What would a sunset by the lake or at the campsite be like without a well-chilled soda or a cold beer? That's exactly why a portable fridge is essential for anyone traveling in a camper or van. But how do you power the fridge when there's no power outlet nearby?
We'll show you which power station is right for your fridge and what to look for when choosing one.
Want to get started right away? In our portable fridge collection, you'll find compressor fridges that you can pair directly with the right power station.
Which portable fridges are compatible with power stations?
Portable fridges compatible with power stations are primarily energy-efficient models with compressor technology—as these are the only ones that can be powered efficiently and reliably by a portable power source.
1. Compressor fridges
These fridges work like a refrigerator—with a small compressor that only kicks in when needed.
Advantages:
- Low energy consumption (usually 30–60 W)
- Reliable even in ambient temperatures above 30 °C
- 12 V, 24 V, and 230 V connections
- Can run continuously with low energy consumption—ideal for camping & travel
Which portable fridges are not compatible with power stations?
2. Thermoelectric fridges
They work by maintaining a constant flow of electricity, but consume significantly more energy—and run continuously.
Disadvantages:
- High continuous power consumption (40–60 W constantly)
- No temperature control—often only 15–20 °C below ambient temperature
- Not efficient for extended off-grid use
3. Absorption fridges
These devices use gas or heating elements—their power consumption is very high, making them unsuitable for mobile power systems.
| Fridge type | Compatible with power stations? | Recommendation |
| Compressor fridge | Yes | Top recommendation |
| Thermoelectric fridge | Limited | Short-term use only |
| Absorption fridge | No | Not suitable |
For mobile use, a compressor fridge is ideal. It is economical, efficient, and designed to run on 12 V / 24 V or 230 V. Important: Make sure your fridge has a cigarette lighter connection (DC) or an AC plug.
While driving, the fridge can be powered by the starter battery—but when parked, it should run on a power station to protect the vehicle battery. This way, you won't be dependent on shore power and can travel off-grid.
Our recommendations for compressor fridges
Among the current compressor fridges, these six are our favorites in terms of energy efficiency, capacity, and ease of use. The EcoFlow GLACIER Classic series includes some of the most innovative fridges on the market today and is available in our shop.
| Model | Capacity | Temperature range | Power | Power supply | Features |
| EcoFlow GLACIER Classic 35 L | 35 L | +20 °C to –20 °C | 55 W | Battery / 12/24 V / 230 V | Switchable single zone, app control, with optional plug-in battery providing up to 43 hours of cooling |
| EcoFlow GLACIER Classic 45 L | 45 L | +20 °C to –20 °C | 55 W | Battery / 12/24 V / 230 V |
Dual-zone system, app control, with optional plug-in battery providing up to 39 hours of cooling |
| EcoFlow GLACIER Classic 55 L | 55 L | +20 °C to –20 °C | 55 W | Battery / 12/24 V / 230 V |
Dual-zone system, app control, with optional plug-in battery providing up to 39 hours of cooling |
| EcoFlow GLACIER | 38 L | +10 °C to –25 °C | 50 W | Integrated battery, 12/24 V DC, 230 V AC, XT60 | Battery, ice cube function, 2 cooling zones, app control |
| Dometic CFX3 35 | 36 L | +20 °C to –22 °C | 45 W | 12/24 V DC, 230 V AC | Very robust, vibration-resistant, app control, USB charging port |
| Alpicool T50 | 50 L | +20 °C to –20 °C | 40 W | 12/24 V DC, 230 V AC | Affordable, eco mode, compact design, digital display |
Calculate the power consumption of your compressor fridge
By looking at the power of the three fridges, we can also determine the average daily consumption in watt-hours (Wh).
2. Calculation formula:
Power consumption (Watts) × operating time (hours/day) = daily consumption in watt-hours (Wh)
Example: Glacier with 50 W:
50 W × 8 h = 400 Wh per day
Actual consumption varies depending on:
- Ambient temperature
- Load
- Preset temperature
- Frequency of opening the fridge
If your fridge consumes around 300 to 400 Wh per day, you should choose a power station with usable capacity that covers this requirement at a minimum—ideally, it should be slightly higher to provide reserves for higher temperatures or additional devices. A power station with around 500–1000 Wh capacity will offer you a good balance of operating time, weight, and flexibility in this case.
What to consider:
Pay attention to the power requirements of your fridge: For models with high inrush current (e.g., large refrigerators), a model with high output power (e.g. DELTA 2) is recommended.
- Use the 12 V DC output if possible—it is more efficient than using 230 V AC via the inverter.
- For long-term operation: Pair it with a portable solar panel (e.g. SOLA Ease+ 140 Wp) for a truly off-grid setup.
Our power station recommendations for energy-efficient fridges
| Power station | Capacity (Wh) | Recommended for | Features |
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max | 512 Wh | Alpicool T50 (1 day of operation) | Lightweight, very compact, fast charging |
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro | 768 Wh | Alpicool T50, Dometic CFX3 (1–1.5 days of operation) | More capacity for longer trips |
| EcoFlow DELTA 3 | 1024 Wh | Dometic CFX3, EcoFlow GLACIER Classic (2–3 days of operation) | Expandable, very fast charging, app control |
| EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max | 2048 Wh | EcoFlow GLACIER Classic, large fridges (4+ days with expansion) | Large reserves, ideal for off-grid camping |
The right combination of power station and fridge
Compressor fridges like the EcoFlow GLACIER Classic offer reliable cooling while maintaining low energy consumption—ideal for off-grid travel. The daily power requirement is around 300–400 Wh, making them perfect for use with portable power stations.
The combination of a compact fridge and a smart power station not only keeps drinks cool and food fresh—it also makes you less dependent on the power grid, more flexible in your travel planning, and more comfortable on the go.
Your to-do: Choose a compressor fridge, calculate your energy requirements, and select your power station accordingly—for maximum freedom with minimal effort.
Please note: The actual operating time of your fridge or freezer depends on several factors. The ambient temperature affects how often the device needs to cool down. The load also plays a role—a well-filled fridge retains cold better and thus extends the operating time. The preset temperature and the frequency with which you open the fridge also directly affect the operating time.
If you pre-cool your fridge, load it efficiently, and only open it when needed, you'll get the maximum operating time!
