Two main types of “portable refrigerators” exist: the thermoelectrics (also known as peltier junction units) and the compressor systems.

Thermoelectric units are simple coolers, not refrigerators. Compressor systems like the one in FridgeFreeze units are similar to your home refrigerator/freezer.

Thermoelectric units are portable coolers, not portable refrigerators. Typical examples include the Igloo® and Coleman units found at retail or sporting goods stores.

The main benefits of thermoelectric units are their low price and small size.

The main drawbacks of thermoelectric units are:

• They cool only to about 30-35 degrees below ambient temperature and draw large amounts of current. For example, in 90-degree ambient, your thermoelectric cooler will reach only about 60 degrees inside.
• They cannot freeze their contents.
• In extreme heat, their performance is poor.
• They run continuously and draw as much as 10-amps, possibly resulting in a vehicle that will not start.

A compressor system like the one in FridgeFreeze portable medical refrigerator/freezers is built using similar equipment to your home refrigerator/freezer. This type of system consumes less power and can refrigerate or freeze in warmer ambient temperature. These units perform better and are more efficient than thermoelectrics.

The FridgeFreeze medical refrigerator/freezer is the most efficient portable 12/24 and 110-volt medical refrigerator/freezer made.

• The 15-liter, 20-liter, 35-liter, 45-liter and 60-liter models draw between 2.3 and 3.8 amps when the compressor is cycled on.
• The 100-liter model draws between 4.6 and 7.6-amps.

All FridgeFreeze portable medical refrigerator/freezer models are so well insulated that the compressor is running only about 10 to 15 minutes per hour on average to maintain internal temperature.