As a trucker you spend a huge time in your truck and like I’ve heard from most of the truckers the food at the truck stops doesn’t just taste bad, but regularly eating it or fast food is unhealthy for your body too! That’s why you need a mini truck fridge that is lightweight and highly portable.
Before writing this post, I met 132 truckers, visited the truck stops (for food experience), and also traveled with a trucker for 2 days and 1 night to experience the lifestyle. After spending time in truck, I found out things that are ACTUALLY important in truck fridge. That’s why believe me, none of the small portable coolers I’ve listed will disappoint you!
Before I begin with the list of fridges, I’d like to enlighten you with the most popular food items that truckers store in their refrigerators. They are whole fruits, frozen food items, veggies, protein bars, meat, cheese, fish, milk, etc. You can store any food you like, provided it can survive in the fridge for the amount of time you’ve mentioned.
Recommended: 10 Best 12V Refrigerators for High Portability
Contents
- Things I Considered Before Choosing The Below Refrigerators
- The Best Mini Fridges for Truckers [Highly Suitable for Trucks & Semi-trucks]
- 1. Best Overall: Dometic CFX 40W 12v Electric powered portable cooler
- 2. Best Runner Up: Danby DCR032C1BDB Compact refrigerator
- 3. Best for any Truck: COSTWAY refrigerator 3.2 cu. Ft. mini fridge
- 4. Cheapest amongst all: IGLOO Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler for Truck
- 5. Best under $300: Alpicool CF55 Portable Refrigerator for Trucks
- 6. Most reliable one: Koolatron 18 qt. Compact cooler
- 7. Spacious one: SMETA mini fridge for Trucks
- 8. Strongest one: CIGREEN 63.4-quart portable refrigerator
- 9. Best value for Money: ICECO VL60 portable Refrigerator
- 10. Stylish amongst all: COSTWAY Truck travel Freezer 105 quart
- Conclusion
Things I Considered Before Choosing The Below Refrigerators
- Power consumption: It is one of the essential things to look for while buying a mini-fridge for a truck. If the fridge consumes more power, then the truck’s battery will get drained out sooner, so it is vital to choose an energy-efficient mini-fridge for trucks.
- Cooling system: most of the mini-refrigerators can cool only up to 36F, while others can cool down up to -0.4F. So, you need to know the cooling system and the minimum and maximum temperatures that the mini-fridge can sustain so that your food in the fridge remains chilled and fresh.
- Budget: Budget is one of the essential things that one should consider while buying a mini-fridge. Nobody would like to have a refrigerator, which is way beyond their limits. So before buying, you should fix a budget and then accordingly choose the perfect mini-fridge for yourself.
- Temperature control: There are many mini-fridges that can adjust the temperature of the fridge through the digital or mechanical thermostat that is available in it. You should look for a mini-fridge with an adjustable thermostat as it helps you in controlling the temperature of the interior of the fridge according to your requirements.
The Best Mini Fridges for Truckers [Highly Suitable for Trucks & Semi-trucks]
Whether you need a mini fridge for your 18 wheel heavy duty semi-truck like freightliner cascadia, medium truck or a light truck. Doesn’t matter what your needs are, the fridges listed below will help you preserve food and keep them fresh throughout your journey.
1. Best Overall: Dometic CFX 40W 12v Electric powered portable cooler
- No ice- ever. Except making ice for drinks.
- Flexibility- refrigerate or freeze to -7F.
- Ultra low power consumption using AC or DC means its great for solar setups or other off-grid applications
- Heavy-duty design with reinforced corners and a robust closing mechanism. Energy consumption ([email protected]/32°C) 0.665 kWh/24h
The Dometic CFX is one of the most excellent mini-fridges for truckers that you would get in the market, and there are many reasons as to why this particular fridge made it to the top of the list.
Firstly, the Dometic CFX mini-fridge can provide impeccable cooling performance even in high temperatures, which is essential for truckers as they have to travel even in the worst climatic conditions. Not only that, but this mini fire also consumes less power, which means you do not have to worry about the battery of the truck draining out sooner.
Another feature is that this mini-fridge is portable and comes with hinged doors and stainless steel handles, and it can even handle the extreme load. If you think that after all these features, the mini-fridge from Dometic must be massive, then you are wrong.
Though the fridge can handle high loads, it is exceptionally light in weight, making it easier to carry anywhere. You can even control the temperature of the refrigerator through the app which it comes with. The app allows the user to monitor the temperature and also perform other relevant activities.
Apart from that, this particular mini-fridge can freeze up to -7F without performing any ice, which is incredible. Moreover, the mini-fridge can run on both DC and AC power sources, and you will even get AC and DC wires along with the package.
It also has three-stage battery protection, so that your truck does not run down on battery when the fridge is taking power from the truck battery. The mini-fridge even has a freezer compartment and comes with a digital thermostat, which will display the temperature on the front display of the fridge, and it also allows the user to control the temperature by a single touch.
- It gives excellent cooling system even in high temperatures
- The mini-fridge can operate from both AC and DC power source
- The mini-fridge even ahs a cooling compartment
- It has a digital thermostat, and you can also control the temperature with one-touch
- It can fridge up to -7F
- It is costly as compared to an average mini fridge
- It does not form ice
2. Best Runner Up: Danby DCR032C1BDB Compact refrigerator
- 3.2 cu.ft. interior capacity
- Energy Star compliant
- Environmentally friendly R600a refrigerant
- Full Width Freezer Section
Danby is one of the most trusted companies when it comes to home appliances, especially refrigerators. The company even makes mini fridge, that are portable and has some of the best features. The Danby DCR0321BDB is one such mini fridge made by Danby that has some remarkable features to suit your truck needs.
The DCR0321BDB fridge comes with a capacity of 3.2 cubic feet (approximately 90 liters) and has adjustable shelves which you can add or remove depending on the amount of things you’ll store. It has a unique feature of the CanStor beverage dispensing unit and can even store two liters bottles without any problem [So water, milk, juice, and beverage storing problem is solved.]
Along with the above-mentioned, this unit consumes less energy and is also environmentally friendly (which means that the fridge will not release any toxic gases that can harm the environment.)
The fridge is accompanied by reversible door hinges, so that both right-handed and left-handed can open it without any difficulty. It also has a 12- month warranty, which covers all the parts of the refrigerator, including labor costs. Furthermore, you can also control the temperature of the appliance with the mechanical thermostat that comes with it.
- It can store up to 90 liters of item
- It has a CanStore beverage dispensing unit
- It is environment-friendly
- The fridge comes with a 12- month warranty
- The refrigerator has reversible door hinges
- It does not have a freezer compartment
- It has a mechanical thermostat
3. Best for any Truck: COSTWAY refrigerator 3.2 cu. Ft. mini fridge
- 【Compact Refrigerator】Our refrigerator is ideal for smaller areas such as student dormitories, wet bars, apartments and condos. 【This product is not for...
- 【Eco-friendliness】Compressor cooled for ultimate cooling performance, the refrigerator can reduce consumption of energy and protect from harmful...
- 【Ample Storage Space】3.2 cu ft food capacity provides additional interior space. The refrigerator features a freezer compartment and two slide-out glass...
- 【Adjustable Thermostat】The refrigerator will automatically maintain the temperature level you select. The temperature control dial has 7 settings plus off....
If you are in a search for a mini fridge that can fit comfortably in any compact space of your truck or lorry, then the COSTWAY mini-refrigerator is the best choice for you. It is not only small but even has tons of features that will help you in the long run. This model comes with freezer compartments so that you can keep any items which require to be stored in low freezing temperatures.
Moreover, this particular mini-refrigerator by COSTWAY has a flat back design, which makes it consume less space. It also is accompanied by a CFC free cooling system, which even makes it environment-friendly. It has an adjustable thermostat, which can be adjusted between 32F to 50F, which is perfect for storing any items.
There’s a separate bottle unit, so that you can keep other things in the shelves perfectly. As it is compact, you can easily store it in your truck and be relaxed as you will get chilled water and fresh fruits even after an extended amount of time.
You can not only keep beverages, but also food, icecreams, and fruits, and can remain assured that it would stay fresh even after a long time. It runs on the AC power source, which means there is no other option for running the fridge apart from the AC power source. Moreover, the material of the mini-fridge is metal, which means it is durable and will run for an extended amount of time.
- It is compact
- The mini-fridge is made up of metal
- It has a flat back design so that it won’t consume much space
- It has a freezer compartment too
- The mini-fridge has CFC free cooling system
- It is heavier than most mini-fridges
- It can run only in AC power source
4. Cheapest amongst all: IGLOO Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler for Truck
- 【Compact Refrigerator】Our refrigerator is ideal for smaller areas such as student dormitories, wet bars, apartments and condos. 【This product is not for...
- 【Eco-friendliness】Compressor cooled for ultimate cooling performance, the refrigerator can reduce consumption of energy and protect from harmful...
- 【Ample Storage Space】3.2 cu ft food capacity provides additional interior space. The refrigerator features a freezer compartment and two slide-out glass...
- 【Adjustable Thermostat】The refrigerator will automatically maintain the temperature level you select. The temperature control dial has 7 settings plus off....
If you are looking for an affordable yet beautiful mini-refrigerator, then the IGLOO thermoelectric cooler will serve as the best choice for you. It is cheap, portable and has some excellent features which a mini-refrigerator should have. First, you can easily carry it along with you, which makes it easier to store in the truck.
This mini-refrigerator for truck promises that it won’t create any mess or ice in the vehicle so that you can have a pleasant journey. The cooler comes with an eight-foot long power cord, which is long enough to connect with the power source in the vehicle.
Also, the refrigerator works perfectly with a 12V DC power source, thus making it a perfect choice for long journeys. This particular cooler does not create any ice and will cool your drinks on the go.
The brushless motor and the convection cooling system helps in circulating the cold air in the interior of the cooler. It can cool down below 36 degrees. Thus you can remain assured that your drinks will be chilled enough for consumption, and the food won’t get spoiled due to heat.
The design of the cooler has a curved back, making it easy to carry. Furthermore, the refrigerator even has a handle and can store fruits, cooked food, drinks, and many more. Though you do not get the feature of controlling the temperature of the device, it is okay as the fridge will cool the items at the stated temperature.
- It is affordable
- It can store cooked food, fruits, and drinks
- It is easy to carry
- The power cord is long enough to connect with a power source
- It can cool below 36 degrees without the formation of ice
- You cannot control the temperature of the mini-fridge
- It can only run on a 12V DC power source
5. Best under $300: Alpicool CF55 Portable Refrigerator for Trucks
- STORAGE SPACE:Exterior Size 27.2"x13.6"x20.6", 58Quart(55 Liter) capacity ,fits 60 x 12ozs cans of Cola.
- FREEZES WITHOUT ICE: -4°F(-20°C) powerful chilling down performance ,can adjust the temperature be a fridge or freezer. Run great with your small solar...
- CAR BATTERY PROTECTION:With temperature memory function and 3 different levels for battery protection: Low, Med and High to protect your vehicle battery without...
- FUNCTIONAL DESIGN:With LCD display and digitized temperature adjustment, included built-in LED light and internal basket.
Mini refrigerators are a must need for truckers, and invest in them; one needs to set a budget. If you are looking for a mini-fridge with the best features within $300, then you should look for the Alpicool CF55 portable refrigerator for trucks. As the name suggests, the mini-fridge is portable, and you can easily carry it for a long journey, without worrying that the food or fruits will get spoiled.
The LCD panel displays the temperature of the refrigerator and gives you an idea of the internal cooling system. You can even control the temperature through the digital thermostat, according to your requirements.
Moreover, it can run on both AC as well as DC power sources and can freeze down to -4F, which means even insulin can be safely stored in this refrigerator. As the fridge is vibration resistant, you can drive without worrying that the device or the vehicle will get harmed. Apart from that, this particular mini-fridge has a high-efficiency compressor with adjustable modes.
This particular mini fridge even has portable handles on both sides and comes with a separate freezing compartment, where you can keep some items that require to be held in a freezer. It is light in weight and will work perfectly fine in any situation. The three-stage battery protection prevents the truck from running out of battery when the fridge is running on its battery.
- It is light in weight
- It has an LCD to show the temperature of the refrigerator
- The user can control the temperature with the digital thermostat
- It can run on both AC as well as DC power source
- It has 3-stage battery protection
- It cannot produce ice
- It can freeze down to -4F
6. Most reliable one: Koolatron 18 qt. Compact cooler
- Slim, compact design is ideal for minivans, SUVs, or small cars. Material : Plastic, hard-sided. Folding handle.
- Uses 12 Volts power to cool or warm drinks and food. Material : Plastic, hard-sided. Folding handle. Can also plug the P20 Compact Cooler into any standard...
- Quiet motor and fan circulate air for even cooling/heating. Heats to approximately135 degree F/57 degree C inside.High performance with low power draw.Cools to...
- State of the art thermoelectric cooling system. Cools to approiximately 40F degree /22C degree below outside temperature. Heats to approximately135 degree F/57...
One of the most reliable mini-refrigerators to use on trucks and lorries, the Koolatron small cooler is the perfect choice for you, if you are buying a mini-refrigerator for the first time. The Koolatron company is one of the most trusted companies, and its products last for a long time.
This particular compact cooler is portable and will allow you to carry any essentials during a journey. As the name suggests, this is more cooling, not a refrigerator, which means it does not have a freezer compartment and is neither having any temperature controlling feature. Though you can switch the plug to the warmer mode and warm the items in the cooler.
Moreover, it cannot form ice, thus sparing you from any mess and cooling your drinks and other items chilled. This is the most reliable and portable cooler that you would find in the market and is the best choice for travelers as you can carry it any vehicles, including trucks and other heavy vehicles.
The compact cooler can store up to 17 liters of items and would still cool every item equally. It has a brushless motor, which means the refrigerator will not be affected if tilted or when there is any vibration. Though the cooler can run only on the AC power source, you can use it for travel purposes only.
The slim and compact design makes the cooler easy to carry and open effortlessly. In addition to that, the device is made up of durable plastic so that the life span of the invention is longer, and you won’t have to buy mini-fridges every year.
- It can store up to 17 liters of items
- You can switch to warming mode, by plugging in the cord in the warmer mode
- It will not create any mess
- The brushless motor makes the device unaffected by vibration and tilting
- It is made up of sturdy plastic
- It is a cooler, not a mini-fridge
- It does not have a separate compartment for freezing
7. Spacious one: SMETA mini fridge for Trucks
- AC/DC single reversible door refrigerator/cooler without freezer
- Silent absorption with no moving parts for quiet operation,no noise
- Fully enclosed design, lifetime use without adding refrigerant
- Indoor/outdoor cooler:Voltage election between AC and DC power - with AC priority
If you are in search of a mini-fridge with the most capacity, then the SMETA mini fridge will surely catch your eye. Though it has a capacity of 1.0 cu. Ft., it has the most number of shelves, which are even adjustable so that you can get more space. In addition to that, this mini fridge is noise-free, and you can also keep it in nurseries and libraries and remain relaxed that the mini-refrigerator will produce no noise.
The fridge even has an adjustable thermostat so that you can adjust the temperature according to the requirements. Moreover, the mini-fridge also has reversible hinges so that both right-handed and left-handed people can open it without any effort. As it is light in weight, you can carry it along with you and can even run it on both DC and AC power sources.
It does not have a freezer compartment, which makes it a bit difficult to keep items such as ice-cream and beverages in it, though you can use it for preserving fruits, water, vegetables, and cooked food without any problem. This particular mini-fridge promises that it will keep the items fresh and will not let your cooked food get spoiled.
This mini-fridge by SMETA is not only spacious but even comfortable to operate. You do not need to have much technical knowledge to produce the fridge, which makes it a preferable choice for home use.
- It is spacious
- The fridge can run on both AC and DC power source, thus making it a preferable choice
- The mini-fridge has a “no noise” feature, thus making it fit to use even in libraries
- It is easy to operate
- It weighs only 35 pounds
- This mini fridge cannot make ice
- You cannot control the interior temperature of the refrigerator
8. Strongest one: CIGREEN 63.4-quart portable refrigerator
- FAST AND PRECISION COOLING: With the compressor cooling technology, this portable refrigerator can achieve fast cooling between -0.4°F to 50°F (104-113℉...
- PERFECT STORAGE SPACE: 63.4 Quart (60 Liter) capacity, fits 85 cans of Cola! It's capable of handling the family's entire lunch or a dinner picnic. This...
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Low noise design of less than 40 dB. With deep chilling performance, this portable cooler can be used as a fridge or freezer with an...
- BATTERY PROTECTION & DURABLE MATERIALS: When the input voltage reaches the minimum limit, the system will automatically cut off the compressor to protect the...
The CIGREEN mini-refrigerator is the strongest refrigerator that you will find in the market for all the rough users. This particular mini-refrigerator ha a compressor cooling technology, which makes the refrigerator achieve the required amount of temperature within a few minutes.
Moreover, you can adjust the temperature of the device from -0.4F to 50F, which is the lowest temperature ever achieved by a mini-refrigerator.
Furthermore, this particular mini fridge from CIGREEN has a 30 degrees vibration anti-tip design, which makes it less noisy and more durable. The insulation layer is made of high-quality material so that the items in the fridge can remain fresh.
The mini refrigerator has a battery protection feature where the fridge will automatically cut off the compressor when the minimum input voltage is achieved so that that battery can be saved. It has the perfect storage space and can store up to 60 liters of items, which is by far the highest storage capacity of a mini-refrigerator in this list.
This mini-fridge from CIGREEN is capable of storing 85 cans, along with fruits, cooked food, and other items. It is the perfect mini refrigerator that you can get, and it will last for about 6 to 10 years.
- It is durable
- It is made up of high-quality material
- It can cool items up to -0.4F
- It creates less noise
- It cuts down the compressor when the minimum input voltage is achieved, thus saving battery
- It is a little expensive as compared to an average mini refrigerator
- It weighs 52 pounds
9. Best value for Money: ICECO VL60 portable Refrigerator
- ※ 【IMPACT-RESISTANT CAPS】 - Provide insulated protective cover as gift for long-lasting use. The shockproof design makes the refrigerator could withstand...
- ※ 【INGENIOUS DESIGN】 - 18.8 inches height, perfect match pick-up truck tonneau cover.
- ※ 【MULTI-USE & BUILT-IN AC ADAPTER】 - Includes 2 power cables to separately connect with 12/24V DC and 110V to 240V AC power for Vehicle and Home....
- ※ 【ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY】 - SECOP Compressor, R134a-CFC Free refrigerator gas, fast cooling; ETL Certificate; Global Product Insurance.
If you are ready for investing in a nice mini-refrigerator which will serve for all kind of purposes, then you can always go for ICECO VL60 portable refrigerator. Though this mini-refrigerator is costly, it is worth all the money. It has lots of features and can be used for traveling, picnic, home use, everything.
The fridge has an ECO function which can slow down the compressor and even increase its speed for quick and slow cooling purposes. In addition to that, it has a built-in AC adapter that you can connect to any AC power source and use it effortlessly.
The rainproof heat dissipation system allows the fridge to work even in a harsh climate and give you the best results, which means that the temperature outside the mini-refrigerator will not affect the working or the performance of the mini-refrigerator., which is a much-required feature for truckers.
This mini refrigerator is also shockproof, and you can use it rightly even on bad roads. It is durable, thick and reliable and will last for an extended amount of time. Furthermore, you can also run the refrigerator in a DC power source. Even though you are paying more for a mini-refrigerator than an average mini-fridge, you get some excellent additional features that will make your money worth it.
As the refrigerator is shockproof, you can easily carry it anywhere. Even if your kids touch the mini-refrigerator, you can remain relaxed as they won’t suffer from any electric shock. It also consumes less energy and is eco-friendly, thus making it a better option than other refrigerators stated in the list.
- It is thick and durable
- The fridge is shockproof
- It has rainproof heat dissipation feature
- You can run it on both AC and DC power source
- It has a built-in the ac adapter
- It weighs 73.2 pounds
10. Stylish amongst all: COSTWAY Truck travel Freezer 105 quart
- 🐟 【Multi-use & Considerate Design】 Deep chilling down performance, two separately controlled temperature zones, you can set either zone as a freezer...
- 🍉 【Large Capacity & Perfect Portability】 With 100L large capacity, this refrigerator could hold a great amount of drinks. There is also enough space...
- 🥤 【Fast Freeze】For the compressor cooling technology, this refrigerator could achieve fast cooling between -0.4°F to 50°F with variable control....
- 🍧 【Battery Protection】 Three different levels for battery protection can be chosen: Low, Med and High. This design could satisfy your different...
This particular mini-refrigerator from the house of COSTWAY is the most elegant refrigerator that you will get. It has many features, one of them being able to store up to 105 quarts of items.
It has an LCD that will show you the temperature of the fridge, and the digital thermostat allows you to control the temperature of the interior through a single-touch. Along with that, it has two metal handles to make it easier for carrying. The working sound of this refrigerator is less than 45dB, thus making it less noisy so that you don’t get disturbed by the noise.
The removable wire basket allows you to have more storage to keep fruits and vegetables, thus allowing for more storage space. This mini fridge can cool down things up to -0.4F and warm them up to 50F, which means you can easily keep your drinks and other eatable items without worrying that they would get spoiled.
Moreover, this particular mini fridge even has separate freezer compartments for you to store some specific items, and it will also cool down the eatables and the drinks in it without creating any ice. This fridge yet has a three-stage battery protection feature to help you consume less power and is also eco-friendly.
As the fridge is less noisy, it is even suitable to use in nurseries, kids’ rooms, and even libraries, apart from using it in trucks. You can also keep it in your kitchen for daily use or carry it out for a journey.
As this particular mini-fridge is compact, it can even find a place in a students’ hostel and will run on both AC and DC power sources, making it suitable for any location. Overall, it is one of the most exceptional fridges that you will get for your truck.
- It is stylish in appearance
- It can cool down up to -0/4F and warm up to 50F
- It comes with a freezer compartment
- It is less noisy
- It has metal handles to carry it
- It is heavy to keep shifting from one truck to another.
Conclusion
So, these were some of the best mini refrigerators which you will get in the market for your truck. A lot of research was done before presenting these refrigerators before you so that you can choose from the best items.
These mini refrigerators are suitable for all kinds of purposes and even come at different prices so that you can have the best refrigerator within your budget. The above-stated refrigerators are best for use in trucks and will help the truckers in storing their essential items, which is required during the journey.
My father was a truck driver before and I only wished he had this luxury for his truck before!
