Installing a car fridge is one of the best aftermarket modifications the outdoorsman can make to his or her vehicle. Having access to a 12v fridge freezer anywhere that your vehicle can take you is a liberating experience. This article will address some of the factors that must be considered when selecting a 12v refrigerator for your car.
There are two different types of car refrigerator on the market. The first are cheap 12v absorption fridges and the second, expensive 12v compressor fridge freezers. These are aimed at two different markets.
Absorption model car fridges are only of limited use. They are primarily intended for the soccer mom crowd who wants a few cold drinks in the car to serve as refreshments after soccer practice. This s type of refrigerator – while capable of running off of 12 volts – is very inefficient. Attempting to run one of these units for an extended period of time will quickly draw down a car battery unless the vehicles motor is running to keep it fully charged.
If you are just planning to use your car fridge casually, then this may be an acceptable option for you. For one hundred dollars you should be able to find a cheap refrigerator of this type for your car.
For more serious users, a compressor technology car refrigerator is the only way to go. These car fridge freezers are specifically designed around the use of 12 volt direct current. Unlike other portable refrigerator models – such as 3 way fridge freezers – the 12v power capability is not just an afterthought.
What this means is that a compressor type 12v car fridge is a very efficient consumer of electricity. When installed in the properly equipped vehicle of a serious outdoorsman, it is potentially possible to run one of these units for days before needing to top up the car battery.
The chief downside of purchasing one of these high quality compressor car refrigerators from a manufacture such as Engel is the price. You will need to find upwards of five hundred dollars for an Engel fridge freezer. You do get what you pay for however.
Clearly a 12v fridge freezer offers a lot of benefits for the outdoorsman, but when buying make sure you spend the money for a quality compression technology car fridge if you plan on using the device frequently.