Refrigerated cool box 12 & 240v

Feb 17, 2023
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Hello

I'm looking at getting a 12v/240v refrigerated cool box for when we go on our travels with the caravan. There's plenty on the market but I don't want to end up buying rubbish. Can anyone recommend one that does what it says on the tin and doesn't cost the earth?


Thanks
Col
 
Mar 14, 2005
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lutzschelisch.wix.com
I'd definitely go for one that that works on a compressor principle instead of an absorber. Absorber variants can only cool down a limited number of degrees from ambient temperature. A compressor cool box can even be set to freeze the content if necessary. I had an absorber one (mainly because they are a bit cheaper) but I regretted ever making the purchase.
 
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Mar 14, 2005
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Just to add to Lutz's comment. There are generally three different technologies running on 12V dc and 230Vac sold as "coolers"

The compressor type mentioned by Lutz, is undoubtedly the best as it uses the same compressor technology used by your domestic fridge and freezer. If its designed for 12Vdc you would need as suitable 230v ac to 12Vdc converter to use it.

The second technology uses the Absorption principle and this is the common technology used in caravan fridges. In addition to the electrical supply options they often als include the ability to run on gas as well, hence their suitability for caravan and camping. However they are not as efficient as the compressor type coolers, and they do tend to have less cooling capacity in hot weather.
These are usually prewired to run from 12Vdc and 230Vac and gas or gas cartridges

The last common technology is thermoelectric cooling which uses the Peltier effect units. These have become very popular as the coolers can also be run as warmers BUT and its a big BUT , they are very inefficient and generally only really capable of cooling by about 15C above or below ambient and they can't move a large amount of heat, this means it takes ages to cool something down, so its best to consider them for use with pre chilled/ warmed items. These are almost always designed for 12V but some come with a suitable 230Vac to 12Vdc converter

In general compressor coolers are best but probably most expensive,

Multi fuel absorption coolers are next best and are also quite costly

Thermoelectric Peltier coolers are cheapest but least effective
 
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Jun 16, 2020
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A thermoelectric cool box will never be as good as the other technologies. But they have there place.

I also have the Halfords box. The one which is both 240 and 12 volt. It has a long handle and wheels. In the caravan, we used it in the awning and in the sun canopy. It managed the beer the wine and the salad. There was a constant hum during the evening, but I just turned the fan down at night.

A transportable compressor box is both expensive and only has a tiny compartment. If it is to be used in addition to a fridge the thermoelectric makes most sense to me.

I have had a few over the years and the Halfords is the best VFM.

John
 

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