The 10 Best Portable Fridges to Upgrade Your Next Weekend Getaway (They’re Great for Small Spaces!)

published Aug 8, 2023
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Friends sharing a meal while camping by lake.
Credit: Getty Images / Thomas Barwick

If you’ve ever gone on an outdoor excursion of any kind — camping, hiking, a road trip, or perhaps a beach day — you know there’s almost nothing worse than feeling parched and then discovering that the beverages you packed have also been baked by the summer sun. Whether you leave them in the car or by the tent, they’re more likely than not to get all hot and gross by lunchtime. Sure, you can place your food and drinks in a cooler, but when temps are soaring, you’re going to need something a little more heavy-duty. Namely, a portable fridge. It’s actually not unlike a cooler, but this on-the-go appliance uses a power source to maintain an appropriate interior temperature, keeping contents cold indefinitely.

But, even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, you can still get plenty of use out of a portable fridge at home. Perhaps you like to keep snacks (or skincare) by your bed, or your kitchen fridge doesn’t have enough space to accommodate your soda habit. We found and listed the best appliances for every purpose below, so have a look to see which one would best fit your lifestyle.

1 / 10
Home Depot
$133.31
was $148.12

This particular fridge was designed to stay in your car, so whether you’re hanging out at the lake or tailgating, it’ll most certainly come in handy. The VEVOR model comes with two power cables and uses compressor refrigeration technology to achieve a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit in just 15 minutes. A digital display panel and mobile app let you control the fridge’s mode, plus you also get a built-in USB charger that might just save the day when your phone’s battery runs low.

2 / 10
Walmart
$38.84
was $47.00

Get the party going with this retro-inspired mini fridge, which offers just enough room for six cans of your favorite ciders and fizzy drinks. Not only is it downright adorable, but the fridge is also easy to take from poolside to dorm room thanks to its top handle. And of course, it has a built-in Bluetooth speaker to help you stream music while you hang out. For under $40, this multipurpose mini fridge is a steal.

3 / 10
Wayfair
$179.99
was $189.99

It can be hard to lug heavy refrigerators from your house to the car, no matter how small they might be. This Ivation model eliminates the hassle with its built-in wheels and side handles. Simply load it up, pull out the longer handle, and roll it toward the trunk. Not only is the chest ideal for summer because of its cooling feature, but it’ll also keep food warm in winter! All you have to do is flip a switch to change the setting. Dual power cords also let you plug the cooler in wherever you go.

4 / 10
Walmart
$175.99
was $249.99

If your car or RV doesn’t have a ton of floor space to spare, you might opt for a model like the WhizMax RV car fridge, which makes great use of vertical space. Although it’s not wide, it is deep and able to hold 42 quarts (for reference, that’s 51 cans of Coke). An anti-skid base will also prevent the fridge from sliding around your camper, while its battery protection function ensures that your car doesn’t run out of power.

5 / 10
Macy's
$252.89
was $280.99

Another wheeled find, the Costway car fridge is still plenty effective even if you don’t have a vehicle. You could pull it to the park or a friend’s house and achieve a temperature of -4 degrees Fahrenheit in no time once you arrive. What’s more, the rolling chest boasts two roomy compartments for both refrigeration and freezing. The zones are also divided by a removable partition should you want to keep sandwiches and ice cream bars separate.

6 / 10
Amazon
$79.99

We love the sleek appearance of this 10-liter refrigerator. It’s available on Amazon in eight colors, as well as a larger size. Inside, you’ll find three tiers of varying heights, as well a small door shelf. Although you could definitely use it to bring food on the go, the fridge would also make a great gift for the skincare enthusiast in your life or a loved one embarking on dorm life.

7 / 10
Home Depot
$228.34
was $268.63

The design of this electric cooler is quite unique compared to others. For one, its top door is detachable and can be opened either way, so you’ll have easy access to the contents no matter which way you position the cooler. It also comes with a detachable basket and a panel that sports a built-in cup holder to keep beverages steady, even while in motion. Most importantly, this makeshift fridge is super easy to use via both manual and mobile app control.

8 / 10
Amazon
$849.00

If you’re looking to avoid pesky power cables, check out the Anker Everfrost 40. This powerful cooler features a detachable battery, which can be recharged via solar energy. And once fully charged, the battery can last for up to 36 hours while helping the cooler to maintain a temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to its easy-tow handle and wheels, this innovative tool also has an extendable table and built-in bottle opener.

9 / 10
Wayfair
$449.00
was $489.99

Like something out of a sci-fi movie, the ICECO portable mini fridge stuns with its modern design and illuminated display panel. This model also has a lockable door and anti-bump compressor, ensuring that your food and drinks remain safely inside and safe to eat. We also love its dual-zone design, which allows you to both freeze and refrigerate the contents at the same time.

10 / 10
QVC.com
$799.97
was $969.00

This ones a bit of a splurge, but you’re technically getting three appliances in one. Indeed, the EcoFlow Glacier serves as both a portable fridge and freezer, as well as an ice maker! In other words, you can enjoy ice-cold drinks after a long hike or beachside lounge. Additionally, the fridge comes with its own car charging cable, ice shovel, AC power adapter and cable, and interior basket.