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(More customer reviews)Update 6-2010 it's no longer $474 like it was when I got mine - check around or research anything using a "danfoss compressor" and you will have a good list of choices. End of update
At some time we've all bought the $50-$100 "car coolers" for cans which claim they are refrigerators only to find out they at best can lower the temperature a few degrees if you always keep the door closed. The tipoff is in the instructions where it says you should pre-freeze the product before using the cooler! Real refrigeration systems don't need you to prefreeze cans you just want kept cold. Compressor based systems are so powerful they can make ice! The EdgeStar has a "flash freeze" function when you really need to cool down the box in a hurry. During a flash freeze, the compressor draws about 5 amps instead of its normal 3 amps but then returns to normal thermostat settings after the box is chilled so again your battery is protected.
The EdgeStar 43 quart costs $474 because it uses a conventional R134 (green refrigerant) compressor and evaporator just like your home fridge. This equipment is made by Danfoss which is the only manufacturer of 12 VDC compressors (actually 12-24 VDC to be compatible with the marine marketplace). Danfoss compressors are exceptionally reliable and will run for years.
While smaller thermoelectric coolers draw 10A for larger models, these larger boxes only draw about 3A while running the compressor on 12 VDC. Due to their excellent insulation and exceptional cooling ability they don't need to run continuously like the thermoelectric "coolers" usually do. Mine runs about 1/4 of the time on a hot day and 1/12 of the time on a cold day. Calculating amp hours from runtime and amp draw on a hot day you can easily see why the Edgestar doesnt leave you with a dead battery 8 hours later:
Thermoelectric cooler
10A @ 100% time x 8 hr = 80 AH required from battery for 8 hours use
Edgestar Compressor Cooler
3A @ 25% time x 8 hr = 6 AH required from battery for 8 hours use
Given that the typical car battery holds 80 AH in reserve, the thermoelectric cooler will drain it dead in 8 hours without running the engine. The EdgeStar using the compressor cooler is like running your headlights for 20 minutes and leaves you plenty of starting power.
The runtime percentage on the compressor does go up if you want to store frozen goods which you can't even do with thermoelectric coolers. I've made ice with mine without an issue and kept frozen TV dinners overnight in it. I recommend if you are going to use it as a freezer then add a deep cycle battery and/or isolate your deep cycle from your engine battery.
Despite the elephant in the room of the pricetag, the large size, wide temperature range, and construction quality of the EdgeStar is superior all around compared to the typical thermoelectric cooler on the market. You do get what you pay for. If you plan to have a need for portable refrigeration and/or freezing on the road or on your boat, this won't disappoint you. It's also nice to be able to take it into your hotel room and plug it in while not being on the road. Also where thermoelectric units need to be defrosted every 24 hours these units can run for weeks before having to remove the ice that forms.
At $474 it represents amazon's least expensive solution to a true refrigeration portable unit. There are other more expensive units with larger capacity which are suitable if you have space for them. So long as they use a compressor instead of the thermoelectric system you'll be very happy with the results. Ultimately the price is worth it in its ability to cool/freeze reliably and do so without killing your car battery if you accidentally leave it on all day without running the engine.
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43 Qt Portable Compact Refrigerator Freezer - EdgeStarKeep your food cold while traveling with this deluxe EdgeStar FP430 portable refrigerator freezer. This powerful unit packs the strength and insulation of a home freezer into a compact and rugged appliance. For ultimate portability, this unit runs off standard household voltage, or easily connects to the cigarette lighter outlet in your car. Forget about thermoelectric portable coolers - this portable refrigerator freezer features a full range digital thermostat that is adjustable from -8°F to 50°F and it will hold a stable temperature under most conditions. Plus, the insulated metal walls will keep your food cold for hours, even without electricity!If you're in a hurry to freeze something, press the "Fast Freeze" button to rapidly cool the unit to -8°F and maintain this freezing temperature. With side-grip comfort handles for easy transport, two removable wire baskets for efficient storage, and a drain for liquids, this unit is great for boaters, campers, hunters, medical transportation/storage, recreational vehicles, cabins and all your outdoor applications.
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