There's nothing quite like the thrill of cruising down the highway and letting the open road guide you where to go. But when it comes time to grab a bite to eat or a cool drink, you're stuck with something warm or soggy from all that ice.

A battery-powered cooler or car fridge are great solutions to keep food and drinks fresh, whether you're driving or camping. We'll explore which product might be right for you based on your needs.

What is aBattery-PoweredCooler?

What is a 12V/24V CarRefrigerator?

HowCar Refrigerators Work

• The refrigerant absorbs heat and vaporizes in the evaporator, cooling the component and its surroundings.
• The refrigerant is now a cold low-pressure gas and returns to the compressor.
• The compressor reduces the gas volume, making the gas hot and increasing the pressure. Heat is released into the air and the gas turns into a hot, high-pressured liquid.
• The liquid slows down and becomes cold and low-pressured, returning to the first step in the process.
• These steps repeat, transferring heat from inside the refrigerator to the outside air, cooling the interior.
• The compressor stops when the set temperature is reached and restarts when the temperature rises, maintaining the desired temperature range.

• These coolers use the Peltier effect, where electricity creates a thermoelectric field between two junctions.
• Instead of refrigerants, they rely on solid-state cooling, or cooling without any chemicals involved.
• Heat is transferred from one side of the device to the other, causing one side to cool and the other to warm.

How Do Battery-Powered Coolers and Car Fridges Compare

When it comes to performance, there are large differences between battery-powered coolers and car fridges based on the type of cooling method used.

If thermoelectric cooling is used, then cooling is best for keeping drinks cold and probably ideal when the weather isn't too hot.

Compressor-based systems have higher performance, capable of keeping food frozen, but are heavier and likely require some maintenance.

Unlike these two methods, battery-powered coolers have high cooling capability, are energy efficient, and easy to move around.

Compare for yourself in this table.

How Much do Battery-Powered Coolers and Car Fridges Cost?

Generally, car fridges are a bit cheaper. Most battery-powered cooler prices range from $300 to $1,200 depending on the brand. We recommend an extra power unit with battery-powered coolers, which does make them slightly more expensive.

Should You Choose Battery-Powered Coolers or Car Fridges?

That depends on your specific needs, but let's break down the options:

Compressor Refrigerators: If you need to freeze food or need extra protection, choose this. Drawbacks are that it requires a continuous power source and some maintenance.

Thermoelectric Coolers: When you're taking a quick trip and want minimal hassle and maintenance, this is a great pick. They are less effective when in hot summer months though.

Battery-Powered Coolers: Battery-powered coolers like Anker EverFrost 2 offer the best of both technologies. They're capable of freezing food with minimal energy use. Plus, they're portable for long-term off-grid adventures.

For camping enthusiasts, we recommend battery powered coolers. Here's how you'll find them useful on your next vacation.

Off-Grid Adventures: Ideal for camping, hiking, and other activities where external power is unavailable.

Portability: Easy to carry and use anywhere.

Long-Term Use: Efficient cooling for extended periods without external power.

If you're a van lifer, you may opt for the 12V car fridge. Here's where you could find it useful.

Road Trips: Perfect for long drives and road trips where the vehicle's power supply is accessible.

Versatility: Suitable for various vehicle types, including RVs, trucks, and cars.

Cost-Effective: Lower initial cost compared to battery-powered coolers.

Conclusion

Choosing between a battery-powered cooler and a car fridge depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. If adventure calls you frequently, a battery-powered cooler offers portable cooling on the go. If you like the comfort of your car, a 12V car refrigerator connects to your vehicle's power supply and is a cost-effective option.

Whatever you decide, you'll definitely keep things fresh while you're on the road. Happy travels!