Best Portable Freezers | Reviews and Buying Guide

Trips that include hiking, camping or simply long traveling time by road mandate a portable container that can help keep refreshments and food fresh and cool! While coolers have been used for the longest time for this purpose, a more modern solution to this problem is carrying a portable freezer with you. Even though these freezers come with various features and in different colors and styles, they all are designed to keep food frozen for a longer time period and some might not even require a power outlet.

A portable freezer doesn’t just help keep your soda, water, meat, and other edibles at just the right temperature during long journeys but it also acts as a lifesaver. In case you experience an earthquake, a hurricane, a blackout, or some other major emergency situation, with a portable freezer, you can rely on fresh food even when everything else is going wrong!

With a wide range of products available on the market today, the process of finding the best one can get quite overwhelming. Therefore, after conducting the relevant research and carrying out the necessary comparisons, we have come up with the ultimate guide to portable freezers that will help you make an informed decision. So, let’s get started right away!

What to Look for In a Portable Freezer

Here are a few factors that you need to consider before you finalize your purchase:

Cost

The cost of portable freezers varies according to the brand, model, specifications, and features of the product. Therefore, it might be best to set a budget prior to looking for a freezer as it can help you streamline the process and find an item that fits your unique needs.

Reviews

While reading product descriptions is an effective way to understand a product, a better way to do so is to study reviews. Detailed reviews can help you weigh the pros and cons of an appliance, learn about its specifications and features, and find out whether its functionality of the product fits your personal requirements.

Brand

As with every other electronic product on the market, it is essential to find a reputable brand that you can rely on. Research the brand that you are inclining towards and check whether it has a proven track record of customer satisfaction.

Controls

With the rapid advancement in the Electronics Industry, more and more companies are producing appliances that offer a wide range of control options. While some offer the ability to switch the freezer on through WiFi, others offer temperature adjustment via Bluetooth. If you are tech-savvy, it might be best to enjoy the convenience of wireless operation. Otherwise, opt for a device with on-board controls for manual operation.

Storage Capacity

The storage capacity that you will require your portable freezer to have depends upon how many people you need it to carry food for and the scope of your trip. For longer trips, it is recommended to get a larger device whereas, for solo and shorter trips, a small freezer that can keep a few drinks and some sandwiches cold would do!

Source of Energy

Along with portable freezers that run on DC or AC current, today, there are many other solar and battery-powered options available on the market. It is best to opt for a product that can operate on a variety of energy sources. When it comes to running a freezer in a car or an RV, outlets prove to be useful. However, if your goal is to conserve energy, it might be best to opt for a mini freezer that offers multiple power options.

Installation

As the name suggests, portable freezers don’t require installation. However, you need to check the size of the product and compare it with the space you have in your car, truck, RV, or campsite and see that it will fit easily without limiting access to other essentials.

Insulation

Insulation is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to purchasing a small freezer. Better insulation doesn’t only help keep things colder for longer but it also helps reduce energy consumption.

Compressor

The compressor of your fridge doesn’t only help reduce water vapor when cooling but it also prevents mold from building up and keeps the unit at the right temperature. While not all portable freezers come with a compressor, some that do are less quiet and more powerful.

6 Best Portable Freezers on the Market

1) Dometic CFX28 12v Electric Powered Freezer

The Dometic CFX28 12v Electric Powered Freezer is an award-winning product that combines ultra-low power consumption with deep-freeze capabilities to provide users with cold drinks and fresh food anywhere and everywhere! This unit comes with amazing features including memory function and an intelligent automatic turbo cooler. This device can also operate on solar power.

Regardless of the temperature outside, the Dometic CFX28 electric-powered freezer provides quiet cooling performance. Since this unit is very efficient, you won’t be needing the USB charging port too often. Fitted with minute, premium-quality details like stainless steel hinges, robust lid lining, and reinforced corners, this cooler can withstand the most demanding of loads. Give this mini freezer a try today to benefit from its amazing features!

Dimensions: 13.4 x 24.4 x 16.7 inches

Our rating: 4.6 / 5

2) Whynter FM-45G 45 Quart Portable Refrigerator

The Whynter FM-45G 45 Quart Portable Refrigerator offers an innovative design and premium-quality operation to fulfill users’ refrigeration needs. This small freezer is ideal for campsites, boats, RVs, and fishing trips. Since it is extremely portable, it can be carried anywhere with ease. All you need to operate this unit is a 12V power source such as an automotive battery or a standard household 110V.

This benchtop freezer allows users to keep beverages and food chilled on small day trips or even a major expedition. While it is not a flashy product, it does offer everything one needs in a portable freezer. The Whynter FM-45G comes with a drain at the bottom that comes in handy for cleaning spills. It also features a built-in display that shows battery level, allowing users to monitor energy usage. While this unit does offer immense portability due to its small size, one drawback to its design is that it is heavyweight.

Dimensions: 18 x 28 x 20.8 inches

Our rating: 4.5 / 5

3) Koolatron P-20WH THERMOELECTRIC COOLER

The Koolatron P-20WH THERMOELECTRIC COOLER is a travel cooler that can be used in your SUV, truck, RV, car, or boat. It features iceless thermoelectric technology that offers reliable 12V cooling, allowing users to keep food and drinks cool on a beach or picnic day! This unit is specially built for tight spaces and offers ultra-portability. Its compact design is what makes it so popular among hikers, campers, and more. It also works properly when connected with the cigarette lighter or electronic port of a vehicle.

The Koolatron P-20WH is constructed with premium-quality, solid hard-sided plastic. This enables the unit to cool and warm the edibles placed inside. Since its lid is latch-less, it can be easily opened using one hand. Some of the other features include a light storage spot, an interior fan, and a sturdy cord wrap. The device is capable of holding about 23 cans that weigh 12-ounce each. Give this mini freezer a try today!

Dimensions: 17.75 x 9.00 x 16.50 inches

Our rating: 4.3 / 5

4) Koolatron P27 12V Voyager Travel Electric Cooler and Warmer

The Koolatron P27 12V Voyager Travel Electric Cooler and Warmer is a portable freezer that is capable of handling long hours on the road with immense ease. The 29-quart capacity of this freezer helps eliminate the need for pausing for expensive drink- and snack-breaks. This electric device can keep your food and beverages cool without any ice. It can be directly plugged into the 12V plug of any vehicle and deliver reliable, long-lasting thermoelectric cooling. The thermoelectric module is compact and uses less power as compared to a vehicle tail light. The warming mode of this freezer is ideal for carrying warm take-out edibles.

It might be best to pack pre-chilled drinks and foods in this freezer as it will ensure better results. Make sure that the fan on the travel cooler is not blocked at all as this 12V device needs unobstructed airflow around the fan to produce optimal cooling. With the Koolatron P27, you will have a refreshing healthy snack within an arm’s reach at all times!

Dimensions: 17.25 x 15.25 x 15.25 inches

Our rating: 4.3 / 5

5) Dometic CDF-11 Smallest Portable Freezer / Refrigerator

The Dometic CDF-11 Portable Freezer is a small capacity freezer that comes with true compressor technology. The unit enables users to set the interior temperature according to their personal preferences. It can be operated as either a freezer or a refrigerator as it has the ability to cool down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. While this product can maintain a cool and precise temperature for a long period of time, due to its compact size it cannot fit a lot of food in it.

Since this machine offers the same technology as a full-size standard household refrigerator, it is quite expensive. However, its incredible cooling capability makes the investment worth the while. Some of the most prominent features of this freezer include an electronic thermostat with a digital temperature display, a three-level battery monitor that helps prevent the unit from draining the battery of your vehicle, and extra-thick insulation. Lastly, its high-impact resistance plastic construction makes it quite sturdy and durable!

Dimensions: 21.26 x 14.09 x 9.25 inches

Our rating: 4.2 / 5 

6) NORCOLD INC 1.1 cu. ft. Portable Refrigerator – Freezer

The NORCOLD INC 1.1 cu. ft. Portable Freezer is a versatile product that can easily be used in cars, boats, RVs, on camping or hiking trips, or even at home! This 2-in-1 freezer-and-refrigerator comes with an electronic control panel that helps the user set the unit to their desired temperature. The DC cord enables users to power the device by connecting it to the cigarette lighter plug of their vehicle or using an optional AC adaptor available with the device. Since the exterior of this unit is constructed using corrosion-proof and durable plastic, it is quite sturdy and long-lasting.

The NARCOLD INC freezer also comes with removable, heavy-duty handles and an easily removable and reversible hinged lid. The amazing stainless-steel interior of this freezer makes it extremely easy to clean and the removable wire basket adds to the ease-of-maintenance factor. It features a hermetically sealed compressor that comes with built-in low voltage protection. If you are looking for a machine that is lightweight and comes with incredible features, this might be the ideal choice for you!

Dimensions: 22 x 15.7 x 15.6 inches

Our rating: 4.0 / 5

End Note

We hope that with all the aforementioned information on portable freezers in our detailed guide, you found something worth your while!