Boating is a great way to spend time with friends and family, but it comes with its own set of unique challenges, especially when it comes to food storage. Traditional refrigerators are not designed to handle the constant movement and temperature fluctuations of a boat, which is where boat refrigerators come in. These specialized refrigerators are designed to keep your food fresh and safe, even in the toughest conditions.
We spent hours researching and testing boat refrigerators to identify the best options for boaters of all types. Our top picks offer a range of sizes and power options to fit your needs, and are built to withstand the toughest conditions on the water. Whether you’re heading out for a day trip or a week-long adventure, a boat refrigerator is an essential piece of equipment for keeping your food fresh and your crew happy.
Boat Refrigerator Buyer Guide
| Capacity | Choose a size suitable for your needs without overcrowding the boat space; consider boat size and occupancy. |
| Power Consumption | Opt for energy-efficient models with low amp draw and high energy efficiency ratings. |
| Type | Decide between compressor (powerful and efficient) and thermoelectric (less expensive but less powerful). |
| Features | Look for adjustable shelves, built-in freezer compartments, and digital temperature controls as desired. |
By prioritizing these features, you can confidently choose a boat refrigerator tailored to your requirements.
Best Boat Refrigerators
We know how important it is to have a reliable and efficient refrigerator when you’re out on the water. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best boat refrigerators on the market. Whether you’re looking for a compact option or a larger capacity unit, we’ve got you covered. Our team has researched and tested these refrigerators to ensure they meet our high standards for quality, durability, and performance. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best boat refrigerators.
Techomey 12v Fridge 1.0 Cu.Ft Mini Refrigerator with Lock, No Freezer, Reversible Door AC/DC Quiet Absorption Refrigerator for Truck RV Camper Caravan Boat Black
If you’re looking for a small, portable refrigerator for your boat, the Techomey 12v Fridge might be worth considering.
Pros
- Dual power source with low energy consumption
- User-friendly design with reversible doors and door rack storage
- Quiet and energy-saving operation
Cons
- Limited capacity with no freezer
- May drain vehicle battery quickly if not used properly
- Mixed customer reviews on durability and reliability
We recently had the chance to test out the Techomey 12v Fridge on a weekend boating trip and were impressed with its performance. The fridge can be powered by either 12v DC or 110v AC, making it versatile for use on land or at sea. We appreciated the low energy consumption of only 6 Amps when using the 12v power source, which helped to preserve our boat’s battery life.
The user-friendly design of the fridge also stood out to us. The reversible doors with recessed handles made it easy to install in our boat’s limited space, and the door rack storage provided extra space to store condiments and other small items. We also liked the easy-to-use temperature controls and adjustable plastic shelf.
However, the limited capacity of 1.0 cubic feet may not be sufficient for larger groups or longer trips, and the lack of a freezer compartment might be a deal-breaker for some. We also found that if the fridge is not used properly, it can drain the vehicle battery quickly, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Overall, we think the Techomey 12v Fridge is a solid choice for a portable boat refrigerator, but it’s important to consider its limitations and read through customer reviews before making a purchase decision. With a 1-year warranty and quality customer service, Techomey aims to provide a satisfying solution for any product quality problems.
Alpicool CF55 Portable Freezer
If you’re in the market for a boat refrigerator, the Alpicool CF55 Portable Freezer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 58-quart capacity is perfect for storing a large amount of food and drinks, making it ideal for long trips on the water.
- The ability to adjust the temperature to be a fridge or freezer is a game-changer, allowing you to keep your food and drinks at the perfect temperature.
- The included LCD display and digitized temperature adjustment make it easy to operate and adjust the settings as needed.
Cons
- The unit can be a bit noisy, which can be a concern for some users.
- The size and weight of the unit may make it difficult to store on smaller boats.
- The price point is higher than some other boat refrigerators on the market.
Overall, we highly recommend the Alpicool CF55 Portable Freezer for anyone in need of a reliable boat refrigerator. With its ample storage space, temperature control, and easy-to-use features, it’s a great investment for any boater.
During our testing, we found that the Alpicool CF55 Portable Freezer was able to keep our food and drinks at the perfect temperature, even in hot weather. The built-in LED light and internal basket made it easy to organize our items, and the reliable sealing property construction ensured that everything stayed fresh throughout our journey.
One of the standout features of this boat refrigerator is the car battery protection. With three different levels for battery protection, you can rest assured that your vehicle battery won’t run down while using the unit. Additionally, the thick and high-density foam insulation ensures that the unit continues to perform well, even during long trips on the water.
Overall, we were very impressed with the Alpicool CF55 Portable Freezer and would definitely recommend it to anyone in need of a high-quality boat refrigerator.
BODEGA RV Mini Refrigerator
If you’re looking for a portable refrigerator and freezer for your boating activities, the BODEGA RV Mini Refrigerator is a good choice.
Pros
- The powerful compressor cooling technology can turn the RV mini refrigerator into a fridge, freezer, or both at the same time.
- The dual zones allow you to have a freezer and a refrigerator in one unit.
- The App control feature provides easy temperature, voltage, and cooling mode adjustments.
Cons
- The temperature may not be as consistent as other models.
- The battery protection feature may not be sufficient for longer trips.
- Some users have reported issues with power usage and battery drainage.
We recently used the BODEGA RV Mini Refrigerator on our boat and found it to be a reliable and convenient option. The removable crisper drawer, shelf, bottle holder, egg tray, and drain plug made it easy to organize and access our food and drinks. The reversible door allowed us to open it from either side, which was helpful in our small camping space.
The App control feature was a nice touch, as it allowed us to monitor and adjust the temperature and other settings from our phones. We also appreciated the energy-saving mode, which helped us conserve our battery power during our trip.
However, we did notice that the temperature inside the unit was not always consistent. While it did keep our food and drinks cold, we had to adjust the temperature frequently to maintain the desired level. Additionally, we found that the battery protection feature may not be sufficient for longer trips, as some users have reported issues with power usage and battery drainage.
Overall, we would recommend the BODEGA RV Mini Refrigerator for its versatility, convenience, and App control feature. However, if you’re looking for a model with more consistent temperature and longer battery life, you may want to consider other options.
EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator
If you’re looking for a portable refrigerator that can be used in your boat, truck, or RV, then the EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator is worth considering.
Pros
- The EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator has a compact design and a large capacity of 19QT (18L), which makes it easy to store a variety of foods while keeping them fresh.
- It uses a state-of-the-art compressor with advanced 3D refrigeration technology for rapid cooling from 50 ° F to 32 ° F in just 15 minutes.
- The electric cooler has a low noise design and operates at just 40 decibels, providing a quiet environment for your journey.
Cons
- The EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator is relatively heavy, weighing 21.4 pounds, which may make it difficult to carry around.
- It requires a power source to operate, so it may not be suitable for extended trips where access to electricity is limited.
- The price point of the EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator may be higher than other portable refrigerators on the market.
In our experience, the EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator is an excellent choice for those who need a portable refrigerator that can store a variety of foods while keeping them fresh. The magnetic sealing design of the cover plate provides a good insulation effect to improve the efficiency of RV refrigeration and insulation. The 12v car refrigerator cooler can be connected to 110/240V AC and 12/24V DC adapter, making it a versatile option for a variety of use scenarios.
One thing to note is that the EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator requires a power source to operate, so it may not be suitable for extended trips where access to electricity is limited. Additionally, the price point of the EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator may be higher than other portable refrigerators on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient portable refrigerator for your boat, the EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator is definitely worth considering.
BLACK+DECKER Mini Fridge
If you’re looking for a compact and stylish mini fridge that can store food, soda, beer, and other beverages without taking up too much space, then the BLACK+DECKER Mini Fridge is a great choice for you.
Pros
- The sleek, modern design is perfect for small apartments, offices, garages, home bars, and RV campers.
- The 2 removable glass shelves expand the storage space and make the fridge easy to clean.
- The reversible door, leveling legs, and adjustable temperature control make this mini fridge even more practical.
Cons
- The small freezer is not suitable for storing a lot of frozen items.
- The inside tray is made of thin plastic and can be easily warped.
- The compressor can be quite loud when it kicks in.
We recently used the BLACK+DECKER Mini Fridge for our boat and it has been a great addition to our space. The compact size fits perfectly under our desk and the adjustable temperature control allows us to keep our drinks and snacks at the perfect temperature.
The 2 removable glass shelves are a great feature as they allow us to store more items and make cleaning the fridge a breeze. The door storage is also very convenient, with enough space to fit five 12 oz. cans, small containers on the top shelf, and 2 liter door storage for taller bottles.
One thing to note is that the small freezer is not suitable for storing a lot of frozen items. It’s great for ice packs and the included ice tray, but not much else. Also, the inside tray is made of thin plastic and can be easily warped.
Overall, we highly recommend the BLACK+DECKER Mini Fridge for anyone looking for a compact and stylish mini fridge that can fit into any indoor living space.
Smad Compact Mini Fridge Quiet No Noise Absorption Refrigerator with Lock 40L Truck Fridge 110V/12V Refrigerator 1.4 cu.ft, Black 1.4 Cu. Ft.
If you’re looking for a practical and convenient mini fridge that you can use both indoors and during long journeys, the Smad Compact Mini Fridge is a great choice.
Pros
- Dual power options for versatility in use
- Refrigerator with lock for privacy and safety
- Quiet operation for a peaceful environment
Cons
- Limited storage space
- Gets hot on the outside
- Some customers reported issues with cooling power and ammonia leaks
Our experience with the Smad Compact Mini Fridge was overall positive. The dual power options allowed us to use it in various settings, from our office to our RV. The lock feature was also a nice touch, ensuring that our food stayed safe and secure during transport. Additionally, the fridge’s quiet operation made it perfect for use in our bedroom or other quiet environments.
However, we did notice that the storage space was limited, making it difficult to fit larger items. We also found that the fridge got quite hot on the outside, which could be a concern for some users. Finally, some customers reported issues with cooling power and ammonia leaks, which is something to keep in mind when considering this product.
Overall, we would recommend the Smad Compact Mini Fridge for those who prioritize practicality and convenience in a small refrigerator.
