Portable Fridges

Your Professional Electric Vehicle Supplier

The company owns automotive grade production lines for four major manufacturing processes. We independently develop vehicle compartments and frames, and have four production workshops for stamping, welding, painting, and final assembly, with an annual production capacity of 20,000 complete vehicles. The annual total output value of body products reaches 1.8 billion yuan, and the company has now become one of the largest suppliers in Shandong Province.

Why Choose Us

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Full industrial chain & large-scale manufacturing capabilities

We've set up 10 major production bases in 8 Chinese provinces, covering 360,000 square meters, to form a nationwide network. With world-class full-process production lines for stamping, welding, painting, and final assembly lines and ABB/KUKA welding robots, and other renowned brands, we can produce 20,000 electric vehicles and 10,000 special-purpose vehicles annually.

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Professional R&D system and innovation capacity

We have complete Sales system, After sales service system, Quality controlling system.Our products have already exported to more than 20 countries, and we already authorized more than 18 different countries after sales agencies for our products. We can supply our overseas customer professional service according to different market special requirement from products to after sales service.

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Global cooperation and quality assurance system

We have established a global cooperation and quality assurance system. Our products are exported to over 20 countries and regions worldwide, and our market share has been steadily increasing. Moreover, we have obtained a full range of certifications, including ISO9001 and IATF16949, and passed the VDA6.1/6.3 audits. By adhering to high standard quality control, we have won the trust of international customers.

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Customized services and full value chain capabilities

We offer customized service for the full cycle from concept design to mass production. completing the design within 30 days, mold development within 1 to 3 months, and sample vehicle testing within 2 to 3 months. In the field of special vehicles, we offer a one-stop solution from "function definition to modification to delivery", covering municipal, logistics and emergency scenarios, and responding to demands quickly.

40L Portable Fridges
The 40L Portable Fridges is the most impressive design cooler. This superior portable small car refrigerator has a concise appearance with simple color assortment of black and gray.The 40L...
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16L Portable Ice Maker
We can always have enough ice cubes for a cold drink with this 16L portable ice maker maker. It produces up to 30 pounds of ice per day, and features a compact design with convenient handle that...
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20L Portable Fridges
20L Portable Fridges will keep your foods fresh and beverage cold. This series’convenient, practical design are suitable for car, household, outdoor use. Light and compact size, easy to carry,...
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15L Portable Fridges
15L Portable Fridges has a small capacity and is usually suitable for storing small amounts of food or drinks. This kind of refrigerator usually adopts portable design, which is lightweight and...
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18L Portable Fridges
18L Portable Fridges has a small capacity and is usually suitable for storing small amounts of food or drinks. This kind of refrigerator usually adopts portable design, which is lightweight and...
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9L Portable Fridges
9L Portable Fridges has a small capacity and is usually suitable for storing small amounts of food or drinks. This kind of refrigerator usually adopts portable design, which is lightweight and...
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What is a Portable Fridge for Car?

A portable fridge, or 12V fridge, is a fridge that can be taken with you anywhere you go, designed to operate on very low power, generally using your car’s 12V battery. Traditionally, portable fridges were designed as an open chest with a lid on the top, a bit like a refrigerated box. Today, portable fridges come in many shapes, sizes and variations and are extremely popular for camping, caravans, trucks, cars and 4WDs, remote and off-grid locations, perfect for keeping your drinks cold and your food fresh no matter where you travel.

Features of Portable Fridge

Single Zone vs Dual Zone
There are fridges that have the option of a single zone and a dual zone. If you're wondering what is the difference, here is the differences:

- Single Zone: Can be set as either a refrigerator or freezer
- Dual zone: Can use one zone as a freezer and the other zone as a refrigerator or you can use both zones as either a freezer/refrigerator at the same time if you don't want to set two different temperatures. This means you can keep your meats frozen while keeping your drinks nice and cold.

Material
There are many different materials used to make for portable fridges. Some common ones are made with plastic, metal, and stainless steel. With the material will determine the weight of the portable fridge. So, if you're looking for something light and easy to carry around, consider plastic. Don't let the material plastic fool you, with the plastic material they are less prone to denting. If you want something that is durable, you may want to consider the ones made with stainless steel.

Compressor and Warranty
The compressor may be the most important part of the portable fridge. It is like the motherboard to a computer. You will want to research the brand of the portable fridge and what compressor they use. Warranty is also important when you're considering which portable fridge to buy. Since you will be using the portable fridge for your outdoor adventures, it will need to last for a long time.

Accessories
Many portable fridge accessories you will need, will be an AC and a DC adaptor. The AC adaptor will allow you to plug into a regular outlet at home so you will be able to precool your portable fridge. The DC adaptor will allow you to plug into your vehicle to help keep cool while you're driving.
Some portable fridges will have an insulated cover available. The cover will improve the cooling efficiency by preventing cold air from flowing away. It will also add another layer to help protect your cooler and make it a lot more durable to last longer.
Another accessory that is popular is a fridge slider/mount. You would install this into your vehicle trunk and this will make it a lot easier and more convenient to access and pull out your portable fridge.

Pros and Cons of 12v Fridge

As the name suggests, a 12v fridge runs on the 12-volt DC power supply from your motorhome’s house battery (or 24-volt power in larger motorhomes converted from a bus or truck). They also have the ability to run on 240-volt mains or generator power. For this reason, they are also referred to as two-way fridges.

A 12v fridge keeps cool by using a compressor motor – just like your fridge at home. Electricity runs the compressor motor which pumps refrigerant through the cooling system.

Pros of running a fridge on 12v power
Here is a look at some of the benefits of 12v fridges:

Although gas is proven to be safe when handled properly, some motorhome owners prefer using electricity only to remove any safety concerns.
12v fridges can provide more consistently cool temperatures in very hot environments.
If you charge your battery through solar or at a campsite, running your fridge on 12v is more cost-effective than refilling LPG gas bottles.
Unlike a gas-powered fridge, compressor fridges don’t have to be perfectly level to operate well.
12v fridges are relatively easy to install and can be done yourself.

Cons of running a fridge on 12v power
There are some great benefits that come with 12v fridges, but what about the downsides? Let’s take a look…

Your 12v fridge can drain your battery quickly unless you are regularly plugged into mains or using solar power or a generator.
In some cases, you may need to limit the use of other appliances that run on your 12v battery.
Because they run on power, 12v compressor fridges produce more noise than absorption fridges. However, most modern fridges are much quieter than older models.

Portable Fridges vs. Traditional Coolers

Compressor and Cooling Function

A traditional cooler doesn’t have a compressor. Instead, it relies on insulation and ice to keep the contents cool. It doesn’t lower the temperature of your items but merely keeps them at a set temperature for a limited amount of time.
A cooler may be able to keep perishable items food-safe for a few hours, but any longer than that, and you’re risking your health (and your family’s).

Fridge and Freezer Settings

Most portable refrigerators include a thermostat for the fridge and freezer. They may be just one setting for both the refrigerator and freezer. Thermostats are not an option with coolers. They can keep contents cool but not below freezing. They don’t function as freezers.

Temperature Control

A portable refrigerator allows you to set the temperature according to your needs. Temperature control lets you adjust not only based on the contents but also the climate (ambient temperature).
On sweltering days, you may need to lower the temperature to maintain food safety.
A cooler is even more subject to ambient temperature, and you have no option to control the internal temperature — other than adding more ice.

How to Choose a Portable Fridge?

Portable refrigerators bring so many outdoor and travel activities to the next level. If you’re ready to purchase one, here are some things to keep in mind:

Storage Capacity
Different models will feature different storage capacities. You need to strike a balance between how much interior space you require for cooling and how much exterior space you have for your fridge.
If you’re looking for a portable fridge for your tiny home or RV where you live full-time, you’ll likely need a larger storage capacity than if you’ll primarily use the fridge for camping, tailgating, or road trips.

Size and Weight
Determine how much space you have for your portable refrigerator. Next, consider how much interior cooling space you need. Find a model that strikes a balance between the two.
Size and weight also affect portability. If you aren’t moving the fridge from place to place regularly, this may not be a concern.
However, if you’ll be transporting it to multiple locations frequently, be mindful of size and weight. You don’t want to break your back with your portable refrigerator. Look for add-on features like a carrying handle or wheels to improve portability.

Power Source
Most portable refrigerators have DC and AC electricity adapters. Some have built-in batteries to run the compressor off-grid. Your power source and available charging methods (for battery-powered fridges) are essential to consider.
Especially if you plan on using the appliance in off-grid or remote locations without access to hookups or shore power.

Durability and Quality
All portable refrigerators aren’t made equal. Before investing in one of these devices, it’s essential to do your research. Are they made of quality materials, and do they have the durability you can rely on?
Manufacturing quality is a concern, not only to ensure you get the best value from your purchase. If you rely on a portable fridge for living in an off-grid home, you need a long-lasting solution that you can depend on.
Similarly, the stakes may be lower for a tailgate party vs. a week-long camping trip. Quality and durability may weigh differently vs. price in your calculation.
When weighing your options, look for rugged construction, operating angle of tilt, and the waterproof IP rating to help assess a product’s durability.

How to Power a Portable Fridge

FOR THE WEEKEND TRIP…
There are a few different options when it comes to powering your fridge on the road, because unlike a cooler, to keep your fridge cold it will need power. The first, and easiest, is simply plugging it straight into your vehicle via the 12v cigarette lighter socket. This solution will work well if you’re going on a shorter trip, will be spending most of the time driving or will have access to a powered campsite at your destination.
By connecting to the 12v cigarette lighter socket, the fridge will take power from the car when it is running but as soon as the car is turned off it will continue drawing from, and therefore draining, the starter battery. The great thing about 12v fridges though is that they do not have to be running all the time and tend to hold their temperature better than a cooler. This means that if you’re only going away for a night or two you can run the fridge in the car on the way to your campsite, disconnect it overnight and run it with the car the next day and it should stay relatively cold.
As more and more 12v fridges have a freezer compartment, there is more a need for adjustable temperature settings. This can work in your favor if you set your fridge to a little colder than it needs to be to withstand not being powered overnight. Many 12v fridges also have a power chord that can be plugged into mains power, so if you are camping at a powered campsite, it can be plugged into the mains power outlet when you arrive at your destination.

FOR A LONGER TRIP…
If you’re looking to go on a longer trip, further off grid or just want to have your 12v fridge powered constantly you’re going to need a more consistent power source. A dual battery setup is the perfect solution to keep your fridge cold for a long time.

For the perfect 12v fridge setup, you’ll need at least one auxiliary battery. The auxiliary battery is used to run the fridge and any other 12v accessories. By running your fridge from an auxiliary battery, you avoid draining the starter battery.

WHAT ABOUT SOLAR?

To keep your batteries charging and fridge running when the car is not on, a solar panel might be the way to go. Solar panels keep your battery topped up so that you can keep using your fridge for longer without having to worry about running the car to charge the battery. Solar panels enable you to go fully off grid or be parked up camping and having your fridge running for long stretches of time.

12v fridges are one of the simple and often inexpensive ways to upgrade your overlanding setup. They enable you to stay off grid for longer and can take your overlanding eats to the next level.

Practical Tips to Maximize Portable Fridge Runtime

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Invest in a Deep-Cycle Battery

Consider using a deep-cycle battery specifically designed for running appliances. These batteries are built to handle deep discharges without significant damage, extending their lifespan and providing more consistent power.

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Monitor Battery Voltage

Keep an eye on your battery’s voltage using a voltmeter or a battery monitor. This will help you determine its state of charge and recharge it when necessary to avoid deep discharges.

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Use a Dual Battery System

For extended trips or heavy use of your fridge, consider installing a dual battery system. This setup separates the starting battery from the auxiliary (fridge) battery, ensuring that your fridge doesn’t drain the starting battery and leave you stranded.

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Insulate Your Fridge

Improve the efficiency of your fridge by insulating it. Use reflective or foam insulation to minimize heat transfer and reduce the fridge’s workload.

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Pre-Cool Your Fridge

Before loading it with items, pre-cool your fridge at home or using a power source other than your car battery. This reduces the initial load on the battery.

06/

Optimize Fridge Temperature

Set your fridge to the ideal temperature for your items. Lowering the temperature unnecessarily will make the fridge work harder and consume more power.

07/

Minimize Openings

Limit the number of times you open the fridge to retain cold air and reduce the fridge’s workload. Organize your items efficiently to access what you need without unnecessary openings.

08/

Use a Solar Panel

Consider adding a solar panel to your setup. Solar panels can recharge your battery during the day, offsetting the power used by the fridge and extending runtime.

Our Factory

We have over 10 production bases in 8 provinces and municipalities across the country, located in Qingdao, Weifang, Zhucheng, Laiwu, Shandong Province, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, Baoji, Shaanxi Province, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, etc. Our products cover electric microcars, electric tricycles, electric freight tricycles, electric commercial vehicles and special-purpose vehicles, etc.

Our Certificate

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: So how do portable fridges keep things cool?

A: In an icebox, you remove the coolant (the melted ice) which has absorbed the heat, and you refill it with fresh ice. In a refrigerator, you use a refrigerant to absorb the heat from the food, and then you pump it using a compressor away from the food and replace it with fresh refrigerant to keep the contents cold.

Q: What is a refrigerant?

A: A refrigerant is usually a gas or a liquid that requires a lot heat energy to freeze, condense or evaporate; that's what makes it useful. Ice is a refrigerant but it's hard to pump around in pipes - it's better to use a gas that condenses to a liquid at a temperature lower than what you want the fridge to work at. Car air conditioners and portable electric fridges usually use R134A which is much less damaging to the atmosphere than previous refrigerants such as R12 {Freon}.

Q: How does the refrigerator perform on hot days?

A: Your refrigerator has to work harder on a hot day. Because it's hotter outside the insulation lets more heat through, and the condenser has to work harder to try and get rid of the heat into air that is already hot. This is also true for your fridge at home. The compressor will run more often and you will use more power. It is really important to keep the fridge out of the direct sun, and not in a heated environment like the back of a closed up car or 4WD.

Q: Does it matter if liquid spills or collects inside portable fridges?

A: Whilst the stainless steel liner is sealed, if by chance any moisture did seep into the insulation the fridge performance would be noticeably affected. It is therefore highly recommended to keep the inside dry. If you wish to add extra cooling blocks into the inside of the fridge it is recommended that you use Techni-Ice sheets or sealed icepacks; never loose ice.

Q: Can dust affect the performance of portable fridges?

A: Yes. Although the fridges are tough and used Australia-wide, operating the fridge in very dusty environments can lead to reduced performance as the dust collects on the condenser coils. The same is true for your kitchen fridge. Extremely dusty environments may cause poor power connections and intermittent operation so it is strongly advised not to operate the fridge in areas such as plastering, concrete sawing, landscaping or dusty outdoor conditions

Q: Portable fridges take a long time to freeze items, is this normal?

A: Yes, it is. Let's take a medium size juice bottle, e.g. one that holds 2.4 liters. On the GNA-60 sticker is says it takes 24 hours to freeze 2.5Kg (or liters) of water. It actually takes 80 times more energy to freeze water than it does to simply cool it by 1ºC.
Put another way, it takes the same amount of time and energy to cool an amount of water from 80ºC to 0ºC, as it does to completely freeze that amount of water at 0ºC. It's much better to freeze your items beforehand, and then put them in an empty fridge that is already at -18ºC. (And now you know why ice is used to keep things cool!)

Q: How much power do portable fridges use?

A: When it is actively cooling it can use up to 60 - 70 Watts of power. When it has reached the set temperature and the compressor turns off, it uses less than a watt of power. Once the set temperature has been reached the average power use is usually about a third of the maximum; typically, about 20 Watts overall.

Q: Can portable fridges be operated from 12v dc power socket of a car?

A: Yes, but almost all cars will only supply 12V while the accessories are switched on or the ignition is on and/or the car is running. So, if you stop and turn off the car the fridge will probability stop working too. This will help to prevent you from flattening your car battery, of course. If your car battery is not in good condition the low voltage error protection may switch off the fridge just when you are stopped, especially if it is at night and the car headlights are running too.

Q: What is the recommended temperature to run portable fridges as refrigerators?

A: Most vegetables & fruit should be kept at a maximum temperature of 10ºC, and for milk, dairy and other perishables 4ºC or lower is recommended. Please check the guidelines printed on the packaging of food that you purchase. Below 4ºC water starts to expand and it breaks open the plant cells, particularly in high water content foods such as lettuce, strawberries, etc. It is recommended that you do not place these items close to the top of the stainless steel liner where the evaporator coils are.

Q: What is the recommended temperature to run portable fridges as a freezer?

A: If you use the fridge for carrying or transporting food that is already properly frozen, setting an operating temperature of -18ºC will meet food handling guidelines for the frozen foodstuffs. As the operating conditions of a portable car fridge will vary so much, it is not recommended to use it for long term storage of frozen food. Any foodstuffs that thaw should not be refrozen, but either used or disposed of properly. Please use your common sense.

Q: Why do portable fridges take 3 minutes to start?

A: When the fridge turns off there is still high pressure refrigerant in the condenser. If the compressor tried to start straight away the load would be too high. The startup delay allows the pressures in the system to equalize so the compressor uses less power to start again. It also protects the system when it is first turned on in case the unit has not been sitting level.

Q: What does the 3 position battery protection switch do?

A: The BPF switch is there for battery operation only - the external power supply gives sufficient power so that the switch position does not matter. The switch is there to ensure that you don't over-discharge your battery. As there are many different sizes and types of batteries available, and the battery wire connections may vary, the BPF gives the user the choice of when to cut off the fridge to stop over-draining the battery. The standard position for the switch is to leave it in the "3" position.

Q: The temperature indication sometimes jumps up and down or changes when the fridge switches off and on - is this normal?

A: The digital temperature display may vary a degree or two or as the unit is cooling down. It does not affect the operation of the fridge

Q: Can portable fridges be operated off a 12v battery?

A: Yes, you can, but there are a number of factors to keep in mind to do this successfully. First of all, you need to think through how much time the battery will need to run the fridge on its own, and how you will recharge the battery to replace the energy the fridge uses.

Q: How much power do portable fridges use in 24 hours?

A: (1) If the fridge is trying to cool down and runs continuously, it can consume 60Watts x 24 hours = 1.44Kw
(2) If the fridge has reached temperature and is not opened, or in the sun, or a hot environment, it may only consume 20Watts x 24hours = 480W The actual consumption will be somewhere between these figures

Q: Can portable fridges be run safely from the car power socket?

A: Yes, but not for any length of time if the car engine isn't running to top up the battery. The is where the battery protection switch becomes important - setting it to the "1" position instead of "3" will switch off the fridge before the car battery discharges too much and is safer. As the car wiring is often not thick enough, you may have to run the fridge with the switch in the "3" position anyway. If you have more than one auxiliary power socket, use the one closest to the front of the car where the battery is as there will be less voltage drop from the front socket.

Q: Can I run the fridge from a second battery but still charge it from my car?

A: Yes, you can. An auto electrician or electronics technician can install a manual or an automatic switch that will charge an auxiliary battery when the car is running, but can be manually or automatically disconnected from the car so that it only runs the car fridge. That way you do not risk accidentally flattening your main car starting battery. You will need to safely mount the auxiliary battery and wire it correctly with fuse protection.

Q: What type of battery do I need?

A: For safety reasons, it is recommended to use a spill-proof sealed lead-acid battery [SLA]. There are a range of types, including Sealed, Gel and AGM {Absorbed Glass Mat}. A normal car starting battery is not recommended as it is designed to apply power in short bursts to start the car, not long term power which is what you need to run the fridge. A quality battery will be heavy (thicker plates), not cheap, but will power your fridge reliably. AGM type SLA batteries are superior to Gel SLA batteries, but may be more expensive, however a larger capacity Gel type may work as well as an AGM SLA battery. Gel SLA batteries cannot be charged as quickly as other types of batteries of the same capacity.

Q: What size battery should I get?

A: Assuming that the fridge is already at set temperature, at a minimum of 480 Watts over 24 hours, you would need a 40AH (40 Amp Hours) battery. 40A{amps) x 12V{volts} = 480 Watts. For the longest life, it is advisable to only use a lead acid battery down to 50% of its capacity, so an 80AH battery would be a better choice for long term reliability, though more expensive.

Q: What sort of wire should I connect the battery with?

A: You need heavy duty figure 8 DC power cable. See the attached table for information on recommended copper wire sizes between the battery terminals and the power socket on the fridge. A cable with a DC power socket on the end, and attachments to the battery terminals with a protective fuse close to the positive battery terminal at the other is required. You can then plug in the DC lead supplied with the fridge to this adaptor cable.

As one of the leading portable fridges manufacturers in China, we warmly welcome you to buy high-grade portable fridges made in China here from our factory. All our products are with high quality and competitive price.

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