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Overlanding is not just an ordinary trip, it’s a journey, often on remote and rugged terrain, spanning several days, weeks, or even months. A reliable and efficient overlanding fridge freezer has become a pivotal component for explorers to store their food and drinks, making a significant difference in the quality and comfort of their adventures.
It’s always a good idea to research before you purchase an overlanding fridge freezer, as finding the right one can take time. This guide provides a comprehensive review of the best overlanding fridge freezers in 2023 and useful insights to aid in your buying decision.
An overland refrigerator, also known as a portable fridge freezer, is a compact, rugged, and high-performance refrigerator designed to function optimally in the harshest conditions, keeping your food fresh and drinks cold even when you’re miles away from civilization. It’s far from a regular cooler box, offering temperature control, power efficiency, and longevity.
The market for overland refrigerators is estimated to reach US$ 1,813.6 million in 2023, with projections indicating a rise to US$ 3,385.9 million by 2033. The portable refrigerator industry is anticipated to witness a substantial compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% throughout the forecasted period.
Here are the top 5 overlanding fridge freezers on our list:
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The Dometic CFX3 45 stands out in the portable fridge-freezer market with its compact design, high efficiency, and smart technology integration. Its generous capacity of 45 liters provides ample space for food and drinks. Its rugged ExoFrame construction, lightweight design, and aluminum alloy handles make it a durable choice for on-the-go adventurers.
This unit boasts several impressive features. Its powerful VMSO3 compressor cooling technology eliminates the need for ice and can refrigerate or deep freeze down to -7°F. Its ultra-low power consumption is a significant advantage, offering the flexibility to power via AC, DC, or solar. The built-in 3-stage dynamic battery protection system prevents dead batteries. Moreover, it features cutting-edge technology such as the CFX3 App, enabling temperature control via WiFi or Bluetooth and providing a performance history. The high-resolution color display and soft-touch buttons ensure seamless control and monitoring of cooler performance.
Customers have rated the Dometic CFX3 45 highly in terms of noise level (4.8), durability (4.7), temperature control (4.5), and energy efficiency (4.4). They praised its robust construction, efficient cooling, and smart features. The ability to control the unit remotely via the app was also greatly appreciated. Some users mentioned that while the unit is energy efficient, the power consumption could increase significantly in extreme temperatures.
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The ARB 63 Quart Portable Fridge Freezer is a rugged, high-capacity, and technologically advanced overlanding refrigerator. Built to withstand the harshest conditions, this fridge freezer combines resilience with high performance and unique features, making it a standout choice for overland adventurers.
The ARB 63 Quart Fridge Freezer offers an impressive list of features. Constructed from 304-grade stainless steel, it boasts a tough exterior, with the main body and lid embellished with embossed ARB logos. The weatherproof unit features a weatherproof control panel and a recessed rear remote monitor-transmitter for protection from the elements. Unique infinite-position gas struts hold the lid open in any position, adding convenience. A noteworthy feature is the increased evaporator height, which surrounds both primary and secondary compartments, eliminating the conventional dairy section and the increased fridge cabinet insulation thickness. Moreover, it offers a 4-digit pin code protected electronic locking system and locked/unlocked warning for enhanced security.
The ARB 63 Quart Portable Fridge Freezer has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 33 global ratings. 70% of the reviewers gave a 5-star rating, appreciating its robust construction, high capacity, and excellent cooling efficiency. Some customers particularly lauded the pin-code-protected locking system. However, 14% of the users rated it 1 star, with some complaints about the unit’s durability and customer service.
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The COSTWAY 53 Quart Portable Car Fridge Freezer, characterized by its large capacity, dual-zone design, and portability, is a fantastic companion for various outdoor activities. Its advanced cooling technology and battery protection feature make it a reliable home and car use choice.
This COSTWAY unit offers a 53-quart capacity, split into two areas by a movable partition, providing ample space for refrigeration and freezing of various items. It boasts an advanced compressor and sealing technology, enabling fast cooling from -4°F to 50°F. The portable fridge freezer has an LCD, offering easy temperature control and visibility. It operates with a low noise of 45 dB, offering a quiet environment. Notably, the unit features two cooling modes – Max for rapid cooling and ECO for energy saving. The fridge is also portable, with large wheels and a pull-up handle for easy transportation. A 3-level battery protection module ensures safety, and the fridge’s shockproof design enables it to function smoothly even on rough roads.
The COSTWAY 53 Quart Portable Car Fridge Freezer holds a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 30 global ratings. Customers who gave it a 5-star rating (66%) loved its large capacity, quiet operation, efficient cooling, and battery protection feature. However, it also received some 1-star ratings (13%) from users who reported issues related to durability and the unit’s ability to maintain the desired temperature.
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The ICECO 63.4 Quart Portable Refrigerator Freezer is an exceptional product for overlanding enthusiasts, offering versatile functionality, impressive capacity, and a host of user-friendly features. The dual-zone, independent control design, and energy efficiency make it a standout choice.
The ICECO unit is equipped with dual-zone independent control, enabling you to use the freezing and refrigeration functions in any combination. Notably, one compartment can be turned off for energy-saving purposes. The fridge is powered by a SECOP Compressor, offering a cooling range from 0°F to 50°F and operating well even at a 40° tilt. The fridge can select between MAX mode for fast cooling or ECO mode for energy efficiency. The unit is designed for both car and home use and comes with a DC cord and an AC cable for convenience. User-friendly features such as a suitable height design for pickup truck tonneau covers, metal shell, thickened inner wall, convenient interior lights, and two removable wired baskets further enhance its value.
ICECO’s 63.4 Quart Portable Refrigerator Freezer has received positive customer reviews for its energy efficiency (4.6), accuracy (4.5), temperature control (4.4), and value for money (4.4). Customers appreciated the ability to control each compartment independently, the fridge’s fast cooling capabilities, and the energy-saving option. However, some users mentioned issues related to long-term durability and customer service responsiveness.
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The F40C4TMP 30 Quart Portable Refrigerator Freezer is a highly efficient and portable solution that serves as both a refrigerator and a freezer. Its impressive energy efficiency, magnetic door design, and ability to operate smoothly in different environments make it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts and road trippers.
This F40C4TMP model boasts a powerful compressor that allows the temperature to drop to -7.6°F, serving as a fridge or a freezer based on your needs. It offers two cooling modes – MAX for rapid cooling and ECO for energy saving. The magnetic door design provides excellent sealing performance and durability, preventing cold air leakage. Notably, it consumes less than 1kWh daily in MAX mode, making it a very energy-efficient choice. The unit also features H/M/L 3-level battery protection, an LCD panel for easy temperature setting, and a USB charging port. With a compact size and a 30-quart capacity, it’s perfectly suited for cars, RVs, boats, campsites, and more.
With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,433 global ratings, the F40C4TMP 30 Quart Portable Refrigerator Freezer has received a warm welcome from users. Those who rated it five stars (76%) highlighted its cooling capabilities, energy efficiency, and portability. However, it has a 5% of 1-star rating, with some users reporting issues related to reliability and customer service.
A number of factors come into play when choosing an overland fridge. Below, we’ve discussed the most crucial elements that you should consider.
Overland fridges generally operate on compressor technology. This system uses a refrigerant, a compressor, and a condenser to cool the interior. It is more effective and efficient and allows the fridge to operate as a freezer as well.
The compressor is the heart of your overland fridge. A high-quality compressor ensures effective cooling, longevity, and energy efficiency. Compressors from reputable manufacturers such as Danfoss or Secop are commonly used in premium overland fridges.
A good overland fridge should have a user-friendly control system that allows you to adjust the temperature easily. Nowadays, fridges come with digital controls and even mobile apps that let you monitor and control the temperature remotely.
A dual-zone fridge that provides both a fridge and a freezer section is a highly convenient feature. This allows you to keep fresh produce cool while storing frozen food for longer trips.
A well-insulated fridge reduces power usage by keeping the interior cool for longer, even in high external temperatures. Look for fridges with high-quality insulation materials and good sealing properties.
The electrical system of your fridge should be compatible with your vehicle’s power system. Additionally, the fridge should have a low voltage cutoff feature to prevent your vehicle’s battery from being drained.
The fridge’s power usage can be critical, especially on long trips with limited power supply. More efficient fridges will draw less power, prolonging the life of your power source.
Overland fridges come in various sizes, from 15 to 100+ liters. The best size for you depends on the length of your trip, the number of people, and the space available in your vehicle.
The fridge should be sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of overlanding. High-quality construction, reinforced corners, robust hinges, and secure latches are all good signs of a durable fridge.
A reliable company is crucial for after-sales service and warranty claims. Look for companies with a solid reputation in the overlanding community and strong customer service.
Overland fridges are a significant investment, but it’s worth remembering that quality comes at a price. Balance your budget with your needs and preferences to find the fridge that offers the best value for your money.
The fridge size you need for overlanding largely depends on the length of your trip, the number of people in your group, and the types of food you plan on bringing. As a general guide, a family of four on a weekend trip usually requires a fridge of about 40 to 50 liters. For longer trips or larger groups, you might need a larger capacity. However, remember that larger fridges consume more power, so you must ensure your power supply can handle it.
The power consumption of an overland fridge varies based on its size, the ambient temperature, how full it is, and how often it’s opened. However, most modern portable fridges are quite energy efficient. As a general guide, a 50-liter fridge might consume 1-2 amp-hours when the compressor runs. However, remember that the compressor doesn’t run constantly – it cycles on and off to maintain the internal temperature. So, the average consumption over 24 hours is often much lower.
A 12-volt refrigerator uses a compressor, much like your fridge at home. The compressor compresses a refrigerant gas, which causes it to heat up. This hot gas then circulates through the fridge’s condenser coils, releasing the heat into the air and causing the gas to cool down and become a liquid. This liquid refrigerant flows through an expansion valve, which quickly expands and becomes cold. As it circulates through the evaporator coils inside the fridge, it absorbs heat, making the inside of the fridge cold. The refrigerant then flows back to the compressor, and the cycle starts again. The advantage of a 12-volt fridge is that it can be powered by a car’s electrical system or a portable battery, making it perfect for camping and overlanding.
Yes, portable fridges exist and are popular among campers, truck drivers, and people who enjoy outdoor activities. These fridges are lightweight, compact, and designed to work with a 12-volt power source, such as a car battery or a portable power pack. They often come with features like rugged construction, efficient insulation, and digital controls, making them perfect for use in outdoor and off-grid situations.
We hope this guide has helped you select the right overland fridge for your needs. With these key factors in mind, you can find one that suits your budget and preferences while providing reliable performance during your off-grid travels. Just remember to consider the power usage of your fridge, its insulation properties, and other features we discussed to make an informed decision.
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