A portable freezer is very useful for fishing, camping, RV-ing, or pretty much any other activity where you might want to keep food frozen but still be portable. There are several options to choose from when deciding on one of these freezers, and which one is the right choice will depend on exactly how you’re going to use it.

One of the first options you should decide on is the type of power the freezer uses. There are basically three alternatives:

- Propane
- 12V
- 12V & 120V dual AC/DC power

A propane freezer is the most portable, since it doesn’t need to be plugged in at all. These models tend to be a little more expensive, however, and you will have to be a little more thorough in the maintenance and upkeep of the freezer, since propane can be dangerous.

A 12 volt freezer plugs into a standard power source in most cars, trucks, boats, RVs, etc. These models are still quite portable, but they won’t work unless you have access to a 12V power source.

A dual power freezer can work from either a 12V power source or a standard 120V wall jack, so you can use it almost anywhere that you have access to power.

Prices for portable freezers can range anywhere from about $100 to well over $1000. While a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality, it is a pretty good indicator – particularly when you’re looking at the lower end of the scale.

The cheapest models use a cooling technology called Peltier thermoelectric, which can’t make as cold a temperature. The more expensive better reviewed portable refrigerator models use a sealed Danfoss compressor, which is able to bring the temperature down considerably lower.

There are several brands that use the better cooling system, including Edgestar, Norcold and Engel. Most of the brands you’ll see when shopping for a portable freezer aren’t going to be the same ones you would see in a standard refrigerator or freezer for your home. In fact, Danby is one of the only ones that makes both styles.

These small freezers are great for camping, boating, fishing, and other such activities, but they’re also quite useful in places that you are limited for space, such as small apartments, dorm rooms and even offices.