These are the things to consider when buying a camping fridge
Size matters! You need to consider how many people you’re catering for and how long you’ll be away when choosing the size that’s best for you. For a family of two adults and two children on a weekend trip the standard size is around 40 litres.
Efficiency: Choose a model that will be easy on power – make sure you investigate power consumption and cooling efficiency (in other words, how long it takes to freeze and whether you will have to keep adjusting the temperature of the fridge according to the ambient temperature outside).
Insulation is vital for a fridge to operate optimally. Thicker, denser insulation material will maintain temperatures for longer periods and compressor life will be extended because it won’t have to work as hard.
Auxiliary battery system: This bypasses the car’s on-board battery system and provides the fridge/freezer with power for longer run time without sapping precious vehicle starting power. Also consider bolstering the ‘range’ with a solar system.
Here is a table comparing features of each type of fridge, making it easy to see the advantages and disadvantages.
| Feature | Thermoelectric cooler | 12V compressor | Three-way absorption |
| Electric power | 12V, some can be 220V | 12V, 220V | 12V, 220V, gas |
| Runs efficiently off 12V | Acceptable | Excellent | Acceptable |
| Can freeze food | No | Yes | Yes (but not on 12V) |
| At an ambient temperature of 20 degrees Centigrade, the fridge will cool to: | +3 °C | -18 °C | -10 °C |
| At an ambient temperature of 40 degrees Centigrade, the fridge will cool to: | +15 to +20 °C | -10 °C | +3 to +15 °C |
| Average amps on 12V | 2 to 6 | 1 to 3 | 10 |
| Maximum amps on 12V | 4 to 6 | 4 to 6 | 10 |
| Amp hours a day | 48 to 144 | 24 to 72 | 240 |
| Capacity (litres) | 7 to 32 | 13 to 125 | 39 to 50 |
| Priced from | From R700 | From R4000 | From R2500 |
| Can warm food | Yes | No | No |
| Noise level | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Fast cooling | No | Yes | Yes |
| Heat output | Medium | Low | High |
