It’s really important to think of a way to keep your food and drinks cool while you’re at the campsite. We’ve reviewed quite a few coolboxes in our time at campsites and at home, and there are a few things you need to keep in mind before deciding which coolbox is best for you. From making sure the motor isn’t too noisy, (interrupting that precious sleep time in a tent with little sound insulation), to buying one with multi-compartments that are spacious and very efficient, such as these dometic cool boxes… it’s important you do your homework before you buy.
Questions Should You Ask Before Buying A Coolbox or Portable Fridge?
How mobile is it?
You are going to be moving your coolbox full of food and drink from your home to the campsite and in-between, so you need to get something that’s relatively lightweight and fully mobile. You could choose something with wheels, but you should definitely look for something with a robust handle and grips to make it as easy as possible to transport it from place to place.
How economical is it?
This is something the manufacturers should be able to give you an indication of how efficient a coolbox is when used. In the UK, they are required by law to give this information, so it might be an idea to search on these sites before buying from the site relevant to your country and postage.
How quiet is it?
Different units have noise levels you may not be expecting and this can be difficult to cope with in a tent at a campsite. If you can, try to test the model you are about to buy. If you can’t do that, as the very least try to get information about the number of decibels it has been measured to produce and do comparisons amongst the different models you are considering.
Can you use it for other events, not just camping?
Do you like to go for picnics or visit the beach? Will you want to take your coolbox with you? Also, consider if you may need to use it at home, and does the features of the box fit with those needs. For example, we often have a glut of vegetables in September so we like to use ours during that time to deal with a temporary lack of fridge space.
What capacity is it and does it fit your needs?
If you are a family that likes to go out for your meals when you’re on holiday, then you will have less need for a huge capacity coolbox than another family that likes home cooked meals each evening. So make sure you get the right capacity to suit your needs.
How does it open?
Many people don’t think of this, but how you open a coolbox affects its efficiency. For example, if you have children who are constantly opening and closing the unit, if it is on its side, every time the door is opened the cold air will escape from the bottom and be replaced by warm air at the top. A chest coolbox, however, will keep the cold air inside and it won’t escape when opened. In addition to this, make sure you test the opening mechanism. Is it robust or is it likely to break after only a few rough tries of the handle from desperate children trying to get something to eat?
How tough it is?
Some coolboxes, such as Dometic, are in brushed aluminium with reinforced corners and stainless steel hinges.
Does it have multiple uses?
The USB charging port allows the user to charge the product anywhere and anytime.
Is it electric or gas?
The product is known for thickness and distributes insulating foam to get cooling in 18 degree Celsius. Another amazing product to check is RC 1205 GC and is the only cooler available that holds bracket for gas cartridges. It is ideal for carrying along in picnic and keep drinks and fresh food. Running absolutely silent on gas with 12 volts DC, it has 40 litre capacities and one can carry this coolbox for picnic and short trip.
Check the reviews
Make sure you look at the reviews before you buy so you can learn from other people’s mistakes and successes before parting with your precious cash. We like to look at Amazon as the reviews are honest and there are always a good collection of brands for sale in one place. You don’t have to buy from the same place you read the reviews so make sure you check out a number of sites for different opinion so you can make your best choice.
How much does it cost?
Coolboxes are quite extreme in their pricing, from really cheap to pretty expensive, so it’s important you do your homework before you buy. However, now more than ever there are numerous places to buy from allowing you to pick the best product for you and your lifestyle at the best price.
Do you have any coolbox recommendations?
Please let us know in the comments box below.
Picture Credit: Dometic
