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Quality portable fridges aren’t cheap, but they’ll take your trip to the next level (and stop your lunch from soaking in icewater).

1 ENGEL MT-V60F 60L FRIDGE FREEZER

BEST CHEST FRIDGE

Engel has a Bradman-esque reputation in the niche but passionately defended world of portable refrigeration Dating to 1962, the precision Japanese operation has built more than three million fridges—and this 57-litre dual-cabinet model, with separate fridge and freezer compartments, epitomises their output. With a five-year warranty, Engel’s legendary Sawafuji swing motor laughs at corrugated roads and, if you fancy, has a maximum 12-volt draw of only 4.2 amps per hour. Engel’s same-priced 60-litre model is worth a look if you want a single-zone unit that works as either all fridge or all freezer.

RRP: $1999

engelaustralia.com.au

2 BUSHMAN DC130X UPRIGHT FRIDGE/FREEZER 130L

BEST UPRIGHT

Upright models have their detractors, often citing that their benefits (ease of access, litres of volume per dollar) have to be weighed up against drawbacks (stuff rattling around more readily, cold air escaping more quickly whenever they’re opened, and they’re designed to go into a cabinetry cavity, such as in your caravan or towed boat). But the German-designed Bushman holds its own, with room for large bottles, a six-litre freezer and efficient power usage, averaging just 1.4 amps per hour over 24hrs (in mildish Australian conditions of 25°C ambient temperature and with your fridge set at 4°C).

RRP: $1645

bushman.com.au

3 ENGEL MT-V45F 40L FRIDGE FREEZER

BEST OFF-ROADER

This powerful 40-litre chest is also powered by Engel’s renowned Sawafuji swing motor, which is specially designed for 4x4 vehicles in that it has just one moving part (and works efficiently at angles of up to 35 degrees). Offering robust melamine-coated steel fabrication with battery protection, an interior LED light and stainless steel hinges, it’s the brand’s go-to model, built tough to guarantee you a hardearned can of Passiona at the end of a long day. It features automatic voltage selection (12-and 24-volt DC and 240-volt AC), with variable DC power consumption from 0.5-3.0 amps per hour.

RRP: $1499
engelaustralia.com.au

4 EVAKOOL PLATINUM 40L DRAWER FRIDGE FREEZER

BEST DRAWER FRIDGE

Drawer fridges optimise space and weight usage, although if you’re adding cabinetry, you’ll need to consider that cost as well. This 40-litre drawer unit can be used without (it comes with a heavy duty floor-plate bracket to secure the drawer to a flat surface), holds a worthy 48 cans and offers internal LED lighting and a simple, no-fuss display. There’s a removable drawer tub for a fuss-free cleaning, acrylic compartment lids and it can be used as either a fridge or freezer. (Power consumption at 2°C works out at about 1.2 amps per hour; double that usage to get to -16°C.)

RRP: $1100

evakool.com.au