Deluxe
Mini FridgesWith 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.
Deluxe
Mini Fridges
With capacities from 5 to 20 litres, these are excellent Mini Fridges for general use
and drinks storage. Using thermoelectric technology, the units all contain
a fan which runs pretty much continuously and although reasonably quiet (a
little quieter than a PC fan), they are best suited for use in a study, TV room, or
in bed-sit type accommodation (e.g. student halls) rather than in the confines
of a small bedroom (though this does depend on what you are able to sleep
through). The unit can be
powered from the mains, or a 12V cigarette lighter socket and is durable enough
to be taken on the odd camping expedition.
These
units operate using absorption technology, they have no moving parts, and are
therefore completely silent in operation - making them ideal for use where any level of noise would be a
distraction. They are mains operated, so strictly speaking, not portable
(though they are frequently used in static caravans and tents).
The lack of moving parts also means that these units are extremely reliable.
Ideal for use in the bedroom, or a quiet study/office.
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).
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 Cooly 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.
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).
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.
The Engel range
of cool boxes are the most durable and powerful boxes on the market. They
are constantly in use in safari environments being quite literally the only unit
that can withstand such demands. However, in our opinion the primary
advantage of these boxes is their extremely low power consumption. The
units draw less than 2 amps @ 12V (the smallest in the range, less than 1 amp)
and they can therefore be left on a car battery overnight with minimum impact.
We know of no other cool box manufacturer in the world that produces units with
a current draw this low.
On the down side, because of the durability (the unit is made almost entirely from metal) they are quite heavy so not really suitable for lugging in and out of a vehicle on a regular basis. They are also rather more expensive than the Coolmatic boxes, but if you want the best, these are it.
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 FreezersThese 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.