Portable Refrigerators Explained

What’s driving the recent uptick in portable fridge sales? The answer is skyrocketing interest in camping over the last four years. According to The Dyrt — a camping app that showcases all public and private campgrounds nationwide — some 21 million Americans have gone camping for the first time since 2021. There has also been a dramatic interest in RV ownership.

Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, you need to eat, and ice chests are largely a thing of the past with compact, energy-efficient refrigerators now being so affordable. Not going camping? People are also buying portable fridges for tailgating and for storing cosmetics. Here’s what you need to know about these handy appliances.

What Is a Portable Fridge?

A portable fridge is a self-contained storage unit that utilizes an external power source to regulate its internal temperature. Unlike a traditional cooler, a portable fridge doesn’t rely on ice or freezer packs to keep its contents cool.

Two main technologies power portable fridges and freezers: Compression refrigeration and thermoelectric refrigeration. A third technology (absorption refrigeration) is less common in portable models because it doesn’t work unless it’s perfectly level, so we won’t include it here.

An ice-chilled cooler works for most of a day. But if you want to keep items cool and fresh for multiple days, or maintain precise control over the thermostat, a portable fridge is a better choice. Portable fridges are especially popular with:

• Campers who want to eat well in the wilderness;
• Anyone who wants the option of using their fridge as a warming device (more on that below);
• Outdoor party hosts who don’t want to mess with ice to chill beverages;
• Vacationing families who keep perishable snacks on hand during a road trip;
• Tailgaters needing a large fridge to serve perishable foods on a warm day;
• Anyone who wants to keep cosmetics or a few beverages chilled on a countertop.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Portable Fridges?

We’ll look at the strengths and weaknesses of portable refrigeration before examining the different technologies of compression and thermoelectric fridges.

Pros of portable fridges

• Portability. Sure, it’s obvious, but it’s also the main draw. It’s great to have a device that can hit the road with you and make a campsite more convenient.
• Control. If you dump ice into a cooler, you can’t control the temperature. Most portable fridges allow some degree of temperature control, so they can keep meat fresh or ice cream frozen as well as chill a beer.
• No melted ice. Coolers work well for beverages, but not so well for sandwiches or other foods that need to stay dry.

Cons of portable fridges

• Power source. The need for some kind of power supply is the biggest strike against them. Battery options are too expensive or impractical for most people. By far, most portable fridges need to be connected to a house or vehicle power supply.

If you’re okay with something smaller, a battery-powered cooler may be a good alternative to a fridge.

Thermoelectric portable fridges

These models use a solid-state heat pump to move heat out of (or into) the insulated interior. There’s no refrigerant used and no compressor required. This lack of refrigerant is why some manufacturers call their thermoelectric models “coolers” rather than “refrigerators.” For clarity’s sake, we’ll stick with “refrigerator” or “fridge” in this article.

Pros of thermoelectric fridges

• Lightweight. They’re a fraction of the weight of a compressor fridge. The exact numbers will vary, but most thermoelectric models will weigh about 70 to 80 percent less than a similarly-sized compression fridge.
  
• More storage capacity. With no need to house a compressor, thermoelectric refrigerators have more storage space than similarly-sized compression models.
• Environmentally friendly. Uses no refrigerant.
• Option to heat. Thermoelectric fridges can run on reverse, like a home’s heat pump, allowing it to act as a warming oven instead of a cooler.
• Quiet. Another benefit of no compressor. These units make minimal noise, even when running at maximum capacity.
• Size options. Thermoelectric models can be compact, making them good choices for in-car or countertop fridges.

Cons of thermoelectric fridges

• Limited by ambient temperature. Thermoelectric fridges can only warm or cool their contents relative to the ambient temperature; the range depends on the model. Bottom line: If it can only cool 30 degrees relative to the ambient temperature and it’s 95 F outside, the fridge will be 65 F — not nearly cool enough to keep food from spoiling.

Portable Compression Fridges

This is the common type of refrigeration in home refrigerators and heat pumps. These are the most efficient type of portable fridge, but carry disadvantages such as price, use of refrigerant and complexity that leads to breakdowns.

Pros of compression fridges

• Temperature control. Set it and forget it.
• Not related to ambient temperature. Whether it’s 65 F or 95 F outside, a compression fridge maintains its set temperature.
• Freezer mode. Want ice cream at the campsite? Some compression models offer interior temperatures well below freezing.

Cons of compression fridges

• Price. They often cost significantly more than thermoelectric models.
• Noise. The compressor sounds much like a kitchen fridge.
• Weight. The compressor contributes to the fridge’s heavier weight, normally about three times that of a similar-sized thermoelectric model.
  
• Storage. Housing the compressor reduces interior space.
• Environmental concerns. Compression fridges require refrigerant, which could leak out of the unit.

What To Look for in a Portable Fridge

Ultimately, the type of technology you opt for isn’t as important as the fridge itself. Look for a model that will suit your storage, durability and power needs. Here are a few key items to look for when comparison shopping:

• Weight. Must you lift this appliance in and out of tight spaces? Will you be hauling it to a remote site, or will it always stay in your truck?
• Power source. Most portable fridges come with multiple adapters for AC and DC supply, but always double-check. You don’t want to load up for a trip and realize you don’t have the right plug.
• Durability/warranty. Some models are more rugged than others. If possible, look at a sample in a store or from another camper, then be honest about the demands you’ll make on it.

Sizing your fridge

Here are some tips for choosing the correct size from appliance retailer Amy Chernoff:

• 20–30L: Best for solo travelers or day trips.
• 40–50L: Ideal for weekend adventures or two people.
• 60L+: Great for families or extended over-landing.

“Consider dual-zone models that offer independent freezer and refrigerator compartments,” she advises. “Also evaluate your vehicle’s cargo space and power source—many units run on both 12V DC and 110V AC for flexible use.”

Keeping Your Portable Fridge Clean

After ensuring your unit is unplugged, follow these guidelines from Chernoff to keep your portable fridge clean and your food uncontaminated:

“Use a mixture of warm water and either baking soda or vinegar—avoid harsh chemicals that could damage internal liners or sensors. Pay special attention to the drain hole and rubber gasket, which often collect grime. If your unit has a removable basket or tray, take it out and scrub it separately. Before storage, dry the interior thoroughly and store with the lid propped open.”

FAQs

Are portable fridges noisy?

“Most compressor-based portable refrigerators operate between 35–45 decibels, which is about the volume of a quiet conversation,” says Chernoff. “Thermoelectric models can be quieter but are less efficient and temperature-limited, especially in hot climates. Some high-end units use variable-speed compressors that run whisper-quiet once the target temp is reached. Noise also increases when airflow is restricted, so give vents room to breathe.”

Do I need to pre-cool the fridge before use?

Yes—pre-cooling saves energy and improves cooling efficiency. “Before every trip, we load pre-chilled drinks and let the unit run overnight on AC power. It’s become part of our packing ritual, and it keeps the fridge from draining our power bank prematurely during the drive,” says Chernoff.

About the Expert

• Amy Chernoff is the VP of Marketing at AjMadison, a family-owned business and the number one online kitchen appliance retailer in the country for over 23 years.

Source

• The Dyrt: The Dyrt’s 2025 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks; (2025)