3/10
Best Portable Fridge for Durability
ARB products are targeted to off-roaders, and their portable fridge reflects the need for rugged durable. Their impact-resistant, weatherproof Elements Fridge/Freezer ($1,650) features a stainless steel body with anodized aluminum latches.
It also has a touch-pad controlled magnetic lock, padlock recess and an optional bolt-down mounting kit, so it won’t disappear from the truck bed while you’re in the store. With 63 quarts of storage and cooling range to 0 F, it can handle just about any chilling required.
4/10
Best Battery-Powered Combo Portable Fridge
If your campsite will be far from your vehicle, you’ll need a battery to keep your portable fridge humming. The most complete package? The Dometic CFX3 75DZ ($1,400) with the Dometic PLB40 ($850) lithium-ion battery pack.
The battery pack provides enough charge to run the fridge for several days, and the fridge’s massive 80 quart storage capacity means you can keep a lot of perishable food and drinks cold. This is also one of the most powerful fridges on this list, cooling down to 7 F.
But if you’re thinking of taking it on a hike, keep the weight in mind. At 61 pounds for the cooler and another 16 pounds for the battery, it’s a lot to take off trail, even before you factor in the food and drinks.
5/10
Best Portable Fridge for Tailgaters
Tailgaters normally have easy access to their vehicles and don’t need the storage capacity of a dedicated RV fridge. The Coleman PowerChill ($150) delivers terrific cooling for short periods, with 40 quarts of space to store your tailgate feast.
The generous 8-ft. power cord with a 12V plug should reach your vehicle with no trouble, and this model can be used as a chest cooler or upright mini-fridge. The door can even be mounted on the left or right, ensuring easy access.
Thermoelectric technology is a particularly great choice for tailgaters. These fridges are far more affordable, and can even act as warming ovens to heat up side dishes on chilly days.
Note that outside temperature limits how much thermoelectric fridges can cool or heat. The Coleman PowerChill stays up to 40 F above or below the surrounding temperature. So to keep food fresh on a 95 F day, you’ll need to supplement the process with some freezer packs.
