How to Protect Your Outdoor Cooler & Maximise Its Efficiency

If you ask me, every outdoor trip is 10 times better when you get to enjoy an ice cold drink and some refreshing snacks. If you agree with this, you probably already own a portable outdoor cooler. While portable coolers are great at the thing they’re designed for (keeping things cool), sometimes the harsh outdoor conditions can make it challenging for them to function properly. Plus, these units aren’t exactly cheap, which means it’s important to protect them from damage. With that being said, if you want to maximise your cooler’s powers and protect this valuable investment, here are some things to consider.

Invest in a Good Outdoor Fridge Cover

Although many portable fridges are made of robust and durable materials, they aren’t completely impervious to the challenges outdoor trips present. With that being said, if you want to prolong the lifespan of your investment, you may want to consider equipping it with an insulating outdoor fridge cover. Outdoor fridge covers are designed to protect against high temperatures, sun exposure, moisture, dust and debris. They also help preserve the appliance’s appearance by reducing the risk of scratches and dents when taking it out of the car or moving it from one place to another. Additionally, many outdoor fridge covers also come with reliable fixing rings which allow you to secure the fridge safely inside the vehicle.

However, perhaps the greatest benefit of investing in an outdoor fridge cover is that it provides an additional layer of insulation. As a result, this reduces the amount of cold air evaporating from the fridge and prevents the outer casing from heating up due to exposure to sun or other sources of heat. So, as you can see, adding an insulating cover to your cooler can improve the unit’s overall cooling performance, which means it will use less power. Some of the covers that provide the best insulation are made from aluminium-coated polyester. For greater convenience, opt for a cover that comes with a detachable lid so that you don’t have to entirely remove it from the fridge every time you want to take something out or put something in.

Place It in the Right Spot

Of course, the great thing about having a portable fridge is the fact you’re able to move it around anywhere you like. So, it will be a shame if it were to stay in your vehicle for the entire duration of the trip. When bringing your cooler out, make sure to avoid placing it in direct sunlight and instead place it under the shadow of a tree or under a canopy. This is important as not only can the heat warp the casing of the unit, but it will also decrease its efficiency. Even if you decide to leave your cooler in the car, make sure it’s not parked in the sun. Additionally, it’s important to clear the space around the cooler’s vent in order to allow the heat from the compressor to escape. The more ventilation the cooler gets, the more efficient it will be.

Chill Your Items and Cooler Before Leaving

If possible, it’s a smart idea to pre-cool the items you plan to store in your portable cooler in the fridge at home. When placing room temperature items, the cooler needs to work harder and will use more power. Additionally, you can also try powering the unit at home, as almost all portable coolers can also run on 240V. This way the interior will be already cooled before the fridge starts running on 12V power from a battery during transit. As a result, you can prolong the battery’s lifespan allowing you to use the cooler longer.