5 Best Off Grid Refrigerators to Preserve Food

off grid refrigerator

Unless you’re confident enough to depend solely on nature to preserve essential items, it’s best to use a fridge or cooler for off-grid living success. Using a refrigerator can add a ton of comfort and convenience to any long-term off-grid adventure.

Buying an off grid refrigerator involves balancing the cost with power utilization and reliability. And there are plenty of available options with different technologies.

To make the buying equation easier for you, we have picked the top options after considering all the important factors.

superior propane off grid fridge

Best Off Grid Refrigerator Overall

Superior LP Fridge

Pros

  • Efficient absorption-diffusion refrigeration system
  • Spacious interiors
  • Runs of propane as well as electricity
  • Relatively compact and has reversible doors

Cons

  • Does not have an auto-defrosting system
  • Only available in white

We have found the LP fridge from Superior as one of the best off-grid options in terms of design and technology. Besides, the use of R717 ammonia refrigerant makes it an environmentally friendly option.

The cooling process is based on an absorption-diffusion refrigeration system that works smoothly and silently. Since there are no moving parts other than the refrigerants, the maintenance requirements are minimal. That makes it a great pick for off-grid cabins.

The total capacity of the refrigerator is 9.7 cubic feet. Of that,7.6 cubic feet are for the fridge and the rest is for the freezer. Overall, the storage space is big enough for a family.

Note, this refrigerator can run on 110volt AC or propane LP gas. Multiple options for powering a refrigerator are always a plus. You can simply flip a fuel selector switch to shift between the two options. However, you need to disconnect the gas supply before operating it by using electricity.

The fuel consumption is rated at 0.35 gallons of LP/day. So, a 20 lb. propane tank will last around two weeks. That doesn’t make it the most economical choice when your propane supply isn’t steady. Even so, it’s a more energy-friendly option than traditional refrigerators.

Superior has added plenty of nice touches to the refrigerator to improve the user experience. One of them is the battery-operated interior LED light that will function no matter what fuel option you choose. Rear roller wheels are another good addition.

Superior ensures extensive quality control and offers a 5-year warranty on the cooling unit. That means you can depend on this refrigerator to deliver reliable service for years. All in all, this is a no-brainer for anyone looking for a propane refrigerator for off-grid use.

gosun solar cooler off grid fridge

Best Solar Cooler

GoSun Solar Cooler

Pros

  • Ice-free cooling from solar power
  • Spacious 40-liter capacity
  • Works from multiple power sources
  • Durable ABS shell with robust wheels

Cons

  • The battery pack doesn’t have a screen
  • Needs high-capacity solar panels for long-term off-grid use

Using the power of the sun to keep your food and drinks frozen forever sounds like a great idea. The Gosun Chill cooler comes with solar-power compatibility as well as a battery to offer the perfect solution for off-grid cooling.

What makes the product stand out is its excellent versatility. You can power it by using the supplied 144Wh power bank, an AC wall outlet, or a 12-volt car port charger. In addition, you can also connect it to a solar panel when away from civilization.

If you have a source of electricity, you can use the battery pack to power the device for 6 to 8 hours to keep drinks cool. In case you are storing fruits or veggies, you can stretch the running time by keeping the temperature around 55°F.

Without the need to pack it with ice for cooling, you can use the entire 40-liter interior space for strong food items. While that’s not too big, it’s big enough for storing 2-3 days of essential food items during off-grid use.

There’s an LED display that allows you to control the temperature as needed. The temperature range is between -4°F to 68°F.

At 28 lbs., this isn’t a light product. Add to that the extra weight of food when it’s loaded. But, it’s compact, and the addition of wheels and a telescopic handle makes the task of moving it around easier. 

While portable coolers are common in the market, the adoption of solar power technology by  Gosun makes this product a game changer.  The Chill offers a ton of functionality and at this price point, we think it offers excellent value. Overall, a really cool off-grid solar refrigerator on wheels!

whynter off grid fridge

Best Off-Grid Refrigerator Freezer

Whynter Portable Fridge-Freezer

Pros

  • A durable and efficient performer
  • Good minimum temperature
  • Can be operated from AC and DC power sources
  • A competitive price tag

Cons

  • Limited portability
  • The compressor can get noisy

If your off-grid cabin has a power source, then using a portable electric refrigerator can be a good option. This product from Whynter can be used as a refrigerator or a freezer and offers efficient insulation in a durable package.

The first thing that you will notice about the product is the solid build. The tough outer casing and robust lid ensure reliable insulation. There are durable rubber feet that prevent it from sliding. 

In fact, plenty of users have used the Whynter as a seat and it bears the extra weight like a champ.

As per the specs, the fridge has a capacity of 45 Quarts. But in reality, the capacity of the dual wire baskets is on the lesser side. There’s an LED temperature and battery level display but we wish it came with an interior light.

The Whytner is a standard compressor-operated fridge and has two modes. The standard automatic mode is for regular use. The fast-freeze mode can be used for quick cooling. 

While it’s not a fast-performing cooler, the temperature range of the Whynter is between -8°F to 50°F. That makes it as good as the other similar products in this category. However, the actual low-temperature limit remains around -6°F.

A major downside of the Whynter is its high weight of 49 lbs., which leads to low portability. It comes without wheels and the metal handles are not the most comfortable for carrying it over long distances. The boxy shape doesn’t make it easy to store either.

Another downside of having a compressor is the unit is a bit noisy. While the noise level is rated at 40 (dBA), it appears to be noisier in a silent outdoor cabin.

To sum up, the Whytner is a durable and reliable performer with a reasonable price tag. However, if you need a portable and more energy-efficient off-the-grid fridge, look elsewhere.

uber mini fridge off grid fridge

Best Portable Off-Grid Fridge

Uber Mini-Fridge

Pros

  • Thermo-electric technology for heating and cooling
  • Compact with good portability
  • Looks great with a bubble window
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Too small for long-term off-grid use
  • Overall durability is limited

To be honest, a personal mini fridge may not be the best choice for longer off-grid adventures. But if you want to keep just a few essential items cold, this compact fridge can come in handy.

Even though this mini-fridge has been designed as a portable model for office use, the compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around. In addition, it can operate on 12v DC or 110v AC 

The interior capacity of the fridge is 9 liters. That allows you to store a dozen 12-oz. cans. The small footprint allows you to store it easily in small places. That said, a carrying handle would have been a practical addition.

While the fridge looks great, it isn’t the most durable option. In other words, it’s not built to withstand prolonged rough handling.

One of the best features of this fridge is that it uses thermo-electric Peltier technology. That allows it to cool or warm its contents as needed. Another plus is a noise-free performance. Since it uses no chemicals or refrigerants, it’s completely environmentally friendly. 

The cooling capacity is limited to 32°F below ambient temperature. Considering the small size, that’s acceptable. It’s not a fast cooler, but the overall cooling efficiency is acceptable at this price point. The heating capacity is limited to 150°F at standard room temperature. 

If you travel light and need a plug-and-play mini-fridge, this is one of the best options in the market. But for long-term off-grid use, you’ll have to pick a product with higher capacity.

iceco portable off grid fridge

Best Electric Off Grid Fridge

ICECO VL60 ProS Portable Refrigerator

Pros

  • Durable design with a 60-liter capacity
  • An energy-efficient compressor that cools quickly 
  • Versatile lid and removable handles
  • 5-year warranty on the compressor

Cons

  • A heavy product
  • Black color makes it unsuitable for sunny spaces

This portable refrigerator from Iceco can function as a freezer or fridge. With a capacity of 60 liters, it’s not too big or too small. That makes it a great pick if you are looking for a medium size off-grid refrigerator.

To start with, the refrigerator is well-designed and the outer casing feels sturdy. The thick walls offer excellent insulation and make the product more energy efficient. 

It functions through a compressor and has two running modes- Max and Eco. The max mode is for occasional fast cooling while the Eco mode is for regular use. The cooling range is between 0°F to 50°F.

Iceco uses a Secop compressor that provides good cooling efficiency and super-quiet performance.  Since they offer a 5-year warranty on the compressor we can assume that they believe in the quality of the product.

You can power the device from the 12/24V DC ports in your car or a 110-240V AC power socket. It also has a well-designed control panel for temperature adjustment. There’s also a monitor that indicates the status of your car battery to prevent full draining.

One unique feature of this refrigerator that we liked is the top cover. Since it has handles on both sides, you can lift it from any direction. Also included are dual USB ports for charging smartphones and other devices. However, the USB charging functions only under DC power.

Like most other portable fridges, it’s quite heavy at 55 lbs. That doesn’t make it the best option if you are planning to move it frequently. There is a drain plug that allows you to keep the interiors clean with minimum movement.

Overall, this is a well-made product that’s a great choice for off-grid settings. If you have a steady power source in your cabin, we would recommend it in a heartbeat.

Off-grid Refrigerator Buying Guide

While buying an off-the-grid fridge the main points to keep in mind are the power source, energy efficiency, and features. The final choice will depend on the resources at your disposal and also on the climate patterns in the location.

Power Availability

Here’s a common question- what kind of refrigerator is best for off-grid?

Ideally, an off-grid refrigerator freezer should run on alternate power other than electricity. That makes propane-based or off-grid solar refrigerators the best options; unless you are planning to use a high-maintenance backup generator as a power source.

In case you have a solar generator coupled with a storage battery you get the option to use electricity-powered units. Even so, the unit should be more energy efficient than standard refrigerators.

Before buying, check for Energy star ratings or the annual power consumption in kWh. That will give you an idea of the monthly power consumption of devices like refrigerators and off-grid washing machines.

Size and Portability

Off-grid coolers and refrigerators are found in a wide range of sizes. The general rule of thumb is to consider 4 to 6 cubic feet of refrigeration space per adult. But this can vary based on your specific requirements and space availability.

It goes without saying that bigger refrigerators will be heavier and less portable. Besides, freezers that are more energy efficient have thick insulation which will make them a heavier option.

Obviously, you don’t want to use an off-grid refrigerator that requires frequent maintenance. It’s best to choose a product that feels durable and can deliver 24/7 performance without developing frequent issues.

Price

Off-grid refrigerators come in a wide range of prices. Basically, the price of an off-the-grid fridge will depend on its size and features. The top-grade units run by solar power can cost as high as $2000. 

In addition, you need to consider the cost of alternate fuels like propane. For solar-powered units, consider the cost of solar panels, batteries, and a charger controller.

Final Thoughts 

That brings us to the end of this list of the best off-grid refrigerators. We have picked a wide range of options to help you pick a unit that fits your needs.

Keep in mind, off-grid living involves optimizing your power usage. So, these are the top options that will deliver a reliable performance with the best energy efficiency.

We have picked the Superior LP fridge as the best off-grid refrigerator. This is a spacious and durable unit that can run on propane as well as electricity.

Now it’s time for you to make a choice.

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