Having a 12V Cooler or Car Fridge also means that you can pack it the night before you go on a trip. 12V refrigerators  are versatile in  that they can be plugged into the mains electricity of your house ( just be certain to read the instructions that come with your fridge). Being able to pack the night before can save you some precious  time the next day, and you don’t have to worry about stopping to buy ice or fiddling around with frozen gel cubes.

The other real benefit to having a 12V Cooler or Car Fridge is that you can use it when you have to go to the supermarket. There are many occasions, especially in the summer or if you live in a rural area some distance from your nearest shopping area that this type of fridge can give you much needed freedom.

Often when one  has purchased food items that need to be refrigerated it is necessary to rush home to put everything in the  fridge. With a 12V refrigerator you no longer have to  worry about your eggs, milk and other dairy products spoiling if you have to stop off somewhere on the  way home.

The Koolatron Fun Cool 26 Quart 12volt Portable Mini Fridge ( model P-25 ) offers a lot of storage space for a portable unit. This unit like the others plugs into any standard 12 Volt socket, car cigarette lighter socket for example. This model is designed with a divider which keeps beverages separated from the food and also prevents items from becoming mashed. This is the perfect companion for a day trip, picnic or grocery store visit. This fridge cools down quickly to keep foods from spoiling while you travel. There is an extra storage compartment for the outlet cord so it will not be misplaced. Learn More or BUY Now

A 12V cooler or car fridge gives you the convenience of being able to do other things in town, meet friends, go out for lunch, go to the doctor  etc. without that constant worry that your perishables are spoiling in the heat, or worse still are growing harmful bacteria. some of the more expensive models are also available with a small freezer compartment for your ice cream.

The other really handy thing about 12V refrigerators is that many can also double as warmers. This is the perfect solution for bringing warm take out food home or for taking warm food to a picnic or even to work. How many times have you been invited to someone's house, and you have decided to take a contribution of food for dinner or dessert? The 12V cooler/warmer allows you to keep whatever you are taking at the correct temperature whether hot or cold. This is especially handy if you have to drive a fair distance.

12V refrigerators are available in many different sizes. They range from small ones with enough space for  six 12 ounce  cans of pop to much larger ones such as the Engel MT804-U1 model which is 31.1 X 21.7 X 19.3 inches. Most 12V fridges are quite light, but the larger ones can weigh as much as 80 pounds.

Peak 12 Volt 9 can Travel cooler – warmer. This model is designed to fit into small spaces. Perfect for your drinks and sandwiches. It can also warm up to 150F depending on the surrounding air temperature. It will also keep your food and drinks chilled for up to three hours after it has been unplugged. Learn More or BUY Now.

As previously stated most 12 Volt refrigerators can also be used indoors when plugged into the AC wall outlet. This gives you great versatility as the fridger can then be used at home, in the car, in a hotel room, in some boats or at work. In  terms of cost and depending on size a 12 Volt fridge can range from much less than  $100.00 to more than $1000.00.

                                            Koolatron 33 Quart 12V Cooler                    Koolatron 18 Quart 12V Cooler

                                            Koolatron 36 Quart 12V Cooler              Koolatron 45 Qt. – 12V Travel Cooler

                                       Koolatron 12 Volt Cooler and Warmer         Koolatron 26 Qt. – 12V Soft-Sided Cooler

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Space is usually at a premium in any dorm or bedroom, but luckily there are a number of different fridges available which are ideal for a dorm situation.

Years ago having the luxury of a fridge in a dorm was unheard of. If one got hungry or thirsty it was long trek to the canteen or to the vending machine and expensive as well.  For anyone sharing a house with other students there is often the hassle of  sharing a fridge.  Many of us are familiar with the arguments over “whose milk  is that” or “who ate my food”  or even “who drank my beer”? In  these sorts of situations a portable mini fridge or a compact fridge can be indispensable.

FOR MORE COCA COLA LOGO DORM FRIDGES

If you or your son or daughter is considering the purchase of a dorm fridge there a few of obvious things to think about.

Probably the most important initial question is how much space is available in the dorm or bedroom and where is it?

Secondly  one needs to decide on how much room is needed to store food and beverages.

Thirdly and possibly most importantly,  how much can you afford to spend?

The answers to those questions will help you to decide whether or not you need an easily portable mini fridge or a compact  mini dorm fridge.

You might wonder why you would consider a portable mini fridge for a dorm fridge. You can find portable mini fridges in a variety of sizes and the purchase of one is worth considering for the following reasons.  If space really is at a premium a very small portable dorm fridge with enough space for a few 12 ounce beverage cans and a couple of sandwiches may be all that can be contemplated. If there is no floor space, but  there is room on top of a dresser or desk then a portable mini fridge could be ideal. The dimensions of a small portable mini fridge such as the Koolatron KWC-4 Coca-Cola Personal 6 can Mini Fridge are 11 x 8 x 11 inches.

 As they  are portable they  can easily be taken elsewhere and used in a car. In addition  they are useful as they can be easily moved when one has to vacate the dorm at the end of  term.  By its very nature a portable mini fridge is light weight. Empty they weigh anywhere from 4 or 5 pounds and up.

The are a couple of things to keep in mind with a portable mini fridge, one is that sometimes they can be a little noisy. If you share your dorm with someone else you might want to take that into consideration before you buy your dorm fridge. The other is that the small portable mini fridges probably should not be kept running all the time. They are however ideal for use 8 to 10 hours a day.

If you have a bit more space available a compact dorm fridge is probably your best consideration. in terms of size,  the smaller compact fridges are around 1.7 cu feet.  At the top end the larger ones are  6 cu. feet. Depending on the make  the small 1.7 cu ft mini fridge weighs between 33 and 42 pounds. One of the benefits of a slightly larger mini fridge for your dorm, say the EdgeStar 3.2 cu ft. mini fridge which we recommend  is that it also has a proper freezer compartment, capable of  maintaining temperatures close to 0 degrees F. Its dimensions are 19” x  19 3/4” x 33 1/2” so you can see that you can fit it into a very small space. It weighs approximately 57 pounds.

The EdgeStar 3.2 Cu.Ft. fridge ( model CRF320SS ) as described above. This is a fantastic dorm fridge as it delivers many of the features one would expect from a much larger appliance. One of the real benefits is a separate freezer compartment. A great place to store ice cream and other frozen items either in the dorm or at the office. This model is also Energy Star rated so you know that you are getting an efficient unit. The doors are reversible and are made of stainless steel. Learn More or BUY Now

To sum everything up then, if you are looking for a dorm fridge you have a considerable choice. Depending on your requirements your budget and the space you have available you can purchase either a portable mini fridge or a compact mini fridge. If you decide on a portable mini fridge you will have something that you can carry with you and plug into either a car or a mains outlet if you need to.

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Worrying about keeping insulin and other injectable medicines cool can cause extreme amounts of stress,  especially when travelling. In many cases this concern has limited the ability of a diabetic ( or anyone requiring medicine the needs to be kept cool ) to really enjoy themselves and to be able to travel wherever they wished.  Often a trip necessitated ensuring that any hotel or motel room included a kitchenette with a fridge or at the very least a mini bar in order to store the insulin.

Over the last several years a number of storage and cooler carrying cases have come on the market which use frozen packs to keep the insulin cool. Unfortunately that has still meant that one has to rely on being tied to a refrigerator in some way. 

A portable insulin cooler or fridge gives the diabetic  considerable peace of mind. The portable insulin cooler is in many ways similar to a portable mini fridge. The difference being that a fridge such as the Medi-Fridge MR11X micro refrigerator with Temperature display has been manufactured with diabetics and people who require injectable medicines in mind.

Similar to a portable mini fridge the medi fridge can used in the car plugged when used with a 12v auto power cord it can also be used plugged into either 110v or 240 volt mains electricity. The medi fridge comes with a 12v auto power cord and a world-wide power cord which can be used with a universal plug adapter. The Medi Fridge is easy to carry and very light weight , as it only weighs approximately 1 1/4 pounds.   The Portable insulin cooler is the perfect solution for diabetics who have to travel or like to travel a lot. As we all know , especially  in the  summer the temperature in a car or taxi can soar. Having a medi fridge allows one to avoid stressful situations brought about by high temperatures and the concern for has for the temperature of ones medication.

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The medi fridge is also handy to have at work. Often the work environment is hot and despite air conditioning in the summer, work place climate control is often a hit and miss thing. The portable insulin fridge allows you to keep some insulting at work and it also gives one a private insulin storage area. you don’t have to use a communal workplace fridge.

The medi fridge uses thermoelectric technology to stay cool. That means that it does not have a compressor and does not require gas.  Thus it manages to achieve the same results as a compressor system with out moving parts other than a a fan. The advantage of a thermoelectric unit is that it can be moved and is immune to vibrations, thus making it ideal for use as a travel medical fridge.

A thermoelectric fridge, is a fridge which utilises thermoelectric cooling. This is often referred to as the Peltier effect as it was discovered by Jean Charles Peltier a French physicist in the 1830's. Thermoelectric cooling is used extensively in portable mini fridges in part to avoid the use of a compressor and gas, and also because the technology allows for the cooler to also become a warmer.

In simplistic terms, the Peltier effect of a thermoelectric fridge works when two different types of metal are attached to each other. When an electrical current passes through them the heat from one of the metals is transferred to the other. In a thermoelectric fridge or cooler the cool part is inside while the warm or hot end is outside. The heat is then dispersed into the air usually with the aid of a small fan. When the electrical current is reversed the opposite happens and the thermoelectric cooler becomes a warmer. One of the great benefits of these coolers is that they do not require a chemical coolant thereby making them environmentally friendly. 

This is the wagan 7 liter personal Cooler and warmer. It comes with two cup holders. This unit is designed to sit on your cars console or on the back seat. It also comes witha handy shoulder strap. It is designed to keep your food or drinks cold or it can double as a warmer. This unit is designed for use in the car, but can be used

inside with the optional adapter. Learn More or BUY Now

The Rally 7509 Travel Cooler and Warmer is great for your truck, car or RV. It can keep food and drinks cold or hot. It features a non slip tray so that your food and srinks don't slip all over the place. There is a handy built in compartment which can hold your sunglasses, drinks or even your change. This unit measures 19 x 10 x 11 inches and weighs 10.5 pounds. Learn More or BUY Now

Wagan 7 Liter 12V Cooler/Warmer with AC adapter ( model 2336-50B ). This great travel appliance holds 7.4 quarts. It features easy to read lights which indicate if it is cooling or warming. It comes with a car adapter so that you can use it in your vehicle right away. It is easy to wash with soap and water. With an AC adapter it can be used inside at the office or at home. Learn More or BUY Now

Thermoelectric fridges are not used only as portable fridges. There are a number of small home appliances which use the thermoelectric technology. In the last few years  wine enthusuasts have started to use thermoelectric wine refrigerators. In part this is due to the environmental consideratons as chemical coolant is not needed for these units to operate. The other attraction has been their size. In addition many people prefer to use this type of wine cooler because they tend not to vibrate. This is a particularly useful feature, especially for people who collect expensive wine.

Thermoelectric technology is ideal for portable fridges because they can withstand movement and vibration and they only have one moving part which is the fan. generally they are lighter than conventional fridges because they do not have a heavy compressor. They are also more efficient and tend to use less electricity than conventional refrigerators.

The Koolatron 1.7 Cu.ft. Thermoelectric fridge ( model KCR-48B ), This model has a host of features including a high quality thermoelectric compressor. It is less noisy, more endergy efficient and better for the environment than traditional fridge compressors. This is an excellent addition to a small area such as a dorm, office or even a small kitchen or bar. It features a recessed handle, sleek design and a removable shelf.It also has a magnetically sealed door frame. For added conveneience the door is reversible. Learn More or BUY Now

The EdgeStar 16 Bottle Compact Wine Cooler ( model TWR160S ). This unit offers Thermoelcertic Peltier Cooling. You can keep up to 16 bottles of wine at their optimal temperature and humidity. The wine is highlighted by LED lighting. The door handle doubles as a towel rack and there is an adjustable thermostat. Temperature distribution is ensured by fan forced circulation. Because of the cooling system, vibration has been eliminated which protects the aging wine from sediment agitation. No freon and energy efficient. Learn More or BUY Now

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If you are considering a mini fridge, then a black mini fridge might be just the answer.  You can easily find a portable black mini fridge or a conventional one. If you require a mini fridge for a dorm or office you will find that a black mini fridge will compliment a range of decor colours, styles and themes. You are not restricted in your choice of colour however. As you will see it is possible to find a personal portable mini fridge in white, red, blue and even pink. Portable mini fridges also come with a variety of logos from coca cola to your favourite NFL team.

As we have stated on previous product pages, it is best not to run portable fridges on a continual basis day after day. They are sturdy, but are not the same as a regular household fridge or a household theromelectric fridge.

One of the products that we like is the Black Mini Fridge Cooler / Warmer. As the name suggests this black mini fridge has the capability of being a warmer as well as a cooler, this can be a real bonus at the office, in the car or in a dorm.

This product can hold 6 12 ounce beverage cans.

It weighs about 6 pounds 

It can run on either mains electricity 110v or 220v or DC 12v in your vehicle

This particular mini fridge is not expensive, it usually retails for under $50.00, Learn More or BUY Now

As well as a portable model, there are several models of black mini fridge which are conventional fridges. These are perfect if you want something which is not portable but can be placed in a small space.  These are two compact black fridges that we particularly like.

The 1.8 Cu.ft. Danby Energy Star refrigerator ( model DAR195BL ) offers a lot of refrigeration space for the size of the unit. A 2 liter bottle or 2 liter juice pack will fit in the door. It has one full shelf and one half shelf. There is an automatic defrost cycle and the top is scratch resistant, making it perfect for those tight spaces. The door hinge is reversible. This units dimensions are 19 3/5"h x 17 1/2"w x 197/10"d. This fridge comes with a 2 year warranty and 5 year parts warranty on the compressor. Learn More or BUY Now

The Koolatron 1.7 Cu.ft. refrigerator ( model KBC-46 ) is a compact fridge with many features. It features a high quality, quiet and energy efficient  compressor. It has a reversible door, recessed handle, removable shelf and magnetically sealed door. It's nice sleek design makes it the perfect appliance for a high traffic area. This model weighs 40 pounds and is built with quality components. Learn More or BUY Now

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 A mini beer fridge could be just the answer if you enjoy a cool one. Does everyone come to your house to watch the game on TV? If so a mini beer fridge could be indispensable.

Do you have a bar in your basement? Does your beer take up too much room in the  kitchen refrigerator? Do you like to have tailgate parties? Do you enjoy a cold glass of beer on your boat or in your RV? Do you need the versatility of being able to have cold beer on tap at a back yard party?  If you answered yes to any or all of these questions then you need a mini beer fridge.

What is a mini beer fridge? Well you really have two choices depending on your requirements. If you like to drink bottled or canned beer and you like to be able to have a beer outside or when you are camping, then any of the portable mini fridges  discussed on these pages will probably more than meet your requirements. Just remember not to drink and drive.

If you just need a mini beer fridge for the house, the TV room, study or dorm then a compact fridge will do the job. They are available in a number of different sizes and you should easily be able to find one that does not take up too much space. 

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If you entertain and want to be able to dispense beer from a  5 litre keg, then a Mini Keg Beer dispenser or Mini Kegerator Refrigerator could be just what you are looking for.

These amazing devices are perfect for the home , they are designed for easy portability as they are AC and DC compatible. Because the unit works as a refrigerator as well as an advanced beer dispensing system you can dispense your beer at the perfect temperature. These are great looking professional units which will enhance any home bar, but will not look out of place at a barbecue or office party.

The other great benefit to using a mini kegerator is that it will save you the hassle of having to buy cases of beer and in all likelihood buying a 5 litre keg of beer instead will save you money.

EdgeStar Mini Kegerator & Beer Dispenser     

NFL Tailgate Cooler

The best solution is to convert a mini fridge into a mini kegerator. It is actually surprisingly easy. All you eed is a small CO2 cylinder, the right hoses and a kegerator conversion kit. Buy a portable mini fridge that has a capacity of 45qt and a 3 gallon Cornelius keg, which should fit inside nicely along with a small CO2 cylinder.

Once you have bought everything, you just need to install the tap as per the instructions that come with it. A tower style tap is necessary if you want to install it in the lid. A normal tap is fine for side installation, but many mini fridges have tubing and insulation in the sides that you do not want to pierce or damage. I suggest using low profile beer tap handles to keep them from getting in the way and making it harder to pack the mini fridge into your car. Remember that this is supposed to be transportable and easily packed up.

Of course you can just use the picnic tap that comes with most kegging systems, but that means you need to open the fridge every time you want to draw a beer off the keg and this makes the whole unit less efficient. Plus, picnic taps don't look nearly as nice as chrome taps and beer taps with great designs.