Anyone have a Fridge/freezer cooler?

J3ff

As I'm embracing this liveaboard life, the one fridge on the 270 isn't enough. Thought about adding one, but then a friend told me about the new wave of electric coolers that do the same thing AND can be used in cars for long drives, etc.. 

Wondering if anyone here uses one? They are a couple 100 bucks and usually run off 12volt or 110...

LaRea

I think you're talking about thermoelectric coolers like the ones used in low-cost wine refrigerators.  The ones I've seen will not get cold enough for food storage.  

Willhound

If you're getting one for a couple of hundred bucks it is likely the older thermoelectric models that are great for car trips, and I have used mine on the boat, but will only chill about 30 degrees lower than ambient at best. So if it's 80, your stuff is only at 50. Also no thermostatic control, so they just run constantly. Also works better if you pre-chill items. Warm beer put into one takes about a day to cool.
There are newer compressor models, pretty much a portable mini fridge just like on the boat now, but best prices I see even for a no name Amazon model are around $300 USD but very limited for capacity because of the space the compressor takes up. I assume that's what your buddy is talking about? Like this one? https://www.amazon.ca/Aspenora-54-Quart-Portable-Refrigerator-Compressor/dp/B082YWHMCY/ref=sr_1_15?crid=13GD5R9820U01&dchild=1&keywords=aspenora+portable+freezer+53+quart&qid=1633621754&sprefix=aspenora+por,aps,237&sr=8-15

If it were me (but I'm cheap) I'd just get a 110 V mini fridge for $100 and use it for drinks etc while docked. Even off shore power stuff will stay cold most of the day.

PickleRick

Does your marina allow for a small storage shed/tiki hut right by your slip?

J3ff

No - I do have a very large dock box but no power to it and that would probably not be approved, they are VERY stingy here.. even though the slip is north of 700/month with live-aboard fees.

This is what I'm looking at . https://www.amazon.com/stores/Alpicool/page/140FD2A0-90AE-4E30-A545-009FF8734FE5?ref_=ast_bln&fbclid=IwAR0e5hDNByeftBu98ff7ixVxcYos1S7Ax8sNkisvtYJLutiUAYMrepEEnlE

I suppose something like this that would fit under the table would be the best and most cost effective route though as @Willhound said..
https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-BCRK25B-Compact-Refrigerator/dp/B01DZQI70K/ref=sr_1_20?dchild=1&keywords=dorm+fridge&qid=1633625510&sr=8-20

LaRea

Those should work!  If it says "freezer" - good.  If you see the word "thermocooler" anywhere -- not good.  

PickleRick

That stinks.  A few of the boats we've chartered over the years were also the captain's live aboard.   I've seen tiki hut bars connected to small storage sheds just steps off the transom. This allowed them to keep a full sized grill set up and refrigerators.  Each slip is metered so it's not like the marina was paying for their power.  

Dometic and ARB both make some not cheap but very good portable  fridge/freezers that the overland guys like to use.  They take some abuse on off road adventures but keep the beer and food nice and cold for the the weekend. 

MarkB

This mobicool bag fit PERFECTLY in the cabinet under my sink on the deck ... I swapped it out for the cooler that came with the boat. It got cold enough for the drinks, which allowed me to exclusively use my fridge for perishables ... to err on the side of caution.

Outdoor cool bags | MOBICOOL

J3ff

After doing some research I went ahead and grabbed this... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08319G5TX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 seems like it'll fit under the table and do exactly what's needed, both at the dock and out on the water.. will just have to figure out how to run power to it..