12v & Mains "fridge" for perishables!

cormie

Hi folks,
After just returning from a job to Europe, I think it's time to invest in a fridge I can keep stuff "cold", not just "cooler" in, while driving. I also want to be able to whip it out and keep it plugged in wherever I end up staying the night during the route. I'm assuming it will pull too much power if it was plugged in overnight and could drain the battery if left in the van?

Anyway, I've had a look on amazon and most of them seem to be just coolers, cooling the temp inside to 10 degrees or so below ambient. I carry a lot of food supplies with me as most of the stuff you find at service stations is pretty **** quality so would like it to be kept at a regular fridge temperature.

Would like something maybe about 15 litres, big enough to fit enough into and small enough to only take up one seat, or fit on the ground and be easily carried around.

Any suggestions very welcome!

nd

I got this one for Christmas. It's light enough to carry around easily enough.

It keeps beer cool!

corktina

why not get one with a gas supply. Get a small bottle so it doesn't take up to much room. You can get three way ones that operate on 240/12v dc and gas.....cheap secondhand.

MidlandsM

nd wrote: »

I got this one for Christmas. It's light enough to carry around easily enough.

It keeps beer cool!

Looks good. Need to buy one soon myself.

But is it a fridge or just a cooler? Like will it keep milk fresh for a good number of day like a normal fridge?
Also, will it take 12 to 24volts or it is just for 12v use in vehicles?

keithclancy

Weird ...I was also looking into this myself

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CITS4J0/?smid=A25UE0G08UD991&tag=idealocouk-mp-21&linkCode=asn&creative=6742&camp=1638&creativeASIN=B00CITS4J0

This will work off 12V while driving, Gas while out camping/picnicing and off 220V when inside also

The gas canisters are the readily available ones you use for a camping stove and provide enough for 24 hours of cooling and its inside the unit itself so no regulators or large gas canisters to deal with.

Keeps stuff cool and 25 degrees below ambient temperature, even has an ice tray

When running off the gas though you do need to leave it outside! I was thinking of securing it to something with a metal tie or chain.

Costs a bit but tbh being able to have cold beers anywhere is appealing to me (obviously not before or while driving)

MidlandsM

keithclancy wrote: »

Weird ...I was also looking into this myself

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CITS4J0/?smid=A25UE0G08UD991&tag=idealocouk-mp-21&linkCode=asn&creative=6742&camp=1638&creativeASIN=B00CITS4J0

This will work off 12V while driving, Gas while out camping/picnicing and off 220V when inside also

The gas canisters are the readily available ones you use for a camping stove and provide enough for 24 hours of cooling and its inside the unit itself so no regulators or large gas canisters to deal with.

Keeps stuff cool and 25 degrees below ambient temperature, even has an ice tray

When running off the gas though you do need to leave it outside! I was thinking of securing it to something with a metal tie or chain.

Costs a bit but tbh being able to have cold beers anywhere is appealing to me (obviously not before or while driving)

Out of my budget all the same....only looking to spend 50 to 80e

nd

These are what it says on the back if it means anything and the switches(it can keep things warm too apparently).





I don't know if forgetting to change the ac/dc switch would damage it when changing.
It comes with a cigarette lighter lead as well as the mains.

i've only used it for beer but it keeps it as cool as in the regular fridge imo.

Btw i'm almost certain it was only 40 euro at Christmas.

cormie

I just checked the temp in my fridge and it's around the 4/5 degree mark. The argos one is saying operating temp from 18-60 degrees that's kinda warm, no?

I'd be looking for something with a thermostat so it would keep the same temp while driving as the temperature can change quite considerably over a 10 hour motorway drive in Europe.

That one you linked to looks pretty good keithclancy but pretty pricey. I don't think I'd need the gas functionality, although it could be handy to have, it looks pretty big to have in the front seat of the van too if there's another passenger and myself there too?

nd

yeah i saw that on the argos website but no way that's right.

Here it is on the Manufacturers website


"18-22℃ below ambient temperature"

http://www.gusto-china.com/en/cp.asp?ArticleID=57

Senecio

You won't get a fridge for your budget, only a cooler.

These are the bees neez but obviously expensive. I used to have one back in Oz. It double as my beer fridge when not in the car. It was easily able to make ice in 30+ C temps.

http://www.engelfridges.co.uk

cormie

Still haven't done anything about this. So looks like the one ND and Keithclancy linked to are similar enough, although the Waeco one looks much bigger and has the addition of the gas which could come in handy.

Neither seem to be actual "fridges" and if you were anywhere with temperatures of around 35 degrees, it wouldn't really be a fridge anymore and just a cooler..

cormie

Hmm, this one says it can cool to -18 regardless of high ambient temperatures..

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dometic-Waeco-Cool-Freeze-Compressor/dp/B003H60Q3A/ref=pd_sim_sbs_la_10?ie=UTF8&refRID=0FDG3MVC41N5FDA2DJBM

pete4130

corktina wrote: »

why not get one with a gas supply. Get a small bottle so it doesn't take up to much room. You can get three way ones that operate on 240/12v dc and gas.....cheap secondhand.

You can't run them on gas in confined spaces though.

Most 3 way fridges that are run-in on 12V or 240 will keep stuff about 10c below ambient.

Camping friges aren't cheap, especially not for decent ones. I've got a Waeco CFX40 which is about AU$1000. It's a fridge freezer. It's currently sitting in my room in work at -18c plugged into the mains. It plugs in to the back of my Landcruiser via 12V and can run up to -18c while on the 12V. I've got a dual battery set up so no worries about draining the battery.

corktina

having just done 1300 miles in my camper, I reckon 12v use is marginal. Gas is OK so long as you fit a vent and do it properly

cormie

Thanks again guys. I wouldn't be using the gas much at all really, in fact I'm not sure I'd ever use it, I'd be running it through 12v while driving and bringing it into whatever accommodation I'm staying in on the road. This is for having a fridge beside through the journey as I take a lot of my own food and buy perishables along the way and to bring back home too. I'll always have it plugged in basically. Just need something that will keep a constant cold temperature to that of a fridge (freezer would be nice too I guess) and not be reliant on a cool ambient temp to get a fridge temp in the unit.

pete4130

The Waeco TC-14FL fridge/cooler is actually good. I've used it over here in Aus and it keeps stuff cool. It's a 14L fridge and more than adequate for Ireland and maybe within budget. I'd recommend it if its big enough for your needs.

cormie

Thanks for the suggestion. I don't think I'd be using it in Ireland at all really, but for European jobs or London. I might be in temps of 30+ in Europe so would be great to have a fridge/freezer by my side.

I wonder would this suffice:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dometic-Waeco-Cool-Freeze-Compressor/dp/B003H60Q3A/ref=pd_sim_sbs_la_10?ie=UTF8&refRID=0FDG3MVC41N5FDA2DJBM

TrailerBob

I've been looking at this too Cormie, heading to Italy and France for 3 weeks next month in the jeep. Have previously used coolers, but like you say, not much good. Basically if you want a proper fridge to run on 12v then you're talking big money. Only options are a Waeco, Engel or similar.

Even running a 240v fridge off an inverter means silly money as you need around 1000w to start them, and a pure sine wave inverter, which is nearly as much as a Waeco!

I've settled for buying a 50l fridge for the campsites and using the cooler on the road.

cormie

Thanks for the input, I'd actually be happy enough to spend a bit on a decent one if it's going to last and do the job right.

Another issue would be keeping the contents cool during the 18/19 hour ferry trip, but I guess I could take it to the cabin and plug it in there.

I just hope what I'm after is achievable without having to do any modifications to the van or need any extra batteries etc, I'd be prepared to pay extra for that as it's not just the one vehicle it'll be used in.

cormie

A bit more on this, looks like the "compressor" coolers are the ones that will still freeze in high temperatures, they can go 50 degrees below ambient.

This one looks decent enough, but pretty pricey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-FQlXkAhAU

It also doesn't come equipped with a mains adaptor, but I own one of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/250892033921?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=108&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108&ff19=0 and maybe it would be enough?

Would be perfect if it had gas running capability, a digital temp gauge and mains ready to go, but it might be ok as is?

cormie

I ended up getting that today in PJ Camping in St Albans for £299.

It only has a 12v lead, so does anyone know would it be safe to plug it into the mains with one of these? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tanco-Impex-Charger-Converter-Adapter/dp/B007FALRIC/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_0_1

TrailerBob

I'd say you should get a proper transformer. One of those fridges draws 3-4 amps, so too much for that little adaptor

I have one like this for the portable cooler...

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_785261_langId_-1_categoryId_212490

cormie

Ah, thanks a lot, €12.50 isn't so bad, actually when I saw the halfords link I got scared, but that's fine

I decided to gamble with leaving it plugged in for the ferry crossing, 3.5 hours in the van and the engine started no problem when I got back in which is nice to know. I wonder how long it would take to drain the battery though. I guess I'd have to bring it to my cabin for Rosslare/Cherbourge 18 hour journeys

Redsoxfan

nd wrote: »

I got this one for Christmas. It's light enough to carry around easily enough.

It keeps beer cool!

How many cans of beer does it hold?

TrailerBob

cormie wrote: »

Ah, thanks a lot, €12.50 isn't so bad, actually when I saw the halfords link I got scared, but that's fine

I decided to gamble with leaving it plugged in for the ferry crossing, 3.5 hours in the van and the engine started no problem when I got back in which is nice to know. I wonder how long it would take to drain the battery though. I guess I'd have to bring it to my cabin for Rosslare/Cherbourge 18 hour journeys

If it was drawing a couple of amps per hour, then you'd be able to leave it running overnight and your battery should be ok. Having said that, it would want to be running off a leisure battery if you were doing that, in case of the worst!

_Brian

If you keep an eye in Halfords they'll be running a sale on them late summer.. Last August I bought this 40l cooler for €40 in their sale..
12v & 240v, takes a while to cool down but is great for out and about.. Use it at home at christmas for extra beers when we have friends over.

nd

Redsoxfan wrote: »

How many cans of beer does it hold?

9 comfortably but you can get a 10th in there.

It was 40 euro at Christmas. Almost 3 times the price now.

cormie

TrailerBob wrote: »

I'd say you should get a proper transformer. One of those fridges draws 3-4 amps, so too much for that little adaptor

I have one like this for the portable cooler...

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_785261_langId_-1_categoryId_212490

Wow, when you linked to this previously it was €12.50, now it's €18 :eek: Put off buying it and now It's almost 50% more expensive

TrailerBob

cormie wrote: »

Wow, when you linked to this previously it was €12.50, now it's €18 :eek: Put off buying it and now It's almost 50% more expensive

Ahh, the power my posts have on the market price of low value electronics!!!!

Better not link to the new led light units I want for my trailer!

101sean

I have a proper Engel fridge, best drunken Saturday night ebay purchase ever! Cost me £400 from http://www.engelfridges.co.uk/

If you're doing a lot of camping and travelling (I do a lot of military shows in Ireland and UK) these are the only type worth getting. They are a proper compressor fridge/freezer running on 12V or 240V and will keep about 40 cans of beer and a packet of bacon at precisely 4deg no matter what the outside temperature. My leisure battery will run it for several days backed up with a solar panel no problem, averages 1A/hr once cold. Doubles up as a back up freezer on 240V at home over Christmas.

cormie

That sounds decent alright! I'm actually pretty happy with the one I got. The real test will be the Rosslare-France ferry for 18 hours and then if I'm going into the heat of Europe, I'd be pretty confident it'll perform well but it would be handy to just have a set temp rather than just using a dial in relation to the ambient temp.

101sean

Don't leave it plugged in to your car battery for 18 hours on the ferry or you'll be looking for a jump start! Get it cold on 240V before you set off, set the dial to colder than you need and while on the ferry insulate the box with blankets or jackets, chuck a couple of ice blocks in as well and pack any empty space out with folded newspaper or other inert packing. All the time your driving it will keep cool but evaporative fridges do draw a fair bit of current.

If you're going to do it regularly, get a leisure battery and spilt charge it via a voltage sensing relay, no danger of flattening your starter battery then. Only way you can set a fixed temperature is with a compressor fridge.

My fridge and battery live in my military one tonne trailer that carries my kitchen and camping gear, I don't mess around and I like my comfort! Also means I can couple it it to any of my Land Rovers without moving stuff around.

cormie

Thanks again for the all the advice. Some handy tips to keep the coldness locked inside Luckily it has a battery draining protection thing that cuts the supply to the fridge off if the battery gets too low

I'm just gutted I'll have to pay the higher price on that converter. How dare they :pac:

101sean

Fair enough, sounds like a half decent fridge if it has a VSR built in, enjoy the trip.