Camping fridge buying advice Posted on 20 May 2012 Tags:camping These are the things to consider when buying a camping fridge Size matters! You need to consider how many people you’re catering for and how long you’ll be away when choosing the size that’s best for you. For a family of two adults and two children on a weekend trip the standard size is around 40 litres. Efficiency: Choose a model that will be easy on power – make sure you investigate power consumption and cooling efficiency (in other words, how long it takes to freeze and whether you will have to keep adjusting the temperature of the fridge according to the ambient temperature outside). Insulation is vital for a fridge to operate optimally. Thicker, denser insulation material will maintain temperatures for longer periods and compressor life will be extended because it won’t have to work as hard. Auxiliary battery system: This bypasses the car’s on-board battery system and provides the fridge/freezer with power for longer run time without sapping precious vehicle starting power. Also consider bolstering the ‘range’ with a solar system. Here is a table comparing features of each type of fridge, making it easy to see the advantages and disadvantages. Feature Thermoelectric cooler 12V compressor Three-way absorption Electric power 12V, some can be 220V 12V, 220V 12V, 220V, gas Runs efficiently off 12V Acceptable Excellent Acceptable Can freeze food No Yes Yes (but not on 12V) At an ambient temperature of 20 degrees Centigrade, the fridge will cool to: +3 °C -18 °C -10 °C At an ambient temperature of 40 degrees Centigrade, the fridge will cool to: +15 to +20 °C -10 °C +3 to +15 °C Average amps on 12V 2 to 6 1 to 3 10 Maximum amps on 12V 4 to 6 4 to 6 10 Amp hours a day 48 to 144 24 to 72 240 Capacity (litres) 7 to 32 13 to 125 39 to 50 Priced from From R700 From R4000 From R2500 Can warm food Yes No No Noise level Medium Medium Low Fast cooling No Yes Yes Heat output Medium Low High Related Posts Trialed and tested: our top camping chairs 3 August 2022 Nothing ruins sundowners or fireside chats like the lack of a camping chair. We scoured... read more Now this is the (van) life – nomads who live on the road 19 August 2021 Can anything quite compare to the freedom of having all your needs behind you and... read more Hiking gear that won’t break the bank 7 April 2021 It’s no secret that expensive hiking gear usually means lower weight, higher quality and a... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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