{"id":4519,"date":"2022-09-18T07:00:13","date_gmt":"2022-09-18T13:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecampingnerd.com\/?p=4519"},"modified":"2024-02-08T00:55:31","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T07:55:31","slug":"best-12-volt-refrigerator-freezer-reviews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecampingnerd.com\/best-12-volt-refrigerator-freezer-reviews\/","title":{"rendered":"Best 12 Volt Refrigerator Freezer For Camping & Travel 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Is The Difference Between A 12 Volt Refrigerator & A 12V Cooler?<\/h2>\n

If you are in the market for a portable 12v fridge you’ve probably come across both 12 volt refrigerator freezers and 12v coolers.<\/p>\n

While 12 volt coolers sound awesome and are much more budget-friendly than 12v refrigerators they don’t have the same purpose.<\/p>\n

Related Product: Power your 12 volt fridge when camping using the .<\/strong><\/p>\n

12v coolers usually can only cool around 32 degrees colder than the temperature outside.<\/p>\n

Many people see the number 32 degrees and think, perfect it can cool to 32 degrees. That isn’t the case though.<\/p>\n

If it’s 80 degrees where the cooler is then it’s only going to be 48 degrees in the cooler. That’s 8 degrees higher than fridge safe temperature.<\/p>\n

12 volt refrigerators are built more robust than 12 volt coolers and are made to keep food at fridge safe temperatures no matter how hot it is outside.<\/p>\n

Some can even reach below freezing temperatures and can be used as a freezer.<\/p>\n

These portable refrigerator freezers are perfect for those how camp or live out of a car, truck, or van.<\/p>\n

They are even excellent for long road trips, you can bring snacks, store food safely<\/a> and save money.<\/p>\n

The best part is there’s no ice involved. No more food floating around in an ice water bath or having to buy ice every day.<\/p>\n

See Also:\u00a0BougeRV CR45 Portable Fridge Freezer Reviewed For Camping\/RV<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

In this review, I outline the unique features and rate some of the best portable camping 12 volt refrigerator freezers on the market today.<\/p>\n

If you are looking for cold food storage options for a newly renovated van or just need an extra fridge or freezer space for your RV, you’ve come to the right place.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/div>\n
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\"ARB<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"FM-452SG<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"Alpicool<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n Best 12 Volt Refrigerator<\/span> <\/p>\n
\"Dometic<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"Linsion<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n Most Portable<\/span> <\/p>\n
\"BougeRV<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Product (Link) <\/div>\n
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ARB Portable 12v Fridge Freezer<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Whynter 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator\/Freezer<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Alpicool CF55 Portable Fridge Freezer<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Dometic CFX 50W 12v Fridge\/Freezer<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Linsion 12 Volt Refrigerator\/Freezer<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator & Freezer<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Power Source Options <\/div>\n
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DC (12 volt) & AC<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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DC (12 volt) & AC<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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DC (12 volt) & AC<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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DC (12 volt) & AC<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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DC (12 volt) & AC<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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DC (12 volt), AC, & Optional Battery<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Battery Run-Down Protection <\/div>\n
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\n Lowest Temperature Capability <\/div>\n
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0 Fahrenheit<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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-8 Fahrenheit<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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-4 Fahrenheit<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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-7 Fahrenheit<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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-14 Fahrenheit<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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-4 Fahrenheit<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Max Angle It Can Function At <\/div>\n
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30 degrees<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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30 degrees<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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45 degrees<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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30 degrees<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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45 degrees<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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45 degrees<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Weight in Pounds <\/div>\n
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61.7 (63 Quart)<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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52<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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35<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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45<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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44<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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40.5<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Size Options Available <\/div>\n
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36 \/ 47 \/ 63 \/ 73 \/ 101 Quarts<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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34 \/ 45 \/ 62 \/ 65 Quart<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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35 \/ 45 \/ 55 Quart<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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–<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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–<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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35 \/ 45 \/ 59 Liter<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Check Price at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Check Price at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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<\/p>\n

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\n <\/div>\n
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\"ARB<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Product (Link) <\/div>\n
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ARB Portable 12v Fridge Freezer<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Power Source Options <\/div>\n
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DC (12 volt) & AC<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Battery Run-Down Protection <\/div>\n
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<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Can Be Fridge Or Freezer <\/div>\n
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<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Lowest Temperature Capability <\/div>\n
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0 Fahrenheit<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Max Angle It Can Function At <\/div>\n
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30 degrees<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Weight in Pounds <\/div>\n
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61.7 (63 Quart)<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Size Options Available <\/div>\n
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36 \/ 47 \/ 63 \/ 73 \/ 101 Quarts<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n <\/div>\n
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Check Price at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n <\/div>\n
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\"FM-452SG<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Product (Link) <\/div>\n
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Whynter 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator\/Freezer<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Power Source Options <\/div>\n
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DC (12 volt) & AC<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Battery Run-Down Protection <\/div>\n
\n
<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n Can Be Fridge Or Freezer <\/div>\n
\n
<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Lowest Temperature Capability <\/div>\n
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-8 Fahrenheit<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Max Angle It Can Function At <\/div>\n
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30 degrees<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Weight in Pounds <\/div>\n
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52<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Size Options Available <\/div>\n
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34 \/ 45 \/ 62 \/ 65 Quart<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n <\/div>\n
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Check Price at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n <\/div>\n
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\"Alpicool<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Product (Link) <\/div>\n
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Alpicool CF55 Portable Fridge Freezer<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Power Source Options <\/div>\n
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DC (12 volt) & AC<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Battery Run-Down Protection <\/div>\n
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<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n Can Be Fridge Or Freezer <\/div>\n
\n
<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Lowest Temperature Capability <\/div>\n
\n
-4 Fahrenheit<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Max Angle It Can Function At <\/div>\n
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45 degrees<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Weight in Pounds <\/div>\n
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35<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Size Options Available <\/div>\n
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35 \/ 45 \/ 55 Quart<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n <\/div>\n
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Check Price at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Best 12 Volt Refrigerator<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n <\/div>\n
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\"Dometic<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Product (Link) <\/div>\n
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Dometic CFX 50W 12v Fridge\/Freezer<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Power Source Options <\/div>\n
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DC (12 volt) & AC<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n Battery Run-Down Protection <\/div>\n
\n
<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n Can Be Fridge Or Freezer <\/div>\n
\n
<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n Lowest Temperature Capability <\/div>\n
\n
-7 Fahrenheit<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Max Angle It Can Function At <\/div>\n
\n
30 degrees<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Weight in Pounds <\/div>\n
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45<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Size Options Available <\/div>\n
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–<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n <\/div>\n
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Check Price at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n <\/div>\n
\n
\"Linsion<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Product (Link) <\/div>\n
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Linsion 12 Volt Refrigerator\/Freezer<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Power Source Options <\/div>\n
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DC (12 volt) & AC<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n Battery Run-Down Protection <\/div>\n
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<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n Can Be Fridge Or Freezer <\/div>\n
\n
<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Lowest Temperature Capability <\/div>\n
\n
-14 Fahrenheit<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Max Angle It Can Function At <\/div>\n
\n
45 degrees<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Weight in Pounds <\/div>\n
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44<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Size Options Available <\/div>\n
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–<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n <\/div>\n
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Check Price at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Most Portable<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n <\/div>\n
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\"BougeRV<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Product (Link) <\/div>\n
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BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator & Freezer<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Power Source Options <\/div>\n
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DC (12 volt), AC, & Optional Battery<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Battery Run-Down Protection <\/div>\n
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<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Can Be Fridge Or Freezer <\/div>\n
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<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Lowest Temperature Capability <\/div>\n
\n
-4 Fahrenheit<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Max Angle It Can Function At <\/div>\n
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45 degrees<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Weight in Pounds <\/div>\n
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40.5<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n Size Options Available <\/div>\n
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35 \/ 45 \/ 59 Liter<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n <\/div>\n
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Check Price at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Last update on 2024-04-26 \/ Affiliate links \/ Images from Amazon Product Advertising API<\/p>\n

Best 12 Volt Refrigerator Freezers Reviews<\/h2>\n

1. ARB Portable 12v Fridge Freezer<\/a><\/h3>\n

\"ARB<\/a><\/p>\n

Check Price at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

The ARB portable 12 volt refrigerator freezer is one of the most heavy-duty, energy efficient, and easy to use portable fridges on the market today.<\/p>\n

They also have lots of size and style options to fit any kind of camper or traveler.<\/p>\n

The most popular version is the ARB Zero 12 volt fridge freezer. It’s the one I’m going to focus on the most in the review below.<\/p>\n

Size<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 63 quart single zone size (linked to in the picture above) is ARB’s most portable and usable for campers and travelers but they also make models from 36 quart (click to view on Amazon)<\/a> to 101 quarts (click to view on Amazon)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There’s even an extreme heavy-duty weatherproof 63 quart version (click to view on Amazon)<\/a> with a stainless steel exterior and a weatherproof control panel.<\/p>\n

There’s something for everyone with ARB, but for camping, van life, or road trips their 63-quart version is going to be a fantastic option.<\/p>\n

It’s a good portable size while still being able to hold enough food for a few days.<\/p>\n

I’m going to be talking about that version the most in the review below.<\/p>\n

The outside measurements of the 63 quart size are 30 inches long, 18.5 inches wide, and 19.5 inches tall.<\/p>\n

The interior has two wire basket compartments for dairy and regular food.<\/p>\n

The dairy side is narrow but it’s deep enough to hold a couple 2 liter bottles of sodas and half gallon jugs of milk.<\/p>\n

The food side is wider and longer but not quite as deep since the compressor is taking up some of that space.<\/p>\n

The empty 63 quart version weighs 61.7 lbs.<\/p>\n

Features<\/strong><\/p>\n

An important feature of ARB Zero 12V fridges is the adjustable automatic battery protection system.<\/p>\n

You can leave it plugged into your vehicle’s 12v outlet while the engine is off without worry.<\/p>\n

The 12 volt refrigerator will continue to actively cool and shut off when your battery gets drained a certain amount.<\/p>\n

This keeps your battery from dying or getting damaged.<\/p>\n

It’s also very efficient. Using thick insulation and special hardware the camping fridge can maintain sub-zero temperatures in 90-degree heat.<\/p>\n

The 63 quart version only uses 0.8 amps per hour when set at 32\u00b0F in mild temperatures.<\/p>\n

The larger sizes of ARB Zero 12V fridges will use a little more power than the other the external temperatures are the more work the compressor has to do to keep the inside cold.<\/p>\n

The smaller sizes can be either a fridge or a freezer and the larger sizes have two compartments and can be both a fridge and a freezer at the same time.<\/p>\n

See Also:\u00a0Best Portable Foldable Solar Panel Chargers For Camping<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The ARB is built for off-roading and getting bounced around.<\/p>\n

The compressor is a heavy-duty Danfoss that can get the portable fridge temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/p>\n

The ARB can sit at angles up to 30 degrees without being affected.<\/p>\n

The control panel is mounted to the front and uses an LED display.<\/p>\n

You can control the temperature settings electronically and there is an internal LED light that automatically illuminates when the fridge\/freezer is opened.<\/p>\n

The Zero 12 volt fridges are Bluetooth compatible which means you can monitor the temperatures via a smartphone and even adjust the temperature settings, the battery guard, and more.<\/p>\n

Power<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 12 volt refrigerator comes with a DC (12v) power cord which connects to\u00a0 12\/24 volt DC power outlets.<\/p>\n

There is also an AC power cord included which plugs into any common household outlet.<\/p>\n

You can run this portable fridge in your vehicle or at home.<\/p>\n

As an added bonus ARB has included a USB port next to the power cables you can use to charge your phone.<\/p>\n

Accessories<\/strong><\/p>\n

ARB has some pretty awesome accessories to make their portable refrigerators even more durable, portable, and efficient.<\/p>\n

The ARB Protective Canvas Cover (click to view on Amazon)<\/a> adds another layer of insulation and protection to your camping fridge.<\/p>\n

If you are planning on storing your ARB fridge under a bed or in a storage compartment you can buy the ARB fridge slide (click to view on Amazon)<\/a> that allows you to easily slide the fridge in and out.<\/p>\n

There is also a custom tie-down system (click to view on Amazon)<\/a> to secure the portable fridge to the slide-out or the floor or a van or truck bed.<\/p>\n

And last but not least, if you don’t have the proper plugin for your vehicle they sell an easy to install wiring kit (click to view on Amazon)<\/a> with a 20 foot 10 gauge cable.<\/p>\n

Using this kit you can keep your fridge powered without worrying about the wiring or outlet being compatible.<\/p>\n

You can also install it in your truck bed so you can have your fridge running without having to have it in the cab.<\/p>\n

Review<\/strong><\/p>\n

The ARB Portable 12v Fridge Freezer<\/a> is one of the best products you can buy to keep your food at safe temperatures on any camping trip for any amount of time.<\/p>\n

It’s easy to use, efficient and has many features that make it durable and long-lasting.<\/p>\n

You can take it on crazy roads and park on uneven ground without having to worry about it shutting off and your food spoiling.<\/p>\n

For keeping food cold while camping, or full time living in a van, car, or truck ARB is a fantastic way to go.<\/p>\n

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PROS<\/p>\n