Five of our favourite camping fridge options

Strictly speaking, you don’t really need a camping fridge when you’re roughing it in the great outdoors. But then again, who doesn’t enjoy a cold drink after setting up camp or to wash down the dust of a day spent on a dirt road? However, like with all other camping and outdoor equipment, it’s important to do your homework before you buy. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish – you’ll only end up regretting opting for that bargain when all your food spoils while you’re in the bush!

To help you take the guessword out of picking the best camping fridge for your needs, we take a look at five of the best 50- to 60-litre options available on the local market.

Dometic

Dometic/Waeco camping fridges are not only reliable,efficient and rugged but also also rather stylish. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit your needs and are built with quality materials to withstand the demands of outdoor living. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or on a road trip, a Dometic camping fridge is a reliable choice for keeping your food and beverages fresh and cold.

Top pick: CFX3 Camping Fridge/Freezer

Price: from R13 739

The CFX 55 can fit up to 85 cans of drinks, making it perfect for long camping trips to popular South African spots like the Kruger National Park or the Drakensberg Mountains. The clever internal layout without a dairy compartment also allows for better organisation of your supplies. In addition, its heavy-duty yet lightweight construction provides ultimate protection in harsh environments.

Capacity: 55 litres

Dimensions: 694 x 398 x 476mm

Weight: 18.7kg

Warranty: 3 years

Key features:

  • FX3 app allows you to control temperature via Wifi/Bluetooth
  • Efficient VMSO3 compressor deep freezes down to -22°C
  • Heavy-duty yet lightweight ExoFrame
  • Spring-loaded aluminium alloy handles
  • Digital display states the temperature and status
  • USB port for charging mobile devices
  • Removable internal wire divider
  • Powered by AC and DC
  • 3-stage battery protection
  • Threaded M6 inserts in base for mounting

More information: https://www.campingfridge.co.za/

Engel

Engel is a leader in the South African portable fridge-freezer market. Its MT-V Series offers the convenience of separate fridge and freezer compartments, while additional benefits include user-friendly digitial control with a built-in battery monitor and LED intrerior light. Its highly efficient and robust motor is said to boast the lowest maximum power consumption in the market.

Top pic: Combi MT-V Series Portable Fridge and Freezer

Price: from R18 795

The 57-litre Combi MT-V Series Portable Fridge and Freezer is a fan forced fridge/freezer, with the cold air being transferred from the freezer into the fridge compartment via a thermostatically controlled fan. The internal cabinet wall is fixed, and the freezer has an internal cover to keep all your frozen goods in pristine condition. 

Capacity: 57 litres

Dimensions: 441 x 790 x 490mm

Weight: 34kg

Warranty: 5 years

Key features:

  • Built-in 240V AC/12V/24V DC
  • Larger lockable door latch for ease of access
  • Stronger reinforced baskets
  • Robust corner protectors and handles

More information: https://www.4x4megaworldonline.com/

Flex

Camping fridges from Flex Adventures are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa. They offer great quality and market-leading technologies at very competitive prices. Thanks to lightweight design, they are very portable and can easily be integrated into any camping setup. Representing great value for money, they are perfect for off-road adventures.

Top pic: TA55 Dual Zone Camping Fridge-Freezer

Price: from R8 495

Designed for durability and efficiency, the Flex TA55 is built to last. Its robust construction ensures reliable performance even in challenging conditions, making it a reliable companion on any journey. With its impressive cooling capabilities, this fridge-freezer keeps your food and beverages at the perfect temperature, so you can enjoy fresh and refreshing supplies throughout your trip.

Capacity: 55 litres

Weight: 18.9kg

Dimensions: 647 x 400 x 570mm

Warranty: 3 years

Key features:

  • LED display panel, built-in LED light, and internal basket
  • Built-in solar charge controller
  • Battery monitor built-in on the LED display
  • Heavy-duty and lightweight body construction
  • Bump stop protected edges
  • High-density foam insulation
  • Can run continually at 35-degree angle and for 30 minutes at 45-degree angle
  • Dual zone with two temperature control systems
  • -20°C minimum setting
  • Full app control with remote battery monitoring via Bluetooth
  • 3-stage battery protection system
  • 12v – 24v DC
  • Digital temperature display

More information: https://flexadventures.co.za/

National Luna

National Luna has been a market leader in the leisure industry for the past 30 years.

Originally used as vaccine refrigerators in remote locations, the National Luna range of portable camping & mobile fridges have been optimised for 4×4 and recreational use. The full range boasts superior cooling power, ultra-high efficiency and the convenience of running on 12-volt, 24-volt or 230 volt.

Top pick: NL 52 Legacy Smart Refrigerator & Freezer

Price: from R11 299

The NL 52 Legacy Smart QC has surprising capacity and cooling performance in a compact size, making it ideal as a dedicated freezer or drinks fridge. A special feature of the NL52 is the ability to change the direction in which the lid opens. The default configuration is the front-opening direction. If the application prevents the lid from opening fully, it may be advantageous to use the side-opening configuration.

Capacity: 52.6 litres

Weight: 24.4kg

Dimensions: 710 x 385 x 506mm

Warranty: 3 years

Key features:

  • NL Connect Bluetooth app
  • 2 x fast-charging USB ports
  • Single compartment with digital thermostat
  • Stainless steel exterior
  • Lockable stainless-steel latches
  • 42mm high-density insulation
  • National Luna off-road compressor
  • Built-in bottle opener
  • Dual-direction lid option
  • Switchable control panel position
  • Tie-down points on handles
  • Low-battery protection
  • Auto-switch between AC and DC power
  • Internal LED light
  • -30ºC minimum setting
  • 3 x baskets

More information: http://nationalluna.com

SnoMaster

With over two decades of expertise, SnoMaster specialises in premium, fit-for-purpose appliances that cater to the most adventurous outdoor spirits. Its 12V portable fridge/freezers are crafted to integrate seamlessly into outdoor settings, ensuring that every beverage is presented at its ideal temperature. SnoMaster offers various sizes to accommodate solo travellers, couples, and families.

Top pic: Classic Dual Compartment Fridge/Freezer

Price: from R12 999

Featuring dual compartments with an internal power supply, separate internal baskets and interchangeable compartment settings, this units boasts a durable stainless-steel cabinet to withstand the dust and vibrations of off-road trails, while its lid open alarm will alert you when anything is left open. It’s compact and movable, making it ideal for camping or travelling.

Capacity: 56 litres

Dimensions: 515 x 755 x 500mm

Weight: 28kg

Warranty: 3 years

Key features:

  • 3 internal baskets
  • Digital thermostat
  • Interchangeable compartment settings
  • Internal power supply
  • Lid open alarm
  • Polyurethane insulation
  • Stainless steel cabinet
  • Stainless steel hinges, locks and handles
  • Voltage cut out setting

More information: https://snomaster.co.za/

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