Compressor coolboxes

A compressor coolbox gives you proper fridge or freezer performance in a portable unit. Available in a wide range of sizes, it runs from 12v in the vehicle or 230v mains, making it at home in a campervan, motorhome, or on a campsite with hookup.

Rather than cooling relative to the temperature around it, a compressor coolbox actively removes heat using a small compressor and refrigerant system. You set the temperature you want, and the compressor cycles on and off to maintain it. Because it only runs when it needs to, average power draw in real use is lower than the headline amp figure suggests, which makes it a practical choice for leisure battery use off-grid as well as on hookup.

It also works while you are driving. Plug it into the vehicle's 12v socket and it keeps contents cold on the journey itself, running from the alternator rather than drawing on stored battery power.

To get the best from one:

• Keep the unit shaded where practical
• Allow good ventilation around the unit
• Use 230v mains when available to save the leisure battery
• Make sure your leisure battery is sized to support it when off-grid

A compressor coolbox is the right choice for anyone who wants reliable fridge or freezer performance without committing to a built-in unit, whether that is for a weekend away, a longer trip, camping, campervan or motorhome use, or warm weather conditions where a thermoelectric coolbox would struggle.