How Does A Portable Refrigerator Work – Thermoelectric, Compression & Absorption 

The portable refrigerator has seen tremendous growth in popularity in recent years. Whether you’re going on a weeklong road trip or camping for the weekend, you’ll need the means to keep your drinks cold. 

But how many of us have the actual knowledge of how does a portable refrigerator work? Wouldn’t it be so much better for us if we knew how they function so that we can achieve the maximum efficiency & longevity of a portable refrigerator?

If you know “how does a portable refrigerator work” can extremely be handy in a variety of situations, including vacations, camping trips, and even just relocating to a new place like a college dorm. 

In this article, I will explain to you in such a way that it doesn’t matter if you’re a technical or non-technical person, you will understand the ins and outs of how a portable refrigerator works – all three types.

What Is A Portable Refrigerator?

A portable refrigerator is a small, self-contained refrigerator that may be powered by an external source. A portable refrigerator does not need ice or frozen packs to keep its insides chilled.

“Portable refrigerators and freezers rely on either compression refrigeration or thermoelectric refrigeration to maintain their cold temperatures. Absorption refrigeration, a third method, is less frequent in transportable devices since it requires a completely flat surface to function.”

A portable refrigerator is preferable if you need to keep perishables cold and fresh for more than a few days or need precise control over the temperature. The use of portable refrigerators is prevalent among – 

• Tourists that want to camp and wish to eat healthily while there
• If you’re having an outside party and don’t want to deal with ice to cool drinks,
• Communities on vacation who pack perishable food for the car ride;
• For those people in vehicles who need to provide cold items despite the hot weather, a big refrigerator is a must.
• Whoever needs a cool spot to store cosmetics or drinks on the counter.

What To Look For Before Buying A Portable Fridge

You need to make several considerations before settling on a portable refrigerator to purchase. Considerations such as the number of people who will use it, how long it will be in use, and portability are all important.

You have a variety of choices, though. It’s tough to tell which alternatives are worthwhile and which are just fancy ice chambers. There are a variety of cooling options available, including inverters, portable refrigerators, and RV refrigerators. 

By keeping in mind some simple guidelines for preventing food poisoning and selecting the appropriate model, you may take advantage of the usefulness of a secondary, portable refrigerator.

Storage Capacity of A Portable Refrigerator

First of all, storage capacity should be the prime consideration for buying a portable refrigerator. Don’t forget about what are you planning to store in the refrigerator, and how much room you anticipate it taking up.

Price of A Portable Refrigerator

Secondly, price-wise, portable refrigerators and freezers don’t usually break the bank. However, this is determined by the specific freezer model desired.

Be sure to shop around and compare costs before making a final decision. It’s important to remember that the goal isn’t always a cheap freezer, but rather a high-quality one that meets your demands.

Electricity Usage of A Portable Refrigerator

You probably immediately saw a high-powered appliance when I said “refrigerator.” However, contemporary refrigerators and freezers use very little energy. Most of them have a low power consumption (around 90 to 100 watts), which is great for your utility cost.

There is no need for electricity while using a soft-sided cooler, yet the ice cubes and cooling abilities are still first-rate.

In the case of a power outage, certain freezers can keep their contents frozen for up to 24 hours. The capacity to utilize renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and batteries, is also useful.

From Where To Buy / Marketplace

Think about the store you buy your freezer from carefully. If you buy a freezer from a vendor without proper licensing, you risk receiving a defective product.

“Check the dealer and the manufacturer’s credentials first. Verify that they have the proper credentials and a solid track record. Verify if they provide options like tech help. A product’s excellent warranty is also a fantastic starting point.”

According to studies, 59% of campers never venture more than 100 miles from home. You still need a technique to keep your produce and beverages cold while you’re on the road. In this regard, portable refrigerator freezers will prove useful.

These refrigerators are not only easily transportable but also long-lasting and reasonably priced. To that end, why not have one to make your outside activity seem more like being at home?

Operation Control of A Portable Refrigerator

More and more cutting-edge refrigerators and freezers are being built with remote-control capabilities. Users have access to and management of these resources via specialized applications and software.

These applications allow users to track both the freezers’ internal temperature and their energy use. In the event of a failure, the user can also perform diagnostics.

Weight of A Portable Refrigerator

See, there are a lot of things to remember while buying a portable fridge. Specially, is it necessary to move this heavy equipment through narrow doorways? Since we are talking about a portable refrigerator, weight is indeed one of the prime considerations.

Do you intend to take it to a remote location? Or will it remain permanently in your vehicle? So, look carefully before you leap.

Power Source of A Portable Refrigerator

Then again, the power source for the fridge is also an important factor. Most portable refrigerators have both AC and DC power adapters built in, but it’s a good idea to check just in case. Be sure about your power source for the portable refrigerator.

Avoid the hassle of packing for a trip just to find out you forgot a necessary adapter.

Durability/Warranty of A Portable Refrigerator

The average life expectancy of a portable refrigerator freezer is 19 – 21 years. This, however, is also contingent on how effectively they are maintained. 

There are certain variants that are considerably more durable than others. If you can, test out a model in a store or borrow one from a fellow camper, and then be forthright about the demands you’ll be placing on it.

Consistent maintenance, including cleaning the coils, is crucial to the efficient operation of the freezer. If you want your seals to last longer and perform better, clean them with a gentle brush.

Also, check the door seals to make sure they are functioning properly. Ineffective temperature regulation and energy loss are the results of leaky door seals. 

“The effectiveness of a freezer relies on the user’s ability to set and maintain the ideal temperature.”

Additional Features of A Portable Refrigerator

The majority of portable refrigerator freezers serve many purposes. Since it can function as both a refrigerator and a freezer, the user needs only flip a switch.

In addition to being crucial for camping, the freezers are also useful for picnics and road excursions. The freezers’ portability makes them useful for other settings, too, such as temporary stores, food stands, and fairs.

Portable refrigerator-freezers are not only handy for businesses, but also for home and recreational usage.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Portable Fridges?

You may have found yourself wishing you had a portable refrigerator or freezer when camping, driving, or sailing. These compact freezers can provide some advantages as they can store perishable food and provide ice for refreshing beverages.

Pros Of Portable Fridges

Here are some advantages of portable fridges –

Carrying Ease

It’s simplistic, yet that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. It is usually lightweight compared with conventional refrigerators. It’s fantastic to have something that can go on the road with you and improve your camping experience.

Temperature Control by User

The temperature of a cooler cannot be managed if ice is dumped into it. The temperature in most portable refrigerators may be adjusted, making them suitable for storing perishables like meat and ice cream, as well as beverages like beer.

Ice Keeper

I have used 5 different brands of portable refrigerators. Surprisingly, there’s no sign of melting ice. However, coolers are not ideal for transporting wet foods like sandwiches.

Cons Of Portable Fridges

• It is a little space, therefore there isn’t much room to store everything inside.
• It’s too little to store anything too bulky.
• It’s possible you’ll have to rearrange your storage space to make room for more important items.

All Three Types of Portable Refrigerators in Details

Below we are going to discuss all three types of portable refrigerators including thermoelectric, compressor, and absorption refrigerators – 

Thermoelectric Portable Fridges

Thermoelectric, absorption, and compressor portable refrigerators are the three primary varieties. While thermoelectric refrigerators are often the most affordable option, they lack the cooling power of compressor models.

They do this because their body temperature is based on the ambient air temperature. They are convenient to take on a short camping vacation or a road trip when you won’t need to keep perishables particularly cold for a long time.

How Does Thermoelectric Portable Fridge Work

To maintain refrigeration temperatures, thermoelectric refrigerators rely on what is known as the Peltier Effect. One end of an electric current will get hot as it passes through one type of conductor and cool as it passes through another type of conductor. 

The Peltier’s cold end is located inside the refrigerator to cool its contents, while the hot end is located outside to dissipate heat into the room.

In spite of their reduced size and greater portability, thermoelectric refrigerators are less energy-efficient than their conventional counterparts.

To know more about thermoelectric portable refrigerators, watch this video – 

Pros Of Thermoelectric Fridges

Here are some of the advantages of using thermoelectric fridges – 

Optimum Size & Lightweight 

They weigh a small fraction of what a standard compressor refrigerator would. It’s not possible to give specific figures without knowing the dimensions of both the thermoelectric and compression refrigerator being compared.

“But in general, thermoelectric versions will be at least 75% lighter than conventional refrigerators.”

More Space

Because there is no room taken up by the compressor, thermoelectric refrigerators may store more food than their compression counterparts of the same size.

Safe For Environment

Safe for the planet. No CFCs or HCFCs used.

Heating Options

Like a heat pump in a house, thermoelectric refrigerators may be switched to operate in reverse, turning into a warming oven instead of a cooler.

Calm & Quiet

The absence of a compressor is a further advantage. In spite of functioning at full volume, these devices are remarkably quiet.

Moving Ease

Because of their portability, thermoelectric refrigerators are frequently used in vehicles and as countertop appliances.

Cons Of Thermoelectric Fridges

Thermoelectric refrigerators are far more power-hungry and don’t cool as well as other options. In the past, we have tested several of them and found that only the best of them could keep food at a safe temperature under all but the most favorable of situations. 

Thus, they can only be used to transport already cold beverages to weekend sporting events or on a quick trip home from the neighborhoods.

Portable Compression Fridges

Compressor refrigerators are the closest in size to the typical household fridge. In terms of energy use, these are around average. They use the most energy yet produce the coolest results, beating even thermoelectric and absorption refrigerators.

You may take these fridges camping or on an off-road adventure without worrying about them breaking due to the uneven ground. They can also be chilled or frozen to a certain temperature. 

“The default temperature for these refrigerators is 35 degrees Fahrenheit, but you may adjust it as needed.”

Your fridge’s interior temperature may rise or fall by as much as 5° Fahrenheit depending on the ambient temperature. Because of this, if the outside temperature is really high, you should set the refrigerator temperature at -5 degrees higher than you now have it set at. 

When the outside temperature is really low, the inside temperature will typically drop by 5°.

How Does Portable Compression Fridge Work

Compressor refrigerators use a pump to force refrigerant fluid into a high-pressure condenser chamber located in a sealed room separate from the refrigerator’s main body. 

The liquid then passes via a small valve and into the low-pressure evaporator located within the refrigerator. The fluid is heated by compression in the condenser and then dissipated into the surrounding air.

After then, the temperature drops when the fluid enters the lower-pressure evaporator. The fluid switches back and forth between the two, allowing the cool air to remain within while forcing the heated air outside.

Pros Of Compression Fridges

Here are some pros of compression fridges –

Constant Temperature

I set the temperature to 7 degrees celsius and went outside for a couple of hours. When I returned I found it kept its temperature at 7. Whatever temperature you set for your compression fridge, it will strictly maintain that.

Not Related To Ambient Temperature

It doesn’t matter whether the temperature of the outside area is rising or decreasing. It will keep a consistent temperature that has already been set by you.

Freezer Mode

For experiment purposes, I kept some ice creams inside my little compression fridge. And what I found is really unbelievable. It was actually capable of keeping ice cream solid as it is. So, it’s a great additional feature I must say.

Cons Of Compression Fridges

Here are some cons of compression fridges –

Cost

The price of compression fridges is a little higher. They often have a much higher price tag than their thermoelectric counterparts.

Loud

It’s a bit noisy. The compressor has a sound that is quite similar to that of a regular-size refrigerator.

Heavy

It’s a bit heavier too. A refrigerator with a compressor is often a lot heavier than an equivalent thermoelectric type because of the compressor.

Capacity Limitation

The cabinet for the compressor is another problem. The cabinet for the compressor takes up valuable floor space.

Environmental Concerns

It has the possibility to create problems with the environment. Compression refrigerators need the use of refrigerant, which has the potential to spill from the device.

Portable Absorption Refrigerators

Although AC and DC power is also possible for absorption refrigerators, gas is the most efficient fuel source. These fridges don’t have temperature controls and can only cool to as much as 28 – 31 degrees below the ambient temperature.

A perfectly smooth surface is also required for them to function correctly. These refrigerators are typically seen in recreational vehicles, making them technically non-portable. 

However, they are ideal for journeys where you will have access to electricity, such as camping and road trips. These refrigerators might be regarded by some as the pinnacle of mobile refrigeration.

How Does An Absorption Refrigerator Work

The refrigerant fluid in an absorption refrigerator evaporates in a low-pressure chamber, absorbing heat from the fridge’s interior. Since it’s in a low-pressure chamber, not much heat is needed to do the job. 

The gaseous refrigerant escapes the refrigerator after being absorbed by a salt solution, which is subsequently heated.

As the liquid returns to its original state as a result of heat loss, the evaporation process can proceed. This procedure will keep the refrigerator chilly so long as the heating coil is heated. 

The use of an absorption refrigerator, a type of portable refrigerator, in warmer weather is enhanced by providing airflow across the heating coils.

To know more about absorption refrigerators, watch this –

Pros of An Absorption Refrigerator

• Flexibility is more. When compared to other power sources, it is the most flexible.
• Doesn’t consume an extreme amount of gas. Long range on a single tank of gas.
• An elaborate dual-battery setup may be unnecessary.
• It doesn’t make much noise and is nearly silent while running.

Cons of An Absorption Refrigerator

• Needs must be on a flat surface to function; hard to operate while traveling.
• Unreliable and may quickly deplete batteries if operated at 12 volts.
• Not suitable for small, airtight spaces like a caravan.
• Do not have a temperature setting but instead automatically lower to a predetermined level. 
• Perfect for moderate temperatures but not for freezing ones

Traveling With A Camping Fridge

It’s likely that you’ll invest in a battery-operated camping refrigerator if you intend to bring your mini-fridge along on your travels. This is a low-maintenance and environmentally friendly option for keeping your fridge cool.

Not all non-battery-operated appliances use the same amount of power, and the amount they consume depends on factors including the appliance’s size, manufacturer, age, the temperature you set it at, and whether or not you defrost it manually or automatically.

The greatest advantage of a portable refrigerator is the extra freedom it provides. Finally, you’re probably buying this stuff so that you may satisfy a need to have food and drink in more convenient locations. Most portable refrigerators will suffice in this regard.

How To Maintain A Portable Refrigerator?

Please open the lid, make the body down, from the front of the body drainage, and use a dry towel to wipe the dew clean; this is a typical phenomenon and does not indicate a defect in the product, but rather the usage of high temperature and damp environment. 

In order to prevent electric shock or a short circuit, you should never clean a portable refrigerator with water or any other moistening agent, and you should always disconnect the appliance before doing any repair. 

If you don’t keep your portable fridge in a dry area, it may start to mildew and smell musty after a while. To prevent discoloration, you must avoid using any liquids that contain alcohol, water, or light removal on portable refrigerators.

Factors Affecting The Efficiency Of Portable Refrigerators

Battery life for portable refrigerators is negatively impacted by a rise in ambient temperature. 

Variety And Quantity Of Stuff Stored In A Portable Fridge: 

As the volume of food stored in the fridge increases, so does the energy required to keep everything at the right temperature. 

Time Of Day Of Opening And Closing: 

Portable refrigerators’ energy usage increases with each opening and shutting. The lower you set the temperature on a portable refrigerator, the more energy it will need.

Top Best Portable Refrigerators

Miniature portable refrigerators use different brands of components than regular refrigerators. Mini refrigerators, which are especially useful for college students due to their portability and low price, are manufactured by Haier and are of high quality and value. 

There are other larger variants available, and some of those even have a freezer. Powerful and energy-efficient refrigeration is available on some models. 

Newair, Danby, Frigidaire, Igloo, and Sanyo are the further top-tier manufacturers. Mini-fridges from Danby and Frigidaire are said to be the best available.

Check the latest prices of top best portable refrigerators on amazon.

FAQ on Portable Refrigerator

Here is some frequently asked questions and their answers on the portable refrigerator –

1. Does A Mini Fridge Run All The Time?

No, not really.

Most of the portable mini fridges run around one-third time of the day. This means your refrigerator will run for around 8 hours actively and once it reaches the required temperature it shuts down itself. 

When the temperature change happens it restarts to run again. After performing a couple of experiments on them, we have seen a portable refrigerator runs around 8 hours a day.

2. How Often Should My Portable Mini Fridge Run?

According to engineers and refrigerator specialists, a fridge should operate for around 29 – 31 minutes on a regular basis. 

This implies that if you leave your fridge door closed for an extended period of time, the compressor will automatically switch on and begin cooling the interior after 29 – 31 minutes.

If you have a large family or are frequently opening and closing the refrigerator, this may be a problem. If you do this, your refrigerator will run on brief cycles to keep the temperature inside the fridge constant.

The ambient conditions also affect the total operational time. It’s more likely that the running time interval will reduce to cool the refrigerator consistently if you reside in an area with high humidity and sunny days where increased temperatures are prevalent.