The Best Portable Freezer Buyer’s Guide

A portable freezer takes up less space than a traditional freezer, can be moved just about anywhere, and uses far less energy as well. Portable freezers also come in various sizes. Here are a few of the most common sizes portable freezers.

The two-way type portable freezer consists of the same sort of technology that your freezer at home uses. The main difference is they are designed to be mobile and run on a smaller amount of energy. Typically, they work on 12-volt batteries and are compatible with 110/240-volt power sources as well. They also work well with small solar-powered systems.

The three-way portable freezer typically runs on LPG, 12-volt batteries, or 240-volts, as well as using gas heat exchangers in place of compressors. They run practically soundless. However, they are not as powerful as compressor-based fridges. Also, they must remain completely level to operate. If you are planning on staying somewhere for several weeks, a three-way portable freezer will be handier than a two-way, due to its long lasting power.

How many people will use your portable freezer? Will it be stationary in a vehicle, boat, or RV, or will it be staying at home? How frequently will it be used, often, or only now and then?

The amount of amps that your portable freezer will be drawing is a crucial fact to consider. If you are going to be using your portable freezer on road trips, or camping trips, you need to know that your vehicle's battery will not be drained so low that you can’t start your engine. Either choose a low amperage drawing portable freezer, or add a second battery or solar system to your vehicle. You can also carry a jump-box for emergencies to revitalize your vehicle’s battery.

The thicker insulation that your portable freezer has, the less your compressor will have to work. The less your compressor has to work; the less energy your portable freezer will draw from your battery or power source.

Each portable freezer requires a different amount of clearance around it for it to correctly function. Make sure that you read the user manual that comes with your portable freezer to ensure you leave enough room for the proper air flow.

Many portable freezers will require heavier wires to run from your vehicle's battery to your freezer. Be sure that you are aware of what gauge wire is necessary to operate your portable freezer safely.

Each portable freezer comes with a different model of a compressor, which is one of the most determining factors of what sort of quality product you are purchasing. Make sure to be aware what kind of compressor your portable freezer is coming with.

Ease of operation often boils down to the control set that comes with a product. Portable freezers are no different. The controls will dictate how you set, adjust, and maintain the temperature of your freezer.

The FM-65G portable freezer by Whytner holds 65 quarts or 107 cans and works as both a refrigerator and a freezer. The temperature ranges from 50 degrees to six below zero and even goes all the way down to negative eight degrees with fast freeze mode. It also comes with an LED display, an AC cord, and DC cord, as well as removable double wire baskets. It works with 110-volt outlets and 12-volt batteries. It's available in three sizes, including 45 quarts, 65 quarts, and 85 quarts. The dimensions are 23.5 inches wide, 16.5 inches long, and 20.5 inches tall.

The P15 by ACOPOWER is a low energy consuming portable freezer, using only 45 watts. It has a 15-liter/16-quart space-saving capacity, and also works as both a freezer and fridge. The product is made in the USA. The temperature gets as low as negative four degrees. It works with 12/24-volt DC and 110-volt AC power sources. It's 22.4 inches wide, 12.6 inches long, and 10.2 inches tall.

This versatile Dometic brand portable freezer has a 47-can, 32-liter capacity. It works with 12-volt, 24-volt DC, and 120-volt AC. The product weighs 39 pounds. Its dimensions are 25 inches long, by 16 inches wide, by 16 inches high. It has stainless steel lids and hinges, an energy saving LED light, and also a USB port for charging electronics. The temperature range is from eight degrees below zero to 50 degrees.

ACOPOWER’s P40A portable freezer is also a fridge and boasts virtually no ice build-up. It is truly portable and comes with a trolley and wheels. The freezer is rechargeable via solar power and works with 12/24-volt DC and 120-volt AC. Its lithium-powered battery is built-in for superior off-the-grid usage. It’s also highly compatible with most generators. The temperature ranges down to negative four degrees. The product’s dimensions are 25.5 inches wide, 20.5 inches long, and 16.5 inches tall. It comes in three different sizes: 32-quart, 42-quart, and 52-quart and each of these is made in the USA.

The C20 portable freezer is also a fridge and has a 20-liter/25 can capacity. The temperature ranges as far down as negative four degrees. It works with 12/24-volt DC and 110/240-volt AC power sources. The freezer also runs with solar-based systems. It is made from highly durable plastic materials, has high-density foam insulation, and is energy-saving. This freezer is 22.4 inches wide, 12.6 inches long, and 12.6 inches tall. It comes in various sizes, including 15 liters, 20 liters, 30 liters, and 40 liters.

The Costway portable freezer has a 52-liter capacity. It is perfect for an RV, or to take along on fishing or hunting trips. The freezer has a shockproof design and can withstand even the harshest environments. The compressor is fast cooling and has energy-saving mode as well as MAX cooling mode.

There are also three levels of battery protection which make it even more diverse. It has an LCD for adjusting the temperature and is extremely easy to use. The product dimensions are 27 inches wide, 13.5 inches long, and 21 inches tall.

The Tri-Voltage portable freezer by Engel works on both AC and DC power sources. It runs practically soundless, draws low amps, is vibration resistant, and has a super efficient Engel compressor. The product comes with a wire basket, power cords, variable temp control, and also mountable handles. The outer case is made from high-quality ABS plastic. Temperatures range from 45 degrees to below zero. It comes in 16-quart and 43-quart sizes. It's 25 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 18.5 inches tall.

The CFX28 is an impressive 12-volt fridge and freezer by Dometic. The unit will cool up to as much as seven degrees below zero and boasts extra low power consumption regardless of AC or DC connection. It comes with a WiFi app for controlling and monitoring the temperature. The CFX28 comes with a heavy-duty design that has reinforced corners and an extra durable locking mechanism. It also comes with an energy saving LED compartment light. The product's dimensions are 13.4 inches wide, 24.4 inches long, and 16.7 inches tall.

The CDF-11 is the smallest portable freezer currently produced by Dometic. It has a temperature read-out, a three-stage battery monitor, and also LED indicators built into a soft-touch operation panel. The product's dimensions are 9.25 inches wide, 21.25 inches long, and 14 inches high. It has several versions based on size, including 10.5 liters, 23 liters, 31 liters, 37 liters, 49 liters, 80 liters, and 106 liters.

This portable freezer works with both 110-volt and 12-volt power sources and runs on 65 watts. It cools to temperatures between negative eight degrees and 50 degrees. There are two separate temperature zones, one for freezing and also one for refrigeration. The larger zone is 13 inches wide, 12.5 inches long, and 15.5 inches in height. The small area is 8 inches wide, 12.5 inches long, and 15.5 inches in height. It has a 62 court capacity.