{"id":1669,"date":"2015-08-30T12:58:52","date_gmt":"2015-08-30T10:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nationalluna.com\/us\/?p=1669"},"modified":"2018-12-03T11:34:01","modified_gmt":"2018-12-03T09:34:01","slug":"keep-your-cool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nationalluna.com\/us\/media\/keep-your-cool\/","title":{"rendered":"Keep Your Cool"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"The decision to buy a portable fridge\/freezer is a daunting one. Besides the cost (camping fridges aren\u2019t cheap), there are other things to consider like brand, model and capacity. So where do you start? Preferably at the beginning, by looking at what qualities make a good fridge great. In no particular order, here\u2019s what you need to know about 12 V refrigeration.<\/p>\n

While many assume that compressor performance is the key to low power consumption, a more accurate argument could be made in favour of insulation \u2013 the very heart of fridge\/freezer efficiency. The job of the compressor is comparatively easy: pull the temperature down; but the fridge\u2019s ability to maintain that temperature without having to continuously cycle the compressor on and off is the tall task of the unit\u2019s insulation.<\/p>\n

CONDUCTIVITY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Conduction, possibly the most overlooked quality of 12 V refrigeration, is the effectiveness by which a fridge extracts heat. Sadly, because there\u2019s no way of determining how much conductive material (generally copper pipe) is used in the manufacturing of a fridge, it\u2019s often the easiest way for fridge manufacturers to cut costs \u2212 either by substituting the copper<\/p>\n

(which is a superior conductor) for aluminium or steel pipe, or by simply using less piping during the manufacturing process.<\/p>\n

COMPRESSOR<\/strong><\/p>\n

As mentioned, it\u2019s the compressor\u2019s job to lower the fridge\u2019s temperature; and while most fridges are able to achieve this to a certain degree, it\u2019s important to note that many fridge stats are quoted at an ambient temperature of 25\u00b0 C. Unfortunately the African bush is seldom so mild\u2026 particularly if the aircon\u2019s off and the fridge is enclosed in a sealed 4×4.<\/p>\n

Another important fact to consider is the compressor\u2019s ability to pull the temperature down as fast as possible. This may draw more amps initially, but it\u2019s just as efficient over time \u2013 and you don\u2019t want to wait forever for your drinks to cool!<\/p>\n

ELECTRONICS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Electronics not only play a vital role in accurately controlling the fridge\/freezer\u2019s temperature, but also contribute towards effective power management and reliability. In some cases, they add a few handy features, too, like voltage monitoring and intelligent battery protection \u2013 the ability to automatically shut the fridge down to protect your vehicle\u2019s battery so that your 4×4 can still start.<\/p>\n

RELIABILITY AND SERVICE<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is arguably the most important feature of any portable fridge\/freezer, particularly when the hopes of your overland holiday rest on its ability to cool your food. Visually, it\u2019s almost impossible to gauge the reliability of a fridge, but a lot can be discovered by asking about back-up service, availability of spares, and how long the manufacturers have been in business.<\/p>\n

AS COOL AS IT GETS<\/strong><\/p>\n

National Luna recently launched their brand new model, the 60-litre Twin. It\u2019s currently the world\u2019s most powerful 12 V fridge\/freezer combination, and boasts a number of high-end features, such as:<\/p>\n