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The best car fridge for cooled beverages on the go

• Stay hydrated and refreshed this summer 
• Keep drinks cool on picnics, camping and caravaning holidays 
• Keep food fresh, and even frozen without draining your battery 

Written by Alex Boyd Published: 26 April 2024

As summer days approach and our thoughts turn to the appeal of venturing out on road or camping trips, it is definitely worth considering investing in a car fridge. These portable coolers come in a variety of sizes and styles, from compact 4-litre personal fridges designed for commuters or solo adventurers to spacious versions of 50 litres and above, ideal for family excursions.

At the smaller end of the spectrum, personal car fridges offer just enough space to keep drinks and snacks chilled during short outings. With capacities ranging from 4 to 15 litres, these pint-sized coolers are perfect for storing a few cans of soft drinks, sandwiches, or fruits. Their compact design allows for easy placement in the backseat or boot, ensuring accessibility without sacrificing valuable space and they are much more reliable than cooler boxes.

Stepping up in size, mid-range car fridges typically offer capacities between 20 and 30 litres, striking a balance between portability and storage space. These models often feature both top and front-loading options, providing flexibility in how items are stored and retrieved. Whether it’s keeping groceries fresh on the way home from the supermarket or storing perishables for a weekend campervan camping trip, these fridges offer ample room for essentials. And for those seeking maximum storage capacity, large car fridges boasting 50 litres or more provide ample space for extended journeys or group outings, making them perfect for road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Regardless of size, car fridges offer convenience for drivers, passengers, campers, and everyday commuters, and the larger models are a great addition to any campervan cooking cookware set. By keeping perishable items cool on the go, they eliminate the need for bulky coolers and messy ice packs, ensuring food and drinks stay fresh. Here is a selection of our favourites.

Best car fridge at a glance

Editor’s choice: Russell Hobbs Mini Cooler – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for longer trips: Alpicool CX50 50L – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for flexibility: Alpicool TAW35 35L – Buy now from Amazon UK

Best car fridges

Keep the juice and snacks nice a cool with the Russell Hobbs Mini Cooler. If it's just drinks, it'll hold six 330ml cans, or you can store a mix of cans and your lunchtime sandwiches, ideal for summer snacks on the go. You don't need to miss out when the winter weather comes along as, at the flick of a switch, it turns into a food warmer to keep your snacks hot and tasty.

Pros

  • Mains or 12v DC
  • Heats food as well

Cons

  • The fan can be a bit loud
Best car fridge for small groups
The Alpicool G22 is great for family or group outings. It has a good 22-litre capacity, which will hold 32 330ml drink cans plus a small ice cube section, so there's plenty of room to keep a mix of food and drink cool. It runs on the car's 12v power supply and has an LCD control panel to easily adjust the temperature when required.

Pros

  • Adjustable temperature control
  • Ice compartment

Cons

  • Compressor can be noisy
Best car fridge for longer trips
Perfect for a family picnic event to keep food and drink cool and fresh. The huge 50-litre capacity provides plenty of space - since we've been measuring in 330ml cans, the Alpicool CX50 will hold 68 of them. It comes with a mains lead and adaptor and a 12v lead to connect to your car's power source, and there are wheels and a telescopic handle to allow you to move it around easily once you arrive at your destination

Pros

  • Large capacity
  • Will also operate as a freezer

Cons

  • The telescopic handle could be a bit sturdier
Best car fridge for freezing
The Bingi Camping Fridge has an 18-litre or 24 330ml can capacity. When powered, it can cool down to -18 degrees within two hours. The efficient insulation used in the body ensures that the contents will remain cold for several hours once power is removed. You can see the temperature on the LED touchscreen, where you can adjust the temperature. The average operating power is only 45W, which consumes less than 1 kWh per day.

Pros

  • Well insulated for reduced power usage
  • Removable basket for easy cleaning

Cons

  • Instructions could be better
Best car fridge for flexibility
This is the smallest of the large Alpicool range, which is an ideal portable fridge for family road trips or campervan storage. You can put 52 330ml drink cans in it, and it takes just 15 minutes to cool from 25℃ to 0℃. The interior has two separate compartments which can be independently adjusted which is convenient for storing different items. The opening direction of the two lids can be reversed for flexible placement, and those rugged wheels will help you move it once you leave the car - Alpicool thought of just about everything, including a bottle opener, just in case you forget one.

Pros

  • Dual compartments
  • Independent temperature control

Cons

  • Changing lid opening direction is awkward
Best car fridge for style
A slightly bigger minifridge, the Subcold Pro6 has a six-litre capacity, which means it'll hold eight 330ml drink cans. The low power consumption means that it can be powered from the mains or any USB socket—perfect for keeping drinks cool in the car. You can choose from eight colours, and it comes with a removable shelf and door pocket, allowing you to store larger items inside.

Pros

  • Comes in a variety of colours
  • Contemporary appearance

Cons

  • No temperature control
Best small USB powered fridge
The Fohere Mini Fridge can be powered from either the mains, the 12v power socket in your car or by a USB connection. The five-litre capacity will hold six 330ml cans with a little bit of room to spare for an ice lolly (or whatever your preference may be) and is equipped with a removable shelf and door basket for flexible storage.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Flexible storage

Cons

  • Can heat quickly when the power is switched off

Car fridges: Frequently asked questions:

How long can a car fridge keep items cold?

The cooling capabilities of car fridges vary depending on factors such as ambient temperature, insulation, and power source. Generally, most car fridges can keep items cold for several hours to a few days as long as they have power.

Can car fridges be used while driving?

Yes, many car fridges are designed to operate while the vehicle is in motion. They are typically powered by the vehicle’s 12-volt DC socket (which used to be called the cigar lighter socket) or a portable power source, like a portable battery charger, and some can be powered by the car’s USB socket. This means you can keep items chilled during long drives or road trips without the need for ice or coolers.

How do I choose the right size car fridge for my needs?

Consider your typical usage and the amount of storage space you’ll require. Smaller fridges, such as 4 to 15 litres, are ideal for short trips or solo travellers, while larger fridges, 50 litres or more, are better suited for family outings or extended journeys. Mid-range fridges, between 20 and 30 litres, offer a balance between portability and storage capacity.

Are car fridges easy to install and operate?

Most car fridges are designed for ease of use and installation. They typically come with user-friendly controls and can be plugged into a vehicle’s 12-volt DC socket or connected to a portable power source. Additionally, many models feature handles or carrying straps for easy transport once you remove them from the car upon completion of your journey.

Can car fridges be used for freezing food?

While car fridges are primarily designed for cooling, some models can also freeze items. However, freezing capacity may vary depending on the specific model and temperature settings. If freezing capability is a priority, look for a car fridge with dedicated freezing functionality or a wider temperature range.

Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Parkers, specialising in power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, travel, gardening and music.

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