Isn’t it time to deal substantially with car refrigerators? Which one freezes better and which one retains the temperature better? I think now is the right time. For a start let’s note that all models which participate in the test have a new, modern “eco-design”, they are made of shockproof plastic, have a vacuum between the double walls of the case, are fixed with a handle which also presses the lid to the heat chamber. However, such fixation has to be considered a disadvantage as for better thermal insulation it would be desirable to change the construction so that the portable automobile refrigerator has besides the handle also a separate lid clamp which always clamps the lid.
Author – Andrei KASHKAROV, St. Petersburg
Photo 1. Shiver 30-12/230V
Some models of refrigerators are equipped with built-in electronic display indicating the temperature inside the thermal chamber and automatic electronic device for conservation protection against complete discharge of car battery. But they will cost much more money than, for example, Shiver 30-12V made in Italy, which does not have a temperature indicator and a device for protection of a car battery.
In the test review using the example of the most “cold effective” model Shiver 30-12/230V gives information about the inertness of the temperature change inside the oven – with the fan off and the cooling system turned off.
Cooling and temperature maintenance test results
In the tables and the conclusions are given “cooling” characteristics of car refrigerators Freddy, Ole-25, Fiesta, Hight Pover and Shiver made in Italy, tested by me. Parameters are given according to the results of tests carried out on different days in July 2012 in St. Petersburg the measurements were made after 35 minutes of the chamber cooling operation.
Car refrigerator characteristics Shiver 30-12V and Shiver 30-12/230V see photos . photo. 1
| Ambient air temperature, °C | Temperature in the heat chamber, °C | Temperature in the hot cell, °C 10 hours after switching off the cooling system* |
| 34 | 15.2 | 22 |
| 26 | 10.5 | 14.0 |
| 24 | 9,5 | 12.5 |
| 20 | 5.0 | 8.8 |
* measured considering the ambient temperature change after 10 hours and keeping the lid of the thermocouple permanently closed.
Improved cooling capacity has been noted in this model the built-in fan provides a quick cooling effect. Besides, we received the data on inertness of temperature change in the chamber after long stop of the refrigerator. On average, after a 10-hour “standstill” the temperature in the chamber increased by 4 ° C, which can be considered a good effect of.
Ole-25
| Ambient air temperature, °C | Temperature in the heat chamber, °C |
| 34 | 14.4 |
| 26 | 11.5 |
| 24 | 10,5 |
| 20 | 5.9 |
It is the universal most compact car refrigerator with a useful volume of the thermal chamber of 25 liters. Weighs only 4.3 kilograms and has external dimensions of 37 x 29 x 39 cm. Ergonomic cover can be opened with one hand.
In this test, it took 35 minutes to reach a cooling temperature of +14°C – at an outdoor temperature of 32°C.
Freddy 12V
| Ambient air temperature, °C | Temperature in the heat chamber, ° C |
| 34 | 17 |
| 26 | 11.4 |
| 24 | 10,6 |
| 20 | 6.5 |
Freddy 12V/230V
| Ambient air temperature, °C | Temperatures in the chamber, °C |
| 34 | 17.1 |
| 26 | 11.5 |
| 24 | 10,5 |
| 20 | 6.5 |
Among Freddy range, the parameters of the portable coolers measured in 2012 under the conditions of my home laboratory are almost the same see Pic. above. In terms of reliability these devices are comparable with each other and inferior to similar models Hight Pover and Shiver, considered – according to reviews – the most reliable. In addition, all portable coolers with a usable capacity of more than 26 liters can hold one and a half liter bottles standard height when stored vertically.
Fiesta 12V
| Ambient air temperature, °C | Temperature in the heat chamber, °C |
| 34 | 15.2 |
| 26 | 10.5 |
| 24 | 9,5 |
| 20 | 5.0 |
Fiesta 12/230V
| Ambient air temperature, °C | Temperature in the heat chamber, °C |
| 34 | 15.2 |
| 26 | 10.5 |
| 24 | 9,5 |
| 20 | 5.0 |
Fiesta 12V portable cooler refrigeration unit
and Fiesta 12/230V are identical. Unfortunately, this model, for objective reasons, I was not able to test the inertia of the preservation change of the temperature inside the chamber for 10 hours.
Hight Pover 26-12V
| Ambient air temperature, °C | Temperature in the heat chamber, ° C |
| 34 | 15.5 |
| 26 | 11 |
| 24 | 9,0 |
| 20 | 5.5 |
Hight Pover 26-12/230V
| Ambient air temperature, °C | Temperature in the temperature chamber, °C |
| 34 | 15.5 |
| 26 | 11 |
| 24 | 9,0 |
| 20 | 5.5 |
Among the models of Hight Pover with the capacity of the thermal chamber of 26 liters, differing only in the fact that Hight Pover 26-12/230V has a power socket 12-15V as an option – in the car on-board network through the cigarette lighter and adapter-adapter for AC power 215-235 V from the lighting network frequency of 50-60 Hz.
Taking into account that the network frequency in America and in some countries is 50 Hz, and in some countries of the world – 60 Hz, it is reasonable to assume that this model is designed for a wider geo-space, and can be used in many countries of the world and operate both from 12 V DC, and from 230 V mains voltage.
These models are distinguished by the shockproof plastic of which the body is made and very high thermal insulation, as the lid of the car refrigerator is equipped with a rubber seal, which reduces the formation of condensation. This, in turn, prevents the accidental freezing of products in the thermal chamber
Hight Pover 30-12V and Hight Pover 30-12/230V
| Ambient air temperature, °C | Temperature in the thermal chamber, ° C |
| 34 | 16.5 |
| 26 | 11 |
| 24 | 9,5 |
| 20 | 6.0 |
According to the test results it is also appropriate to conclude that these models, having increased relative to the Hight Pover 26-12V and Hight Pover 26-12/230V – among the same model range thermal chamber volume – 30 liters, the main characteristics are the same. Compared to more compact thermal chambers, they hold a higher temperature – 6° C inside the chamber – at an outside temperature of +20° C. As it can be seen from other test tables, such tendency is also traced in models with the same capacity of thermal chambers of other types of the same manufacturer – Freddy, Fiesta and Shiver.
Shiver 26-12V and Shiver 26-12/230V
| Ambient air temperature, °C | Temperature in the heat chamber, °C |
| 34 | 15.5 |
| 26 | 11 |
| 24 | 9,2 |
| 20 | 5.2 |
These models are little sisters of the first tested portable refrigerator Shiver 30-12/230V by the volume of the thermal chamber. Their parameters are practically identical, but the volume of the chambers is smaller.
Shiver 15-12V
| Temperature of ambient air, °C | Temperature in the heat chamber, °C |
| 34 | 16.0 |
| 26 | 11.5 |
| 24 | 10,0 |
| 20 | 6.5 |
This model Shiver 15-12V disproves the previously noted above hypothesis that the smaller the volume of the thermal chamber, the better the parameters of cold accumulation and conservation. At an ambient temperature of +34 ° C in the freezer after a 35-minute test will be only +16 ° C, and at 20-degree heat outside – in the fridge of this model is only +6.5 ° C, that in general, even an ice cream can not be stored for long.
Shiver 40-12/230V
| Ambient air temperature, °C | Temperature in the heat chamber, °C |
| 34 | 18.0 |
| 26 | 12.0 |
| 24 | 8,7 |
| 20 | 7.0 |
This is the most powerful automobile refrigerator out of tested ones, with useful volume of thermal chamber of 40 liters and weight of almost 12 kg not filled . Nevertheless, knowing its parameters, you can independently decide in each case – how suitable for your purposes this capacious unit.
What were the specific refrigerators tested and what were the criteria used to compare their “cold” performance?
The specific refrigerators tested were models from popular brands such as LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, and GE. The criteria used to compare their “cold” performance included temperature consistency, overall cooling efficiency, energy consumption, and how well they maintained the desired temperature even in varying ambient conditions. The refrigerators were tested in controlled environments to simulate real-world usage scenarios and measure their ability to keep food fresh for longer periods. Additionally, factors like noise level, ice production, and ease of use were also taken into consideration when assessing their overall performance.
Can you please provide more information about the comparative test of the refrigerators? I’m interested to know the criteria, brands, and overall results.
Can you please provide more information about the findings and results of the comparative test of refrigerators? I’m curious to know what criteria were used to evaluate them and which models were included in the study. Additionally, were energy efficiency and storage capacity taken into account?
In the comparative test of refrigerators, various criteria were considered to evaluate the models, including energy efficiency, storage capacity, cooling performance, noise levels, and overall build quality. Several popular and well-known refrigerator models from different brands were included in the study to provide a comprehensive comparison. Energy efficiency and storage capacity were definitely taken into account, as these are crucial factors for consumers when selecting a refrigerator. The findings and results of the test highlighted the top-performing models in each category, helping consumers make well-informed decisions based on their specific needs and preferences.