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The Best 12V Refrigerator

Keeping your drinks and certain foods cool while you're on the go is important whether you're tailgating, camping or simply planning a picnic a few hours from home. Some items can make you ill if consumed after improper or inadequate refrigeration. Using a 12-volt refrigerator is a way to ensure that these items stay cool. Certain portable travel coolers perform better than others in terms of space, cooling capacity and price.
  1. Koolatron Kool Kaddy 36-Quart 12-Volt Cooler

    • The Koolatron Kool Kaddy 36-Quart 12-Volt Cooler is one of the largest 12-volt refrigerators. The 36-quart capacity allows you to store up to 57 soda cans. This refrigerator also is versatile, because it can be placed in a horizontal or in an upright position. You can plug the unit into your car's cigarette lighter outlet, or you can use an optional AC adaptor to plug it into a wall outlet. This product will cool items up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the outside temperature and will keep products cool for three hours after you unplug it. You can also use the optional setting on the Koolatron Kool Kaddy 36-Quart 12-Volt Cooler to keep items warm as well. The price range for this product is between $120 and $175 at the time of this publication.

    Wagan 6-Liter 12V Cooler/Warmer

    • The Wagan 6-Liter 12V Cooler/Warmer is a 12-volt refrigerator suitable for individual use. Its small size makes it easy to fit in front of your console in the front seat of your car or in the middle of your backseat. It has a padded leather surface on top to serve as an armrest while you drive or as a double drink holder for your beverages. This refrigerator is suitable for small gatherings, since it holds nine soda cans. The Wagan 6-Liter 12V Cooler/Warmer brings items 40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler in 20 minutes or less, and it will warm foods and beverages up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This product is priced between $60 and $90 at the time of publication.

    Coleman PowerChill Thermoelectric Cooler with Power Supply

    • The Coleman PowerChill Thermoelectric Cooler has a large 40-quart interior that can hold up to 44 cans of soda. This unit is compatible with cigarette lighter outlets or standard wall outlets. This refrigerator also cools to 40 degrees below the outside temperature. The Coleman PowerChill Thermoelectric Cooler has an adjustable shelf-divider for keeping goods organized, and its door can open either to the left or right. This product also works in upright or horizontal positions. This model retails between $90 and $170 at the time of publication.

    Koolatron 12V Travel Cooler - D25

    • The Koolatron 12V Travel Cooler - D25 is the appropriate 12-volt refrigerator for the person who appreciates organization. This model has external zippered pockets for storing utensils, maps and cell phones. It also has two external drink pouches and an internal zippered mesh pouch for more organized storage. This model has a 26-quart or 34-soda-can capacity and cools up to 30 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. The Koolatron 12V Travel Cooler is priced at about $85 at the time of publication.