Wherever you're exploring this summer, you need to know there's a portable fridge freezer keeping your food and bevvies cool for the whole trip. If you're planning to buy a portable fridge freezer, we've got the inside word on the best portable fridge freezer brands around.
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Portable Fridge Freezer: DOMETIC
Dometic knows how to build portable fridge freezer that tick all the boxes. You need a built-in USB charging point? Tick. Need drop down handles for more space in your vehicle? Tick. Ability to remote monitor? Tick.
Dometic has some of the most advanced technology, best performing, and best range of portable fridge freezers on the market. And we shouldn't expect anything less from a brand that's been in the portable fridge freezer game for decades.
They also use their own compressor now, whilst many other brands will use a universal compressor, Dometic have a purpose built compressor designed with the Australian environment in mind...its unique VMSO3 "Variable Motor Speed Optimization" technology helps the CFX3 range operate efficiently, even in extreme conditions.
The Dometic compressor is hard to beat and the company's electronics mean you benefit from a soft start and turbo cooler in one unit.
With a CFX3, you know you are getting the latest and greatest - they are constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve: for example, these models have WiFi enabled capability so you can monitor and control your fridge from your smart phone!
This range includes models from 25 to 94 litres, with the most popular model being the Dometic CFX3 95DZ Portable Dual Zone Fridge & Freezer 94 Litre; it boasts dual zones, dual temperature control, and dual lids. This model, along with the slightly smaller CFX375DZ Dual Zone model, has quickly become popular with families.
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Verdict:
Dometic portable fridges are the all-rounders; they'll satisfy just about every portable refrigeration requirement there is: camping, RV'ing, boating, picnics, small events, work vehicles, small business and more. They have excellent warranty and national spare parts / servicing support and a full range of accessories to help secure your Waeco portable fridge freezer in your vehicle. Any downsides?: not many...there are cheaper brands, and if your requirement is more niche, then there are brands (read below) that offer certain portable fridge models with features to satisfy specific applications...as we said, these Dometic units are the 'all-rounders'.
Portable Fridge Freezer: Evakool
Evakool have been around since the early 90's and boy their range has grown! Whilst most other portable fridge freezer brands might have a handful of different models, Evakool has over 20 different portable fridge models, and counting! Their range includes polyurethane, fiberglass, and metal cabinet models.
Evakool have made the recent shift to return much of their manufacturing process to Australian shores. The upgraded Infinity Fibreglass models and Down Under Series are now assembled, commissioned and tested in Australia!
Evakool have released three models in their The Down Under Series:
The design and construction of these models has produced a camping fridge that rivals the quality of an Engel or Dometic fridge. Some stand out features include:
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Genuine Secop compressor
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Plug and play Andersen connection
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Premium insulated optional cover
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Roll bond Evaporator - premium quality and highly efficient
Looking at their Fiberglass range, these are the premium offering from Evakool and their fiberglass material mean they have exceptional insulation and will always perform very well, even in extremely hot environments. No need for an external fridge cover. They will reach desired low temperatures quicker than plastic cabinet fridges. The fiberglass material also makes them easy to clean and they will not absorb any smells - they are consequently popular for fishing requirements, among many other uses.
These fridges come with a 3 year warranty and 5 year warranty for compressors and are very popular for camping, caravan/camper trailer trips, 4WD'ing and boating. You will pay slightly more for these models, but the benefits are very compelling.
Verdict:
Evakool is a great value for money option. They may not have the same global brand recognition as say Dometic or Engel, but they make solid portable fridges for the Australian environment, and their range covers all sizes and applications. If you're willing to pay a bit extra, then their Fiberglass and Down Under range performs exceptionally well in heat: these models will get to desired temperature quickly and will keep your drinks cold and food fresh on the extra hot days without issue. As for the other Evakool ranges, these are just as compelling, but more so form a price point of view. Like the other ranges, Evakool have a national service agent and spare parts network.
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Portable Fridge Freezer: BUSHMAN
Bushman are a 100% Australian owned family business and have been since 1982. These guys produce a similar portable fridge to the popular Engel metal cabinet models; they are built seriously tough and you're investing in something that will serve you for the long, long haul. Whilst they have a 3-way absorption portable model that is great for running on gas, Bushman are most notable for their Original Bushman Portable Expandable Fridge 35L-52L: it has the versatility to run a smaller fridge at 35 litres for your shorter trips, 45 litres for in-between and 52 litres for the longer tips away. Again, tough is the focus with this brand, German designed Secop Danfoss compressor, Powder coated steel cabinet, Heavy duty anchor points, Steel slip hinges, Adjustable latches, 20mm rubber feet.
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Verdict:
This family owned business puts a lot of TLC into their product and you are getting a fridge that you know will last you for years and years to come. If you prefer a metal cabinet style fridge (as opposed to the polyethylene/hard plastic style), then you can't really go wrong with a Bushman or an Engel...the deciding factor might be how energy efficient on a 12V power source your required model size is: the Bushman 35-52L expandable model has an impressive power consumption of 0.67amp hours/hr. Best to compare each of the specs for the model sizes that suit you. Like the brands above (and all of the portable fridge brands we stock), Bushman is backed by a national service agent and spare parts support network - much like the TLC that Bushman put into making the fridge, they also provide exceptional after sales support should you need it. You'll also pay good money for this type of quality.
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Portable Fridge Freezer: MyCoolman
MyCoolman fridges and freezers offer German design and engineering. So, you can be sure you are receiving a top product. The MyCoolman are newer on the market, however they have got expertise in making a product to suit the unpredictable hot Australian climate. Some of the founders of MyCoolman were the pioneers of the original Waeco fridge (now Dometic) many, many years ago. MyCoolman product are reliable and rugged, which we believe make it a great option for our customers who like to go off the beaten track. These fridges can withstand dust, water splashes and heat, covering what the Aussie outdoors will throw at you.
The MyCoolman range covers single and dual zone portable fridges in multiple capacities to cover everyone’s needs. Their larger sizes being the 105L and 96L for your larger trips. 73L and 60L covering those long weekends trips. Then you have your smaller 44L and 36L, perfect for the weekend and picnics.
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Verdict:
Though MyCoolman are a newer brand in the market, their fridges and freezers come ready for the tough Australian climates. With a 5 year warranty covered by Service Agents around the country, your fridge will be the least of your worries when travelling our great country. Priced competitively in todays market, the MyCoolman range is definitely worth considering.
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Which Do You Choose?
We think that Dometic, Engel, Bushman, and Evakool are the premium brands for portable fridges. With a portable fridge from any of these brands, you are going to get a great product that will enhance your travelling experience. Among other things, they offer:
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Battery protection
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12/24volt and /240volt operation capability
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Comprehensive warranties with national service support
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Premium grade compressors designed with the Australian environment in mind
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Digital control and display
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Impressively efficient power consumption
As we have said, you really can't go wrong with any of them...however a couple of differences to help you make your decision:
Material:
The Bushman fridges have a steel cabinet and steel handles…some people prefer the steel exterior (particularly farmers) as opposed to the plastic (polyethylene) material used by brands such as Dometic and Evakool (for some models).
However, the steel material typically makes the fridge slightly heavier when comparing models on a like for like size basis. The plastic fridges are also very tough these days and can handle some knocks too, so it depends how important the metal cabinet is to you.
In terms of volume of sales, we would sell more of the plastic material style fridge than the metal. Don’t forget the fiberglass models from Evakool, whilst these might not be as sturdy on the outside to handle especially heavy knocks, the fiberglass insulation promotes excellent cooling in hotter temperatures.
Extras:
If the small things matter to you, then look for things such as; USB charging outlets, drop down handles, drainage plugs, ability to remote monitor, compatible accessories, etc.
Price:
If you're still in two mind between brands, then perhaps look at the pricing and see which model is cheaper in the size you need.
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What should you NOT choose?
Whatever you decide, be sure to opt for a portable fridge brand that has national service agent and spare parts support. Don’t go for a cheap no-name brand (often found on the likes of places such as eBay) that do not have a service agent backing. You run the risk of throwing your money away with a cheap brand as you are unlikely to get any warranty or after service support if something goes wrong with your product…which can often happen with a cheaper brand.
Ready to browse for a quality portable fridge freezer for your next Adventure? Check out our range online HERE.
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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
