How do you choose the right camping fridge?
Choose a camping fridge
One thing all camping fridges have in common is that they keep your groceries cool. But how many groceries you can store in them, how they cool, and what they're most suitable for varies widely. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What model are you looking for?
- What cooling system do you want?
- What connector do you need?
Which model are you looking for?
Cooler
A cooler keeps small amounts of food such as fruit and cans of soft drinks cool. Because of its size, this model is convenient for the beach, a long trip in the car, or at the campsite. You can connect a cooler to a 12, 24, or 230V energy source. Some boxes are cooled with cooling elements.
Mini fridge
For a longer vacation in the caravan or tent, a mini fridge is more convenient. It's more solidly built than a cooler. On average, a mini fridge is between 44 and 57cm wide and between 49 and 63cm high.
Compact fridge
A compact fridge is a bit larger than a mini fridge. Given its size, this fridge is useful on permanent campsites or in mobile homes. You can store groceries for about 3 or 4 people.
Which cooling system do you want?
Compressor
A compressor fridge often works on a 230V energy source.
- Little impact of ambient temperature.
- Both cooling and freezing.
- Occasionally makes a buzzing sound.
Thermoelectric
A thermo-electric cooler works on a 12 or 24V energy source.
- Keeps products cool for longer.
- Suitable for in the car or truck.
- Cooling depends on ambient temperature.
- Makes a constant buzzing sound.
Insulation and/or cooling elements
This cooler has good insulation or you can use it in combination with separate cooling blocks.
- Noiseless.
- No plug required.
- Not suitable for long-term cooling.
Which connector do you need?
Mini fridges, some coolers, and compact fridges use 230V. That means you can plug them into any European socket, in your mobile home or on a boat, for example. Are you on the go in a car for a day? A cooler with a 12V connector is useful. You can put it in the cigarette lighter of your car, so you can cool snacks and drinks on the go.
