How Many Amps Do The Dometic and Alpicool 12V Fridges Use Daily?
If you’re planning on powering a 12V fridge with solar energy, batteries, or both, knowing its daily power consumption is absolutely crucial. When you’re off-grid, every bit of energy counts. We learned this the hard way when we first started full-time living in our RV.
A fridge that drinks up too much power can drain your battery crazy fast, leaving all your groceries to spoil in the middle of nowhere.
Dometic and Alpicool are two well-known 12V fridge brands. I’ve seen them in countless setups, and in this article, I’ll break down their power consumption over a 24-hour period so you can figure out which one might work best for your specific needs.
Average Power Consumption Of Alpicool & Dometic 12V Fridge/Freezers
The Alpicool power usages were measured by real people like us, not the company. The values used for Dometic are all from their own testing and advertising.
The values might not be exact down to the decimal point, but they’re close enough to show you how efficient each portable 12V fridge is and what kind of average power consumption you’re looking at. Some tests were done at regular fridge temperatures, others at freezer temperatures.
I’ve found it’s really hard to know exactly how much power a portable fridge will use since there are so many factors at play like ambient temperature, how full the fridge is, how often you open it, and even where you place it.
These tables and data are meant to give you a solid reference point. Just know that the exact power consumption of your specific fridge will probably be a bit different based on your unique situation.
I’m sharing what I’ve learned from both research and personal experience, but your power usage may vary depending on how you use it.
| Model | Capacity | Power Rating (12 volt) | 24 Hour Power Usage *estimate | Inner Temp (during test) | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Alpicool C9 | 9.2L / 10QT | 45W / 3.75A | 72Wh / 6Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
 | Alpicool C12 | 11.1L / 12QT | 45W / 3.75A | 100Wh / 8.3Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
 | Alpicool C15 | 15.3L / 16QT | 60W / 5A | 312Wh / 26Ah | 32°F (0°C) | Amazon |
| Alpicool C20 | 19.8L / 21QT | 60W / 5A | 240Wh / 20Ah | 35°F (1.7°C) | Amazon |
 | Alpicool LGCF45 | 45L / 48QT | 60W / 5A | 300Wh / 25Ah | 32°F (0°C) | Amazon |
 | Alpicool LGCF55 | 49L / 52QT | 60W / 5A | 320Wh / 26.7Ah | 32°F (0°C) | Amazon |
 | Dometic CFX3 25 | 26.5QT / 25L | 78W / 6.5A | 264Wh / 22Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
 | Dometic CFX5 25 | 26.5QT / 25L | 110W / 9.2A | 222Wh / 18.5Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
 | Dometic CFX3 35 | 38QT / 36L | 90W / 7.5A | 282Wh / 23.5Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
 | Dometic CFX5 35 | 38QT / 36L | 91W / 7.6A | 319Wh / 26.6Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
 | Dometic CFX3 45 | 48QT / 45L | 98W / 8.2A | 296Wh / 24.7Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
 | Dometic CFX5 45 | 48QT / 45L | 97W / 8.1A | 302Wh / 25Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
 | Dometic CFX3 55 | 58QT / 55L | 107W / 8.9A | 319Wh / 26.6Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
 | Dometic CFX5 55 | 58QT / 55L | 102W / 8.5A | 348Wh / 29Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
 | Dometic CFX3 75DZ | 79QT / 75L | 115W / 9.6A | 410Wh / 34.3Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
 | Dometic CFX5 75DZ | 79QT / 75L | 116W / 9.7A | 705Wh / 58.8Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
 | Dometic CFX3 95DZ | 100QT / 95L | 125W / 10.2A | 522Wh / 43.5Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
 | Dometic CFX5 95DZ | 100QT / 95L | 117W / 9.8A | 440Wh / 36.7Ah | 39°F (4°C) | Amazon |
Dometic vs. Alpicool 12V Fridges: Power Consumption Comparison
Understanding the Numbers
Comparing these two brands isn’t as simple as just looking at the numbers. I discovered that most Alpicool fridge tests were done in 80°F ambient temperatures, while Dometic fridges were tested in 90°F ambient temperatures.
Since Dometic fridges were running in hotter conditions, their power usage looks slightly higher on paper, but they’re actually more efficient when you think about it.
Many Alpicool fridges also have an eco mode, which can reduce power consumption if you’re trying to stretch your battery life.
When you first turn on a 12V fridge, it uses more power to cool down. I noticed this the first time I hooked mine up, it was drawing way more amps than I expected!
But once it reaches the temperature you set, it levels off and consumes less energy. Freezers require more power initially, but once everything inside is frozen solid, they actually become more efficient than you’d think.
Is Dometic More Efficient Than Alpicool?
Yes, but not by much.
Dometic fridges consistently use less power than similarly sized Alpicool models, even when tested at higher temperatures. However, the difference isn’t huge, so don’t stress too much if budget is a factor.
The Dometic CFX3 45 fridge is one of the most efficient models I’ve researched. It holds twice as much as the Alpicool C20 but only used 56 more watt-hours over 24 hours, despite being tested in hotter conditions. That’s pretty impressive when you think about it.
Do Smaller 12V Fridges Use Less Power?
Not necessarily, and this surprised me when I was looking into it.
Larger 12V fridges (around 50 quarts) use about the same, if not less, energy than smaller 20-quart models. The biggest jump in energy consumption happens with those massive 70-90 quart fridges, but even then, their power use is surprisingly low considering how much space they offer.
For example, the Alpicool C15 used significantly more power over 24 hours than the Alpicool C20, even though the C15 was tested in cooler temperatures. This goes against what you’d expect.
Of course, there are a lot of factors at play, and these numbers come from different people and tests. But, if you’re choosing between the Alpicool C15 and C20, I’d recommend going with the C20. It seems to be more efficient overall, and you get more space.
Which Brand of 12V Fridge Should You Buy?
If efficiency is your top priority, Dometic is the best choice. But Alpicool is more affordable and offers smaller sizes that Dometic doesn’t have, which might be perfect for your setup.
Dometic’s smallest fridge is 27 quarts, which might be too big if you’re working with limited space. Alpicool offers the C9 and C12, which are two of the smallest options available.
Alpicool has become super popular among campers, travelers, and van lifers because of its affordability and efficiency. While Dometic fridges are more energy-efficient and have premium features, Alpicool still performs well and consumes very little power overall.
How to Make a 12V Fridge More Efficient
Insulate the Lid
The biggest weak spot in any fridge is the lid. Some people add foam insulation to the top for extra efficiency, and it makes a noticeable difference.
If your fridge came with protective foam packaging, you can repurpose it to keep it cooler in hot weather. Just make sure you leave the vent area’s open so air can circulate.
Give It Room to Breathe
The compressor needs airflow to work efficiently. Make sure the vents have enough space around them.
If it’s extremely hot (like those brutal summer days), placing a small fan near the fridge vents can improve cooling.
Use a Fridge Thermometer
Most portable fridge displays aren’t perfectly accurate. Alpicool fridges even have hidden settings to adjust the display temperature (something I discovered after months of ownership).
A fridge thermometer can give you an accurate reading so you don’t set the fridge colder than necessary, saving precious energy.
Store It Outside on Hot Days
If you’re in a van or car, the interior can get extremely hot. Storing your fridge in a shaded outdoor spot can help it stay cooler and use significantly less power. Just be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight.
Alpicool 12V Fridge Hidden Settings
If you choose an Alpicool fridge, you can access hidden settings to customize your experience.
How to Access Hidden Settings:
- Turn off the fridge while plugged in.
- Hold the Set button until E1 appears.
- Press Set to scroll through options.
Hidden Settings Explained:
- E1 – Lowest temperature setting (-40°F/-40°C, factory: -4°F/-20°C)
- E2 – Highest temperature setting (104°F/40°C, factory: 68°F/20°C)
- E3 – Temperature return setting (34-50°F/1-10°C, factory: 37.4°F/3°C)
- E4 – Soft start setting (0-10 min, factory: 2 min)
- E5 – Fahrenheit or Celsius display
- E6-E8 – Temperature display compensation (adjust for accuracy)
Reset to Factory Settings:
- Hold Set until E1 appears.
- Hold both Up and Down buttons until 888 is displayed.
Final Thoughts
Dometic fridges are slightly more efficient, but Alpicool fridges are still excellent choices for the price. If space is a concern, Alpicool has smaller options, and the C20 is the best choice over the C15 for efficiency.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you decide which 12V fridge is best for your needs. Good luck on your next solar powered camping trip!
The c20 obviously has a larger lid compared to the c15 and is otherwise identical. Therefore I cant’t really believe in the differences reported in power consumption.
perhaps the c20 lid has better insulating qualities?
Very useful information thank you for taking the time to write this 👍
Have had my Alpicool 12V fridge/freezer for over three years and has never skipped a beat. My fridge lives in a very hot garage for cold groceries out of the car.before coming into the house. Will say to extend its life tho. One needs to clean the condenser and fan periodically especially if it rests on the floor and collects dust, . As with the large amount of air needed to operate properly. A few screws removed on the outside with two hidden screws under the display. Very easy.
Thanks for the great advice. I agree that the condenser fan should be cleaned regularly to keep everything working and in good shape.
Have had my Alpicool 12V fridge/freezer for over three years and has never skipped a beat. My fridge lives mainly in a very hot garage used for cold groceries out of the car before coming into the house. Plus some camping trips. Will say to extend its life tho. One needs to clean the condenser and fan periodically, especially if it rests on the floor and collects dust, As it requires a large amount of air to operate properly A few screws removed on the outside with two hidden screws under the display. Very easy. Way better than my previous $1k unit.
Alpicool released some new models in February 2024. I believe they have the same internals but differ in size and features. Models NLS45, ZGW41 and NL40. (Do not get the ZAW40)
They are available on Amazon but are not yet listed on their website. At least one YouTuber was shocked at how efficient his was in comparison to an older fridge. Though he didn’t mention the less efficient fridge it was the Bodega K25. (He got the Alpicool fridge for free. He disclosed his conflict of interest) I have purchased one of these new models (ZGW41).
What is the best way to run a test on the fridge?
PS I originally purchased the 33qt NLS45 fridge from Amazon. I reconsidered my decision and have ordered a larger 41qt fridge with wheels (ZGW41). I am willing to run tests on both these fridges as long as I can complete them in the Amazon return window.