Can You Put A Mini Fridge In A Car

The idea of putting a mini fridge in your car is gaining popularity, especially among those who spend a lot of time on the road. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip, heading out for a camping weekend, or attending outdoor events like tailgating or picnics, a mini fridge can be a game-changer.

Mini fridges allow you to keep food fresh, store essential medications, and enjoy cold drinks wherever you go. Truck drivers, who often drive for extended periods, also find it helpful. But before you go ahead with this idea, it’s important to think about whether it’s practical and safe.

One of the key selling points of mini fridges is how easy they are to transport. Over the years, I’ve found myself transporting mini fridges multiple times for both myself and my family. For some reason, many of them were hesitant to move their mini fridge on their own. Since I’ve worked with appliances like fridges for over 15 years, they always turn to me for help.

So my family was my inspiration for this article. Here I am going to respond and guide you through everything you need to know about putting a mini fridge in your car and the best mini fridge recommendations.

The Burning Question: Can You Put A Mini Fridge In A Car?

Yes, you can put a mini fridge in a car. And you shouldn’t worry too much (like my family). Whether you’re thinking about moving one or using it inside your car, there are some important things to consider.

If you’re just looking to transport a mini fridge, check out my guide on safely transporting a mini fridge to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. On the other hand, if you’re planning to use a mini fridge in your car to keep your food and drinks cold, keep reading for practical tips and mini fridge recommendations.

The Regular Mini Fridge: Not Built For The Road

Before going through the best car choices for mini fridges let’s get this out of the way: your standard mini fridge that chills your dorm snacks isn’t ideal for car use. These fridges are designed for home use, needing 110-volt AC power, which your car simply doesn’t have.

Additionally, the constant bumps and vibrations of the road can ruin their internal components. Using a home mini fridge in a car would require an inverter to convert the 12-volt DC power to 110-volt AC power, which is not always practical or efficient.

And not to mention the size of these things. Dorm mini fridges simply cannot fit in a regular car. However, there are many options out there for mini fridges that you can take on a road trip with you.

Good to know: if you manage to find a car big enough to transport a dorm mini fridge make sure you protect it with big bubble wrap to avoid damaging the fridge while transporting.

Which Types Of Mini Fridges Are Best For Your Car

I know. Looking for a specific type of fridge is not always easy.

With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to find the one that fits your needs, especially when you’re trying to choose a mini fridge that’s suitable for your car.

There’s a whole category of mini fridges specifically designed for cars. They connect to your car’s 12-volt outlet, making it easy to integrate with your vehicle’s electrical system. Unlike dorm-styled mini fridges, these small and effective cooling systems are built to handle the bumps and vibrations of the road.

They all have a similar look and are usually rectangular. See below for reference.

The Best Mini Fridges For Cars

Road trips are awesome! Sun, music, and open roads – the perfect escape. But keeping your drinks and snacks cold can be a struggle in the summer heat. That’s where mini fridges come in – like a personal AC unit for your food and drinks! With so many options, though, choosing the right one can be confusing. This guide will help you pick the best mini fridge for your car, ensuring your road trip refreshments stay refreshingly cold.

These are the best mini fridges for cars, according to us:

Alpicool car fridge

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The Alpicool fridge is my personal favorite! It’s a versatile mini fridge designed to be your companion on any outdoor adventure. Whether you’re hitting the road for a camping trip, cruising on your boat, or exploring in your RV, this little powerhouse can keep your food and drinks refreshingly cool or even frozen, depending on your needs.

Here’s what I love about the Alpicool car fridge:

• Big Performance: The Alpicool packs a punch with a powerful compressor that can reach temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C), perfect for freezing meats, and drinks, or keeping ice cream solid.
• Dual Voltage Power: No matter your power source, the Alpicool has you covered. It runs on both 12V DC and 110-240V AC, allowing you to use it in your car, RV, boat, or even at home.
• Energy Efficient: Worried about draining your car battery? The Alpicool is designed to be energy-efficient, so you can enjoy cool refreshments without sacrificing power on extended trips. I never had a battery issue during my trips. I took it with me on a 2000-mile journey without any inconvenience.
• Quiet Operation: Unlike some car fridges, the Alpicool operates quietly, ensuring a peaceful journey without constant humming. It comes with a strong but quiet compressor.
• User-friendly Design: The Alpicool features a simple control panel for easy temperature adjustment, and its lightweight design makes it easy to move around.
• Multi-function: The Alpicool fridge offers the option to convert it into a freezer. I never used this function because I never kept ice cream while traveling, but it can be a great option if you need a freezer as well.

Personal Note: I bought the Alpicool car fridge in 2019 and took it on many road adventures. It is by far the best car mini fridge I ever owned. Still going strong!

BougeRV car fridge

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I found the BougeRV fridge while researching the best car fridge to put in your car. Bestseller on Amazon, the BougeRV fridge boasts impressive features for keeping your food and drinks cool or even frozen, depending on your needs. If I didn’t love the Alpicool car fridge so much, the BougeRV would be my primary option.

The BougeRV has the same advantages as the Alpicool fridge. Ultimately the choice is yours.

Pro tip: If you are like my entourage and still worried about your car’s battery you can consider a portable power bank.

Conclusion: So, can you use a mini fridge in your car? Absolutely! With the right type of mini fridge and some planning regarding power consumption, you can enjoy refreshingly cold drinks and snacks on your next adventure. Just remember to choose a mini fridge like the Alpicool or BougeRV that’s built for the road and fits your needs and car’s space. Now, pack your bags, grab your favorite snacks, and hit the road with a cool companion by your side!