#10 Best Portable Freezers for Camping 2023
If you want to bring food with you on your camping trip but don't want to put it in the expensive RV's icebox, you'll need a portable freezer. Here are some recommended models of the best portable freezers for camping.
👤 Written by: | A. K. Sari |
⏳ Updated on: | |
📋 List: | 10 items |
👀 Reader: | 44 views |
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Whether camping or on a long road trip, keeping food and drinks cool is essential to make the journey successful. It is why the best portable freezers for camping are the best way to ensure that your next adventure isn’t ruined by warm drinks or food you can’t eat.
Depending on your needs, these handy little cases come in different sizes and have features you never thought you’d see outside of a smart home. Careful thought is needed to choose the best portable freezers for camping. You can choose from a variety of sizes and styles. Here, we’ll help you find the best portable freezers for camping by showing you how to choose and making sure you choose the right one. So let’s get going!
Table of contents
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1.Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator: Best Portable Handles Refrigerator
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2.ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator: Best Huge Capacity
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3.Koolatron Thermoelectric Iceless: Best Different Temperature Setting
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4.COSTWAY Dual-Zone Electric Car Cooler: Best Easy Hold Handles
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5.AstroAI NCF55 Portable Freezer: Best Powerful Compressor
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6.Whynter FM-85G 85 Quart Portable Fridge: Best Dual-voltage Fridge
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7.ENGEL MR040F-U1 Portable Freezer: Best Highly-efficient
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8.SetPower TC20 Electric Coolers : Best Dual-lid Design
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9.Dometic CDF-11 Smallest Portable Freezer: Best Lightweight Portable Freezer
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10.Hebron 21Q Portable Refrigerator: Best Smartphone Control
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What are portable freezers?
People who camp, fish, take road trips, live off the grid, or are getting ready for the end of the world use portable freezers. It is cooled by a built-in compressor, which is different from how your home refrigerator/freezer works, which uses thermoelectricity.
People like portable freezers because you can take them anywhere. They are a reliable and easy way to keep your food at the right temperature so you can eat it safely and enjoyably.
What are the features of the best portable freezers for camping?
When buying the best portable freezers for camping, consider these qualities.
- Storage Capacity – Your portable fridge or freezer’s size will depend on how long your trip is and how many people are going with you.
- Installation – Portable freezers don’t need to be set up. Still, getting one that fits easily in your car or can take anywhere is essential.
- Energy Source – Look for a portable freezer with many power options. Solar and battery-powered variants are also available.
- Insulation – If you have better insulation, you will use less energy.
- Compressor – The cooling compressor reduces water vapor. It prevents mold and maintains unit temperature.
- Controls – Portable freezers have a lot of ways to control them, from buttons and dials on the unit itself to WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
What is the right size for the best portable freezers for camping?
Portable freezers and refrigerators come in different sizes to fit other families and groups. Knowing what size will work best for you will help you choose a freezer.
Sizes between 30 and 35 liters are best for one-day trips like fishing, and they have enough space to keep you hydrated on solo trips. And for sizes 40 to 45 liters, the standard size, these are great for camping trips or road trips that last two to three days or longer and can hold both food and drinks.
What is a two-way and three-way portable freezer?
A two-way portable freezer works a lot like your home freezer. Still, it uses less energy and usually runs on batteries, though it can also be plugged into a 110/240v outlet. Some products also work with solar power, which makes them better for the environment and cheaper to run.
A Three-way portable freezer uses batteries, 240-volt outlets, and heat exchange. They’re quiet, which is excellent. They aren’t as powerful as compressor-based models but use less energy and last longer. But you can’t run them at an angle, so keep them on a solid, stable base.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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Alpicool
C15 Portable Refrigerator | #1 | Amazon Alpicool.cc eBay |
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ICECO
VL60 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator | #2 | Amazon Icecofreezer.com eBay |
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Koolatron
Thermoelectric Iceless | #3 | Amazon Koolatron.com eBay |
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COSTWAY
Dual-Zone Electric Car Cooler | #4 | Amazon Costway.com eBay |
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AstroAI
NCF55 Portable Freezer | #5 | Amazon Astroai.com eBay |
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Whynter
FM-85G 85 Quart Portable Fridge | #6 | Amazon Whynter.com eBay |
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ENGEL
MR040F-U1 Portable Freezer | #7 | Amazon Engelcoolers.com eBay |
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SetPower
TC20 Electric Coolers | #8 | Amazon Setpowerusa.com eBay |
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Dometic
CDF-11 Smallest Portable Freezer | #9 | Amazon Dometic.com eBay |
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Hebron
21Q Portable Refrigerator | #10 | Amazon Hebronrvparts.com eBay |
10 List of Best Portable Freezers for Camping
- Have a problem
with this product?#1Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator
Best Portable Handles Refrigerator
2 readers vote1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Alpicool C15 is the best portable camping freezer you can get for this price. It is excellent for anyone who doesn’t need a big, bulky box for their next trip. Even without ice, it can hold 15 liters and stay cool to -4°F (-20°C). The high-density insulation keeps everything at the right temperature, so nothing goes wrong. It is partly because of how well it chills and partly because it uses less energy than other options, which is better for the environment.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Portable handles
Safe to run on angles up to 45 degrees
Excellent value for short tripsCons (reasons to avoid)
Won’t work in trucks where outlets switch off with the ignitionWhat other experts liked
Alpicool C15 is the most adaptable mini-fridge on the market. All of its characteristics are beneficial. Overall quality and construction are superior than competitors'.What other experts didn't like
The controls are difficult to operate, and there are hidden numbers, so this cooler may be ideal for tech-savvy folks. - Have a problem
with this product?#2ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator
Best Huge Capacity
2 readers vote1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The ICECO VL60 is the king of portable camping freezer, no doubt about it. First off, it can hold a huge 63.4 quarts. There’s enough room in the two sections for a week’s worth of food and drinks. You might think it’s too big to fit in the back of your pick-up truck because it has so much space, but they’ve thought of that too. It’s the right size at 18.8 inches. It’s also easy to pick up because each side has a steel-spring handle.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Huge capacity
Durable compressor
Cool each side independently
Perfect size for tailgatesCons (reasons to avoid)
Difficult-to-understand instructionsWhat other experts liked
All ICECO fridges are stylish and small, and they are all well made. We love that it looks like it came from the future but is still easy to use and has a simple interface.What other experts didn't like
There are two doors and two areas. Because the compressor is under it, the freezer area isn't as big as the fridge area. - Have a problem
with this product?#3Koolatron Thermoelectric Iceless
Best Different Temperature Setting
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:This big size is great for long road trips, and the design is built to last so you can stay hydrated and full for many more adventures. In addition, because it has different temperature settings, Koolatron can cool and heat. However, it takes much longer to heat up than to cool down. It gives you something that other freezers don’t, and you can get the best of both worlds on your next family camping trip.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Suitable for boating and camping
12v plug
Easy seal lidCons (reasons to avoid)
It takes a long time to cool downWhat other experts liked
It offers decent insulation, is simple to operate, and is one of the lightest coolers we tested.What other experts didn't like
It helps cool the contents, but it's not great for long-term storage of perishable items in very warm places because the door doesn't close tightly. - Have a problem
with this product?#4COSTWAY Dual-Zone Electric Car Cooler
Best Easy Hold Handles
1 readers vote1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The COSTWAY Portable camping freezer is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to go on a road trip. It has a huge 52-liter capacity. It’s strong and has a shockproof design to keep you safe on roads that aren’t well kept. The handles make it easy to move around. The LCD makes it easy to see what the temperature is. It might be the best portable freezer because it has fast cooling technology and both ECO and MAX modes for better efficiency and more power, depending on your preference.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Easy hold handles
Simple operation
High-efficiency compressorCons (reasons to avoid)
You need to reset the temperature every time you switch it on/offWhat other experts liked
It can be set up in many different ways and does a great job of cooling.What other experts didn't like
It was noisy, took longer to cool, and had less insulation than the others. We're also concerned about its durability. - Have a problem
with this product?#5AstroAI NCF55 Portable Freezer
Best Powerful Compressor
2 readers vote1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Bring the tough AstroAI with you when camping or on a road trip. A design that keeps the compressor from shaking. It also won’t give up on tough terrains, like 45-degree slopes. Most food and drinks can be frozen or cooled at temperatures between -4 and 68°F. This portable camping freezer comes in 34, 45, and 55 liters.
Pros (reasons to buy)
The tall design easily fits inside most vehicles
The powerful compressor cools and freezes in minutes
Compatible with portable power banksCons (reasons to avoid)
It doesn't have dual temperature control
Lacks Bluetooth technology
LED light is in the small compartmentWhat other experts liked
When I tried it, this electric cooler was affordable and performed nicely. It accomplishes its job well and cheaply.What other experts didn't like
This cooler and fridge are horrible. The compressor runs too much, so nothing remains cold, and it scares you every 10 minutes. - Have a problem
with this product?#6Whynter FM-85G 85 Quart Portable Fridge
Best Dual-voltage Fridge
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Whynter portable fridge is the right size, so making it a good investment for any situation. Both 12/24 DC and 110V AC can be used to power this fridge, even if one fails. A power indicator tells you when you need to find a different way to keep the fridge running. There is even a “quick freeze” mode if you need to cool something down quickly. It’s also helpful to have on hot summer days when you don’t want your food to go bad.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Dual-voltage
Powerful compressor
Open door alarmCons (reasons to avoid)
It only comes in one size
No Bluetooth or WiFi for remote connectivity
Quite heavy, even when emptyWhat other experts liked
Ideal for a truck driver who wants to bring more frozen food with them on the road. I'm sitting in my front seat right now.What other experts didn't like
I bought 5 of these and sent them all back. When the power supply breaks, it won't turn on any more. - Have a problem
with this product?#7ENGEL MR040F-U1 Portable Freezer
Best Highly-efficient
1 readers vote1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Engel MR040F-U1 is made to last a long time. So you don’t have to look any further for a portable fridge/freezer that can handle the rough stuff. This amazing portable freezer will keep your drinks at the right temperature, whether off-roading, sailing, or camping. The freezer can hold 40 quarts and enough food for several days in the woods or at sea.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Super durable
Perfect for marine applications
Works as fridge and freezer
Highly-efficientCons (reasons to avoid)
Cheap latchesWhat other experts liked
Overall, it's a great, high-quality fridge that has been used by thousands of happy people all over the country and the world.What other experts didn't like
Because Engel refrigerators install the compressor on the side instead of the bottom, the inside is smaller than the outside. The outer measures don't include the steel handles. - Have a problem
with this product?#8SetPower TC20 Electric Coolers
Best Dual-lid Design
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Instead of getting tired of dragging a heavy appliance around, the Set power TC20 has wheels that can be taken off to make it easy to move. Soft rope handles are easy on your hands and easy to hold on to. To keep up with your friends, you can quickly grab the handles. The 21-quart portable camping freezer is smaller but can hold up to 29 cans (355 mL) or 15 bottles of water (550 mL).
Pros (reasons to buy)
Dual-lid design
Four storage slots
Soft rope handlesCons (reasons to avoid)
AC adapter isn't included
It doesn't have WiFi or Bluetooth
It comes without internal basketsWhat other experts liked
This is their best unit in terms of durability, wheels for moving, a bottle opener, better insulation, and a more efficient compressor.What other experts didn't like
Doesn't seem to work very well, and the controls are cheap and hard to understand. Most likely will come back - Have a problem
with this product?#9Dometic CDF-11 Smallest Portable Freezer
Best Lightweight Portable Freezer
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Dometic Smallest Portable Freezer comes in different sizes to work for any family or group size and make sure the trip goes well. It is safe because it has a 3-level battery monitor that protects you, and the weather-resistant design keeps your things safe. It can hold up to 144 cans, which makes it great for long trips across the country. It’s easy to carry, freezes quickly, and comes with a 2-year Protection Plus warranty in case anything goes wrong.
Pros (reasons to buy)
2-year Protection Plus warranty
Lightweight
Fast freezingCons (reasons to avoid)
Lid latches are not too reliableWhat other experts liked
I like it. It does work. I took this on little excursions all day. My beverages kept cold and even froze in a heated vehicle.What other experts didn't like
Worked well for about a year, but then it got hard to keep the right temperature, and after 1.5 years, it stopped working. - Have a problem
with this product?#10Hebron 21Q Portable Refrigerator
Best Smartphone Control
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:You might not think you need a smart portable freezer. Still, the Hebron Portable Refrigerator/Freezer will make you put all those thoughts aside and realize that you can’t live another second without one. This model lets you change settings from your phone, so you never have to get up or take your eyes off the beautiful scenery again. It’s also very light and easy to carry.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Smartphone control
Lightweight and portable
Insulated and durable
Cools to -4°F
3-level car battery drain protection
Digital control panelCons (reasons to avoid)
Pricey
Has some WIFI issueWhat other experts liked
This cooler is cheaper than others. App and connection function great. Two zones may be adjusted at the same temperature.What other experts didn't like
After 6 hours of work, they were able to bring the temperature down by one degree.
Conclusion: Best Portable Freezers for Camping
You’ll need one of these best portable freezers for camping unless you only want to eat dry foods. We hope our list can help you consider the best freezers you might buy. We also hope that you now have at least one freezer in mind that will work well with your particular rig. As always, we wish you luck in making your choice and safe travels on your upcoming trips!