What is a Mini Fridge?

A mini fridge is a highly useful and necessary tool for all outdoor enthusiasts. It can keep food and drinks at a constant and comfortable temperature while on the go.

My Trip with this Mini Fridge

I was very pleased with the outcome of this mini fridge as it stayed cool throughout our trip to a little spot we found on google maps. One test I ran on this fridge was to leave it running for over a month while I worked from home. This appliance will make anyone happy with the way it keeps all different types of food or beverages at the correct temperature that you set.

Let me say this right now! If you want a mini fridge that will probably outlast your regular refrigerator, buy the BougeRV 30 Quart Mini Fridge.

Pricing And Warranty

This item is offered on amazon at a price of around $309.99 and will come with an amazing warranty.

Capacity (in Cubic Feet, Quarts, Liters) And Dimensions

The capacity of this unit comes in at 30 quartz or 28 liters. This is adequate to easily hold many different types of beverages or food. I was able to easily fit 17 bottles of normal sized water bottles. Most of these water bottles were free-standing while the others were put on their sides will not regret it.

Weight, Compressor Noise (in Decibels) And Power Usage

Here I will go over some of the basics of this unit. Like the noise level, weight and the power usage.

Fridge Weight

The weight of this fridge comes in at a manageable weight of 27.3 pounds. I had no trouble lifting this unit while bringing other items on the top of it.

Power

This unit comes with two different sources of powering on. You will receive one 12 volt power cord that you can hook up to any car 12 volt socket. You will also receive one 120 volt power supply that you can connect to your home or campground sockets. This means that no matter where you are located, you will be able to keep this unit plugged in.

Compressor noise

This unit is very quiet as the noise level is less than 45 decibels. To give you an example of some different noise levels of different appliances, below will be a table with some stats. You will notice that this mini fridge is not loud in any way.

Appliance	Sound level in decibels
Loud Radio	70 to 80 dB
Hair Dryer	70 dB
Dishwasher	70 dB
Electric Shaver	60 dB
Vacuum Cleaner	80 dB
Air Conditioner	50 - 75 dB
Coffee Grinder	70 - 80 dB
Blender	80 - 90 dB
Washing Machine	50 - 75 dB
Alarm Clock	65 - 80 dB
Garbage Disposal	80 - 95 db

Benefits of the BougeRV Mini Fridge

• They are small, portable, and compact – perfect for trips away from home! There's no need to lug around heavy coolers, they're easier to store, and much lighter than a standard refrigerator.
• They're cheaper than larger models – Many smaller units start at under $100. You can get a quality unit for less than half the price of a regular model. Plus, you don't have to worry about electricity and gas costs either (as long as you're using natural gas).
• They're great for off-grid use – If you're planning to camp out somewhere remote, then a mini fridge is a lifesaver. They're especially useful if you don't plan to hook up to a power supply.
• A mini fridge is an excellent way to keep food fresh – Even though you may not want to eat something straight out of the freezer, if you buy a good quality mini fridge, it can help preserve the foods in your cooler even longer.
• Mini fridges tend to be less noisy – If you've ever tried to sleep next to a generator running, you know how loud appliances can be. In comparison, mini fridges run quietly and are often able to fit right inside a tent or camper.

How to use a Camping Refrigerator

Most camp refrigerators are vented, so they can easily keep the air out and food and drinks at the right temperature. Place it in the center of your tent if possible, where it's easy to see and reach. You should try to keep your mini fridge clean at all times and keep it at a temperature that your food or beverages require.

The Importance of Good Quality

The quality of a camping refrigerator will have a large impact on how useful it is. The best models are made from high-quality, long-lasting materials, such as stainless steel. It's not just the looks of a stainless steel fridge that matter, either; having quality stainless steel equipment will last you longer and perform better than cheaper alternatives. If you want to make sure of the quality of your purchase, look for refrigerators with an S rating or higher from the Better Business Bureau.

The BougeRV 30L Mini Fridge is not made with stainless steel but do not be fooled, their fridges are very durable. I have been using my unit for roughly 3 months to date and have banged it up a couple times. After all that, it still works perfectly.

Things to consider before buying a Camping Refrigerator

Before you buy a camping refrigerator, it's important to know a few things about your particular needs. Things like "How often do you plan on using your refrigerator?"

Size

This will have a huge impact on how many meals you can store at once. If you're planning on having a family of 3-5 people, then I would suggest getting something around 30L. However, if you're camping solo or with just two people, then go smaller. BougeRV has smaller options that you can choose from.

Power consumption

Consider what power options you want. You will need to think about how you will be plugging in your unit and if you will only be able to run it off of 12-volt or from 120-volt. Luckily, the BougeRV mini fridge can be run off of both options.

Energy efficiency

This is going to depend on the wattage of the fridge. The lower the wattage, the less energy it takes to operate. You'll also need to keep in mind how often you use the refrigerator. Do you plan on opening the door frequently? Or maybe you're not even opening the door that much. In that case, get a smaller fridge.

Temperature control

This feature is a must have in any type of refrigerator. If your refrigerator does not have this feature, you are not going to be able to control what temperature it stays at. This feature ensures your ability to change temperatures according to the type of drink or food you will be storing.

Noise

You don't need a lot of noise in while you are camping. Think about whether you really need to hear the compressor running constantly or not. If you have a silent mini fridge, this will keep your camping neighbors happy.

Design

Think about where you intend to place your fridge. Will you use it as a freezer? Or will you use it as a regular fridge? You have to decide where you will be storing it also.

How To Make Your Refrigerator More Efficient:

• Start by cleaning out the fridge. Throw away anything that's old or doesn't have any nutritional value left. Clean and wipe them down with a damp cloth. Then wash the lid on both inside and outside. After you're done, give the whole thing another quick wipe-down.
• If things aren't frozen properly, they won't last as long, and that means you'll have to buy more food sooner than you want. Also, if you're storing meat or fish in the freezer, remember to wrap it in foil before putting it in the bag. This way it stays fresh longer, even though the temperature may be lower. Remember to take these steps right after you take the food out of the refrigerator.
• Now that you've cleaned up the fridge, it's time to reorganize it. Arrange all the items according to their usage. Keep fruits and vegetables together, and arrange meats, milk, and cheese around them.
• If you can, try to store perishable foods in the smallest possible container. For example, if you plan to keep salad greens in a plastic bag, put the bag where it's easily accessible. Store eggs in a small carton instead of a larger one.
• Finally, invest in a programmable timer. A lot of timers cost less than $20. This tool will help you manage all the appliances in your house more efficiently, saving you time and money.

Who Needs Camping Refrigerators?

Do you ever find yourself running out of iced tea while you're chowing down on your camping snacks? Do you end up having to make do with room temperature served drinks all weekend long? Or, perhaps worst of all, are you that one camper who always has an ample supply of cold drinks at home but whose pitiful fridge breaks down before the weekend is out?
If the answer to any or all of the above questions is yes, then you need a camping refrigerator.

A camp refrigerator is a handy item that can address almost any need a camping enthusiast could have. It isn't absolutely necessary for every camper, but it sure does come in handy when planning get-togethers at home and away from home.

Regardless of where you are in the world, everyone can benefit from a camping refrigerator. The simplest ones keep drinks at a steady and regulated temperature, but more advanced models can also keep food cold for days. Even if you're not planning on staying at a national park or other outdoorsy environment, you will usually need to keep beverages cool for a certain amount of time. That's why a camping refrigerator is so useful.

Campers

Campers need their refrigerators because they are often away from home for weeks at a time. There are many different reasons why people go camping, including hiking, fishing, sightseeing, hunting, etc. But regardless of the reason, whether it's just for fun or if you're looking to make some extra money while traveling, having a refrigerator will help you stay cool while enjoying your trip.

RVers

RVers need refrigeration because of the size of their rigs. Not only do campsites have smaller kitchens than typical houses, but they are usually set up away from major cities where power costs are higher. Often these campgrounds don't have access to utilities, making keeping food cold a challenge. A mini fridge is a must-have.

Boondockers

Boondockers are those who live out-of-doors without running water or electricity. These types of campers may not even have a tent yet still require basic supplies like a fridge. They often use firewood to keep their temperature down and rely on a cooler night temperatures for privacy.

Tent campers

Tent campers will sometimes need a refrigerator because they will not always have access to a kitchen area. They do need a way to store their food and drinks.

Mini Fridge Pros

1. They are small, portable, and compact – perfect for trips away from home! There's no need to lug around heavy coolers, they're easier to store, and much lighter than a standard refrigerator.
2. They're cheaper than larger models – Many smaller units start at under $100. You can get a quality unit for less than half the price of a regular model. Plus, you don't have to worry about electricity and gas costs either (as long as you're using natural gas).
3. They're great for off-grid use – If you're planning to camp out somewhere remote, then a mini fridge is a lifesaver. They're especially useful if you don't plan to hook up to a power supply.
4. A mini fridge is an excellent way to keep food fresh – Even though you may not want to eat something straight out of the freezer, if you buy a good quality mini fridge, it can help preserve the foods in your cooler even longer.
5. Mini fridges tend to be less noisy – If you've ever tried to sleep next to a generator running, you know how loud appliances can be. In comparison, mini fridges run quietly and are often able to fit right inside a tent or camper.

Mini fridge cons

1. They might not be suitable for everyone – Most mini fridges require you to plug them directly into a power outlet. Sometimes, these outlets won't work well with tents or other portable electronics. If you have problems with this, check with your local camping store to make sure you'll be fine with what you're using.
2. They can be expensive – Like any appliance, mini refrigerators can cost anywhere between $200 and $1000 depending on brand and features. And while most people save money by owning their own, sometimes you just want the convenience of having someone else do the work for you.
3. They're bulky – Since mini fridges are relatively lightweight, they end up being quite big and take up a lot of space. They can be difficult to carry, especially if you're trying to cram everything indoors. Plus, you generally don't have room to store anything else.
4. They don't last forever – Though they're incredibly convenient, mini fridges don't necessarily last forever. They're known for having short lifespans and poor repair options. However, if you need to replace yours, you're likely going to spend a pretty penny doing it.

How much drain does a fridge put on your car battery?

The only way to know for sure how much a car battery drains is to measure it while its running. You could try using a multimeter to check the voltage over time. It may not show you exactly what's draining your car battery, but it should at least give you some idea. Your best bet is to let someone else drive your car for a few minutes before checking your car battery. If the car battery runs dry before the person drives away, then you know what's using up all your juice!

Will a camping fridge drain my car battery?

If you're planning to leave your car running whilst running a 12 volt fridge, then make sure your air conditioning unit isn't plugged in. Make sure that if your battery is completely dead, you disconnect the car's ignition system otherwise you could cause irreparable damage to your engine.

Do Portable Fridge Uses A Lot Of Electricity?

The amount of power consumption of a portable fridge is dependent upon its capacity. If we take the average size of a fridge at 2 cubic feet, we would have a maximum capacity per hour of about 5 kWh. Most smaller fridges use between 2-3 kWh per hour. The larger models consume around 6-8 kWh per hour. However, if the unit is running continuously, the energy consumption could be higher than 10kWh per hour. But these numbers are just estimates because they vary based on how much time the unit runs continuously while plugged in.

How Long Will A Car Battery Run A 12-Volt Refrigerator?

Larger units may require a larger battery to operate due to their power needs. When looking at a larger model, you have to ensure that you will have a strong enough battery to keep it operating for a certain amount of time. There are different types of car batteries available on the market. These batteries are usually advertised with a cranking amps rating. This is not the most important aspect of a battery that will probably only be used to run your refrigerator.

Cold Cranking Amps, CCA

This is how much power your battery can output while being cranked by the starter motor. A average car battery has a CCA of around 350CCA to 600CCA. Most people assume that the total amount of Amps going through the battery equals the car's CCA. However, batteries aren't actually designed to handle full load currents. Rather, they have a certain peak discharge rate before they start losing capacity and voltage. For example, a car battery might be able to sustain 600mA (peak current) for 15 seconds straight, but not 1,200mA (full load). This is only an example as battery technology is improving each year.

Amp Hour Rating, AH

The Amp Hour rating tells you the amount of amperage a battery can supply over one hour. This means that if you have a battery with a rating of 70AH, you will be able to use 7 Amps per hour for 10 hours or 1 amp per hour for 70 hours.

For reference, most newer automobile batteries are rated at between 50 and 60 Ah, depending on the model year. Older vehicles often had smaller capacities.

The bottom line is that it's best to stick to whatever the manufacturer recommends. Batteries lose their charge over time, and a lower AH rating results in faster degradation.

As you can see in the images above. The BougeRV 30L Mini Fridge only uses roughly 250 Milliamps per hour. Sometimes it uses up to 400 milliamps, but that is only when the compressor kicks in for a short period of time.

My view of a pond?

I sometimes find the best places that not many people know about. Just imaging having this spot all to yourself almost everyday.

How Big Of A Battery Bank Do I Need To Run A Refrigerator?

This may depend on the specific model that you choose. You should consider your usage patterns and the number of times that you would want to have the unit on at any given time. More often than not, it is best to get an extra battery. Keep in mind that bigger batteries require more space. So, if you can afford it, go for the largest battery that fits your budget and the space you have in mind.

Direction Of The Doors or Lid?

This might be overlooked when purchasing your fridge. This is however important as it will play a roll in where you can place the unit. You want the door or lid to open a certain way so much so that it will not knock stuff over or be unable to open all the way.

How Much Solar & Batteries Do You Need To Run A 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator?

To adequately run a mini fridge, you will need to find out how much amps per hour it uses. I have found that my BougeRV Mini Fridge uses less than 1 amp per hour when running and will work quite well on a 50AH battery system. This would work well with a 300 watt solar system.

With a 50AH battery, my mini fridge should theoretically run for 50 hours or more. It is usually best to get a higher output solar system than needed to compensate for days when their is not much sunlight.

Portable Power Stations

Portable power stations have many uses, including powering tools, charging electronic devices, and providing lighting at home. Here are some advantages of portable power stations:

• You can use it anywhere.
• It's convenient.
• You don't need electricity (or you could plug in using a solar panel).
• You can bring them wherever you go.