Product Review: The affordable van fridge, so you don't break the bank but also keep the beers cold at all times (without the gross post-camp cooler to clean out).
In a world filled with choices for keeping your drinks and snacks chilled during outdoor adventures, finding the perfect balance between cost, convenience, and performance can be challenging. Especially when you're in a small van.
We're no Sprinter van here, where space can already be tight, so our space is precious beyond belief. But with being big cookers, where we knew we would have quite a few fresh veggies to keep crispy, as well as Zach needing a place to keep his beers cold, a fridge was definitely something we'd get into the van build. After doing some looking around, we found one that fit in between the seats up front and even into a small space in the back. That fridge is the BougeRV, which you've most likely seen on Amazon.
Today, we'll take a critical but ultimately positive look at the BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator, 23 Quart 12V Car Fridge.
The BougeRV 23 Quart Car Refrigerator: Cool Convenience at a Fair Price
At first glance, the BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator may not have the brand recognition of some competitors, but it quickly proves its worth in terms of features and performance. The 23 quart is only $160-$200, which has more than enough room for a six pack of beer and a few days worth of veggies/fruits. It also can act as a freezer as well if you'd prefer.
Dometics and so many other van fridges are going to run you up $500 at the very least, but really you could be looking at more like $1000.
If you're looking for a comparable fridge but willing to spend a little more money, this fridge by ICECO would be one to look at, which will hit you at $450. Though, this one has a partition
so you can have a freezer and fridge run at the same time, compared to the BougeRV which can only be either a fridge or a freezer at one given time.
Energy Consumption
The inclusion of both 12-volt DC and 110-volt AC power options gives this fridge a leg up in versatility. You can power it from your vehicle while on the move and switch to a standard household outlet when you reach your destination. This flexibility is awesome for when we have it plugged into our cigarette lighter or our power source.
When we initially plug in the fridge, it starts sucking up about 60 Watts. This then drops to about 30-40 watts once it reaches the lower temps and sips from there. I'd say, within 20 minutes, you got a consistent low temp in the high 30s/low 40s. A lot of the energy and time to cool will depend on what temperatures you're trying to use it in - the fridge is going to have to work harder to maintain a cool temp if you're using it in really hot temperatures.
We just ran our fridge in the morning for an hour and then a few hours at night and the fridge held up great (though our milk did go bad a few times, but we also were in extremely hot temps, not running our fridge 24/7).
Our 1000W Jackery didn't take too big of an energy hit at all, but we had to be frugal with our energy consumption since we also have to work on the road and plug in computers/Starlink/phones/etc. as well.
A Word on Coolers
Now, let's briefly touch on the cheaper alternative: traditional coolers. While coolers have their place, they fall short in terms of temperature control and convenience. With a cooler, you're reliant on ice, which can melt and leave your items soggy and waterlogged. Additionally, you'll need to keep replenishing the ice, which can be a hassle during extended trips. We ran into some people just doing the cooler thing and I'm pretty glad we weren't always searching around for ice and emptying the cooler soup....
The Final Score
In the world of portable cooling solutions, the BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator, 23 Quart 12V Car Fridge, is a standout performer. It offers impressive cooling capabilities for the energy consumption, versatility with dual voltage support, and a reasonable price point compared to higher-end alternatives like Dometic fridges. While traditional coolers may be more budget-friendly, they lack the precision and convenience offered by a reliable 12-volt car fridge.
In our opinion, if you're someone who values the freshness of your food and drinks during outdoor adventures or vanning around, investing in a BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator is a smart choice. It strikes a balance between affordability and performance, ensuring your trips are both enjoyable and refreshingly cool. So, whether you're camping under the stars or on a long road trip, this car fridge could be your ideal cool companion.
Feel free to reach out if you had any other questions if you're thinking about getting the fridge - happy to help you with the choice!
Commentaires