In the summer months, residents of large and noisy cities tend to get out into the countryside as often as possible - to the cottage, to the beach, or simply to barbecue. It is natural that food and soft drinks cannot be dispensed with. 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 make our rating of the best automobile refrigerators in 2019. Here we will not only analyze the useful characteristics of specific models, but also give a number of useful tips that will turn out to be quite important when buying this device. This is where we start.
Summary of the rating:
How to choose a car refrigerator?
Today, there are three main types of these products - gas-powered vehicles that are plugged into the vehicle’s electrical network and are completely autonomous, which do not need an energy source at all. According to the principle of operation of the cooling system, structures are also differentiated into several groups: compressor, thermoelectric, isothermal and absorption.
Compressor devices operate on the same principle as domestic counterparts. They are very economical due to the small amount of electricity consumed, characterized by decent capacity (the usable space of such an automobile 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 due to electricity, without the use of freon or other refrigerant. These models can not only lower 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, work almost silently and have compact overall dimensions. The average chamber volume is 50 liters, such refrigerators are characterized by significant energy consumption, and they have been cooling for a rather long time.
In absorption refrigerators, a water-ammonia solution is used as the refrigerant. There are no moving elements provided, therefore, no bumps and pits found on the road surface will not be scary for him. Here, not only electricity but also gas can act as a source of energy. This refrigerator has a decent chamber volume - up to 150 liters, it works very economically and at the same time silently. There are still isothermal containers that do not need an external energy source at all. They are made of special plastic, the outer and inner sides are sheathed in nylon. Independently, such containers are not able to generate heat or cold, but they are able to maintain the initial temperature of the products for quite some time.This is one of the cheapest options, in addition, 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 think about where this device will be located, as well as how many products it will be designed for.
When choosing models for inclusion 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
It has a decent capacity. The case of this device is made of the highest quality plastic, which is characterized 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 over the design of this device - several 1.5 liter bottles can be easily placed in a standing position with ease in a standing position. 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 minimum load will be necessary for the wiring of the car.
The inner walls are made of environmentally friendly plastic, which, if necessary, can be washed from absolutely any dirt. It does not absorb extraneous odors and does not emit harmful substances into the environment. The total mass of the empty appliance is 7 kg, the useful volume of the refrigerator compartment is 42 liters, the control is mechanical, overall dimensions 58x38x43 cm. With these parameters, the refrigerator can easily be placed in the back seat of the car or in the trunk.
Benefits:
- Compact;
- It works reliably;
- Good workmanship and assembly;
- Perfectly cools food.
Disadvantages:
- It is advisable to prevent sunlight from entering the enclosure, as this leads to an increase in energy consumption.
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 vehicle’s on-board power supply, but also from a standard household network with a voltage of 220 watts. The refrigerator is characterized by low energy consumption - approximately like 1 low / high beam lamp. The useful volume of the camera is as much as 27 liters, so everything you need for a picnic will go there and stay fresh and cool for a long time. The case is made of high-strength plastic, so the design can be carried not only in the cabin, but also in the trunk of the car. All seals are characterized by a high level of quality, therefore, 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 into it, so the refrigerator has a long period of operation. The device weighs about 4 kg. The power cable is laid in a special socket, which is located in the handle of the lid, it needs to be placed there very carefully, otherwise it will not fit all. The refrigerator is quite quiet. If you additionally equip the camera with special cold accumulators, you will be able to achieve even more efficient cooling of the products.
Benefits:
- It is made exclusively of the highest quality materials;
- Significant capacity of the refrigerator;
- It saves energy;
- It features excellent reliability.
Disadvantages:
- The supply wire could be made longer.
2. Mobicool W 40 AC / DC
Able to maintain temperature inside the chamber from +10 to -15 degrees.This is a unique refrigerator, the design of which combines immediately two cooling technologies - compressor and thermoelectric. In the first case, the model is capable of cooling food products and even freezing them at temperatures up to -15 degrees, regardless of how much the environment is heated. When working using thermoelectric cooling, it is possible to achieve a decrease in temperature in the chamber by 20 degrees lower than outside the structure. The developers have provided a smooth adjustment of the power of the product. The refrigerator also has 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 a standard on-board vehicle network, but also from an ordinary household network. To do this, two power cables are supplied in the kit - one for connecting through the cigarette lighter, the second for an outlet. The perimeter lid is closed with a special gasket made of soft rubber. The lock is equipped with a magnetic latch. High-quality rubber, does not dry out over time. The resource of work is quite long.
Benefits:
- The volume of the chamber is as much as 40 liters, so you can put a large amount of food in it;
- Two cooling technologies are used;
- The compressor has decent power, capable of providing deep freezing of products;
- Significant temperature range;
- Universality of application.
Disadvantages:
- The manufacturer did not provide for the illumination of the refrigerator.
1. Waeco Tropicool TC35FL
The leader of this part of our review today was a German-made model that is distinguished by a very stylish and attractive appearance: the case is made of matte plastic, on which dust and other contaminants are almost invisible. The lower part is dark in color, the upper part is light gray. The inside of the chamber itself is finished with smooth plastic, which, if necessary, can be easily cleaned even from sufficiently stubborn dirt. The lid leans back from above. In addition, on the front side there is an LED control panel. Here you can adjust the level of performance, 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 refrigerator is 21 liters. The work intensity regulator includes 7 positions. You can power the device either from a car battery or from a household electrical outlet. The overall dimensions are not very large - 30x45x42 cm, so you can install this product in the back seat. An hour consumes no more than 65 watts of energy. The mass of the equipment is 6 kg. A removable cover is installed here, which greatly facilitates the cleaning of both itself and the camera. After shutdown, the last operating mode is stored in the memory.
Benefits:
- Very high quality workmanship and assembly;
- Long period of operation;
- It can both cool foods and heat them;
- It is possible to connect to a household network, and to a car battery;
- Stylish appearance;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Low power consumption.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
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 turn their tongue 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 design to both the on-board network of the car, 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 influences. Inside, too, plastic, but absolutely smooth, food type.
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 freezer. Polyurethane is not used in the thermal insulation of the model, so this model will not release harmful and poisonous substances into the environment or into its chamber. The compressor is positioned so that it is completely insulated and sealed. It has a reliable system that protects it from power surges. The lid of the refrigerator is removable, the camera itself has a backlight, a special vertical compartment is provided, where you can install several one and a half liter bottles. The model does not consume too much electricity - only 45 watts.
Benefits:
- Excellent workmanship;
- It cools quickly and very efficiently;
- A long warranty period is as much as 3 years.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Significant dimensions.
2. Intel B TB 41A
The internal volume of this refrigerator is 40 liters - such product sizes will be quite enough even for a large company. These are Italian-made products, which also indicates the high quality of the products. The outer case is made of high-quality plastic, resistant to physical influences. The plastic is a little rough, has a matte finish, so no dirt will accumulate on it, including dust and fingerprints. A rather 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 the 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 adjustable from +5 to -16 degrees. Also, the refrigerator has an electronic thermostat that maintains the temperature set by the user with a deviation of not more than 0.5 degrees. The construction can work both from the cigarette lighter and from the household power supply. It provides special protection for the machine’s battery from being discharged. The interior of the working chamber is carefully thought out. There is a special basket with handles that can be removed if necessary, a vertical grill is provided that divides the internal volume into two parts. It is also removed.
Benefits:
- Excellent Italian build;
- Highly efficient work;
- Spacious working chamber;
- Universality of use;
- Long term warranty service - 3 years.
Disadvantages:
- The mass of the device is as much as 17 kg.
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, since there is a function of freezing food to -22 degrees. Another original characteristic of the device is the presence of a solar 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 cover are made of high-quality stainless steel, so you can not be afraid that they will start to behave incorrectly after several years of use.
In addition, the case is equipped with reinforced corners that can withstand even significant physical exertion. The lid is covered with a special composition, which allows it to maintain its original appearance throughout the 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 camera, as well as a number of 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.
Benefits:
- With all its capabilities, it consumes a minimum amount of electricity;
- Extended device functionality;
- Universality;
- High build quality;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- Very high cost.
Cheap car refrigerators
3. Mobicool U26 DC
These products are able to maintain in their chamber a temperature of 17 degrees lower than the environment. It is not possible to cool food and drinks strongly in it, however, to preserve the freshness of food, this device will be quite enough. The internal usable volume is 25 liters at a height of about 40 cm. This model can easily be placed not only in the trunk, but also in the back seat of the car. The case is made of durable plastic that is resistant to physical stress. It is food, does not emit toxic substances into the environment. There is a handle for easy carrying. Such a refrigerator weighs only 3.7 kg.
The thermal insulation layer of this refrigerator is made of reliable polystyrene foam, which over time will not crumble or crumble. The top cover is removable, manufacturers have provided a special compartment for storing the power cable. The height of the chamber is such that several plastic bottles can be installed in it in an upright position, the volume of which can reach 2 liters. In addition, on sale today there are modifications of this equipment, which have a refrigerator compartment of 15, 22 and 30 liters.
Benefits:
- Decent working volume with small overall dimensions;
- Quite reasonable cost;
- Decent workmanship and assembly.
Disadvantages:
- It does not cool as fast as we would like;
- It works exclusively from the car's on-board network.
2. AVS CC-24 NB
There is a function of not only cooling and maintaining the selected temperature, but also 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 enough to place about 5 bottles of one and a half liters or a whole box of beer cans or bottles - about 24 pieces. A special dividing grid made of stainless steel is also provided inside. 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 really has a good level of strength and reliability, but it will fold only in one direction. It should immediately be noted that the refrigerator is capable of cooling food to a temperature that will be lower than the environment by only 15 degrees.
If you wish, you can use the cold accumulators, which allows you to cool foods to 0 degrees. The thermal container is able to maintain 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 electrical outlet. All controls are located here on the back of the case. They are easy enough to find.
Benefits:
- A fairly simple design in which there is practically nothing to break;
- With such a capacious refrigerating chamber, the device has insignificant overall dimensions;
- Quite an acceptable cost, but the workmanship is at a very high level.
Disadvantages:
- Relatively long time cools food.
1. Mobicool G30
Not very overall products, the useful volume of which is about 30 liters. The refrigerator is used to preserve the suitability of drinks and food during the hot months. This model is capable of providing temperatures about 18 degrees below the environment. The device can be connected to power in different ways: through the on-board network of the car or an ordinary 220 V power supply network. All the cables necessary for this are delivered complete with a refrigerator. Despite the fact that this is a Chinese-made structure, it is still distinguished by decent workmanship and assembly quality. The overall dimensions of the device are 396x296x445 mm - these parameters are enough to not put the refrigerator in the trunk, but to place it in the back seat and enjoy cool drinks throughout the trip.
The mass of the device is 4.3 kg. There are two built-in fans in the lid; if desired, cold accumulators can be installed to achieve even lower temperatures. This design is characterized by low electricity consumption and low cost, which makes it very popular among users.
Benefits:
- Universal power supply - for 12 and 220 V, all the necessary wires are supplied;
- Insignificant overall dimensions;
- Excellent workmanship and production.
Disadvantages:
- Without the use of cold accumulators, the efficiency of the cooling system depends on the ambient temperature.
In conclusion, a useful video
Well, that’s our review of the best automobile refrigerators. 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 this or that 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.