Chilling Out

THE PORTABLE FRIDGE HAS REPLACED THE ESKY AS THE GO-TO BEER-CHILLING TOOL FOR AUSSIES. WE HAVE A CHAT TO THE FRIDGE EXPERTS IN THE INDUSTRY.

- TRISTAN TANCREDI

THE Esky may still have a home at many Australian campsites, its simplicity outgunning the need for power points and solar panels, but with the proliferation of power-management and dual-battery systems minimising the frequency of flat batteries, there is now a wide choice when it comes to high-tech portable refrigeration. The fridge plays a crucial role on any trip, be it weekend escape or 12-month pilgrimage from Cape Byron to Steep Point, as it keeps food fresh and beers cold.

Swing into any campsite these days and you’ll note the fridge is but one of many technologies in use; without doubt camps will be illuminated by the latest LED lights and you’ll spot kids neglecting nature for their tablets and mobile phones … parents too.

With this ever-growing reliance on technology when off the grid, it’s obvious that your 4x4 needs to be set-up to cope with charging said devices, while not draining the starting battery.

The thing with a 12-volt fridge is, it needs to be constantly on so that food stays crisp and liquid gold stays ice-cold. We chat to the folks who know this better than most, from Ironman 4x4, Evakool, myCOOLMAN and ARB. Let’s get stuck in.

TYPES OF FRIDGES

PEOPLE need to understand there are different types of fridges; you have thermoelectric, three-way and compressor fridges. Each work differently, and some are more efficient than others,” explains Ironman 4x4’s director of 4x4 products, Adam Craze.

You can’t buy a thermoelectric cooler and expect the same cooling functions as a three-way or compressor style. A thermoelectric ‘cooler’ can’t reach the same high and low temperatures of a three-way or compressor fridge, recording a much more limited temperature range. And, unlike the other two options, a thermoelectric cooler doesn’t cycle on and off. Generally, they’re a cheaper option.