A portable camping fridge is a really valuable piece of camping gear, especially on longer trips. To get the most from your electric cooler or fridge, we’ve put together some helpful tips.

Pack in reverse

Pack the fridge in reverse order you plan to eat the food. This way the food you want to use first is at the top. Open the fridge as little as possible as this will reduce the amount of power used to keep its contents cold.

Thawing food

To thaw food move it from the freezer compartment to the fridge compartment the night before. This allows the food to thaw while cooling the fridge compartment.

Basket case

Use the baskets supplied with your fridge/freezer. They have been designed to improve airflow that keeps the temperature constant. It also prevents your food from sticking to the sides. 

Use the latches.

It keeps the heat out and also protects the seals.

Check out The Weekend Nomad's Portable Refrigerator Buyer's Guide

Dometic CFX28 Fridge Freezer

Check Prices

Dometic cfx compressor portable refrigerator/freezers provide excellent cooling performance, even at extreme ambient temperatures and with minimal power consumption. They can be used for standard refrigeration as well as for freezing.

• No ice- ever. Except making ice for drinks.
• Flexibility- refrigerate or freeze to -7F. Average energy consumption at AC (DIN15502) : 0.175 kWh/24h
• Ultra low power consumption using AC or DC means its great for solar setups or other off-grid applications
• Heavy-duty design with reinforced corners and a robust closing mechanism
• Downsize to 2/3 the size of a traditional cooler- don’t need to take up space with ice
• Control and monitor the cooling temperature in the compartment via WiFi app (except the CFX28 and CFX65DZ)
• Energy-efficient LED interior light

• USB port For charging small electronic devices
• 3-stage battery protection
• 2 Year Warranty

Use food containers

Pack food in airtight containers first and then place the containers in the fridge. This will prevent food odors and spills inside the freezer.

Airflow

Never block the air vents as this will inhibit the fridges cooling ability and cause it to draw more power to compensate.

More power

Use the thickest power cable as is practical. The thicker cable will have reduced resistance and improve power delivery to the fridge making it more efficient.

Protect it

Using a protective cover not only protects the fridge from wear and tear, but also acts as added insulation in hot conditions.

Which material

Aluminium or reinforced plastic is a good choice if the fridge will be mounted in the back of a vehicle or trailer, but steel construction is more hard wearing and will deal with the abuse around the campsite better.

Strap it down

Always strap down your fridge when traveling with it. Bumps and vibrations from a unsecured fridge  can cause a lot of damage.

Vary the temperature

Set the freezer to it’s coldest setting while driving and change to a more economical setting when reaching camp. This will maximize power usage.

Avoid the sun

This might sound obvious, but keeping your fridge out of the sun will significantly improve its performance and efficiency.

Keeping the beers cold

If you have a choice between cans and bottles, use cans. Cans cool down faster than glass and are more space efficient because of their shape.

Airflow

Whenever possible allow airflow around the fridge. This will make it more efficient.

Not too cold

It’s not always necessary to set the temperature to the coldest setting. A few degrees below freezing should be sufficient to store most types of food.

Keep it packed

Keeping your fridge as full as possible will make it more efficient and reduce power drain.

Keep it running

A running fridge works better than one that gets switched on and off constantly. When at home, keep it plugged in to an appropriate power source. This way it’s ready to use at a moments notice.

Open wide

If you have to store your fridge without power, make sure to leave the door slightly open. This avoids moisture from getting trapped causing odors and mould.

Always pack an extra fuse.

When you need it, you’ll be glad to have it.

Cool it down first

Don’t put hot food in the fridge. Let it cool down first. Warm food in the fridge will cause the inside temperature to rise and make it less efficient.

If it’s very hot

In very hot conditions, place a wet towel (not dripping wet) over the lid. This will help with insulation.