12V portable fridge/freezer

[BSPLETS]

We are getting ready to go cruising and need a recommendation for a 12V portable fridge/freezer. There are a lot of them out there, we are looking for a 70-90qt. I have looked at the Dometics, but they are priced much higher than the rest.

Anybody have any fine suggestions/experiences to share??

 

[JBP-PA]

I have had a small Alipcool for 4 years and it was fine, but died this year. Maybe I can get it recharged, but the price for that is probably more than the replacement cost.

If i was going to spend the big bucks, I think I would get an Engel before a Dometic. Dometic seems like more hype than substance.

 

[rgranger]

I went through this same thought process about six years ago, for the same reasons you’re considering now. Initial purchase price isn’t the only cost to evaluate...operational costs matter too. Amp draw and R‑values are especially useful for making an apples‑to‑apples comparison.

I found R‑values were sometimes difficult to track down since they aren’t always published, but if I remember correctly, “extreme”-rated coolers typically have at least 2 inches of foam insulation in the walls.

In the end, I felt the Dometic offered good long‑term value, and I was able to find a used one on eBay at a great price.

Let us know what you find...

 

[colemj]

We also needed another freezer and wanted to go with a portable one. First thought was Engle, but we weren't sure what size, shape, or how we would use it, so decided to just buy a cheap $300 55L Alpicool as a prototype, figure out how we really wanted it to fit our boat and needs, then spring for the $1500 Engle later.

Fast forward 6yrs later and we are still using the Alpicool. Used as a freezer, I don't think there is much power savings between it and an Engle because both of them will be operating at a high duty cycle then. We do have it in an insulated jacket made for these, so that helps some. The Engle may or may not have more insulation, but it can't be too much more, as the wall thicknesses are pretty similar.

Mark

 

[BSPLETS]

Thanks for the info, had not thought of Engel

 

[chp]

I've had a Bouge RV for 3 years now. It's a 45 qt. dual lid and dual zones. I can set the whole thing for freezer or just fridge or fridge and freezer. My amp draw with fridge and freezer set is about 4-5 amps per hour. I also have the insulator cover which is highly recommended. Makes a huge difference. In the summer when not on the boat I set the large compartment off and set the small compartment to fridge temp to keep my beer and drinks cold. Have to have cold beer ready when I come to the boat. I hardly ever plug in my boat to shore power and it all runs fine off my 100 watt solar panel. With just the small compartment running amp draw is down to 2 amps per hour depending on the ambient temp. Going into my 4th year and very happy with it.

 

[JBP-PA]

My small Alipcool 22 drew 3A with about a 30% duty cycle, so roughly 24 AHr a day. With my other stuff, 160 watts of solar would 'mostly' keep up, depending on sunshine. I'd add 140 watts on the bimini and be totally fine and easily recover from a few days of dark days.

 

[colemj]

My small Alipcool 22 drew 3A with about a 30% duty cycle, so roughly 24 AHr a day. With my other stuff, 160 watts of solar would 'mostly' keep up, depending on sunshine. I'd add 140 watts on the bimini and be totally fine and easily recover from a few days of dark days.

Is that with it set as freezer or reefer? In a temperate climate? Our 55L is set as freezer at 5F and located in the tropics uses ~5A and runs at ~85% duty cycle. For comparison, that is about the same as our built in 90L Isotherm freezer.

Mark

 

[JBP-PA]

Is that with it set as freezer or reefer? In a temperate climate? Our 55L is set as freezer at 5F and located in the tropics uses ~5A and runs at ~85% duty cycle. For comparison, that is about the same as our built in 90L Isotherm freezer.

Mark

Refrigeration, ambient temperature between 70 and 90 F.

 

[AaronD]

We use our our Alpicool K18 as a freezer in the PNW summers, ambient temps ~60-90 F. When new, it seemed to consume ~450-500 Wh per day (~3.5-4A @ ~40% duty cycle ~= 40 Ah). That seems to have gone up to ~60% duty cycle over a few years. But I can't say I tracked it very well last summer, as we had shore power available most of the time.

 

[rgranger]

@dlochner

This has turned into a very good post with a lot of great data. I forget how we make a post a "sticky" post. Can you remind me?

 

[BSPLETS]

Thanks for the advice!!!