Our Westy fridge/freezer serves as either a fridge or a freezer. If one had an additional portable fridge/freezer, one could have both. In addition, the portable fridge/freezer could serve as a backup or even as the primary fridge/freezer if the Westy one goes on the blink. Apparently, one James Cook owner used a portable fridge/freezer as their main one for several years when the Westy Dometic one went on the blink.
Most portable fridge/freezers are chest-style in different sizes.
For size comparison, our Westy fridge is 60L or 63 Quarts or 2.1 cubic feet (rough conversion).
Factor 1: The choice of compressor seems to be the main distinguishing factor.
Danfoss/Secop BD35F:
The most well-known reliable compressor used in the portable fridge/freezers is the Danfoss/Secop BD35F. This is the same compressor used in our Westy Dometic fridge.
Danfoss was purchased by Secop in 2008/2010 or so. Manufacturing of these compressors is no longer just in Germany (mostly Asia now?).
With the right control, the compressor can be used as a variable compressor.
There are apparently different variations of this compressor, including a heavy duty one specifically for attachment to a high vibrating semi-truck chassis.
This Danfoss compressor is used in the most expensive portable fridges/freezers made by National Luna. National Luna portable fridges/freezers are used for vaccines transport and expeditions.
Sawafuji Swing Compressor:
Another compressor which may arguably be better in reliability and energy use than the Danfoss/Secop is the one-moving-part Sawafuji swing compressor. The well-regarded Engel portable fridges/freezers use this compressor.
http://www.engelaustralia.com.au/about_SwingMotor.asp
There are some anecdotal complaints that this swing compressor is noisier than the Danfoss.
ARB used to use the Sawafuji compressor.but have now switched to Danfoss/Secop. Norcold also uses this Sawafuji compressor (need to confirm for current models).
Other Compressors:
There are other less known compressors out there. The top-ranked Opposite Lock portable fridge/freezer used a Snomaster compressor.
https://www.4x4australia.com.au/gear/electronics-gadgets/1608/eight-way-fridge-comparison.
The Dometic Waeco brand apparently uses its own compressor, as perhaps the Whynter and other brands.
Factor 2: Other Operating Parts and Efficiency
Besides the compressor, there are other parts like the control, condenser, evaporator, cooling fan, etc.
The whole package may result in different efficiencies (in combination with insulation and construction).
Factor 3: Insulation.
The insulation used in the better fridges is polyurethane. The thickness of the polyurethane may vary.
There may be other types of insulation used as well.
Factor 4: Construction
The box may be stainless steel or some type of plastic. Hinges and handles are important --some tend to break.
Factor 5: Warranty and Service
Some have longer warranties. Service centers may be plentiful or scarce.
Factor 6: Accessories
Some brands have lockdown kits, carrying cases, etc.
Note: Article from Expedition Portal on choosing:
https://expeditionportal.com/buyers-guide-portable-fridge-freezers/
Most portable fridge/freezers are chest-style in different sizes.
For size comparison, our Westy fridge is 60L or 63 Quarts or 2.1 cubic feet (rough conversion).
Factor 1: The choice of compressor seems to be the main distinguishing factor.
Danfoss/Secop BD35F:
The most well-known reliable compressor used in the portable fridge/freezers is the Danfoss/Secop BD35F. This is the same compressor used in our Westy Dometic fridge.
Danfoss was purchased by Secop in 2008/2010 or so. Manufacturing of these compressors is no longer just in Germany (mostly Asia now?).
With the right control, the compressor can be used as a variable compressor.
There are apparently different variations of this compressor, including a heavy duty one specifically for attachment to a high vibrating semi-truck chassis.
This Danfoss compressor is used in the most expensive portable fridges/freezers made by National Luna. National Luna portable fridges/freezers are used for vaccines transport and expeditions.
Sawafuji Swing Compressor:
Another compressor which may arguably be better in reliability and energy use than the Danfoss/Secop is the one-moving-part Sawafuji swing compressor. The well-regarded Engel portable fridges/freezers use this compressor.
http://www.engelaustralia.com.au/about_SwingMotor.asp
There are some anecdotal complaints that this swing compressor is noisier than the Danfoss.
ARB used to use the Sawafuji compressor.but have now switched to Danfoss/Secop. Norcold also uses this Sawafuji compressor (need to confirm for current models).
Other Compressors:
There are other less known compressors out there. The top-ranked Opposite Lock portable fridge/freezer used a Snomaster compressor.
https://www.4x4australia.com.au/gear/electronics-gadgets/1608/eight-way-fridge-comparison.
The Dometic Waeco brand apparently uses its own compressor, as perhaps the Whynter and other brands.
Factor 2: Other Operating Parts and Efficiency
Besides the compressor, there are other parts like the control, condenser, evaporator, cooling fan, etc.
The whole package may result in different efficiencies (in combination with insulation and construction).
Factor 3: Insulation.
The insulation used in the better fridges is polyurethane. The thickness of the polyurethane may vary.
There may be other types of insulation used as well.
Factor 4: Construction
The box may be stainless steel or some type of plastic. Hinges and handles are important --some tend to break.
Factor 5: Warranty and Service
Some have longer warranties. Service centers may be plentiful or scarce.
Factor 6: Accessories
Some brands have lockdown kits, carrying cases, etc.
Note: Article from Expedition Portal on choosing:
https://expeditionportal.com/buyers-guide-portable-fridge-freezers/
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