Going on outdoor trips means you need food, and that's where coolers come in handy. But regular coolers have issues like melting ice and soggy food. That's where some of the best camping fridges in the market step in. Our studies indicate that these portable cooling systems are often powered by the 12-volt electrical system in your car to keep your food and beverages cold (or frozen) for an extended period of time. 

Our product experts have tried and tested a few notable coolers and made a special list just for you. It has portable fridges from top brands, catering to different budgets, sizes, and preferences. Whether you need a camping fridge or a tiny freezer, this article has all the information you need. Scroll down to see our recommendations.

• 1
  Best Overall

  ARB 73QT Portable Dual-Zone Freezer

  BUY ON AMAZON

ARB has introduced a new product in their top-quality fridge collection, called the ZERO Fridge/Freezer. This 73 qt portable fridge has two separate compartments inside. You can even remove the divider inside, turning the two compartments into one big space. It's designed especially for long journeys in SUVs and trailers. Plus, it has some useful features like a USB port to charge your devices and an AC inlet in the front, so you can use it at home or connect it to a power source.

Weight: 72.8 lb (33 kgs)

Dimensions: 29.7" x 18.5" x 22.2" 

Capacity: 73 quarts or 69 liters (Fits 87 x 375ml cans with a compartment or 108 cans without)

Power Source: Voltage 12/24 V DC or 100-240 V AC

2

Best for Short Trips

Igloo BMX 25QT Cooler

BUY ON AMAZON

This cooler is your perfect partner for quick outdoor trips. We were impressed by how light it is despite its sturdy design that can handle rough situations. Not only that, it keeps things cool for a long time with its thick insulated walls and lid. It has a Cool Riser Technology®  that helps it stay cold by keeping it away from hot surfaces. Plus, it has stainless steel hinge rods and hardware to provide extra protection and best performance. Given its performance, our experts found the price to be exceptionally reasonable.

Weight: 10.34 pounds (4.69 kgs)

Dimensions: 20.08" x 13.19" x 16.34" 

Capacity: 25 quarts 

3

Most Budget-friendly Choice

Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Wheeled Cooler

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Here's again a budget-friendly cooler with lots of space to keep your drinks cool. It uses Xtreme® technology, which means extra insulation in the walls and lid, keeping your ice frozen for longer. Plus, it's super convenient with heavy-duty wheels for easy rolling and a telescoping handle for effortless pulling. What's neat is the closed lid that's strong enough to hold up to 250 pounds and even has built-in cup holders to keep your drinks secure and spill-free. 

Weight: 12.7 pounds 

Dimensions: 22.6” x 17.6” x 17.7” inches

Capacity: 50 quarts

4

Most Stylish Cooler

Cooluli Infinity 15L Mini Fridge

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The Cooluli Infinity-15L Cooler/Warmer Mini Fridge is a handy gadget that's both efficient and durable. Its sleek and stylish design makes it a perfect fit for travel as well as your personal space, keeping snacks and goodies cool. With EcoMax™ Technology, it's environmentally friendly, silent, and can swiftly switch from cooling to warming. Plus, it cools down to 35-40° below the room temperature, making it super versatile and convenient for all your needs. 

Weight: 13.20 pounds (6 kgs)

Dimensions: 11.25" x 13.75" x 16.25"

Capacity: 15 liters (fits 18 12-ounce soda cans)

Power Source: 12 V/5 A DC or 100-240 V AC

5

Most Compact

Coleman 40 Qt Thermoelectric Cooler

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The Coleman 40qt Thermoelectric Cooler is a specially designed lightweight model that can be easily carried around during your road trips. This can keep your drinks and food at 40 degrees cooler than the outside temperature, that too without the hassle of ice. Just plug it into your vehicle's cigarette lighter, and it offers the flexibility of both warm and cool modes. You can even set it upright or use it as a chest cooler, adapting to your needs wherever you go. 

Weight: 17.85 lbs

Dimensions: ‎17" x 15.3" x 23.5"

Capacity: 40 quarts (fits 44 cans plus snacks)

6

Best Smart Batteries

Comes with a limited warranty period

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The Euhomy camping refrigerator is really handy. It has two separate zones that can be used as a fridge or freezer, whichever you need. Thus, it is great for keeping drinks and meat cool at the same time. Plus, it's energy-efficient, using only 45W, similar to a car navigator. Easy to move around, it has wheels and a retractable handle, just like a portable suitcase. Also, it operates quietly at 40 decibels, ensuring a peaceful environment that makes it practical and convenient for your outdoor adventures.

Weight: 35.7 lbs 

Dimensions: 13.58" x 27.17" x 20.63"

Capacity: 59 quarts (55 liters)

Power Source: 12 Volts

7

Best Portable

Wagan 14L Personal Fridge/Warmer

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This little Wagan cooler is small and easy to carry around, and it has a special ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in your hand. Plus, it comes with a shoulder strap, so you can use it as an armrest in your car. Even on scorching days, it can make things super cold. Its maximum cooling capacity is 32 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit, and if you want to warm something up, it can heat things to 140°F (60°C). Plus, it's eco-friendly. There are no harmful CFCs inside, so you don't have to worry about anything leaking out or hurting the environment. 

Weight: 8.0 lbs (3.6 kgs)

Dimensions: 19” x 10.25” x 12”

Capacity: 14 liters (fits 18 12oz. cans)

Power Source: 12V DC

8

Best Smart Fridge

EF EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator

BUY ON AMAZON

This portable fridge doesn't just freeze; it can make ice cubes too. There's a special divider inside that separates it into two parts, kind of like having two fridges in one. Plus it can run for a really long time — up to 40 hours. The battery is also powerful and can last a really long time. With this, you can control the temperature inside the fridge and monitor its performance via WiFi and Bluetooth.

Weight: 50.7 lbs 

Dimensions: 33.3" x 18.2” x 20.7"

Capacity: 40 quarts or 38 liters (equals 60 cans of 330ml drinks)

Power Source: 12V DC

9

Best Quiet Cooler

BougeRV 12V 30 Quart Portable Fridge

BUY ON AMAZON

The BougeRV portable fridge uses fancy cooling technology to keep your drinks and snacks cool. What's cool about it is that you can securely attach it to your car or truck using ropes with holes on its sides. Also, using this fridge at night without the need for a flashlight is a breeze with its LED display. It's really energy-efficient, quiet, and convenient for your trips. It can handle bumpy roads without a hitch, even if you're off-roading at a steep angle of 30°. 

Weight: 22.8 pounds 

Dimension: 22.68" x 12.60" x 15.55" 

Capacity: 30 quarts 

Power Source: 12V DC

10

Most Durable

ARB Element Weatherproof Fridge Freezer

BUY ON AMAZON

This cooler is designed to withstand natural elements. The control panel, main body, and lid are made from tough stainless steel. It also has special aluminum latches that keep it securely closed. You can open the gas-strut lid at any angle you want. Plus, it's really smart — you can control the temperature and also lock it with a PIN code, so your stuff stays safe. It's made to be easy to use even in super tough weather. This cooler is the perfect combination of convenience and durability. 

Weight: 70 lbs 

Dimensions: 17.1” x 19.3” x 32.3”

Capacity: 63 quarts or 59 litres 

Power Source: 12/24 V DC and 100-240 V AC

11

F40C4TMP 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator

BUY ON AMAZON

F40C4TMP compressor refrigerator is named like how it works. The "F40" means it can chill down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the "C4" means it can go as low as 4 degrees Celsius.

 It has a smart battery protection system that makes sure your fridge is not fully drained. Plus, it's got two special zones inside that you can control separately. You can fit in a whopping 62 cans of 330ml Coke or 29 bottles of 550ml water. The fridge's bottom stays put, ensuring it won't slide around in your moving car, keeping your items safe and secure.

Weight: 39.4 pounds

Dimensions: 26.77"D x 14.88"W x 19.76"H

Capacity: 47-quart

Power Source: 12V DC

When it comes to camping fridges, there are three main types:

1. Thermoelectric Camping Fridge:

Thermoelectric portable fridges are better for short-term use and are not reliable for long-term food storage. These coolers work using metals and electricity and can operate on 12v and 110v power. However, they consume a lot of electricity and are best for locations with low outdoor temperatures. They are often not recommended for trucks or cars if you need a reliable way to store food safely for an extended period.

2. Absorption Camping Fridge:

Absorption portable coolers work by evaporating coolant on one side and absorbing heat on the other. They use 110V AC, 12V DC, or propane for cooling. While they offer multiple power options, they need a flat surface to work properly, which can be challenging outdoors. Like thermoelectric fridges, their cooling effectiveness depends on the outside temperature. These coolers are suitable for users already using propane for other appliances, such as gas stoves in motorhomes. They are quiet, great for remote stays, and don't require a complex battery. 

3. Compressor Camping Fridge:

Compressor fridges are top-tier camping options powered by electricity. They function like home fridges but run on car batteries (12- or 24-volt) and mains electricity. They are durable, stable even on rough terrains, and perfect for truck, car camping, and overlanding. While they can be costly, they ensure your food stays cold and ice stays frozen, making them ideal for both on-grid and off-grid adventures, especially when powered by renewable solar energy.

• Size/Capacity: Consider your camping needs and available space and check dimensions for fitting in your vehicle. The fridge capacity should match the amount of food and beverages you want to keep cool.
• Manufacturer: Choose reputable brands like BougeRV and ARB known for durability.
• Model Features:

1. Choose a fridge with thick walls and good insulation for efficiency and less power usage. Pay attention to materials too; metal is durable but heats up faster, while fiberglass provides excellent insulation.
2. Look for low DC power consumption (less than 1 amp/hour at 12 volts). Most of our recommended products work on 12V DC. Also, look for built-in battery protection to prevent dead batteries.
3. Try to consider special features like remote temperature monitoring and weather resistance for long-term use.

• Smart Packing: Organize frozen food by when you'll use it and use airtight containers to avoid spills. Don’t block ventilation slots while packing, or it’ll work harder, using more battery. Furthermore, full-packed fridges are more energy-efficient.
• Defrost Smart: Thaw meat in the fridge overnight to keep it cool and save battery. Also, opening the freezer less often will save power.
• Secure: Lock latches and strap them down to avoid damage. Try to use a fridge jacket for protection, especially in sunlight.
• Battery Protection: Use built-in settings to save the vehicle’s battery. Also, use thick power cables for efficient power supply. Try to carry spare fuses and plugs.
• Efficient Usage: When you're on the road, turn your camping fridge to the lowest setting, and later at camp, switch it to a more energy-efficient setting for best results. Also, try not to park your vehicle under direct sunlight. 

Choosing the best camping fridge can completely transform your outdoor experience. These portable marvels offer not only freshness but also convenience.  The versatility of 12V fridges, their energy efficiency, and compatibility with various power sources make them invaluable for camping enthusiasts. A 12V camping fridge can be costly, making it a luxury choice for most people, unless it's necessary in extreme heat. Your decision on the best camping fridge depends on how often you camp, your location, and your food preferences while traveling. From our well-researched list, go for one that suits your budget, group size, and trip duration.