Will a passenger car be able to operate a freezer? Choosing a refrigerator for a car

Many motorists are thinking about buying a special refrigerator for their car, because transporting food safely is very convenient. Such devices vary depending on the volume of capacity, the amount of energy used, the temperature of storage and the principle of operation.

consumer feedback;
expert opinions;
specifications;
compactness;
noiselessness;
strength and durability of the material;
correspondence between quality and price.

A thorough comparison of the models made it possible to identify the advantages and disadvantages of products from different brands.

The best budget car refrigerators: price up to 6,000 rubles

The category of inexpensive car refrigerators is intended for installation or transportation even in small cars, since the internal volume of their storage chamber is relatively small. As a rule, such models include thermoelectric and isothermal types of devices, made in the form of large carrying bags or built-in plastic containers. Their distinctive feature is a small range of supported temperatures, as well as a modest, but not devoid of features, design.

3 EZETIL E 16

User choice. The best compact refrigerator for short trips
Country: China
Average price: 6000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5

The third place in the rating rightfully goes to the thermoelectric auto-refrigerator EZETIL E 16, which has gained popularity and huge demand among buyers. Despite the Chinese assembly, the device does not have the often accompanying disadvantages, such as the smell of cheap plastic or minor defects in operation. And the manufacturers themselves are confident in the quality of their products: a two-year guarantee for the flawless functioning of the refrigerator is further proof of this. The only truly significant drawback is the price - for the not-large volume of the internal chamber and frankly mediocre characteristics, a potential buyer will have to shell out an amount close to 6,000 rubles.

Advantages:

compactness, no problems when placed in the cabin of a small car;
good quality;
simplicity of design;
pleasant appearance;
The storage temperature differs from the external temperature by 18 degrees Celsius.

Flaws:

overpriced.

2 AVS CC 24NB 12/220V

The best ratio of price and quality
Country: China
Average price: 5150 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The second line of the rating is occupied by the AVS CC 24NB 12/220V car refrigerator. This is a typical representative of thermoelectric type devices, which, however, is not devoid of good characteristic features. In particular, it is worth highlighting the good volume of the internal storage chamber, equal to 24 liters, despite not the largest dimensions. The food storage temperature is standard, 15-18 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature. The car refrigerator is equipped with a “pocket” for the power cord, a reliable plastic handle, as well as a thermal relay for switching between “Heating” and “Cooling” modes. We emphasize the overall impression of quality and an attractive price accessible to the budget buyer.

Advantages:

compactness;
ergonomics;
presence of heating mode;
low cost combined with good quality;
internal volume equal to 24 liters;
acceptable level of cooling.

Flaws:

not detected.

It's no secret that the most popular models of car refrigerators are thermoelectric and compression. But what is their difference from each other, what are the advantages and disadvantages, and in what cases is it preferable to buy one or another type of device? Let's find out right now:

1 MOBICOOL G30 DC

The best storage capacity
Country: China
Average price: 5520 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The first place in the rating and the title of the best budget car refrigerator goes to the MOBICOOL G30 DC model. German manufacturers know their business very well, so there is no doubt about the quality of their products. The body of the car refrigerator is made of impact-resistant plastic that can easily withstand a fall on a hard surface. A thin layer of polyurethane foam is used as a heat insulator inside the chamber, which is more than enough for reliable sealing. But the main advantage of the device, which distinguishes it from its competitors, is the storage capacity of 29 liters. As a result, this model is the most optimal budget option for equipping your own car.

Advantages:

highest quality;
ergonomics and pleasant appearance;
spacious refrigerator compartment (29 liters);
optimal price;
shockproof housing.

Flaws:

not detected.

The best thermoelectric car refrigerators

Thermoelectric auto-refrigerators have an extremely simple design: under the body (plastic or fabric) there is a built-in fan powered by a battery. Thanks to this, heat from outside does not enter the chamber, and the food maintains its low temperature. The range of temperature variations here is small, but this is quite enough for cooling drinks or effectively storing food.

3 Mobicool W 40 AC/DC

Good capacity
Country: China
Average price: 10,600 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The thermoelectric refrigerator for the car from the Mobicool brand has a capacity of forty liters. It can work in two positions - vertical and horizontal. For more convenient storage of food and drinks, it is possible to divide the internal space into three parts. The device is famous for its high cooling speed and compactness.

In their reviews, buyers note the quiet operation of the refrigerator, affordable price and good capacity. This product is chosen by both motorists and owners of summer cottages. They also take it with them when going out into nature.

2 UNICOOL – 28L

Best price
Country: China
Average price: 9665 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The budget model UNICOOL – 28L is a small suitcase with wheels installed for easier transportation. In fact, the body of this car refrigerator is made not of plastic, but of dense fabric, inside of which there is a layer of heat-insulating polyurethane foam. The chamber with a volume of 28 liters is cooled to a temperature 19-23 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature. The overall quality of the product, according to users, fully corresponds to the stated characteristics. The only drawback is the characteristic smell of inexpensive material that comes from the storage chamber itself.

Advantages:

acceptable overall quality;
chamber volume 28 liters;
low cost;
ergonomic handles;
presence of wheels for transportation on the ground.

Flaws:

the presence of the smell of inexpensive synthetic material in the chamber.

Which is better - a thermal bag or a car refrigerator?

1 Indel B FRIGOCAT 12V TB007NT1

Best quality model. User selection
Country: Italy
Average price: 15,000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Despite the rather high cost and small usable volume of the refrigerating chamber, Indel B FRIGOCAT 12V TB007NT1 becomes the best in the segment of thermoelectric auto-refrigerators. This is very difficult, but the developers managed to produce a fan-cooled installation that creates a temperature in the refrigerator compartment that is 30 degrees Celsius lower than the outside temperature. And even though the useful volume is only 7 liters, quality indicators, technical characteristics, design and overall reliability remain at their best.

Advantages:

high-quality components are used in production;
reliable cooling system;
excellent appearance that fits into any interior;
metal case;
high degree of compartment cooling;
the presence of special fasteners.

Flaws:

high price.

The best compressor car refrigerators

Compressor auto-refrigerators are full-fledged compact refrigerators, the basis of which is thermostatic control. The temperature inside the chamber can reach -18 degrees Celsius, and the presence of a powerful compressor allows you to significantly increase the internal area of the refrigerator. Information about the current temperature level is displayed on the liquid crystal display, thanks to which you can adjust and set the desired value within the acceptable range. These are the most expensive and practical refrigerators designed to be placed in a car.

3 INDEL B TB45A

Optimal for traveling on steep descents and ascents
Country: Italy
Average price: 40,400 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Model B TB45A from a brand already in the rating has a chamber volume of 45 liters. The refrigerator provides freezing and cooling to a maximum of minus 18 degrees. The weight of the product is 19 kilograms, there is a function for monitoring the battery status. The device operates from a cigarette lighter and a power supply of 24 V, 12 V and 220 V. A special feature of the model is its resistance to tilts up to 30°, which helps to ensure safe operation of the device while traveling in the mountains and off-road.

Owners of the refrigeration container note its silent operation, good capacity and versatility. The compression device can be used in the car, at a place of rest, for example, in nature. The model has comfortable handles with recesses that provide ease of movement. The top lid is equipped with a can holder. The capacity of the refrigerator allows you to store 1.5 liter bottles in a vertical position. The price of the product is consistent with the quality.

2 Waeco CoolFreeze CF-40

The best combination of price and quality
Country: Germany
Average price: RUB 55,249.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The Waeco CoolFreeze CF-40 compressor auto-refrigerator rises to second place in the rating. The German manufacturer knows a lot about high-quality technology like no other, which is fully reflected in the created model. The temperature in a chamber with a volume of 37 liters is regulated by a thermostat in values from +10 to –18 degrees Celsius. This is an excellent result, showing that the device can even be used as a full-fledged freezer. And an equally pleasant addition to the existing functionality will be a 15-month warranty.

Advantages:

high cooling efficiency;
excellent quality;
case material – shockproof plastic;
ergonomics.

Flaws:

not detected.

1 Indel B Cruise 049/V CRR049N1P01P0AAB00

Best price for a compressor model
Country: Italy
Average price: 49,500 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

This is a real mini-fridge that is worth the purchase. Indel B Cruise 049/V takes first place in the rating and deserves the title of the best compressor auto-refrigerator. Its internal volume is 49 liters - this is not the limit, but the most optimal value. It is advisable to install such refrigerators in spacious cars or mobile homes. Perhaps a small drawback is the small temperature range, varying from +4 to –6 degrees Celsius. But otherwise, this is an ideal model that is worth paying attention to.

Advantages:

high quality workmanship;
durable body material;
volumetric refrigeration chamber;
presence of shelves;
light weight (only 19 kilograms with this volume).

Flaws:

narrow range of adjustable temperatures.

The best premium car refrigerators

As a rule, Luxury models are equipped with various additional functions, have large dimensions and spaciousness, high-quality assembly materials and an appropriate price. Anyone who is ready to pay a tidy sum for this useful device should pay attention to the options presented below.

3 ARB FREEZER FRIDGE 47

Large set of functions
Country: Australia
Average price: RUB 71,175.
Rating (2019): 4.7

ARB FREEZER FRIDGE 47 is a real giant in the category of compressor auto-refrigerators. The Australian company has long been famous for its reliable equipment and great scope in terms of the use of advanced technologies. Thus, when creating this model, the swing-motor system was used - an electrodynamic piston mechanism connected to a compressor and allowing to save on the overall dimensions, weight and energy consumption of the car refrigerator. Thus, the storage chamber has a volume of 47 liters, which is difficult to achieve with other technological solutions.

Advantages:

use of patented proprietary technologies and other technological solutions;
pleasant appearance;
the presence of a reliable and comfortable metal handle;
temperature control via display.

Flaws:

high price.

2 Waeco CoolMatic CRD 50S

Three-stage battery protection
Country: Germany
Average price: 68,800 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The main advantages of the premium model from Waeco CoolMatic include a modified design, durable body materials, impressive volume, and high performance compression parts. The car refrigerator is suitable for spacious cars and has economical energy consumption. The product is equipped with a USB connector for charging devices, a hole to eliminate condensation, and a digital display with memory.

This is the best option for quick and long-term cooling of food, deep freezing to twenty-two degrees. Particularly noteworthy are the three-stage battery protection and the electronic battery fuse. The weight of the car refrigerator is 23.2 kg, the average price is 94,500 rubles.

1 INDEL B CRUSE 49 DRAWER

Excellent build quality
Country: Italy
Average price: 93,300 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

And again, the leading place in the ranking of the best is occupied by the Italian company INDEL B CRUSE. The internal volume of the compression model is 49 liters, weight – 24.2 kilograms. The prefix DRAWER indicates a retractable design, unlike conventional models where the door opens towards itself. The container lid is made of stainless steel, insulation is achieved using polyurethane foam.

The design is designed to fit standard jar and food bag sizes. Inside there is a freezer, blue lighting and two durable drawers. The model is suitable for installation in trucks, campsites, yachts and boats. In reviews, consumers note the impeccable build quality and durability of the model.

Every year in late spring or summer, stores are flooded with potential customers looking to purchase travel industry products, including disposable tableware, sleeping bags, mattresses and tents. The first rays of the sun increase the demand for these types of goods. If you travel frequently, an essential element of such travel is a car refrigerator, the purchase of which does not require advertising.

On the one hand, refrigerators are bulky and easily take up space, but if you buy one too small, you won't be able to fit even a five-liter box in there. On the other hand, a half-empty refrigerator works less efficiently than a full one.

So, before choosing a car refrigerator, weigh all the points. Typically, couples may consider a small 25-30 liter unit, while a medium sized refrigerator (40-60 liters) will be suitable for a family. Large companies can start saving with large units up to 150 liters.

In the markets of our country you can find thermoelectric refrigerators with a capacity from half a liter to 49 liters, absorption refrigerators - from 24 to 120 liters.

Which type to choose

This is important because the single biggest factor is the type of refrigerator.

If you live in warm areas, you don't need to spend money on a refrigerator that can withstand -30 °C.

A car refrigerator can be:

compression;
thermoelectric;
absorption

On the video - how to choose a car refrigerator:

Thermoelectric cooler

To put it simply, it's not really a refrigerator, but a cooler on steroids, but a relatively cheap option if you just want to keep your food and drinks cool. This type of auto-refrigerator is environmentally friendly; cooling occurs due to the passage of constant heat through installed thermoelements.

They are light and compact, can operate on either 12 V or 220 V. A fairly complex cooling system works well up to +25 °C.

A thermoelectric cooler typically cools to about 20 degrees below ambient temperature. However, it has a clear drawback - it is able to keep food chilled, but not frozen (it can slightly cool slightly warm foods). The cooling system can be used to keep food warm.

Best suited for keeping drinks chilled.

Compression cooler

The most common and effective type of portable cooler, the operation of which is identical to conventional household refrigerators.

These refrigerators use a motor and are the most popular choice as they are the only type that can produce frost in hot African temperatures.

Compressor units are much more expensive than the other two types. The motor is also quite bulky and heavy, so this type is not a good choice if you value space.

The three main components of a refrigerator system are:

compressor;
evaporator;
capacitor.

The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant around the system, and inside the housing the evaporator collects the heat. The refrigerant gas transports heat from the evaporator to the condenser, which in turn dissipates the heat into the surrounding atmosphere.

Best suited for 4x4 driving in very hot conditions.

Absorption

An absorption refrigerator does not work as well as a compressor refrigerator, but it is much cheaper and not completely your car (runs on gas, from 12 or 220 V).

This is the oldest type of mobile cooler and will come in handy for road trips where electricity is not available. Cooling is achieved through the cooling and evaporation effect of ammonia.

Best suited for gentle trips and camping.

Which brand to buy

Usually at this point a representative from Engel or Waeco will stand up and start waving a flag in support of their brand. Over time they have built a reputation for reliability and success.

The video shows a review of the Waeco brand refrigerator:

However, there are many other alternatives from manufacturers such as EPIRB, Explorer. On the Russian market you can find domestic manufacturers, among which it is worth noting “Snegir”.

Case material

Molded plastic, aluminum, steel, fiberglass - quite a large selection. Part of the human psyche insists that steel is stronger than anything else, and this is largely true. Inch by inch, compared to other materials, steel actually offers better resistance to wear and damage.

However, living in the 21st century, modern design and technology designs mean that many of the new plastics and resins can provide a viable alternative to steel. First of all, it is better to raise the question of size and configuration rather than the choice of material for the manufacture of the body in search of the ideal car refrigerator. Rust, especially at hinges, can be a factor in steel blocks, depending on the intended use, while plastic injection molding.

Be sure to check the seal around the lid before purchasing. This is one of the areas that has the greatest potential for cold air loss.

Factors such as compartment, weight, sharp edges, and finish will probably become more important than the material used to make the case.

Factors affecting the normal operation of the refrigerator

The following factors directly affect the normal operation of the cooler:

The car should be driven as evenly as possible, without tilting.
Place the car refrigerator so that the walls of the ventilation grilles.
Reliable tightness of adhesion of seals in the lid.

Refrigerators have good cooling efficiency when operating at 230 V, but at 12 V it is sometimes not enough. Therefore, you should cool the equipment before the trip using the minimum temperature program, and then use a 12 V power supply to maintain a cool system while driving.

In the video, choosing a refrigerator for your car:

How to make the right choice

Car refrigerator, decide on the following points:

Type. If you want to be able to run your auto refrigerator on gas, you will need an absorption model. If you only need to run the cooler from a car battery, a thermoelectric model may be able to meet your needs. If you choose a compressor model, check whether it is sold with an adapter, or whether you need to buy it additionally.
Compartments. Think about what you plan to put in the refrigerator, do you need a refrigerator or freezer, or a small thermal bag.
Size. The refrigerator must fit the vehicle with sufficient space around it for ventilation.
Temperature zones and evaporator position. Check the location of the evaporator and cooling surface. Read the instructions to see if there are different temperature settings or compartments.
Control. Check how easily the refrigerator can be installed initially and adjusted as conditions change to maintain the desired temperature.

Choosing a car refrigerator is a rather serious and responsible process. After all, the equipment is not cheap, and it will have to be used in different circumstances. Sometimes the range presented can be misleading and confusing. But, armed with information, you can choose a model that will last a long time and become indispensable on every trip. Have you already chosen a car refrigerator?

Long trips by car will not be tiring and boring if you have a camping refrigerator that will ensure the freshness of food on the road. Car refrigerators from the cigarette lighter are an ideal option for car cruising. They ensure the safety of not only cold, but also heat.

Car refrigerators are quite practical and often practically irreplaceable.

The automotive industry today offers consumers a wide selection of different types of refrigeration devices, ranging from simple thermos flasks to modern high-tech absorption car refrigerators. They can work autonomously for a long time.

Car refrigerators. How to choose by type and device

Based on the principle of ensuring the safety of stored products, refrigerators for cars are divided into two main types:

Passive devices that maintain the temperature of stored products for a long time;
Active devices that produce cold or heat to preserve the quality of stored products.

The simplest and cheapest option for a car bag is a refrigerator

Passive devices

Cooler bag

A car cooler bag for groceries is a simple thermostat device. The capacity of the refrigerator bag can be between 3-25 liters. Its task is to maintain the temperature of chilled products for a long time. It can take the form of a small backpack with a sealed lid and consists of 2 nylon layers separated by a thermal insulation pad. This refrigerator bag ensures the safety of food for 12 hours. It is important to prevent warm air from penetrating inside for a long time when opening the lid.

Bag - container for car

Car container bag

A container bag consists of two plastic boxes nested inside each other, separated by a thermal insulation layer. The lower part of the container has a tray for draining condensate. The capacity of such a container can range from 5 to 45 liters. There are exclusive models that hold 150 liters. Container cooler bags are capable of maintaining the initial temperature of the product from 10 to 72 hours.
In a special compartment of the container you can put cold accumulators in the form of frozen briquettes made from salt solutions, which extend the shelf life of products in such containers. The versatility of such batteries lies in the fact that heated briquettes allow you to keep food hot in a container for a long time.

Such passive devices for maintaining the temperature of stored products are also called isothermal, that is, maintaining a constant heat. They do not change, but only maintain the original temperature. This is an important aspect to consider before choosing a refrigerator for your car. The general advantage and disadvantage of passive units for storing food is, respectively, their low cost and limited shelf life of the internal contents.

Active storage devices

Active types include mobile and stationary devices, divided according to the principle of operation into compression, thermoelectric and absorption auto-refrigerators. Stationary refrigerators are placed in the armrests of chairs or in special niches between their rows.

Thermoelectric car refrigerator

Thermoelectric refrigerator in the form of a container

The most common refrigerators for small-capacity cars operate using the Peltier effect. This is the opposite effect to the appearance of thermopower in thermocouples when they are heated. For example, if an electric current is passed through two conductors with different thermal resistance in different directions, then heat will be generated or absorbed at the point of their contact. If such a thermocouple, which absorbs heat, is blown by a fan, then you can get a flow of cold air that cools the refrigerator chamber. Such a device is called a thermoelectric auto-refrigerator. By changing the current through the thermocouple and the fan speed, you can adjust the temperature maintained inside the refrigerator compartment.

Thermoelectric type auto-refrigerators are compact, lightweight and unpretentious. Unlike freon refrigerators, they are environmentally friendly units. They can operate in both heating and cooling modes, similar to split systems. Their work does not depend on the vertical or horizontal position of the camera. A significant disadvantage of a thermoelectric auto-refrigerator is the large inertia of operation - the required temperature is reached slowly. Therefore, it is recommended to pre-cool the stored products.

These refrigerators are available in the form of containers built into special niches. Under normal conditions, when it is +25C outside, the temperature inside the refrigerator chamber can be maintained from +3 to -3C. In heating mode, the device provides temperatures up to + 60C. In offline mode, when it is disconnected from the power source, the refrigerator is capable of maintaining cold for 8-10 hours. Basically, thermoelectric auto-refrigerators are of the type of auto-refrigerator from a cigarette lighter. The capacities of thermoelectric refrigerators, produced by manufacturers in a wide variety, can range from 0.5 to 50 liters. The record holder among microfridges is the Bullfinch, which allows you to cool or warm up a typical can of beer or energy drink.

Absorption car refrigerators

Absorption gas auto-refrigerator 40 liters

Absorption-type devices use a cycle of sequential heating and cooling of a water-ammonia solution to cool the refrigerating chamber with the process of releasing ammonia vapors and their reverse absorption with hydrogen. During the heating process with an electric boiler, ammonia vapors are released from a water-ammonia solution, which settle in the condenser, giving off heat and turning into liquid ammonia.

Liquid ammonia, entering the evaporator surrounding the refrigeration chamber, boils, taking heat from the chamber, and is absorbed by hydrogen. The hydrogen-ammonia solution, flowing into the absorber, is absorbed by water and a concentrated aqueous-ammonia solution is obtained with the release of hydrogen. Hydrogen is fed back into the evaporator, and the ammonia-water solution into the boiler. The cycle then repeats.

Absorption refrigerators are produced with a capacity of 25-150 liters. Their advantage is that the boiler can operate either from electricity or from a gasoline or gas heater. In this regard, they have maximum autonomy and operating efficiency. The disadvantages include its performance only in a certain position.

Such refrigerators can be installed on all types of cars. Multi-seat shift and tourist buses and special vans are equipped with models of such refrigerators, which have several doors and are built into a certain place in the passenger compartment.

Compressor refrigerator for car

Compressor mini refrigerator 10 liters

The compressor refrigerator has a classic operating principle, when the evaporation of liquid freon in the evaporator surrounding the freezer is used to cool the chamber. When freon evaporates, heat is taken from the freezer, which can be cooled to -18C. Continuous circulation of freon through a closed loop consisting of a pipeline system is carried out by an electric compressor.

During circulation, freon periodically passes from liquid to gaseous state and back using an evaporator and a condenser. A compressor car refrigerator has an advantage over other types in speed and efficiency of operation. It quickly reaches the specified temperature in the freezer, depending on the volume of the chamber, which has practically no strict restrictions.

They provide optimal food storage conditions in the range from +4 to -18C for an unlimited time. When disconnected from the electrical supply, the refrigerator can maintain the temperature inside the chamber for up to 6 hours. It works in a fixed vertical position and does not lose its functionality when deviations from the vertical are within ±30 degrees. It is resistant to vibrations.

Now knowing the principle of operation of the refrigerator, how to choose the right unit from a family of similar models, is no longer a big problem for you. After reading the name of the refrigerator, you already see it from the inside and imagine all its advantages and disadvantages.

To choose the right car refrigerator for yourself, we advise you to pay additional attention to the following points when purchasing it:

Distance and purpose of the trip. For outdoor picnics near the city, you can purchase an inexpensive insulated container or cooler bag. For long-distance cruises with long overnight hikes, absorption units powered by various energy sources are more suitable. Don't forget to bring a backup power source.
Climatic conditions of the region. If the trip is in a tropical and subtropical zone with elevated ambient temperatures, then a cooler bag or an insulated container, and even a thermoelectric unit will be useless. In these conditions, a compressor or absorption car refrigerator will be more useful. They can withstand a given temperature longer and more stably under difficult external conditions.
Road conditions for car cruising. For mountain driving and off-road driving, containers and cooler bags or thermoelectric refrigeration units are more suitable. Compressor and absorption units may not withstand such overloads and fail.
The shape of the refrigerator also matters. When purchasing a refrigerator for a car, it is recommended to place a two-liter bottle in it. If it does not fit, then this is already a reason to think about the advisability of purchasing it for the upcoming trip.
Availability of an adapter for the cigarette lighter. Powering the car refrigerator from the cigarette lighter protects the battery from complete discharge. The built-in protective relay will promptly disconnect the refrigerator from the battery in order to prevent a more serious nuisance during travel than stale food.
Refrigerator body material and lid design. The material should be easy to wash and scratch resistant. The use of modern materials ensures the strength and durability of the unit, as well as its ease of maintenance. The ergonomics of the housing and environmental safety are of great importance in its operation. The tightness of the lid will ensure reliable preservation of the products. Great convenience is provided by two-section doors, which make it possible not to open the refrigerator completely.
Try to choose a model in which the refrigerator lid will close from the top and not from the side.
The power cord must be at least 2 meters long.
Don't pay extra for volume. Practice shows that a 40-liter refrigerator is sufficient for a family of three.

Video: Review of refrigerator boxes Mystery, Vitol, Supra

In conclusion, before purchasing, do not forget to request and study the instructions or operating manual, which provides a complete list of all technical and operational characteristics of the device, confirming the assurances of the sales manager

The main (and obvious) purpose of car freezers is to preserve food while on the road. But at the same time, such devices come in different types, types, with different cooling and even heating systems.

Car refrigerators can be either external or built-in. According to the method of cooling they are divided into compressor (compression), thermoelectric(using the Peltier effect) and absorption.

Car refrigerators can be powered either from the car’s on-board power supply (12/24 V), or from a household AC network (220 V), or run on gas (propane/butane).

Compressor refrigerators, the most common in everyday life, are quite economical, but are used less often than others as automobile refrigerators. This is due to the increased sensitivity of such a refrigerator to shock loads.

Absorption refrigerators are most often installed in caravans or used during long tourist trips with long rest stops.

The most common car refrigerators are thermoelectric. They are capable of both cooling and heating food.

The thermoelectric cooling method is most often used in small-capacity refrigerators. Larger auto-refrigerators often have absorption cooling. The most capacious ones are compressor refrigerators.

To cool products (or maintain a high temperature) they are also used isothermal bags And containers, and for cooling to low temperatures - freezers.

Compressor (compression) refrigerators

The design of compressor refrigerators contains moving parts (actually the compressor) and a refrigerant - freon, which changes its state of aggregation from liquid to gaseous. The principle of operation of a compressor auto-refrigerator is no different from a household one: cooling occurs due to the boiling of liquid refrigerant in the evaporator.

Such refrigerators are the least inertial (they “get colder” faster) and the least energy-intensive. They are able to stably maintain temperatures down to -20° C. The capacity of the chambers of such refrigerators is practically unlimited (reaches 220-250 liters), and the most common volume is 18-75 liters.

In Ukraine you can find compressor auto-refrigerators Waeco, Sawafuji, etc.

Cost fluctuates from 6,000 UAH up to 13,000 UAH. and more.

pros

Economical.
Lowest thermal inertia.
Large cooling chamber capacity.
Stability of maintained temperature.

Minuses

Sensitive to vibration and shock loads.
Sensitive to vehicle roll.
Large dimensions.

Thermoelectric refrigerators

Thermoelectric refrigerators have no moving parts and no refrigerant.

Cooling is based on the Peltier effect: electricity passes through semiconductor wafers that are located inside and outside the refrigerator chamber. In the cooling mode, the plates are cooled inside the chamber and heated outside. When switching the polarity of the current, the refrigerator will operate in heating mode (the temperature can reach +50-60° C, and in some models +70° C).

In cooling mode, the temperature difference between the refrigerator compartment and the surrounding air can reach 16-24° C, and the minimum cooling temperature is +3° C (for some models up to -3° C).

Thermoelectric refrigerators serve rather to maintain the temperature of already cooled products: they have great inertia - they “gain temperature” very slowly. Therefore, before traveling, it is advisable to cool the food using a household refrigerator.

Typically thermoelectric refrigerators have a small volume - 0.5-49 liters.

Models in the lower price range operate only in cooling mode and only from the on-board network; more expensive models have a heating function and can be powered from a 220 V household network.

A fairly wide selection of thermoelectric auto-refrigerators is available in Ukraine: Supra, Ezetil, Waeco, Thermia, LogicPower, Campingaz, Black&Decker, Frescolino, etc.

The cost of such refrigerators starts from 600 UAH., and a cooler for one can of drink (0.5 l) will cost 200 UAH.

pros

Capable of working “for heating”.
Silent.

Minuses

Least economical.
Slowly “gain” the temperature.

Absorption refrigerators

Ammonia-water solution is used as a refrigerant in absorption refrigerators. Its circulation occurs due to the absorption of ammonia by water and heating of the water-ammonia mixture by a heater. The heater acquires the required temperature using electricity or gas. These refrigerators have no moving parts.

Car refrigerators with absorption cooling have a larger capacity than those with thermoelectric cooling - 24-140 liters (some models provide a useful volume of up to 200 liters).

In Ukraine you can find absorption auto-refrigerators of the Dometic Waeco, Ezetil brands.

The cost of such refrigerators is from 4,500 UAH. up to 15,000 UAH. and higher.

pros

Capable of running on both electricity and gas.
Not demanding on power parameters.
The most economical (when using gas).
Silent.

Minuses

Increased sensitivity to vehicle roll.
Price.

Low temperature chambers

Portable freezers use the same cooling methods as conventional refrigerators, but can provide a temperature difference between the freezer and the surrounding air at 40°C, and the minimum temperature inside the chamber can reach -22° C. After turning off the power supply, acceptable food temperatures are maintained for up to 6 hours.

According to the capabilities, the cost of such devices is higher than the cost of conventional car refrigerators.

Portable freezers in Ukraine can be found under the brands Ezetil, Sawafuji. Cost starts from 4000-6000 UAH.

pros

Low cooling temperature.
Large temperature difference between the chamber and the surrounding air.
High freezing speed.

Minuses

Heavy weight.
Price.

Insulated bags and containers

Isothermal bags(made from nylon with an isothermal layer) and containers (special plastic) will cost much less than car refrigerators. They are designed for short-term storage of chilled (or heated) products.

The volume of isothermal bags ranges from 2.5 to 64 liters, and the cost is within 80-300 UAH. The “working” time during which the products will remain chilled is up to 12 hours.

Isothermal containers have a volume from 6 to 150 l, and their price starts from 250 UAH Products remain refrigerated for 12-72 hours. To increase the shelf life of products, “ cold accumulators" Cold storage batteries completely freeze within 6-8 hours in the freezer compartment of a household refrigerator, after which they can be used in bags and containers.

The cost of cold storage batteries starts from 15-20 UAH. for 1 piece

pros

Low cost.

Minuses

The freezing time of food is limited to several hours.
Unstable temperature - chilled foods heat up, and heated foods cool down.

How to choose

When choosing a car cooling device, decide on the following parameters.

Volume. A car refrigerator with a capacity of up to 5 liters is suitable for those motorists who travel alone - it can accommodate a small amount of food and drinks.

If the car refrigerator is intended for a small company, the minimum volume will be 30-40 liters.

For large companies (and/or long trips), a car refrigerator with a capacity of at least 50 liters would be optimal.

Duration of trips. If you need a car refrigerator for going on a picnic or traveling short distances, the best option would be to buy an insulated bag or container.

For long journeys you will need a cooling device with external power. If you often go on long road trips, pay attention to refrigerator models with different types of power: from the car’s on-board power supply, from a household AC network and using gas. A 5 liter gas cylinder can keep the refrigerator running for a month.

Temperature Range. If the refrigerator is to be used in hot climates and the temperature difference between the ambient air and inside the chamber must be significant, pay special attention to this parameter in the refrigerator’s data sheet. In this case, you may even need a freezer.

It must be remembered that compressor refrigerators are characterized by the greatest stability in maintaining temperature.

The choice is largely influenced by what products are supposed to be stored in the cooling device.

Features of operation.“Hard” vehicle operating conditions require a more reliable cooling device.

Compressor or absorption refrigerators are not suitable for off-road rides - due to the presence of refrigerant and moving parts, they are more sensitive to shock and vibration loads.

Price. The cost of cooling devices greatly depends on the temperature difference between the ambient air and the refrigerating compartment that the refrigerator is capable of maintaining, as well as on the volume of the chamber.

The following comparison table shows the characteristics of cooling devices:

	Compressor refrigerators	Thermoelectric	Absorption	Freezers	Insulated bags/containers
Power consumption			Minimum (when using gas)

Holding the set temperature	Stable	Stable. Capable of heating food	Stable	Stable	The temperature is rising
Thermal inertia (freezing speed)	Small (fast)	Big (slow)		Small (fast)	Small (no)
		Very big
Estimated cost, UAH.

Decide on the location in the car in which the refrigerator will be installed, and take this into account when choosing its configuration.
Pay attention to the possibility of fixing the refrigerator inside the car.
It is highly desirable that the refrigerator have a protective device that controls the maximum permissible discharge of the car battery.
The length of the power cord must be at least 2 m.
The lid of the car refrigerator must close tightly to prevent it from opening due to impact or shaking.
Avoid direct sunlight on the refrigerator.
Refrigerators in the form of chests with top lids are more reliable and retain the cold better.