Mini Fridge Comparison
With the emergence of new technologies, the range of small cooling products has increased dramatically over the last few years, to such an extent that choosing between the different types is a little daunting to say the least.
Help is at hand however, with our unbiased comparison of the products we offer. We discuss each range in turn and give information on the applications they are suitable, or not suitable for, and the reasons why.
To view further product information on a range, just click on the appropriate image.
Tropicool Thermoelectric Cool boxes
These
are quite simply the best thermoelectric cool boxes on the market that we know
of. Sourced from Waeco in Germany ("vorsprung durch technic" and all
that!) they are capable of cooling down to as much as 30°C
below the ambient temperature enabling their use in climates of up to 35°C.
All models can be operated from a 12V car cigarette lighter socket or the mains
so you don't need to unload the unit when you get back to base.
Ideal for camping, shopping, picnics etc. They are very durable being made from injection moulded parts (i.e. strong plastic).
Budget Thermoelectric Cool boxes
A
budget range of thermoelectric cool boxes. This doesn't have to mean
compromise however, as the units, like our Tropicool range above, are
manufactured by Waeco in Germany to the highest standards. The main
difference in specification from the Tropicool range is that the budget range
has a maximum cool down temperature of 20°C
below ambient (suitable for climates up to a maximum of 25°C).
This is fine for use in the UK, but not to the south of France for example,
where the Tropicool range would be a much better choice.
Thermoelectric Coolbags
Made
by Mobicool, the manufacturing arm of Waeco, these units are very light (from
2.3Kg) and can be flattened for easy transport. As they are lightweight,
they can only cool to 15°C below ambient and
should therefore only be used for the longer term storage of fresh food (meat,
cheese etc.) in a cool or air conditioned environment (below 23°C).
Nevertheless, when used within their working limits, they are very useful
because a) they are the lightest electric cooler on the market, and b) they fold
relatively flat when not in use.
They are ideal for taking away on holiday for use in a hotel room to keep drinks and snacks cool, or for keeping in the car should you get the urge to shop for fresh food items a little further from home than usual. The mains versions have universal voltage adaptors suitable for use worldwide (though a travel adaptor plug is still required).
CoolFreeze Compressor Cool Boxes
Like
the Tropicool Thermoelectric products above, these units are also sourced from
Waeco. They use specially developed miniaturised compressor technology for
weight reduction. The major advantage over Thermoelectric units is pure
cooling power. These units can DEEP FREEZE down to -18°C
if required. The temperature is continuously variable and can be set
anywhere between +5°C (fridge) and -18°C
(deep freezer).
These units are ideal for long haul trips, although they don't have separate fridge/freezer compartments. However, if a mixture of chilled/frozen foods need to be transported, a selected temperature somewhere around 0°C will keep chilled food cool, whilst keeping deep frozen food well frozen for several hours.
Mains/Gas/12V Portable Absorption Fridges
These
are much more serious products aimed primarily at the camping market. They
have good cooling capability and can therefore be used without assistance even
in hot climates. The three way power system makes them entirely flexible
for camping - using mains hook up where available, 12V power on the road, or gas
power where no mains is available whilst stationary.
They are designed to be very durable, but the downside is that they are not particularly lightweight.
Because of the cooling mechanisms within these units, bear in mind that the capacity is somewhat smaller than the external dimensions might suggest.
If you are camping and taking a gas cylinder for cooking purposes, then these products are an ideal compliment as they can run off the same cylinder.
Please note that these units must not be used on gas power in confined spaces (i.e. not inside tents, or cars).
Mains/Gas/12V
Portable Absorption Freezers
These units work on the same principle as the Absorption Fridges above, but are rather more powerful enabling them to keep food frozen (2 star rating).
As with the absorption fridges, they are ideal for camping, though again, they are rather large.