Guide on Shopping for Portable Refrigeration Storage

There are situations that will necessitate having portable refrigeration storage. Not everywhere you go will have electricity.  There are a couple of factors s you will need to have in mind when choosing a portable refrigerator. If you’re heading out for the weekend or always in RV, you will need to look for ways to ensure that the food is always cool. You may end up with more questions when looking for portable refrigeration storage options. The good news is there are a couple of options in the market at the moment.

There are three main options when looking for portable refrigeration. The most cost-effective option would be to go for an electrically assisted coolers. It functions just like a normal cooler but relies on electricity to keep the ice frozen. It might ideal for the casual weekend out but is not recommended as a full-time solution.

Compression Refrigerator

The best option would be a compression refrigerator but it does come with a hefty price tag but can still be cheaper than the fridge found in your kitchen. They use little power and will still be able to keep your food cold. The can be powered by a portable solar panel or your car’s battery. They’re also designed to be durable because they will be used on the road for the most part.

The Basics on Refrigeration

It is important to understand how a portable fridge works before you make the decision of buying one. The main component of the fridge is the refrigerant and at the core is the compressor. The compressor is responsible for pressurizing the gas until it becomes liquid. The compressor can be found on the walls of the fridge. The compressors require a lot of energy to function and that is why getting a portable refrigerator that is energy efficient is always a challenge.

Thermoelectric Cooler

This is the preferred option when people are looking for portable refrigerators. They are some benefits to a thermoelectric cooler and some of them include:

They’re affordable: This option could be seen as inexpensive enough to be considered for an impulse buy. Consumers will decide to try it out before they can invest in high-end models. You may confuse it for a standard cooler and are often seen as an upgraded to the conventional ice coolers that you see in football practice.

Direct Plugging

You can plug this cooler directly to your cigarette lighter without problems. There is no fancy wiring or technical installation involved. All you have to do is to plug to your lighter and you’re good to go.

They can Run Off a Car Battery

Car batteries have a lot of power but being careless can drain it off completely. A starter battery is primarily designed with high current output with short bursts hence the reason they are used to start a car. Your battery can be completely drained if it is drawing small amounts of current for particular periods. You shouldn’t expect a portable refrigerator to run like that one in your kitchen.

Car Refrigerator

This option tends to be more expensive but it works efficiently. You will have to spend more money if you want the food to be kept cold for more than 24 hours. The main advantage of this kind of unit is the efficiency that it provides.

It can keep on running for up to five days with a standard deep cycle battery. Special compressors are used and are designed specifically to run with 12V DC electricity. Driving the vehicle for around 10 minutes will give the battery enough charge needed for the fridge to function for an entire day. The car refrigerator could be the ideal solution but the issue could be the price. It might not be easy to find it locally. You can check out boating stores as it is usually as it used in sailor boats.

Even if it is expensive, you are assured of getting value for money. This kind of fridge is designed to take a beating and that is why it is a good portable solution. It is the best choice if you’re looking for long-term food storage solutions when you’re on the road.

To sum it up, search for a portable refrigeration solution doesn’t have to be a daunting endeavor. While there are cheap alternatives in the market, it is important you go for a more durable solution if you will be using the fridge on a regular basis.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.