Refrigerated cool box 12 & 240v

[Col3691]

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

 

[Mr Grumpy]

We have a Holfords box now around 20 years old and still going strong.

 

[otherclive]

Coleman are a good equipment supplier. We’ve had their kit, powered and non powered.

 

[Col3691]

We have a Holfords box now around 20 years old and still going strong.

Which Halfords one have you got ?

 

[Col3691]

Coleman are a good equipment supplier. We’ve had their kit, powered and non powered.

Thanks for that. I'll have a look at those 👍

 

[Woodentop]

Have a look see what TowSure have to offer.

 

[Lutz]

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.

 

[ProfJohnL]

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

 

[Jcloughie]

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

 

[Buckman]

We have had Waeco, Coleman and while they are very good we found the Halford coolbox to be very good value for money. Unplugged and with ice in it, the ice would last nearly 3 days even when the weather was very hot i.e. France or Spain.

 

[ProfJohnL]

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

Whilst I have never had a 12V compressor fridge/cool box, my son-in-law has and rates it well it runs off a battery in his converted camper van.

I have had two absorption cool boxes, and used them both away when on holiday, and at home as a drinks chiller. The first was a Electrolux and worked well, but it eventually failed, the refrigerant escaped. I replaced it with a Weago of near identical construction, and it works but not as well as the original. This one keeps icing up on the evaporator just where it emerges inside the box, I suspect there is some contamination in the refrigerant system.

I also have a large well insulated Thermoelectric cooler which I have used for picnics, days out and family family celebrations when I've needed to transport chilled or warm food about in the car about 40 miles to the event . Its even pressed into service as an emergency fridge (not freezer) when a friend's fridge failed. The down side is the constant noise of the fan which is not loud but its amazing how you can notice it at night, through a closed door, down stairs in the hall.

So yes all the different technologies have their place, Its a question of working out what will bwst meet your needs.