Tool Reviews

Auto-refrigerators are designed to preserve food during long journeys and travels. The market offers several types of units that differ in the principle of operation, purpose, cost.

Types of auto-refrigerators

According to the principle of work auto-refrigerators are divided into:

• compressor;
• absorption;
• thermoelectric;
• isothermal (refrigerator bags, container bags).

By type of refrigerant:

• freon;
• ammonia.

According to the material of the camera:

• plastic;
• metal.

By type of food:

• electrical;
• gas;
• universal.

By volume:

• small – 3-16l;
• medium – 18-35l;
• large – 40-150l.

By type of transportation:

• manual;
• with shoulder strap;
• on wheels with retractable handle.

According to the presence of internal lighting:

• with lighting;
• without lighting.

refrigerator cover may be:

• stationary;
• removable.

Auto-refrigerators are completed with special fastenings for reliable fixing in the car.

How to choose a car refrigerator

To choose the right model, you need to determine:

• Duration of trip or trip. For short walks, a cooler bag with thermal insulation is suitable, in which pre-chilled products are stored for up to 8 hours.

• Travel conditions (air temperature, quality of the road surface) – at high air temperatures (over +35 ° C) only a compression or absorption refrigerator is suitable for a long trip.

However, both of these species do not like vibrations, so it is not recommended to take them on an off-road trip.

• The number of products depends on the number of travelers. For one person, a refrigerator with a capacity of up to 5 liters is enough, for 3-4 people – 30-40 liters or more.

Important parameters:

When choosing, it is important to pay attention to:

• refrigerator volume;
• power;
• the minimum refrigeration temperature inside the refrigerator and the deep freeze temperature inside the freezer (if any);
• resistance to vibrations and tilts while driving;
• noise level during operation;
• the weight;
• overall dimensions (the possibility of cooling containers of a certain height, for example, two-liter plastic bottles, depends on the height of the chamber);
• manufacturing materials;
• price.

Secondary options:

When buying a car refrigerator, you can not pay attention to:

• design;
• color scheme;
• camera shape.

The best compressor auto-refrigerators

Rating:

• Waeco CoulFreeze CF-80 (two-chamber, 73 l – cooling + 7 l – freezing, universal power supply – 12/220 V, digital display, temperature range from +10°С to -18°С, turbo cooling, Germany);
• Sawafuji Engel MT60F-G3C (two-chamber, 60 l, 12/220 V, polyurethane heat insulator, LCD display, +6-18°С, Japan);
• Ironman 4×4 65 l (two-chamber, 12/220 V, polyurethane heat insulator, +10-18°С, USA-China);
• Osion BCD-60 (single-chamber, 60 l, 12/240 V, cooling temperature 22°C below outside, China).

Used for long-term food storage. The principle of operation is based on the circulation of the refrigerant, which is most often freon.

Moving in a vicious circle, it reaches the boiling point (-30-150°C), cooling the walls of the evaporator, due to which the temperature inside the chamber drops to 6°C.

The design includes:

• chamber – one or two (cooling and freezing);
• heat exchanger;
• evaporator – takes heat from the chamber;
• compressor – regulates the pressure in the system. Can be located at the top or bottom of the unit.

Characteristics:

• useful volume of the chamber;
• freezer volume;
• power consumption;
• cooling temperature in the chamber and freezer.

Pros:

• high efficiency, cooling and maintaining the temperature inside the chamber from +6°С to -18°С;
• the lowest energy consumption in comparison with other types;
• high cooling rate (depending on the model, the temperature drops to -18°C in 1.5-2.5 hours);
• the ability to freeze products in two-chamber models.

Minuses:

• high price;
• minimum volume – 10 l;
• the useful volume of the chambers is reduced due to the compressor;
• sensitive to vibrations (up to depressurization) and body tilts when the car is moving.

The best absorption auto-refrigerators

Rating:

• Dometic Combicool RC 2200 EGP (41 l, cooling below the outside by 33°C to -3°C, electricity consumption – 85 W, gas – 10.5 g / h, aluminum case, Germany);
• Waeco Combicool RF60 (60 l, cooling at 30°C, power – 26 W, Germany);
• Dometic RML 9430 / 9435 (134 l +12 l freezer, power – 170 W, gas – 22.5 g / h, cooling + 7 ° С – refrigerator, -12 ° С – freezer, Germany).

A feature of this type is the ability to work from gas (a cylinder with liquefied gas – propane or butane) and electricity (from a 12 V cigarette lighter and from a 220 V network).

Cooling is performed by circulation of the refrigerant – ammonia, which is absorbed in water, forming a saturated solution. The concentrated solution is brought to a boil in a boiler.

The released ammonia vapors through the reflux condenser, where they are partially condensed, enter the condenser, are compressed and again enter the evaporator, and the purified water is returned to the absorber.

The circulation process when connected to a power source occurs continuously.

The design includes:

• camera;
• generator-boiler – heats a saturated ammonia solution;
• dephlegmator – partial condensation;
• condenser – separation of ammonia from water and compression of ammonia vapor;
• evaporator (heat exchanger) – liquid ammonia boils at a negative temperature, forming cold, taking heat from the chamber;
• absorber – absorption of ammonia vapor by a water-ammonia solution.

Characteristics:

• usable chamber volume:
• freezer capacity (if any);
• power consumption of electricity and gas;
• maximum cooling temperature in the refrigerator and freezer.

pros:

• absolutely silent;
• durable;
• small overall dimensions;
• versatility (the ability to work on gas and electricity);
• large volume (50-150l).

Minuses:

• increased energy intensity;
• the cooling process is slower than that of compressors;
• lack of deep freezing in most models, the minimum cooling temperature is 0 °;
• hypersensitivity to slopes when the car is moving.

The best ammonia auto-refrigerators

Rating:

• Unicool DeLuxe 42L (absorption, portable, 41 l, 12 V / 220 V / gas, gas consumption – 12 g / h, cooling below the outside by 18 ° C, Russia-China);
• Dometicmini Cool DS 300 White (absorption, 28 l, 12 V/220 V/gas, power – 65 W, +4-12°С, Germany);
• Dometic RM 5310 (absorption, two-chamber, 60 l, 12 V/230 V/gas, gas – 11 g/h, +7-12°С, Germany).

It got its name from the use of colorless ammonia gas (NH3) as a refrigerant. Two types are produced depending on the circulation method used:

• compressor – circulation occurs due to the pressure created by the compressor;
• absorption – the role of the compressor is performed by the absorber (sucks in ammonia vapor), the supercharger is a thermal pump.

Ammonia car refrigerators are produced mainly in absorption version. Some manufacturers use ammonia in household compressor models (for example, Stinol produced by the Lipetsk Refrigerator Plant).

Characteristics:

• useful volume of the chamber;
• power consumption;
• cooling temperature of the chamber and freezer.

Pros:

• less fluidity, therefore, cheaper iron is used to work with it, and not non-ferrous metals, as for freon;
• environmental friendliness – is a product of the vital activity of living organisms;
• cheaper than auto-refrigerators with freon;
• increased safety – due to the pungent smell of ammonia, a leak is detected instantly.

Minuses:

• ammonia has a suffocating effect with damage to nerve cells;
• designed for short-term storage of products;
• rarely have a freezer.

The best car refrigerators with a battery

Rating:

• Waeco CoolFreeze CF-32UP (31 l, normal and deep cooling down to -18°C, temperature retention time -12-15 hours, Germany);
• Ezetil E27 12V N (27 l, 20°C lower than external temperature, 8-10 hours, Germany-China);
• ISKY iREF-24B (24 L, at 18-23°C, 6-8 hours, China);
• Green Glade 3702 (24 l, at 18-20°C, 6-8 hours, Ireland-China).

The cooling device in auto-refrigerators of this type are cold accumulators, thanks to which the required temperature is maintained inside the chamber even after the vehicle is disconnected from the battery.

Convenient for remote access from a car or home network, keep cooling parameters for several hours.

The design consists of:

• container (made of high-strength plastic or light metal);
• cold accumulators (2-4 pieces), which, when heated, can act as heat accumulators.

Cold accumulators are most often filled with gel material, which does not lose its plasticity during freezing. Used in cooler bags and insulated containers.

Pros:

• versatility – can be used for both cooling and heating products, the range of cooling and heating batteries is from -18°С to +60°С;
• environmental friendliness – the contents of the batteries are non-toxic.
• low cost.

Minuses:

• the need to cool the batteries in the freezer for 7-8 hours;
• short shelf life of products.

The best auto-refrigerators of large volume

Rating:

• Indel B CRUISE 195/V (compressor, two-chamber with a freezing chamber, volume – 90 + 65 l, weight – 38 kg, 75 W, 12/24/220 V, Italy);
• Waeco CoolFreeze CF-110 (compressor, two-chamber with a freezing chamber, volume – 93 l + 13 l, weight – 33 kg, 65 W, 12/24/240 V, Germany);
• Dometic RF60 (absorption, single-chamber, 60 l, 26 kg, 110 W, 12/220 V, Germany);
• Mobicool W40 (thermoelectric, single chamber, 40 l, 8.4 kg, 47 W, 12/24/220 V, Hong Kong).

Auto-refrigerators with a volume of 40-150 liters are considered large. Overall dimensions can reach up to 1.5 m in length and 0.6 m in width and height. Energy efficiency is achieved through the use of effective dense thermal insulation – polyurethane.

By design there are:

• compressor;
• absorption;
• thermoelectric.

By number of cameras:

• single-chamber;
• two-chamber.

Main characteristics:

• cooling principle;
• volume;
• the weight;
• dimensions;
• cooling temperature inside the chamber;
• power consumption.

Additional features may include:

• interior lighting;
• turbo cooling;
• low voltage protection system;
• electronic control panel.

Pros:

• maximum shelf life of large volume products;
• the possibility of freezing food and ice;
• have up to three degrees of car battery protection.

Minuses:

• high power consumption;
• significant overall dimensions;
• require a lot of space during transportation;
• high price.

The best auto-refrigerators with freezing

Rating:

• Dometic RC 4000 (absorption, refrigerant – ammonia, single-chamber with two compartments for cooling and freezing, 33 l, -18 ° С, Germany);
• WAECO CoolFreeze CDF-36 (compressor, R-134А, single-chamber with two compartments, 31 l, -18-22°С, Germany);
• Indel B TB15 (compressor, R-134А, single-chamber with two compartments, 15 l, -18°С, Italy);
• Mobicool CF 26 (compressor, R-134А, single-chamber with two compartments, 25 l, -18°С, Hong Kong).

Units with the possibility of freezing ice and food. Structurally, they consist of one chamber divided into two sections, or two chambers:

• a cooling chamber with a larger volume;
• smaller freezers.

The freezing function has refrigerators of two types:

• compressor (deep freezing down to -18°С);
• absorption (freezing 25-30°C below ambient temperature, freezing in the freezer – 10-12°C below the internal in the refrigerator, rarely below 0°C).

As a refrigerant are used:

• freon (R-12, R-600a);
• tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) – non-toxic, does not destroy the ozone layer;
• ammonia.

Main characteristics:

• usable volume of cooling and freezing chambers;
• power consumption;
• minimum deep freeze temperature;
• dimensions;
• the weight.

Pros:

• deep freezing up to -18-22°С;
• extended shelf life of products;
• the possibility of freezing ice;
• after disconnecting from the power supply, it keeps the temperature up to 10-12 hours.

Minuses:

• increased power consumption;
• higher price.

The best foam auto-refrigerators

Rating:

• ICE-TIME 10L (cold accumulator, 10 l, 0.5 kg, shoulder strap, color – white, gray, black, depending on the material of manufacture, cold mode – 12-24 hours, heat – up to 8 hours, Avtoplast LLC, Russia);
• Expert GN EX1257 46L (foam propylene, 46 l, 1.7 kg, cold mode – 8-10 hours, Avtoplast LLC, Russia).

Auto-refrigerators of this type have been produced and used for several decades. The principle of operation is based on the special structure of the foam, which is 92% air, and therefore does not conduct heat. Cold and heat are stored inside the box according to the principle of a thermos.

Materials used for manufacturing:

• expanded polystyrene (polystyrene);
• styropor (Styropor) – white polystyrene with improved thermal insulation;
• neopor (Neopor) – an innovative gray material with the addition of graphite, which improves thermal insulation properties by 20% compared to polystyrene;
• Arpro is black high impact polystyrene.

By design there are:

• boxes;
• boxes with lids;
• thermal containers (solid and folding);
• isothermal thermal containers;
• thermoboxes.

When using cold accumulators, isothermal containers made of foamed polypropylene keep the temperature for 12-24 hours. Equipped with a shoulder strap for easy transport.

Main characteristics:

• capacity;
• foam wall thickness (30-60 mm)
• dimensions;
• the weight.

Pros:

• a light weight;
• low cost;
• high wear resistance;
• not subject to biological influences;
• does not absorb odors;
• versatility (used to store chilled and heated products);
• environmental friendliness;
• moisture resistance.

Minuses:

• short shelf life of products;
• small volume;
• products must be pre-chilled;
• afraid of mechanical damage with sharp objects;
• unsuitable for storing hot products heated to + 55 ° C and above.

The best isothermal auto-refrigerators

Rating:

• Mega (container, plastic, 12 l, 0.9 kg, temperature retention time – 24 hours, USA);
• Campingaz Foldn Cool Classic 10L (bag, 10 l, 0.3 kg, up to 10 hours with a cold accumulator, France);
• Green Glade 1084 (refrigerator bag, 20 l, 0.74 kg, up to 12 hours with cold accumulators, 4-5 hours without them, Ireland – China).

Alternative to compressor and absorption refrigerators. They have a simplified design. Available in bags or containers.

The design includes:

• container (bag or container box);
• thermal insulation layer;
• lid (for containers);
• pen;
• pockets or compartments for cold accumulators.

In bags, thermal insulation made of foam materials is laid between the outer and inner layers. In containers, it is located between the outer box and the inner box.

Characteristics:

• capacity;
• storage time of products without cold accumulators and with them;
• the weight.

Pros:

• a light weight;
• small price;
• versatility (cooling and heating);
• containers can be used as a mini table or chair.

Minuses:

• short shelf life of the content;
• require pre-cooling of products.

The best auto-refrigerators for 30 liters

Rating:

• Ezetil IPV 775130 (thermoelectric, 12/220 V, Germany);
• WAECO CoolFreeze FT-30 (compressor, from +10 to -15°С, 45 W, 12/24 V, Germany);
• Indel B TB-31A (compressor, from +18 to -18°С, 12/220 V, Italy);
• Dometic CombiCool RC 1600 EGP (absorption, up to 20°C below ambient temperature, 12/220 V/gas, ice freezing, Germany).

The most popular auto-refrigerator in terms of volume is recommended for a company or a family of 3-4 people. Popular with lovers of fishing and hunting. It is easily placed in trucks and cars, boats, yachts.

According to the principle of work there are:

• compressor (refrigerant – freon, tetrafluoroethane);
• absorption (ammonia);
• thermoelectric (without refrigerant, cooling occurs due to a change in the direction of electric current);
• isothermal (without a cooling element with thermal insulation);
• rechargeable (with special cylinders filled with gel).

By the presence of the freezing function:

• with freezing function and the possibility of making ice;
• without freezing.

Freezer refrigerators can be:

• single-chamber (with internal breakdown into sections);
• two-chamber (cooling chamber + freezing chamber).

The design of the cover is made removable or stationary.

Characteristics:

• power;
• cooling temperature range;
• the weight;
• dimensions.

As additional functions they have:

• three levels of car battery protection;
• turbo cooling mode;
• mechanical or electronic thermostat for temperature control;
• interior lighting;
• mounting kit;
• wheels for ease of transport;
• retractable handle.

Pros:

• versatility (suitable for any type of car, boat, yacht);
• long shelf life of products after disconnection from the network (10-12 hours);
• allow to cool plastic bottles with a capacity of 2 liters in a vertical position;

Minuses:

• high price of models with freezing;
• limited volume for long family trips.

The best small auto-refrigerators

Rating:

• Waeco CDF-11 (compressor, the smallest of all existing ones, 10 l, from +10 to -18 ° С, weight – 9 kg, 1.5 l plastic bottle is placed in the freezing compartment, 12/24 V, 30 W, Germany);
• Waeco BordBar TB-15 (thermoelectric, 15 l, 25°C below ambient temperature, but not below 0°C, 5.2 kg, 12 V, 54 W, Germany);
• Ice Cube 14 IGLOO (isothermal container, 11 l, the temperature regime is maintained for 24 hours, China).

Refrigerators with a volume of 3 liters to 15-16 liters are considered small. Designed specifically for the narrow space of the car. They have minimal power consumption.

By design there are:

• portable;
• in the form of an armrest;
• retractable;
• embedded;
• boxes under the seat of trucks;
• miniature for one bottle.

Freezing type:

• compressor;
• thermoelectric;
• isothermal bags and containers.

The deep-freeze function is available only for compressor refrigerators that operate in the mode from +10 to -18°C. The temperature is set using a mechanical or electronic relay. The minimum volume of absorption refrigerators is 22-23 liters.

Pros:

• a light weight;
• mobility;
• minimum power consumption;
• ideal for placing between car seats.

Minuses:

• small volume, sufficient for only one person;
• require fixation when the car is moving.

The best car refrigerators on freon

Rating:

• Waeco CR-50ST (built-in, 48 l, freezer – 5 l, temperature range +10°С -18°С, 40 W, Germany);
• Indel B Cruise 65 (built-in, with horizontal loading, 65 l, +10°С -18°С, 36 W, Italy);
• Waeco CFX-35 (portable, 35 l, 4.5 l – freezer, +10°С-22°С, 43 W, Germany);
• Sawafuji MT-45FG3 (portable, 40 l, +4°С-18°С, 45 W, a unique “rocking” compressor is absolutely not afraid of shaking, Japan).

They differ from all existing types in the presence of a deep freeze function up to -18 ° -22 ° С. Freon is used as a refrigerant. Absorption (gas) and thermoelectric auto-refrigerators maintain the internal temperature up to 20-30°С below the external one.

According to the principle of operation, freon-powered auto-refrigerators are compressor refrigerators, which differ in:

• volume (5-150 l);
• power (30-85 W);
• temperature range of cooling and freezing (+5 to -15-22°С);
• overall dimensions;
• weight;
• number of chambers (with one and two chambers).

By design there are:

• portable;
• retractable;
• for trucks (boxes under the seat);
• embedded.

Portable models are equipped with removable, retractable or stationary handles.

By form:

• in the form of a box;
• in the form of a household refrigerator of a smaller size.

By volume:

• small (5-16 l);
• medium (18-35 l);
• large (40-150 l).

Body material:

• steel;
• plastic (polypropylene).

According to their effect on the ozone layer, they are divided into causing:

• severe exhaustion;
• weak;
• absolutely safe.

The latter include, for example, tetrafluoroethane R-134A, which is used in many auto-refrigerators from well-known manufacturers. It is non-toxic, not hazardous to products if it leaks.

Pros:

• deep freezing up to -18-22°С;
• minimum energy consumption compared to absorption and thermoelectric;
• a large range of volumes;
• silent at work.

Minuses:

• unsuitable for off-road travel due to fear of vibrations;
• toxicity of some types of freon;
• high price.

The best car refrigerators on wheels

Rating:

• MobiCool W35 ACDC (thermoelectric made of impact-resistant plastic, 35 l, 2 stationary wheels, 48 ​​W, Hong Kong); Ezetil E40 M RollCooler (thermoelectric, 40 l, 2 stationary wheels, Germany);
• Dometic RC 4000 (absorption, 33 l, 2 stationary wheels, telescopic handle, Germany).

Some models of large volume refrigerators from 30 liters and more can be equipped with wheels for easy transportation. Usually this is a pair of wheels located on the back side of the retractable handle. Convenient for transporting chilled drinks.

Wheels can be:

• removable;
• stationary.

The following types of refrigerators are equipped with wheels:

• absorption;
• thermoelectric;
• isothermal bags-containers.

Pros:

• ease of transportation outside the car;
• the possibility of transporting plastic bottles with a capacity of 2 liters in a vertical position.

Minuses:

• the need for secure mounting in the car.

The best thermoelectric car refrigerators

Rating:

• Waeco CoolFun S 28DC (bag, 25 l, 15°C below outside temperature, Germany);
• Koolatron P25 (bag, 24 L, at 27°C, ice making, 36 W, Canada);
• Ezetil E 40M 12/230V Manual Boost (auto-refrigerator, 40 l, at 20°С, Germany).

They differ from conventional ones in the absence of a compressor and refrigerant. Cooling occurs due to the Peltier module (a set of thermoelectric plates inside and outside), through which an electric current passes, changing the temperature inside the refrigerator.

They can work for heating and cooling, depending on the direction of current flow in the module. When cooled, the outer plates heat up, when heated, the inner ones.

In cooling mode, the temperature drops 25-30°C below the outside, but does not fall below 0°C.

They differ in shape:

• containers;
• in the form of a household refrigerator of reduced size;
• bags.

Main characteristics:

• volume (1-50 l);
• minimum cooling temperature;
• the weight.

Pros:

• environmentally friendly (no refrigerant);
• not afraid of tilts and vibrations;
• can be installed in horizontal and vertical position;
• a light weight;
• silent operation.

Minuses:

• slow decrease in temperature;
• pre-cooling of products;
• increased power consumption.

Advertising from sponsors: //
// //