Portable travel coolers have come a long way over the years. The good old blue or red plastic ice chest coolers are still pretty common, but these days you can really keep stuff cold with 12v refrigerators – portable coolers on steroids.

These portable refrigerators look a lot like any other cooler. The big difference is that they have a refrigerator compressor in them, and they plug into a 12V power source such as the lighter or power connectors in your car.

Some of them are even dual power so you can plug them into a standard 120V outlet as well. If you travel to places where you’ll have access to a standard power outlet, this can be a big help. Leaving them plugged into your car when it isn’t running will drain the battery if you let them run long enough.

These mini refrigerators don’t come from the typical brands that you see when shopping for a full-size fridge. You’ll see names like Koolatron, Edgestar, Wagan and Engel when shopping for 12v coolers.

They’re available in various shapes and sizes as well. Most of them look pretty similar to any other cooler – a chest design with a lid that lifts up from the top – but you can find some brands that are designed more like a typical upright refrigerator.

Some companies, such as Engel, even make portable 12v freezers. If you fish, these can be a great way to store your catch, especially if you’re on the water for any length of time.  By and large Engel refrigerator reviews are very positive.

The only other real alternative is a propane refrigerator. They have the advantage of not needing to be plugged in, which means they’re even more portable, but you’ll have to deal with propane canisters which can be potentially hazardous and need to be refilled regularly.

Whether you’re looking for something to keep drinks and snacks cold for your next family vacation or you want something portable for the boat or RV, 12v refrigerators can be a great solution.