DESIGN ELEMENTS
PORTABLE fridges have evolved to a point where they are near-on indestructible. Hell, some of the rough-and-tumble tracks we tackle as four-wheel drivers mean fridges have to be built to survive a beating. To this end, solid construction is high on the essentials list for fridge manufacturers.
The materials used in the construction of the fridge itself also have an impact on power consumption. Stronger materials with greater insulation properties mean the compressor doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the optimum cooling temperature.
“One thing that has a major influence on power is the casing and, more importantly, the insulating properties of that casing,” explains Adam Craze. “The better the fridge can keep the cool in and the heat out, the more efficiently the fridge will run.”
All of the respectable brands are constructed in such a way to minimise the power draw of their units. Evakool products, for example, are designed and built specifically for Australian conditions using polyurethane, fibreglass and metal. Ironman 4x4 utilises rubber-mounted compressors, metal bodies and quality mechanical internals. ARB’S range is equally robust: “ARB’S range of fridges feature a steel construction and robust poly extrusions, which keep the fridges substantially capable,” says Shannon Diedrich. And MYCOOLMAN also utilises steel in the sidewalls, as well as eight corner protectors with stainless steel mounting