If you’re tired of melting ice and spoiled food during your off-road trips, check out our top picks for the best off-road fridge and travel worry-free.
My top picks for the best off-road fridge include Dometic CFX 551M, Engel MT45F-U1, and ARB 50 Qt. Fridge Freezer. These fridges are durable, can withstand the rigors of off-road travel, are energy-efficient, and have a low power draw, so you don't drain your battery too quickly.
After extensive market research and testing, I’ve compiled a list of the top off-road fridges or coolers that are presently accessible on the market. My evaluation carefully contemplated interior capacity, weight, power usage, as well as pricing to help you find the right refrigerator for your needs. So, whether you're a weekend warrior or a full-time overlander, these recommendations will serve your needs just right. Let's dive in and find the right off-road fridge freezers for your off-road adventures!
Key Takeaways
- Portable refrigerators are a lifesaver when off-roading in the wilds.
- Consider your specific needs and requirements, whether a spacious or smaller option.
- Think about the power source and energy efficiency of the fridge.
- Consider the durability and ruggedness of the fridge. Offroading needs a tough fridge.
- Lastly, compare different brands and models to get a sense of how the fridge performs.
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Top Off-Road Fridges
Looking for the best portable fridge for your off-roading adventures? Well, for starters, it needs to be durable and able to withstand the rigors of off-road travel. A good off-road fridge freezer should also be energy-efficient and have a low power draw, so you don't drain your battery too quickly.
After researching and testing various options, I have formulated a comprehensive list of the most exceptional off-road portable refrigerators that will maintain your provisions fresh and chilled while on your next expedition.
1. Dometic CFX 551M Portable Electric Cooler
If you're planning a rough-and-tumble off-road adventure and need the perfect mini fridge to tag along, look no further than the Dometic CFX 551M Portable Electric Cooler. Built with resilience and endurance in mind, this CFX fridge cooler can keep your sustenance chill for days on end.
Here's what you need to know about this portable fridge:
Specifications
With a vast cylindrical chamber of around 55 liters, the Dometic CFX 551M Portable Electric Cooler can effortlessly house up to 83 cans, making it perfect for long trips and outdoor excursions.
The Dometic CFX fridge has a temperature range of -7°F to 50°F, so you can keep your food and drinks at the perfect temperature. The fridge weighs 47 pounds and has dimensions of 28.3" x 18.9" x 17.9".
Keeping your machine in good condition is made easier by having several options for fueling it, namely AC, DC, or solar panels. You can choose which one suits your preferences.
Performance
The remarkable performance of the Dometic CFX 551M Portable Electric Cooler is widely recognized. This impressive cooling device has a compressor with immense power that can cool its contents quickly and efficiently.
Furthermore, the appliance is capable of maintaining a constant temperature in hot climates, making it an exceptional choice for those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities.
This Dometic CFX fridge also boasts outstanding energy efficiency, ensuring that your battery uses less power.
What Sets It Apart
With its built-in ice maker, the Dometic CFX 551M Portable Electric Cooler is an impressive unit that can make ice on the go. This standout feature comes in handy, especially during those hot summer days when the ambient temperature is extreme, and you need to keep your drinks cool and refreshing.
Benefits
- Large fridge space
- Excellent temperature range
- Built-in ice maker
- Rugged design
- Energy-efficient
Drawbacks
- Expensive
- Heavy
Who Should Buy
Suppose you enjoy going on off-road expeditions and need a reliable refrigerator to preserve your food and drinks chilled. In that case, the Dometic CFX 551M Portable Electric Cooler offers an excellent option.
Perfect for activities that involve camping trips, road excursions, or outdoor events, this device is worth every penny. However, this may not be the best fit for you if you're looking for something with a smaller capacity or working within tight financial constraints.
Where to Buy
The Dometic CFX 551M cooler can easily be found on Dometic official website, popular ecommerce websites like Amazon, and many outdoor gear shops specializing in camping essentials.
2. ARB 50 Quart Fridge Freezer
This Fridge Freezer is popular among off-road enthusiasts for its durability and performance. This portable fridge freezer features a robust design that can withstand harsh off-road conditions, and it has a low power draw that makes it ideal for extended trips.
Specifications
The ARB 50 Quart Fridge Freezer is a powerful cooler equipped with a compressor that provides cooling capabilities between 0º and 50ºF. This appliance has an impressive 50L storage capacity and comes with both AC and DC cords as well as a DC to AC adapter.
The main compartment of the 50qt, not including the fruit and dairy section, measures 15.5" (H) x 11.2" (W) x 13.3" (D).
The unit weighs 53 pounds and has exterior dimensions of 20" (H) x 27.8" (W) x 14.9" (D). It also has a full-extension fridge slide that can carry up to 265 lbs of load.
Performance
The ARB 50 Quart Fridge Freezer has proven to be a reliable and effective off-road fridge freezer. It has a fast cooling time and can maintain a consistent temperature even in hot and humid conditions.
Its compressor is quiet and efficient, and it can run on both AC and DC power, making it versatile for use in various settings. The full-extension fridge slides also add to its convenience, making accessing items stored in the cooler easy.
What Sets It Apart
Why settle for an unreliable portable fridge freezer when you can have the ARB 50 Quart Fridge Freezer? This durable appliance is designed to meet the demands of off-road travel while maintaining an energy-efficient operation that won't drain your battery like other models.
Its solid construction and low power draw makes it a must-have for adventurers who refuse to compromise.
Benefits
- Durable and reliable
- Fast cooling time
- Consistent temperature control
- Low power draw
- Full-extension fridge slide for easy access
Drawbacks
- Heavier than some other off-road fridges
- More expensive than some other off-road fridges
- Would be nice with a bottle opener
Who Should Buy
The ARB 50 Quart Fridge Freezer is an excellent choice for anyone who values durability and reliability in their off-road fridge.
Where to Buy
If you’re interested in acquiring the ARB 50 Quart Fridge Freezer, you have multiple options to choose from, including prominent retail outlets such as Amazon, REI shop, and the official ARB website.
3. Engel MT45FP Portable Digital Platinum Series Fridge/Freezer
What makes the Engel MT45F-U1 stand out as one of the top fridge freezer choices for off-road adventurers is its ability to withstand rugged conditions and maintain an efficient operation. This portable fridge has been trusted by many over the years due to its durable design, while its low power draw makes it perfect for long trips.
Specifications
With a capacity of 43 quarts, the Engel MT45FP Portable Digital Platinum Series Fridge/Freezer is capable of functioning as both a fridge and freezer that operates on either 12volt/24volt DC or 110/120volt AC power sources.
Its freezer compartment uses a compressor-based cooling system by drawing heat out of the freezer compartment. This is one of the best portable fridge freezers in terms of reliability and longevity.
It has a digital temperature control, LED display, and thermostatically controlled fan. This portable fridge/freezer has a swing motor compressor and an interior LED light when the lid is opened. It weighs 52 pounds and measures 25.5 x 14.3 x 20 inches.
Performance
The Engel MT45FP Portable Digital Platinum Series Fridge/Freezer is designed to keep your food cold or frozen for extended periods, even in extreme conditions.
It has a temperature range of -8°F to 50°F and can maintain its temperature even in high ambient temperatures. The fan helps to circulate the air inside the fridge/freezer, ensuring even cooling throughout.
What Sets It Apart
The Engel MT45FP Portable Digital Platinum Series Fridge/Freezer is built to withstand the rigors of off-road travel. It has a tough, durable exterior made of ABS plastic and a stainless steel body or outer casing.
The fridge/freezer is also energy-efficient, using only 0.7-2.5 amps per hour, depending on the temperature and conditions.
Benefits
- Highly versatile because it runs on both AC and DC power.
- Has a digital temperature control with an LED display, making it easy to monitor and adjust the temperature as needed.
- The thermostatically controlled fan ensures even cooling throughout the fridge/freezer compartments.
- Has a tough, durable exterior designed to withstand the rigors of off-road travel.
Drawbacks
- Relatively heavy, weighing 52 pounds.
- A bit pricier than some other off-road fridges on the market.
- Not as compact as some other models, which might be an issue if your vehicle has limited space.
Who Should Buy
The Engel MT45FP Portable Digital Platinum Series Fridge/Freezer is your ideal off-road fridge if you frequently go off-road and need a reliable, durable fridge. It’s also a good choice for those who want a versatile fridge/freezer that can run on both AC and DC power.
Where to Buy
If you're interested in buying the Engel MT45FP Portable Digital Platinum Series Fridge/Freezer, you can find it available for purchase online through Amazon. It’s also available directly from the official Engel website.
4. Alpicool CF55 Portable Refrigerator
Need a fridge that can withstand harsh off-road environments? The Alpicool CF55 Portable Refrigerator is a trustworthy and effective choice. Its construction ensures your snacks and beverages remain cool during camping or driving expeditions, even when outside air temperatures are high.
Specifications
With a generous capacity of 58 quarts (55 liters), the Alpicool CF55 Portable Refrigerator is perfectly accommodating for a variety of food and beverage storage needs.
It has an exterior size of 27.2 x 13.6 x 20.6 inches and weighs 35 pounds. The fridge can be powered by 12-volt or 24-volt DC and has a rated power of 45W.
Its temperature control panel ranges from -4°F to 68°F (-20℃～+20℃), and its noise level stands at ≤45dB.
Performance
With an adjustable ECO and HH mode, the Alpicool CF55 Portable Refrigerator boasts a high-efficiency compressor.
The advertised temperature range of this portable refrigerator is -4°F to 50°F with a claimed capacity of 45L, as stated by Outdoor Gear Lab.
However, it's important to note that the actual temperature range may vary depending on various factors such as usage and ambient temperature.
What Sets It Apart
Not requiring ice, one standout trait of the Alpicool CF55 Portable Refrigerator is its ability to freeze quickly. Remarkably, it can cool down to -4°F (-20°C), and fridge settings allow you to adjust according to whether you require a refrigerator or a freezer.
Benefits
- Large capacity to store plenty of food and drinks
- Can be powered by 12V or 24V DC
- Adjustable temperature control range of -4°F to 68°F (-20℃～+20℃)
- Quiet operation, with a noise level of ≤45dB
Drawbacks
- It may not be as durable as some other off-road fridges
- The actual temperature range can vary depending on factors like usage and ambient temperature.
Who Should Buy
The Alpicool CF55 Portable Refrigerator is a great option if you want a fridge that can function as both a fridge and a freezer and want the option to power it with a small solar system.
Where to Buy
The Alpicool CF55 Portable Refrigerator is available for purchase on Amazon.com and on the Alpicool website. It's also available at some outdoor and camping stores.
5. Whynter FM65G 65 Quart Portable Refrigerator
The Whynter FM-65G 65 Quart Portable Refrigerator is a great option if you're searching for a reliable off-road fridge freezer. Here's what you need to know:
Specifications
The Whynter FM-65G has a 65-quart capacity and can hold up to 107 cans (12 fl. oz.). It has a compressor cooling system that can operate as a refrigerator or freezer and an adjustable temperature range of about -8°F to 50°F.
It has a voltage power of AC (110V/60Hz - 75W / 0.8A) or DC (12V/24V - 4.5A/2.5A Car Lighter Socket) and an LED temperature control and display. The fridge also has a fast freezing mode that rapidly cools to -8°F and a power-low indicator.
Performance
The Whynter FM-65G is a true freezer/refrigerator that cools between -8°F to 50°F. It's a cost-effective, mobile solution for recreational and critical freezing requirements.
The fridge has a compressor cooling system that ensures consistent cooling performance, even in extreme temperatures. It's perfect for camping, road trips, and other outdoor adventures.
What Sets It Apart
With its fast freeze mode, the Whynter’s FM65G portable fridge freezer can quickly chill food and drinks to -8°F. Therefore, it's an ideal appliance for rapidly freezing perishables. Additionally, this fridge is robust enough to handle the challenges of off-road travel.
Benefits
- Durable to withstand the rigors of off-road travel.
- Low power consumption, making it energy-efficient and cost-effective.
- A large capacity that can hold up to 107 cans, making it perfect for long trips.
- A compressor cooling system to ensure consistent cooling performance.
Drawbacks
- The Whynter FM-65G is relatively heavy and can be difficult to transport.
- Quite expensive compared to other off-road fridges on the market.
Who Should Buy
The Whynter FM-65G is a reliable off-road fridge, perfect for anyone who loves to go on outdoor adventures, including camping, road trips, and other off-road activities.
Where to Buy
Looking for the Whynter FM-65G? Then check out Amazon and Home Depot, where it's now available. Not your preference? You can also buy this product straight from the Whynter official site.
