Travel fridges used to be unreliable, bulky and expensive but times are changing with myCOOLMAN having a range from 9.5 litres up to a massive 105 litres.
We’ve taken four with us on our cross-Nullarbor trip that serve different purposes but all do one thing well - keep your perishables fresh and your drinks cold.
THE COMMUTER - 9.5L portable cooler
Online reviews of The Commuter talk about how great it is as an in-car cooler for long drives but is also works as a warmer to an impressive 65 degrees - perfect for keeping a roast warm.
In air temps of up to 32 degrees, The Commuter can cool drinks down to as low as 14 degrees which is what we’re using it for.
It weighs only 3.45 kilos and has handy built-in storage for its USB power lead and charger.
We liked its small size and low weight but it is worth noting it takes a bit of time to bring a load down to low temperatures. We tested it with bottled water and it took more than half of a day but the bottles did get to around 10degC cooler than ambient, a good result for a basic cooler.
We’d recommend one for any doing regular long-distance drives like truckies, delivery drivers and anyone that can and will have their car running long hours.
myCOOLMAN Commuter Specs:
- 9.5L Capacity or 12 Cans
- External Dimensions 483mm long x 200mm wide x 302mm tall
- Cooler and Warmer
- 1 year Warranty
- $159 RRP (on sale with myCOOLMAN directly at $119 - click here)
44L WEEKENDER SINGLE ZONE - FRIDGE/FREEZER
We chose to have a look at the 44L Weekender as its the right size to slot behind the front seats of a lot of SUV’s and double cab utes.
At 652mm long by 412mm wide and 488mm tall, it's pretty compact and it is a proper compressor fridge/freezer so will appeal as a dedicated freezer for long-distance tourers as much as a fridge for short getaways.
Empty, it weighs only a touch over 23 kilos but it will hold as many as 65 standard cans.
It can run on 12, 24 or 240V and it has a Turbo mode so you can fast-chill anything recently loaded in. Having a 240V option is handy as I like to pack my fridges and get them lower than my travel temps at home to minimise load on my 12V systems.
Like the bulk of the myCOOLMAN range, it has rubberised feet on all corners and the grab handles fold flat and can be used as tie-downs.
myCOOLMAN Weekender Specs
- 23.4kg (Empty)
- 44L Capacity or 65 Cans
- External Dimensions 652mm long 412mm wide x 488mm tall
- Temperature Range -22dC to +10dC
- 12/240V
- Fold-Flat Carry / Tie-Down Handles
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 3 Years Construction Warranty 5 years Compressor Warranty
- RRP $1,295
myCOOLMAN Traveller Duel-Zone Fridge/Freezer
The Traveller is hugely popular as an in-boot or canopy fridge like we have in the back of the Bob Jane Triton. It is a single-lid fridge but has a partition inside to allow for one side to run at freezing temperatures and one as a fridge.
Its insulated lid can be opened from both sides and its Blue-Gen compressor is pretty efficient with myCOOLMAN suggesting with the freezer set at negative 15 and the fridge at 3 degrees on a hot 32-degree day, the Traveller will pull only 2.9amps continuously.
So set up as we have with a 100 amp BMPRO lithium battery, it should last over 30 hours. Add a solar blanket to your DC charger and in good weather, you should be getting close to being able to run it indefinitely.
Like the rest of the compressor-cooled range, The Traveller has a five-year compressor warranty - impressive.
It's the right size, weight and shape to be the most popular in the range for mounting to a slide in the back of an SUV or ute. It will appeal for its price, square shape and low draw.
myCOOLMAN Traveller 69L - Dual Zone Specs
- 69L Capacity or 87 Cans
- External Dimensions 732mm long 456mm wide 555mm tall
- Dual LED Displays
- Blue-Gen Compressor
- Temperature Range -22dC to +10dC
- 12/240V
- Fold-Flat Carry / Tie-Down Handles
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 3 Years Construction Warranty 5 Years Compressor Warranty
- $1,695 RRP
myCOOLMAN Adventurer 85L Dual-Zone Fridge/Freezer
The big gun, the fridge I know the best having used one while covering over 20,000km in our OPUS camper, The Adventurer 85L.
We added one to our trip camper, the Bluewater Tasman Forward Fold as it’s a perfect fit for most camper fridge slides, just like it was in the OPUS. I've seen The Adventurer in a heap of camper trailers because its square shape (no protruding compressor housing or handles) and good value make it popular with Camper brands.
The Adventurer comes in under $1800 which is pretty decent for a fridge with a five-year compressor warranty and when I've been out with it, running one side at negative ten and one at 3degC and fully loaded, it would draw around 3.5 amps per hour which I think is pretty good considering how much we open and close it. In other testing, I've seen one hold 4degC, without opening and closing the lid at or close to 0.5A/hr.
For a camper, as we had, the twin 110amp/h AGM batteries should give the fridge enough power to last a week, which is ideal for long-stay campers. Swap to lithium, and you can almost double that.
A small detail I got a lot of use out was the drain holes in each side the other detail I appreciate was Turbo Mode which I’d use after loading it up before a long drive, it helps get the temp down quickly.
It will suit camper trailer owners with the space to house it and people with built canopies or big utes.
myCOOLMAN Adventurer 85L - Dual Zone Fridge Freezer Specs
- 85L Capacity or 115 Cans
- Two-Way Lids
- Fridge Dimensions 732mm long x 456mm wide x 555 tall
- 33.6kg Empty
- Dual LED Displays
- Blue-Gen Compressor
- Temperature Range -22dC to +10dC
- 12/240V
- Fold-Flat Carry / Tie-Down Handles
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 3 Years Construction Warranty 5 Years Compressor Warranty
- $1,795 RRP
myCOOLMAN Lithium PowerPack portable fridge battery
myCOOLMAN came out with a super clever portable lithium powerpack that can be used with any 12V fridge using myCOOLMAN two-pin plug.
It carries 15amp hours and being lithium, you can use most of the charge. Expect on a fridge pulling 2amps continuously, up to seven hours or see the list that myCOOLMAN reckons you’ll get with the fridges we have on hand in typical use.
What I like about the battery is that it is magnetic so will mount to either end of the fridge.
It charges by 240V or by an optional DC-DC charger.
What we loved (we really did) was how it saved our beers from getting warm when we realised we had a faulty fuse in one car’s charging system.
I’ve also used on in a car without a secondary battery where I think its appeal will be for cash-conscious buyers. During driving days, we had a myCOOLMAN Traveller hooked to our MU-X’s 12V plug-in the boot and the PowerPack charging upfront. When we pulled up for a night's rest, we’d move the battery to the fridge and saw no issues or flat battery for over two days at a time. When you look at the cost to build in a second battery and charger, it's way more than the cost of the PowerPack ($449) and charger ($149)
The PowerPack will suit people not looking to fix a fridge and battery system in their car and people worried about losing power and spoiling food.
myCOOLMAN Lithium PowerPack
- 15Ah
- 1.65kg
- Charging 5-6 Hours
- $499 RRP
Approx Run Times at 4dC:
- The Transporter - 18hr
- The Traveller - 13hr
- The Ultimate - 8hr
myCOOLMAN BLUETOOTH APP
myCOOLMAN offers a mobile app that allows users to control and monitor most of their fridge range from their smartphone or tablet. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
With the myCOOLMAN app, you can monitor the temperature of your fridge in real-time, adjust the temperature settings, turn on Turbo Mode and receive notifications if the temperature goes outside of a certain range. The app also allows users to control certain features of their fridge, such as turning the fridge on and off, activating the low-power mode, and switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature displays.
In addition to these monitoring and control features, the myCOOLMAN app also includes a range of other useful tools and resources. For example, it includes a user manual and troubleshooting guide, as well as a store locator to help users find their nearest myCOOLMAN dealer.
Overall, the myCOOLMAN app is a useful tool for anyone who owns a myCOOLMAN portable fridge. It provides a convenient and user-friendly way to monitor and control the fridge, as well as access helpful resources and support.
Honestly, the App is near perfect. It doesn't have junk you don't need and it's easy to use, for me, it's reason enough to consider buying a myCOOLMAN.
WHAT COMPRESSOR DOES myCOOLMAN USE?
The specific compressor used in myCOOLMAN fridges may vary depending on the model and size, but they are all designed to provide efficient and reliable cooling performance, even in hot and humid conditions. The use of a high-quality compressor is an essential factor in ensuring that the fridge can maintain a consistent temperature and operate efficiently, even when exposed to varying conditions.
TIPS TO GET THE BEST FROM YOUR 12V TRAVEL FRIDGE
- Pre-cool the fridge: Before packing your fridge with food and drinks, it's a good idea to pre-cool it for a few hours. This will help the fridge reach its set temperature faster and reduce the strain on the compressor.
- Keep the fridge level: It's important to keep your fridge level to ensure that it operates efficiently. If your fridge is not level, the compressor may have to work harder to keep the temperature stable.
- Use a fridge thermometer: A fridge thermometer can help you monitor the temperature inside the fridge and ensure that it stays within the desired range. This can help you avoid food spoilage and ensure that your drinks are cold.
- Keep the fridge well-ventilated: Make sure that there is enough space around the fridge for proper ventilation. This will help the fridge dissipate heat more efficiently and keep the compressor from overheating.
- Use the right power source: Make sure that you are using the right power source for your fridge. Using a power source that is not designed for your fridge can damage the compressor or cause other issues.
- Don't overload the fridge: Overloading the fridge can reduce its efficiency and make it harder for the compressor to maintain a stable temperature. Make sure to leave enough space for air to circulate around the food and drinks inside the fridge.
- Keep the fridge clean: Regularly cleaning your fridge can help it operate more efficiently and reduce the risk of food contamination. Make sure to wipe down the interior and exterior of the fridge with a mild detergent solution and let it air dry before use.
TIPS FOR MAINTAINING AND CLEANING YOUR 12V TRAVEL FRIDGE
- Regularly defrost the fridge: If your travel fridge is not frost-free, it's important to defrost it regularly. Ice build-up can reduce the efficiency of the fridge and cause the compressor to work harder. You can defrost the fridge by turning it off and letting it sit for a few hours, or by using a hairdryer to melt the ice.
- Clean the fridge regularly: Regular cleaning can help your fridge operate more efficiently and reduce the risk of food contamination. Use a mild detergent solution to wipe down the interior and exterior of the fridge, and make sure to rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
- Use a fridge deodorizer: To keep your fridge smelling fresh, use a fridge deodorizer or place an open box of baking soda inside the fridge.
- Keep the fridge well-ventilated: Make sure that there is enough space around the fridge for proper ventilation. This will help the fridge dissipate heat more efficiently and keep the compressor from overheating. Avoid placing the fridge in direct sunlight or in a tightly enclosed space.
- Check the seals: The door seals on your travel fridge are important for maintaining the temperature inside the fridge. Check them regularly for any signs of damage or wear, and replace them if necessary.
- Monitor the temperature: Use a fridge thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the fridge and ensure that it stays within the desired range.
- Store food and drinks properly: Proper food storage can help your fridge operate more efficiently and reduce the risk of food contamination. Make sure to store food and drinks in sealed containers and avoid overloading the fridge.
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