For your next camping trip, you are looking for a cooler capable of keeping your food at the right temperature? Do you want to replace your refrigerator with an easy-to-carry model? We think the compression cooler is what you need.
Electric coolers provide safe and healthy transportation of your food and drinks. However, not all models are equal in the market, as some are highly preferred unlike others. In the list of coolers with great cooling performance, the compression cooler tops the list. It offers the best conditions for storing and transporting meals, regardless of the outside temperature.
Reviews of compression coolers are very positive and encourage investment. To this end, the choice of this type of cooler should be based on volume, physical and thermal performance criteria. You should also take into account the decibel level and the convenience of the compression cooler.
When you put it that way, it may sound confusing, but you can count on this comprehensive guide. Between the definition of the concept, its advantages, the elements of selection as well as a comparative table, you will have all the information to master the world of compression coolers. Ready for the adventure? Then follow the guide!
What is a compression cooler?
A compression cooler is primarily an electric cooler. In other words, it is a container that needs electricity to operate. When this operation is based on the compression cooling system, it is called a compression cooler.
Further, it is a cooler with a very efficient technology that allows it not to depend on the outside temperature. No matter how hot the environment is, the compression cooler always keeps drinks cool.
What are the advantages of a compression cooler?
The electric compression cooler has many advantages for the users. By the way, there are classic and specific advantages.
Classic benefits of the electric compression cooler
- It keeps your food and drinks cool for hours. Also, some models keep meals warm.
- It is perfect for picnics, camping trips in a fixed location or inside a large vehicle.
- It is usually very strong and durable.
- It is usually easy to transport with features such as wheels and handles.
Specific advantages of the electric compression cooler
- It gets the cold up in record time (between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the model).
- It consumes less electrical energy than other types of coolers.
- It can store a large volume of food up to 300 liters.
- It represents a cheap compression cooler on the market.
Have you been seduced by these benefits? Let's find out how to find the right product on the market.
How to choose an electric cooler?
The choice of an electric compression cooler is based on a number of criteria.
Choose according to volume
The volume represents the capacity, the size or the storage capacity of the cooler. Its selection depends mainly on the number of people it will serve. Here is a table that shows you the main volumes of electric coolers available on the market.
| Cooler volume | Capacity |
| 9L | 12 cans of 330 ml - 2 persons |
| 20L | 25 cans of 330 ml - large group |
| 25L | 12 bottles of 750 ml - 2 to 3 people |
| 35L | 8 bottles of 1500 ml - 2 to 3 people |
| 40L | 16 bottles of 750 ml - 3-4 people |
| 55L | 22 bottles of 750 ml- large group |
Choosing by noise level
Admittedly, the compression cooler is the loudest in the world of electric coolers. This is mainly due to its cooling system. However, it is possible to find models with tolerable fan noise. These usually offer levels between 40 and 45 decibels.
Choose according to robustness
It would be a shame to invest in a high-performance cooler that is unable to withstand shocks or scratches. To avoid such an experience, opt for cases made of premium materials, capable of offering a well-made interior and exterior coating. For this purpose, we suggest that you opt for stainless steel or solid food-certified plastic designs. This way, you are sure to get a cooler with perfect sturdiness.
Choose based on convenience
Convenience or practicality is a criterion that should not be overlooked because of the different functions it takes into account. Indeed, it defines the ease of use of your compression cooler. For example, a large capacity cooler should have a shoulder strap or wheels for transport. This makes it easier to move, especially if you are carrying it alone. In addition, it may have adjustable carrying handles, internal LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, LED remote control, etc.
What is the best compression cooler?
It must be said that there are thousands of compression coolers on the market. You certainly won't have the time and energy to store around to find the best one. Besides, the best gas compression cooler is not necessarily the one that offers a good capacity.
It really depends on your needs. Do you want to use it in a truck, a van or at the beach? Our editorial team has thought of you. In the next few lines, we will provide you with the best compression coolers for your unique needs.
Which compression cooler for van?
Is your means of travel for transporting camping meals the van? We have the best compression cooler for this type of vehicle. We have the best compression cooler for this type of vehicle, including the Healthy Lunch 25 Liter Electric Cooler - Hot/Cold.
If you want a super sturdy and durable container that won't get in the way in the van, this is the perfect option. That's because it's a true conservation beast that offers you a large 25-liter capacity. In other words, it's not meant to be dragged to the beach or a park for the day. For our part, two criteria caught our attention.
The power supply of the van compression cooler
This product is a 12v compression cooler that plugs into the car's cigarette lighter socket. All you need to do is use the adapter that matches your van's voltage.
At Healthy Lunch, we've thought about these details by including a cable kit in the delivery package. It is basically 12v-24v adapters for your vehicle. And if you want to charge the cooler at home instead, 100v-230v AC wiring is available. We don't forget to mention that this van compression cooler features efficient technology that protects your vehicle's battery. In other words, it does not consume energy.
The thermal performance of the van compression cooler for good temperature
The other feature that elevates this van compression cooler is its thermal performance. Once turned on, it is capable of heating or cooling your food. Here are some details about these different performances for you:
Cooling performance
- Food and beverages go from 25°C to 0°C in 15 min;
- Food and beverages go from 0°C to -20°C in 35 min.
Reheating performance
- Food goes from 25°C to 45°C in 15 min;
- Food goes from 25°C to 55°C in 35 min.
These are just some of the benefits that make this electric van cooler the best option for you.
Which compression cooler for truck ?
For truck use, we highly recommend our 32L Electric Car/Truck Cooler - 12V - 220V. Its interior made from healthy materials offers you three compartments for a capacity of 32 liters. It is therefore perfect for long trips in your truck. And if you feel like eating in the evening, you can always count on the interior LED bulb that offers a better view of the food. There are other highlights to note as well.
The insulation of the car compression cooler
This beautiful compression cooler owes its second place to its isothermal nature. We noticed that it can keep the temperature intact for up to 20 hours. It is specified that such performance is effective when the device is turned off.
Further, the insulation of the car compression cooler is also due to the material that adorns its compartment. It is about an aluminum alloy which favors a fast cooling as well as a long conservation of the temperature.
On the other hand, this cooling performance would not be possible without the power supply of the cooler. It operates on both AC and DC power, thanks to the cigarette lighter and mains plugs it comes with.
The energy performance of the car compression cooler
This Healthy Lunch cooler easily stands out from the crowd. For example, it has three modes (H/M/L) to protect the battery. For better energy consumption, you can control them remotely. The compression cooler has an LED remote control for this purpose.
Secondly, its motor runs under 45 watts, which represents a low consumption over the year. Finally, its off mode operation helps you save a lot of money.
What's the best fridge for a motor home?
The answer is quite simple: the 20 Liter Electric Cooler - Car/Home from our electric cooler collection.
If there's a cuter cooler than this portable compression cooler, we haven't found it yet. With a nice capacity of 20 liters, it embeds a double efficiency which is declined as follows:
- Cooling of food below 30°C of the ambient temperature;
- Reheating of food up to 65°C.
It is the only 12v compression cooler that allows such a temperature adjustment for keeping warm.
In addition, you will love its double door that promises a custom storage of your food. For example, you can store solid food at the bottom and make room for liquid food in the upper compartment. Let's look at some of the other benefits of the compression cooler.
Practical features of the compression cooler
We really like the low noise that the electric compression cooler makes. In other words, this type of cooler is almost silent and owes this merit to its dual air outlet design. There is another feature that makes it practical. It is its removable and easy-to-grip handle.
In addition, the portable compression cooler has a built-in LED remote control. This allows you to make remote adjustments such as temperature management.
Ideal power for your motorhome
While it can be difficult to find electric coolers suitable for motorhomes, this product from Healthy Lunch makes your life easier. In fact, it comes free with a 12v cigarette lighter plug as well as a house cable. Whether you spend a day or a weekend inside the vehicle, it will always be possible to recharge it at any time. And like the majority of the store's compression coolers, this one won't lower your battery's performance.
Which cooler for the beach?
Want to enjoy the sun by the sea while refreshing your palate with cool drinks? The best compression cooler to fulfill this desire is the 9 Liter Electric Refrigerator - Vehicle. With a wiring kit to generate cold in just 20 minutes, this small compression cooler ensures that your beers will always stay cold during your beach getaway.
Convincing practicality for the portable compression cooler
Thanks to its dimensions, this mini cooler presents itself as a compact cooler. However, it can hold 8 x 550ml water bottles or 12 x 330ml soda cans inside its compartment. And to carry all this food stock to the beach, you can rely on its small weight of 7 kg. This means that the small compression cooler can blend in with any décor without taking up much space.
Another example of its practicality is its connectivity. Using this cooler means integrating the world of digital technology through a Bluetooth application. This way, you can freely have perfect control over your cooler from your smartphone. Here's how to do it:
- Activate Bluetooth;
- Let your cell phone detect your cooler;
- Let the connection be established between the two technologies.
Even over a distance of 10 meters, the small compression cooler remains under the control of your smartphone. Finally, the app helps you save energy by switching the cooler to "ECO" mode.
A solid and isothermal construction for the portable compression cooler
For a better resistance to shocks, manufacturers have thought to provide the cooler with premium materials. And to keep it watertight and waterproof, it is made of polyurethane foam, a food certified material. This means that if you spend a long time at the beach, the cooler will always keep cool.
How does a compression cooler work?
To better understand the operation of the electric compression cooler, it is essential to know its components. These include a condenser, an expansion valve, a compressor and an evaporator.
In fact, the cooler first compresses a refrigerant and then leads it to the condenser. At this point, the surrounding heat is extracted and the expansion valve causes a huge pressure drop. Automatically, cold air is released. In other words, the refrigerant changes from a liquid to a gas. Finally, the compressor circulates the refrigerant through the evaporator and the cooling cycle begins.
If all of this sounds confusing, just remember that the compression cooler operates on a two-part cycle. It absorbs warm air like a heat pump to cause cold air to be released. The absorbed heat is usually rejected through outlets at the back of the cooler.
How do you plug an electric cooler into a car?
Compression coolers connect to your car's on-board power system with adapters. For a seamless connection and to protect your battery, not all adapters work with all cars. For example, the cooler connects to a truck by connecting a 24v cable to the vehicle's cigarette lighter. However, for a small car, you only need to use a 12v cable.
How do I maintain my compression cooler?
Because it is an electrical device, the maintenance of your compression cooler must be taken seriously. To do so, don't hesitate to adopt the following reflexes:
- Check the ventilation system and make sure that nothing is obstructing its operation;
- Defrost the unit frequently;
- Avoid leaving the cooler open frequently.
When it comes to cleaning, here are some tips to follow:
- Empty the contents: the first thing you should do is empty all the food and drinks from the cooler. This way you can clean it properly without any mess.
- Clean the outside: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the cooler. This will remove dirt and grime that has accumulated over time.
- Clean the inside: Once the outside is clean, take a sponge or brush to scrub away any junk that has accumulated inside the cooler. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies so that it is completely clean.
- Rinse: Rinse everything with cold water to make sure no soap or dirt remains. Finally, leave the cooler open until it dries.
PS: Turn off your compression cooler before cleaning and be careful of the slots so you don't get the motor or fan wet.
Conclusion
So here we are at the end of our guide. We hope that our various reviews and comparisons will help you find the best compression cooler for your personal needs. Again, this type of cooler is made with the latest technology and is very efficient. No matter what your vehicle is, it will fit and offer you the best cooling conditions. So go ahead and treat yourself to one of Healthy Lunch's signature models if you want to score a great deal.