Mini Fridge Comparison

With the emergence of new technologies, the range of small cooling products has increased dramatically over the last few years, to such an extent that choosing between the different types is a little daunting to say the least.

Help is at hand however, with our unbiased comparison of the products we offer. We discuss each range in turn and give information on the applications they are suitable, or not suitable for, and the reasons why.

To view further product information on a range, just click on the appropriate image.

A Special Note about the Storage of Medication

We are frequently asked about the refrigerated storage of medication, and this is understandable, as mini fridges are very attractive for this purpose.

We do not, however, have any qualifications in this area, and are therefore unable to offer advice on this subject. If you are unclear about the storage requirements for you medication, you should speak to your Pharmacist.

We do not sell any of our products for medical purposes. If you decide to store medicine inside a mini fridge of any type, we recommend that you use a max-min thermometer to ensure that the refrigerated compartment has remained within the recommended temperature range of the medication.

Portable Mini Fridges

With capacities from 5 to 15 litres, these are excellent Mini Fridges for general use and drinks storage. Using thermoelectric technology, the units all contain a fan which runs pretty much continuously and although reasonably quiet (a little quieter than a PC fan), they are best suited for use in a study, TV room, or in bed-sit type accommodation (e.g. student halls) rather than in the confines of a small bedroom (though this does depend on what you are able to sleep through). The unit can be powered from the mains, or a 12V cigarette lighter socket and is durable enough to be taken on the odd camping expedition.

Compact Mini Fridges

This is the smallest of the Caldura professional range of Mini Fridges. It is a thermoelectric unit, and therefore contains a fan which runs continuously. It does, however, have special electronic circuitry that reduces the speed of the fan once it reaches temperature and the noise emitted is therefore barely a whisper in normal running conditions. A very good choice for installation in student accommodation, or small guest house rooms.

Silent Running Mini Fridges

Larger units from the Caldura professional range of Mini Fridges available in capacities of 30 and 40 litres. These units operate using absorption technology, they have no moving parts, and are therefore completely silent in operation - making them ideal for use where any level of noise would be a distraction. They are mains operated, and not designed to be portable (though they are frequently used in static caravans and tents).

The Caldura Digital range has enhanced temperature regulation for reduced power consumption, and auto-defrost for low maintenance operation.

These units are primarily designed for use in hotel guest rooms as a minibar or guest mini fridge.

Tropicool Thermoelectric Cool boxes

These are quite simply the best thermoelectric cool boxes on the market that we know of. Sourced from Waeco in Germany ("vorsprung durch technic" and all that!) they are thermostatically controlled (just like a real fridge) and capable of cooling down to as much as 30°C below the ambient temperature enabling their use in climates of up to 35°C. All models can be operated from a 12V car cigarette lighter socket or the mains so you don't need to unload the unit when you get back to base.

We know they are expensive compared to budget boxes like the ones below, but there really is no comparison in terms of cooling performance. These operate just as well as real fridges, other budget coolboxes simply do not. You will not regret buying one of these boxes.

Ideal for camping, shopping, picnics etc. They are very durable being made from injection moulded parts (i.e. strong plastic).

Budget Thermoelectric Cool boxes

A budget range of thermoelectric cool boxes. This doesn't have to mean compromise however, as the units, like our Tropicool range above, are manufactured by Waeco in Germany to the highest standards. The main differences in specification from the Tropicool range is that the budget range has a maximum cool down temperature of 20°C below ambient (suitable for climates up to a maximum of 25°C), and they are not thermostatically controlled. This is fine for use in the UK, but not to the south of France for example, where the Tropicool range would be a much better choice.

Ideal for bringing home the shopping and for picnics, but not really for longer term storage where you really should have a thermostatically controlled box like the Tropicool units above.

Thermoelectric Coolbags

Made by Mobicool, the manufacturing arm of Waeco, these units are very light (from 2.3Kg) and can be flattened for easy transport. As they are lightweight, they can only cool to 15°C below ambient and should therefore only be used for the longer term storage of fresh food (meat, cheese etc.) in a cool or air conditioned environment (below 23°C). Nevertheless, when used within their working limits, they are very useful because a) they are the lightest electric cooler on the market, and b) they fold relatively flat when not in use.

They are ideal for taking away on holiday for use in a hotel room to keep drinks and snacks cool, or for keeping in the car should you get the urge to shop for fresh food items a little further from home than usual. The mains versions have universal voltage adaptors suitable for use worldwide (though a travel adaptor plug is still required).

CoolFreeze Compressor Cool Boxes

Like the Tropicool Thermoelectric products above, these units are also sourced from Waeco. They use specially developed miniaturised compressor technology for weight reduction. The major advantage over Thermoelectric units is pure cooling power. These units can DEEP FREEZE down to -18°C if required. The temperature is continuously variable and can be set anywhere between +5°C (fridge) and -18°C (deep freezer).

These units are ideal for long haul trips, although they don't have separate fridge/freezer compartments. However, if a mixture of chilled/frozen foods need to be transported, a selected temperature somewhere around 0°C will keep chilled food cool, whilst keeping deep frozen food well frozen for several hours.

Mains/Gas/12V Portable Absorption Fridges

These are much more serious products aimed primarily at the camping market. They have good cooling capability and can therefore be used without assistance even in hot climates. The three way power system makes them entirely flexible for camping - using mains hook up where available, 12V power on the road, or gas power where no mains is available whilst stationary.

They are designed to be very durable, but the downside is that they are not particularly lightweight.

Because of the cooling mechanisms within these units, bear in mind that the capacity is somewhat smaller than the external dimensions might suggest.

If you are camping and taking a gas cylinder for cooking purposes, then these products are an ideal compliment as they can run off the same cylinder.

Please note that these units must not be used on gas power in confined spaces (i.e. not inside tents, or cars).