go camping, they want to feel as comfortable and as close to home as possible. And for a lot of them, that means having a cold drink in their hands while basking in nature.

But to keep food and drinks cold outdoors, you need a special refrigerator, which isn’t cheap at all. In the section below, I’ll go over the many reasons why camping fridges have such a hefty price tag.

Active Cooling

The first reason that camping fridges, coolers, and even camping ice makers are so expensive is because they use active cooling.

When you bring a cooler to a camping trip, even if you have the most expensive one on the market, all it does is insulate whatever is inside. This keeps the temperature consistent for longer. But eventually, whatever is in the cooler will heat up, and the ice (if it’s ice-based) will start melting.

Camping fridges and mini-fridges for camping, on the other hand, connect to a power source. This is usually a car battery, but there are also a couple of camping fridges that can run on solar power as well. These fridges use a micro compressor to cool down the inside and keep whatever is in there as cold as possible at all times.

That way, the fridge stays cold for the entire camping trip. So, if you plan on living in a tent for a long time, there’s no around it. You have to get a fridge. While these micro compressors are very useful, they are also quite expensive, which drives up the price of the machine.

Extra Insulation

On top of the active cooling elements, camping fridges also have a fair amount of insulation. This reduces the heat transfer in and out of the fridge, keeping the temperature consistent. There is a lot of time and effort spent in determining the best design for portability and insulation, which is another reason these devices can be expensive.

Locks

One of the things you’ll find on most camping fridges nowadays is a lock. I decided to get a camping fridge with a lock to prevent animals and people from getting into the fridge when I’m sleeping.

This is a great security feature and can help keep your food and drinks as safe as possible when camping out in the wilderness.

That said, locks are another feature that can add to the price. And while it may mean you have to spend a bit more, it’s all worth it if you want to secure the appliance and your supplies.

My camping fridge has a pin-code lock system. So, I don’t need a key or anything else but a password to open it. This makes securing my supplies even more convenient, but it did add a fair amount to the price.

Dual Settings

If you get one of the more premium camping fridges on the market, it might come with dual settings. Camping fridges with dual settings can keep your food and drinks cold, but it can also keep your supplies warm. This unlocks a wide range of possibilities on the campsite.

For example, you can keep a batch of soup warm the whole day during colder camping trips – if you go camping on the beach during the winter for example. Or, you can fill the fridge with drinks that you know will stay cold the whole time you’re out in the wild.

Microcontrollers

Another cool feature available on premium camping fridges nowadays is microcontrollers. These are devices that can connect to your phone via Wi-Fi and allow you to control the settings of the appliance remotely.

Granted, this isn’t a necessary feature, but it’s very cool and convenient. But since it’s such an advanced feature, you can expect camping fridges with microcontrollers to cost a fair amount of money.

They Are Portable

When you buy a camping fridge, you pay for portability. One of the biggest advantages of a camping fridge is that you can take it with you just about anywhere you go. This isn’t a feature available on normal refrigerators and is another reason these appliances can be quite expensive.

Technology to Control Power Consumption

Most camping fridges are designed to run by getting powered up through the lighter socket of a vehicle. And since powering up your camping fridge that way will start to drain the car’s battery, most fridges have built-in power consumption controls to make sure the vehicle’s battery doesn’t get totally drained as a result.

This technology isn’t expensive, but it’s absolutely necessary, which only adds to the total overall cost of the average camping fridge. My camping fridge works like that, and it not only works extremely well but also doesn’t use that much energy to run.

Affordable Alternatives to Expensive Camping Fridges

Just because you’re heading out for a few days (or weeks), that doesn’t mean you have to go out and spend a fortune on an expensive camping fridge to keep your food and beverages nice and cold during your trip.

To help you find an affordable alternative to the expensive camping fridges, I went out and researched the market. So below, I’ll show you three of my favorite alternative picks.

Most Affordable

AstroAI Mini Fridge

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9.4

4L storage capacity
Can be plugged into 100-120V or 12V power supply
Easy and convenient to carry around
The fridge is freon-free and environmentally friendly

Highest Capacity

Ivation Electric Camping Cooler

Check Price

9.7

25L/6.6 Gallons internal storage capacity
Change modes with the flip of a switch
Easy to set up and use
Includes power adapters for flexible usage

Best Value for Money

Wagan 12V Camping Cooler

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9.6

14L capacity
Hot/cold/off switch indicates which temperature mode is in use
Easy and straightforward to use
Keep food and beverages cool without messy ice

Conclusion: Is a Camping Fridge Worth It?

Yes, camping fridges are absolutely worth the investment. Not only can they keep drinks cold, but they can help make food last longer, making sure your supplies don’t spoil in the middle of the trip. With that being said, you absolutely don’t have to spend a thousand dollar for a camping fridge to do the job.

As you have seen above, I did the research for you and have found three great and very affordable alternatives that you can pick up right now and use on your next camping trip.

How Do you Run a 12V fridge While Camping? (EASILY!)

Camping Fridge

If you are a long-term camper or are considering a more extended trip, you will likely need to bring a 12v camping fridge, especially if you are bringing foods that need refrigeration. A refrigerator will hinder bacteria growth and leave your food supplies good for comsumption for much longer.

These days, there is a wide variety of models which are compact (yet powerful), easy to transport and come with surprising energy efficiency levels. However, some off-grid campers get caught by an intriguing question: How Do I Run my 12v camping fridges while camping?

There are many ways that you can do it, but we usually recommend using a small generator, battery bank, or your car battery (be careful with this option, though) that can provide you with enough power to make your cold-storage box run smoothly.

In this article, we will detail how to do it, what you should pay attention to, and some special tricks to make your next trip way better – keep reading (and if you are camping for weeks or months, it might be worth checking our article on How To Live in A tent)!

By the way, The Camping Air Conditioner is sponsored by readers. When you buy through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Can you run a 12v Fridge from a Car Battery?

Yes, you can, and it should run well. The majority of the cars these days come with 12v outlets, which should you provide enough power to run your small fridge.

However, make sure that your equipment has an adequate power plug that will allow for connection with your car’s 12-v socket. If it is not the case, you can buy a 12-v adapter to help you, such as Bestek 300W Power Invert (shown below).

You must be careful, though. The prolonged use might draw a significant amount of energy, and you might be left without power to start your car (the last thing you want if you are camping in a remote location and with no electricity around you!).

So, how long should I let my camping fridge run for? Please read below before draining our SUV battery last summer when we were off-grid camping!

How Long Will a Car Battery run a 12v Fridge for?

Overall, a fully charged battery will take from 8 to 50 hours to be completely drained . However, the exact timing will depend on your vehicle battery’s size, age and conditions and the 12v camping fridge you use. Keep reading the next paragraphs for a detailed explanation.

Among many factors, batteries are classified according to their reserve capacity (RC) and their Amp/hour capacity (AH).

The RC is an indicator of how long a brand new battery (fully charged) can supply a constant current of 25 Amps (at 80 degrees Fahrenheit) without dropping its voltage below 10.5V. The AH is the amount of energy (ampere) that can be drawn per hour.

Too complex? Simplifying the paragraph above, it is just your battery capacity. The higher the RC and AH, the longer you will be able to run your 12v camping fridge (without recharging). It is pretty common to have cars ranging from 50 to 100 AH (u).

As for 12-volt fridges, they usually consume from 2 to 6 Amp/hour (Note: you can get Watt per hour consumption and divide by 12 to find your mini fridge amp per hour). For example, Astro AstroAI 12 Volt Refrigerator (shown below) consumes approximately 5 Ampere per hour.

The table below summarises our findings.

It is pretty common to have cars ranging from 50 to 100 AH. You can Apply the following formula to find how long your car will

Energy Consumption vs Battery Capacity		Battery Capacity – Amp per hour
Energy Consumption vs Battery Capacity		50 AH	75 AH	100 AH
Fridge Energy Consumption	2 Amp/h (or 24 Watts)	25.0 hours	37.5 hours	50.0 hours
	4 amp/h (or 48 Watts)	12.5 hours	18.8 hours	25.0 hours
	6 amp/h (or 72 Watts)	8.3 hours	12.5 hours	16.7 hours

Important note: These are theoretical calculations, and the exact timing will depend on your battery capacity and the equipment characteristics. We do not recommend completely draining your battery (recharge your car battery when it is approximately 6o to 70% drained – you can start your car and let the engine run to recharge your battery).

What are the alternatives to power my 12v camping fridge then?

I need to confess that after my last summer experience, I am avoiding using my car to power my fridge while camping. There are two alternatives that I would recommend you consider then:

A power bank
Diesel-powered generators
A solar-powered generator (my preferred option).

Each choice comes with some benefits and drawbacks as detailed in the table below.

Power Source	Advantages	Disadvantages
Power Bank	Cheap Models with high capacity Modern models come with multiple ports (USB and USB-C)	You will eventually need to recharge (not ideal for a long term camping) Some models are bulky
Diesel-Powered Generator	Many Powerful options Good for long term camping You can Find Cheap Alternatives	Not eco-friendly Bulky (even though some come with wheels) Need to carry fuel around Noisy
Solar-Powered Generator	Easy to carry around Eco-friendly and Sustainable No need to carry and store fuel	Pricey Might suffer in cloudy and rainy days

After buying my solar generator group set, I never looked back to the other alternatives. They are effortless to transport, extremely safe, and no need to worry about fuel storage.

The drawback? The investment. A good set, such as the one that I use, Jackery 1000W with solar panels (see below), will cost around $1500, but it is undoubtedly worth it in the long term.

Solar Powered Generator

Jackery Solar Generator 1000W + Solar Panels

Extremely Efficient - 1000W (CLEAN energy)
NO Noise
VERY easy to use
Power Station provides you with energy for days.

Check Price

Can You Run a Camp Fridge off a solar panel?

Yes, you can. These days multiple affordable options let you run different equipment straight from a solar panel (the only challenge will be on cloudy days and during the night.

If you are considering this option, choose a panel of at least 100w (sufficient to run a 12v fridge with up to 8 amperes per hour consumption), such as PAXCESS 120W Portable Solar Panel.

It is foldable, lightweight and very easy to handle, and cost less than a solar power generator (picture shown below).

What Size battery do I need for a 12v fridge?

The answer to this question will depend on the device you use. I would suggest batteries with at least 500W to provide you with sufficient energy to run your 12-volt refrigerator for hours.

Our honest opinion: If you are considering a battery, why not go stretch your budget a bit and get a solar-powered generator, as Jackery? In the long term, it makes much more sense.

A battery might be suitable if you are camping for a weekend once per year.

is it Safe to Leave My Camping Fridge Inside My Car While Camping?

Yes, it is. A camping fridge might help your security and avoid animals and insects being attracted to your campsite.

We have written a detailed article on tips to store food in your car safely in this article.

Conclusion

Refrigerators are essential to keep your food free of bacteria growth and keep them in safe conditions for human consumption for much longer.

If you are considering a 12v fridge for your next trip, you have probably made the right decision. If you are camping off-grid, you will probably face challenges with the energy supply.

Given the lower consumption of camping refrigerators, you can decide between the 04 major options:

Your Car Battery
A diesel generator.
A power bank (battery bank).
A solar power generator.

Have a safe camping trip!

Camping Ice Makers – Most Portable and Efficient Options!

Camping Fridge

When packing camping gear, one of the last things you’d expect to list down is an ice maker. After all, it doesn’t exactly seem like a necessity. But if you have extra space in your car to bring one, trust me when I say this, bring one.

You won’t regret it. Of course, do so during the summer as it may not be necessary if you plan on camping on the beach during the winter.

And don’t worry, ice makers nowadays aren’t as complicated or heavy-duty as they used to be. If you do a bit of research, you’ll find a ton of camping ice makers that can plug into your car and make ice in under an hour to give you a refreshing spin on your drinks. In fact, there are so many options right now that choosing the right one can be hard.

And that’s where I come in. In this article, I’ll go through a number of the best ice makers for camping. By the end of the article, you’ll have a crystal-clear idea as to which of the lot best suits your camping needs.

By the way, The Camping Air Conditioner is sponsored by readers. When you buy through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Ice Makers For Camping - Summary Review

In a hurry? Here are the top 3 ice makers I would personally go for.

Every camper is different, and so are their needs. If you’re looking for the best ice maker for campers on the market, I’d personally go for the Frigidaire Portable Ice Maker.

If you plan on camping in a larger group, then the Luma Comfort Ice Maker would be idea as it can produce more ice. And if you’re after portability and convenience, you can’t go wrong with the Igloo Portable Ice Maker.

My Pick

Frigidaire Portable Ice Maker

Check Price

9.7

Produces 26lbs/day
Portable and compact
No chemicals

Larger Groups

Luma Comfort Ice Maker

Check Price

9.4

28lbs of ice/dat
High-quality ice
Simple

Most Portable

Igloo Portable Ice Maker

Check Price

9.4

Produces 26lbs/day
Large storage
Easy to handle

The Best Portable Ice Makers for Camping

Ice makers are great. They provide you with ice on demand so you, your friends and family can keep your drinks cool at all times. And thanks to advancements in technology, you no longer need to part ways with your ice maker when out camping.

If you do a bit of research, you’ll find that there are many great camping ice makers out there. And to help you find the right one for your needs, below, I’ll review four of my favorite ones.

Frigidaire Ice Maker - Best for Camping Overall

To kick off our list, we’re looking at this Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker. While you can use it at home as a countertop ice maker, it’s very convenient to bring out camping as well. This is specifically designed to be a home ice maker and a portable ice maker, which is one of the reasons it ranks so highly on this list.

The beauty of this ice maker is that it works fast. It’s said that this ice maker can make over 26 lbs of ice in 24 hours. While you likely won’t need that much ice on your next camping trip, it’s still a great feature.

This specific model features compressor cooling. The downside to this is that it uses a lot of energy, so you will need to bring a power source with you if there’s none on the camping trip. This is definitely not the pick for minimalist campers, but it’s still a highly functional model that’s great for large and long camping trips.

On top of that, it comes from a very trusted brand. So, you can rest assured that it passes all quality control measures and will be a fully-functioning machine when it arrives at your door.

Frigidaire Ice Maker

Ice maker produces up to 26 lbs of ice in 24 hours
Water reservoir: 3.1L Noise: 42DB
Power: 160W Ice cube basket capacity: 2.0 lbs
Countertop ice maker features compressor cooling
Ice maker features an adjustable cube size

Check Price

Pros

Produces 26lbs of ice in 24 hours
Adjustable cube size
3.1L water reservoir
First ice cubes are made in just 15 minutes

Cons

Not the most portable option
Can be quite loud

Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine - Best for Larger Groups

This next option was a true standout in the market. The reason I chose to highlight this model is because it can make square ice cubes. This may not seem like a big deal, but if you know a thing or two about ice, you’ll know that square ice cubes take much longer to melt. This means it creates ice that will keep your drinks cooler for longer, which is a huge plus.

Another cool feature is the fact that it has a boxy design. This makes it a great option for long camping trips where you have to be ergonomic about the way you pack things. On top of that, it’s very strong and durable. On top of that, it can make up to 28 pounds of ice a day, which is far more than most ice makers on the market.

The downside to this machine is that it uses compressor technology. However, keep in mind that most portable ice makers use compressors, so this isn’t exactly unique to the Luma model.

This is also definitely not the most affordable model on the market, but it isn’t as expensive as a lot of models with its power either. So, while you do have to spend a bit for this model, rest assured that you are getting your money’s worth over the coming years.

Luma Comfort Clear Ice Cube Maker Machine

Have clear, restaurant-quality ice that melts five times slower than cloudy ice
Powerful compressor produces 28 pounds of ice a day
Simple, hassle-free ice dispenser requires no installation
Cube-shaped ice is created as frequently as every 15 minutes

Check Price

Pros

Produces restaurant-quality ice cubes
Great for larger camping groups
Simple and easy to use
Ice is produced as quickly as in 15 minutes

Cons

Pretty chunky in design
Not the lightest model

Igloo Automatic Portable Ice Maker - Best for Portability and Convenience

The Igloo automatic portable electric ice maker machine is one of the highest-rated ice makers on the market today. This is one of the best options for camping because it’s compact and very easy to carry around.

So, you won’t have to spend time trying to find space for the ice maker before you head off on your camping adventure. And while it’s small, it can still hold its ground against the bigger models on this list.

This ice machine makes about 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours and can hold up to 2 pounds of ice at a time. This is a fair amount of ice that will be more than sufficient for your camping trip. It also comes with an ice basket and scoop, so you don’t have to worry about how to serve the ice to guests while on a trip.

It also has a very convenient and well-thought-out interface. So, using the ice machine and tweaking the settings is a breeze, which is another reason this model ranks so highly on our list.

Igloo Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine

Stores up to 2 pounds of ice at a time
Makes 9 small or large cylinder-shaped ice cubes in as little as 7 minutes
Can produce 26 lbs of ice in a 24-hour period
Portable and convenient design

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Pros

Can store up to 2lbs of ice at a time
Portable and easy to carry around
Can produce up to 26lbs of ice in 24 hours
Can make ice cubes in just 7 minutes

Cons

Not the most durable in design

Hamilton Beach Portable Ice Maker

When it comes to kitchen appliances, Hamilton Beach constantly ranks as one of the best brands available. So, it should come as no surprise that this Hamilton Beach model is one of the best portable ice machines on the market.

It makes 9 ice cubes every 7 minutes or up to 26 pounds of ice per day, which means no guest will be left without ice when out camping. Additionally, you have a couple of options when it comes to cube sizes, which gives you an element of control that you won’t have with a lot of other options.

It even includes an ice scoop. While this isn’t a necessity, it’s definitely a neat add-on to have with an ice maker.

Pros

Makes up to 26lbs of ice in 24 hours
Produces 9 ice cubes every 7 minutes
Different cube sizes are available
Comes with an ice scoop

Cons

Not the most aesthetic design
Bulky shape and design

Hamilton Beach Portable Ice Maker

Makes up to 26 pounds of ice per day
Produces 9 ice cubes every 7 minutes
Choose from 2 different cube sizes
Includes ice scoop

Check Price

How Long Does It Take a Portable Camping Ice Machine to Make Ice?

In most cases, it can take the standard ice maker anywhere between 10 to 15 minutes to start making the first 5-10 ice cubes. After that, it’s pretty consistent until it fills up.

Most camping ice makers on the market can store up to around 2lbs of ice at any given moment, so if you are in need of ice quickly, make sure to set the ice maker up and get it going before you start to settle down at your camping site.

That way, by the time you’re finished settling, you will have plenty of ice ready for you and your camping buddies to enjoy your drinks with.

How Much Electricity Do Portable Ice Makers Consume & How to Power Them?

To give you a more accurate estimation as to how much electricity a portable ice makers consumes, we’ll take a look at our most portable pick, the Igloo Ice Maker.

Let’s suppose this 120 volt model runs for a full 24 hours. In that case, it will consume a total of 2.88 kWh per day (24 hours), and depending on the price of electricity ($0.15 for example sake), it will cost you $0.43 cents per 24 hours to run this ice maker.

As for powering your ice maker up, depending on your model, you can plug it straight into a power outlet, into your vehicle’s auxiliary power outlet, and even into a solar generator such as the Jackery shows below.

Jackery Solar Generator 500W

Capacity - 518 watt-hour (24Ah, 21.6V)
Multiple outlets (USB, DC, 110V)
Solar-powered / recharging
Easy to carry and operate.

Check Price

Why Do I Need an Ice Maker When Camping?

Okay, so why is an ice maker necessary for camping? After all, if you have portable propane or butane stoves and a cooler/mini fridge, do you need anything else on your trip?

Well, for one, you won’t realize it until you go out there yourself, but you don’t have access to many of the things you’re used to when at home. For example, you won’t have a refrigerator.

And while that might not seem like such a big deal, you’ll be missing your refrigerator the second the summer sun hits and your drink gets warm. Besides, you also need to learn how to store food safely in your car while camping and ensure it doesn’t go off during the trip.

Having a cold drink during a camping trip is a must have. This is the epitome of a summer getaway. And while most people think all they need is cooler, you’ll be surprised at how quickly coolers heat up. If you’re going on a 3 or 4-day camping trip, rest assured that everything in your cooler will start to get warm by the second day.

So, what’s the solution for this?

In my personal experience, I found that a portable ice maker is the best option for most campers. This is because these ice makers can be plugged into the car and the rest is super easy. All you have to do is load the water into the tub, hit the “on” switch, then wait for the ice.

On top of that, some of the best models on the market allow you to choose the size of the ice cubes and can even keep them frozen for you for a couple of hours. This is great when everyone decides to get together and have some drinks while camping. Being able to add a couple of ice cubes to your drink when on an outdoor adventure with friends can take things to a whole new level.

Conclusion

Camping in the 21st century is much more different to camping just a few decades ago. Technology has allowed us to add new layers of comfort to our camping trips, and one of these comforts is having ice for our drinks. With a portable ice machine, your camping trips will never be the same.

However, you have to make sure to find the right model. So, take another look at our list below, check out which models tick your boxes, and all you have to do after that is order the one that works best for you.

Can You Use a Mini Fridge for Camping? (How To do It!)

Camping Fridge

Camping can be a lot of fun. Whether you’ve decided to camp in the winter or in the summer, there’s nothing better than hitting the road, heading to a beautiful campsite, and spending time with your family and friends.

One of my favorite things to do on a camping trip is to crack open a can of cold drink, but in most cases, that is not possible because of the lack of a refrigerator device.

However everything changed when I got myself a mini fridge. So, if you’re wondering if you can use a mini fridge for your camping trip, that’s exactly what I will discuss in this article.

Read on to learn more.

By the way, The Camping Air Conditioner is sponsored by readers. When you buy through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Can I Bring a Mini Fridge on a Camping Trip?

Yes, you can bring a mini fridge with you when camping. And if you’re going on a long-term camping trip to the point where you need to live in a tent, a mini fridge could be a valuable and mandatory asset in your gear pack.

The value of a cold drink or keeping food cold cannot be understated during a trip or in a place where the temperature is generally warm.

Nowadays, there are mini fridges designed to be as portable as possible. These models are equipped with technology that can effectively cool what’s inside without weighing too much.

My preferred model is the Bodega 12V refrigerator (see below), which comes with dual-zone (freezer and fridge zones) at a good value for money. Even though it weighs 41 pounds (19kg), it has heavy-duty wheels, which makes transportation hassle-free.

BODEGA 12 Volt Refrigerator

Dual-zone (Fridge and Freezer)
Low energy consumption and 12-v compatible
Great Value For money
Heavy-Duty wheels.
Sizes: 38, 53, 64 quart (36L, 50L, 60L)

Check Price

So, if you’re worried about lugging around a heavy piece of gear during your trip, you won’t have to do as much with a modern and portable mini fridge.

If you a long-term camper (couple of weeks), maybe you should consider a traditional mini fridge model, such as Upstreman Mini Fridge with Freezer.

With that said, bringing a mini fridge on a camping trip isn’t exactly a simple task. Granted, it’s easier than many people think, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to plan around it.

Using a Mini Fridge in the Tent

You might think placing a mini fridge in the tent might be a great idea. However, I personally advise against this, especially if you’re camping in the summer.

During hotter days, you want to ensure that you don’t have any additional heat sources within your tent as that will make the temperature in the tent unnecessarily high. And yes, this also applies even if you have a tent air conditioner.

Additionally, having food in the tent during a camping trip isn’t a good idea as that could attract wildlife, which is something you want to avoid at all costs. To give you an example, a bear tore into a camper’s tent in a Tennessee park and injured the people inside while searching for food.

Besides that, most mini-fridges, even the smaller models make a humming noise when operating, meaning that if you’re a light sleeper, you might have trouble falling asleep at night due to the noise.

Our suggestion? Leave it in an protected and covered area, where animals cannot access it, such as your vehicle (read our article on how to store food in your car while camping).

How to Power a Mini Fridge While Camping

Depending on where you plan on camping, you may or may not have direct access to the power grid, meaning you need to figure out a way to get your mini fridge running without direct source of power.

There are many ways you can power your mini fridge along with other electric appliances you may have with you. Before resorting to any of the methods we’ll discuss below, it’s important to make sure that you have no other options.

You can always ask a person at the campsite if they have a place to hook up electronics as this will save you a lot of time and effort. But if there’s no electrical source at the campsite, here are the ways you can power your mini fridge.

Use Camping Generators

When you think of generators, there’s a high chance you’re thinking of those loud and bulky machines. Don’t worry, that’s not what I’m talking about at all. These are unpractical and not a reliable solution to the problem.

Nowadays, we have access to many great camping generators designed to be portable, efficient, and silent. You can find many of these online and at your local camping supply store, and they are truly a game changer, especially if you plan on camping for a longer period of time.

All you have to do is turn the generator on, plug in the fridge, and you’ll be able to enjoy cold drinks and store food for your entire camping trip. Things to look out for in a power generator:

Portable and easy to carry around
Easy to set up and start using
Durable and suitable for use in a range of weather conditions

Below we detail two of our preferred camping generators:

a) Solar-powered (our preference)
b) Fuel-powered

Solar Powered

Jackery Solar 1000W

Solar-powered - 1000W
Ideal for off-grid camping
Safe set up
Multiple outlet ports (incl USB and 12v)

9.6

Check Price

Affordable

Westinghouse 3600W

Plug & use functionality
Portable and easy to carry
3600 Watts
Runs on gasoline

9.1

Check Price

Use a Camping Battery

Another alternative to a camping generator is a camping battery. These devices work in the same way but are much more silent. On top of that, you won’t have to buy fuel for it and all you have to do is charge it before the camping trip.

With that said, it can be hard to recharge the battery if it runs out during the camping trip. However, if you’re planning a short trip that will only last a couple of days, many decent camping batteries will do the job without busting the bank.

If you’re planning to camp for a longer period of time, consider getting a camping battery that can be recharged with a mini solar panel (those often come included with the camping battery if the battery is compatible with one).

What to look for in a camping battery:

Portability
At least 20,000 mAh
A range of outputs to provide power for all your needs
Easy and quick recharging

In our eyes, the best camping power bank is the Gensrock model below.

Gensrock Camping Battery - Perfect for Camping

Portable camping battery (suitable for powering up your mini fridge)
Three recharging modes
Multiple outputs
24,000 mAh

Check Price

Conclusion

A mini-fridge isn’t exactly something that’s on the top of your priorities when out camping. However, they can make for a much more enjoyable camping trip. With a mini fridge, you can chill drinks and store food, which allows you to camp longer and cool down whenever it gets too hot.

On top of that, powering a mini fridge nowadays isn’t too complicated. A lot of camping grounds have a power source right there at the site, and if they don’t, there are many different solutions available for you to purchase at your nearby camping and outdoor store.

So, the next time you go camping, don’t rule out the mini-fridge too soon. It might become one of the best things you’ve ever taken with you on a camping trip.