Camping fridge buying advice

Posted by Staff Writer on 20 May 2012

These are the things to consider when buying a camping fridge

 

Size matters! You need to consider how many people you’re catering for and how long you’ll be away when choosing the size that’s best for you. For a family of two adults and two children on a weekend trip the standard size is around 40 litres.

 

Efficiency: Choose a model that will be easy on power – make sure you investigate power consumption and cooling efficiency (in other words, how long it takes to freeze and whether you will have to keep adjusting the temperature of the fridge according to the ambient temperature outside).

 

Insulation is vital for a fridge to operate optimally. Thicker, denser insulation material will maintain temperatures for longer periods and compressor life will be extended because it won’t have to work as hard. 

 

Auxiliary battery system: This bypasses the car’s on-board battery system and provides the fridge/freezer with power for longer run time without sapping precious vehicle starting power. Also consider bolstering the ‘range’ with a solar system. 

 

Here is a table comparing features of each type of fridge, making it easy to see the advantages and disadvantages.

Feature Thermoelectric cooler 12V compressor Three-way absorption
Electric power 12V, some can be 220V 12V, 220V 12V, 220V, gas
Runs efficiently off 12V Acceptable Excellent Acceptable
Can freeze food No Yes Yes (but not on 12V)
At an ambient temperature of 20 degrees Centigrade, the fridge will cool to: +3 °C -18 °C -10 °C
At an ambient temperature of 40 degrees Centigrade, the fridge will cool to: +15 to +20 °C -10 °C +3 to +15 °C
Average amps on 12V 2 to 6 1 to 3 10
Maximum amps on 12V 4 to 6 4 to 6 10
Amp hours a day 48 to 144 24 to 72 240
Capacity (litres) 7 to 32 13 to 125 39 to 50
Priced from From R700 From R4000 From R2500
Can warm food Yes No No
Noise level Medium Medium Low
Fast cooling No Yes Yes
Heat output Medium Low High

 

 

 

 

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