I currently have an Outwell electric coolbox which is getting a bit long in the tooth so I'm looking for recommendations for what to replace it with. It is 23l approx and 40*30*45cm externally. I'd like to avoid going much bigger since we are already on the limit of what we can fit in the car. I am going to the south of France, which we have managed ok with the coolbox but does require frequent trips to the supermarket for fresh food which I would like to avoid. I figure that I could get a fridge with a slightly smaller capacity, but similar external dimensions, because the fridge will cool things down, so I won't have to fit all the beer in at once to get a cool one!
Any suggestions? I have seen the Mobicools well recommended here, but I think they are too big for us.
Bite the bullet and go for a Mobicool C40 if you can find one, if you need 12v capability then the Mobicool FR40 is the answer, slightly smaller as well, but double the price of the C40.
We used a Waeco CF25 from 2008 to 2013, even though there is only the two of us, it's diminutive size was a challenge when on the campsite for over a fortnight.
The Waeco has now been relegated to in car use only, or for when there is no electric at the pitch.
The Mobicool C40 has been a godsend, providing an endless supply of chilled beer.
We use the C40 as a packing box for the journey, so it's space gets utilised in the car.
We go to France and hire a fridge on site to save taking our Colemans Extreme.
Some sites have fridge hire... others I have e-mailed sites directly and asked about fridge hire. They have given me a separate company to use & pay and say that they would be happy to sort out the delivery to my tent.
Hi. Thanks for the replies, even though I posted this ages ago and then forgot about it! Holidays are rapidly approaching and I am back on the case!
Mobicool looks like the way to go but pretty expensive for the use it would get. I had already considered packing stuff inside the fridge to save space when travelling. Dometic fridges look decent too.
We have considered renting at the campsite, but I'm considering the cost benefits of buy Vs rent.
What about mini fridges or bar fridges such as one might find in Argos etc. They are generally thermoelectric - does this means that they are basically a glorified version of the electric coolbox that I already have?
Final question - anyone any thoughts on the Quest 3 way fridge?
I have the mobicool C40 and it works really well even on a very hot day. Its basically a top loading compressor fridge and is quite a bit more expensive than a front opening fridge of the same capacity.
Ignore thermoelectric, they are just the same as the cool boxes as you suggest above.
If you would like a cheaper option then have a search for table top fridge. This as an example even has a tiny ice box for those G&T's. Argos Fridge£90
, Argos Fridge £70
While my mobicool is great, I'd have probably saved the cash and bought one of the above as they are about the same physical size and have about the same capacity.
You're unlikely to find anything physically smaller with a compressor that isn't significantly more expensive.
We have just upgraded from our old trusty Electrolux 3 way fridge to a Tristar HC45 compressor type fridge for use in France.
The 3 way type usually use a system called absorbsion to cool and can only manage to cool down to about 20 degrees from ambient, in very hot temps they struggle a bit. The compressor type can easily manage at any temperature down to below freezing. It uses 12v DC as well to maintain cooling en route in the car. Currently £173 from Obelink in Holland
Expensive but worth in IMO.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
Thanks all. Not sure what I'm going to go for, but I understand the options now. I'd like to go with a compressor, but it will require some serious boot Tetris to fit one!
I have a Colemans Extreme and am fed up with my food floating around in water as the ice melts, also it's not always easy to get ice to top it up with.
More recently bought a Dometic ACX40 G (3-way cooler that runs on disposable gas canisters) which is disappointing in hot weather on both gas and mains but where I don't have the option of EHU (festivals and some of the sites I visit), it will serve a purpose.
On the recommendation above I bought the Mobilcool FR40, it's a fantastic cooler and a brilliant addition to my camping kit. It will get used whenever I am camping with an EHU.
Mobicool W40s are on sale in Tesco at the moment for £60, end of line clearance.
We bought one yesterday to replace our Camping Gaz 36 litre box, mostly because of the wheels. We'll see how it performs soon.
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Topic: Electric cooling options
