Portable fridges are powered, mobile fridges which are ideal for keeping your cool in the great Australian outdoors. They typically require a higher investment than a cooler or Esky, but you benefit by enjoying the consistent, effective cooling or freezing of a real fridge. Keep your drinks ice-cold at your next backyard BBQ, or stock it with all the essentials for a long weekend camping adventure. Portable Fridges generally can run off gas, electricity, or both. Many are capable of utilising your car battery, solar power, campsite mains, generators, LPG, and more.
If you're fond of camping, you may wish to read our Camping Buying Guide, running you through some top appliances to enrich your outdoor adventures.
What type of portable fridge do I need?
Naturally, you’ll need to consider how you plan to use your fridge when selecting a size. How many people will be using it? How long will you be away for? Will it be keeping a huge fishing haul fresh?
You’ll often see the size of portable fridges stated in terms of litres, but it can be difficult to visualise the size this really represents. Below we’ve translated litreage into something a bit more relatable - number of drink cans.
Small Portable Fridges 14-35 Litres
Compact units, good for keeping a small amount of food and drink cool, maybe for a single person’s daily needs, or for an afternoon picnic.
Shop small portable fridges here.
Medium Portable Fridges 36-50 Litres
The most common portable fridge size. Great for two or three people for a long weekend away. The 50L models are also great for a family going away for the weekend, or for a couple away for a whole week.
Shop medium portable fridges here.
Large Portable Fridges 51-80+ Litres
Big on space, this size can accommodate a large family’s camping trip for longer than a long weekend. These spacious options are also great for parties or a multi-family camping trip.
Shop large portable fridges here.
myCOOLMAN CCP69DZ 69L Dual Zone Portable Fridge
Yet to be reviewed
myCOOLMAN 47L The Roamer Portable Fridge CEP47
Yet to be reviewed
myCOOLMAN CCP30 30L The Transporter Portable Fridge
Yet to be reviewed
myCOOLMAN 20L Recreation Series Portable Fridge CCP20
Yet to be reviewed
Fridge or freezer?
Do you need a freezer, or just a fridge? Maybe both? Be sure to have a look at the specs of the fridge you’re interested in, as many models may not offer freezing capability. Typical ‘fridge/freezers’ can operate as either a fridge or a freezer, but not both at the same time. For a unit offering one fridge compartment and a separate freezer compartment, look for a dual-zone fridge/freezer, like the myCOOLMAN CCP96DZ.
Two or three-way fridge?
The two main types of portable fridges are two-way (compressor) and three-way (absorption). This simply refers to the type of energy they take to run. Two-way fridges use the same compressor technology you find in household fridges, but can be powered by a 12-volt battery as well as mains electricity. They can run off your car’s battery without drawing too much current, and can be switched to 240-volts for use in a powered campsite or at home.
Three-way fridges can use electric power sources in addition to gas, making them more versatile in this regard. They’re ideal if you’re going to be off-grid for longer periods of time, as one LPG cylinder can last for weeks. Gas will also run more quietly, but the fridge must stay level to cool effectively and require good ventilation.
Other features to look out for
Below are some other features to consider when shopping for a portable fridge/freezer.
- Weather-resistance: If your fridge is going to have to withstand a lot of dust, mud, and splashes of water, then keep an eye out for portable fridges offering extra resistance to the elements.
- Durability: Similarly, if your fridge will probably be subject to shocks and bumps, look for a fridge with a durable construction, with strong hinges and tough casings. If the fridge can support a person standing on it, consider this a positive sign.
- Mounting hardware: As a brave adventurer, you may need some mounting hardware, depending on where your fridge will live and travel. Mounting kits will secure your fridge to prevent accidents, will ensure it runs at peak performance, and can make accessing the fridge easier, whether it’s for your car or caravan.
- Battery protection: Battery protection technology will ensure the fridge is safe to use with your car battery. Look out for variable protection which ensures your battery, in addition to the compressor are safe. Models that cut out at a high voltage keep your battery from going flat.
- Mod-cons: There are many nifty modern conveniences featured by some portable fridges, such as the Dometic CFX50W. This This fridge offers a USB port to charge your smartphone and other devices, plus there’s a Wi-Fi app to provide wireless connectivity.