# BougeRV 23 qt Review (2026): Pros, Cons & Power Use > BougeRV 23 qt review: 23-quart single zone 12V compressor fridge. Specs, power draw, battery runtime, pros, cons and our 7.8/10 verdict. - Source: https://portablefridgeguide.com/fridges/bougerv-cr22-23/ - Markdown version: https://portablefridgeguide.com/fridges/bougerv-cr22-23.md - Last updated: 2026-10-30 --- - [Home](https://portablefridgeguide.com/) - [Compare fridges](https://portablefridgeguide.com/fridges/) - BougeRV 23 Quart (CR22) 7.8 ![BougeRV 23 Quart (CR22)](https://portablefridgeguide.com/_astro/bougerv-cr22-23.-b5XWQnb_Z8qmwy.webp) BougeRV · Budget # BougeRV 23 Quart (CR22) Review Budget road-trippers who want a real compressor fridge that fits on a back seat for under $160. - 23 qt (22 L) - Single zone - -8°F to 50°F - 22.3 lb $$$$ Budget Price tier: Budget price tier · see Amazon for today's price [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G1BBBQW?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20)[See alternatives](#alternatives) Opens Amazon in a new tab. The button links this exact size. By [Portable Fridge Guide Editorial Team](https://portablefridgeguide.com/about/) · Updated October 30, 2026 · [How we score](https://portablefridgeguide.com/how-we-research/) Our score comes from manufacturer specs, professional reviews, and owner reports. It is not a hands-on lab test. ## The verdict For under $160, the BougeRV 23 Quart is the cheapest way to stop buying ice: a compressor fridge that actually freezes, backed by thousands of owner reviews and OutdoorGearLab's recommendation. Expect some condensation and a few degrees of temperature swing; if you need tighter control or a split freezer, step up to the ICECO GO20. ### What we like - OutdoorGearLab's small-cooler pick: reached temperature in 1.3 hours and hit −3.2°F - About 20–22 lb, easy to carry one-handed - 3-level battery protection and AC + DC cords in the box - Huge owner base: ~3,200 Amazon reviews at 4.6 stars ### Watch out for - OutdoorGearLab saw condensation build up on the upper walls after a few hours - Looser temperature control than premium units (about 3°F average deviation in OGL testing) - No app, and only 23 cans of space ## Score breakdown Cooling & capacity 7.4 Power efficiency 7.8 Build & features 7.2 Value 9.2 23 qt (22 L) · Single zone · 60 W rated ## BougeRV 23 qt specs | Brand | BougeRV | | --- | --- | | Capacity | 23 qt (22 L) | | Layout | Single zone | | Cooling | Compressor (Not published) | | Temperature range | -8°F to 50°F | | Rated input power | 60 W | | Average draw | Not published by the maker | | Power | 12/24 V DC + 110 V AC cord | | AC adapter included | Yes | | Battery protection | 3-level | | Battery | No battery | | App | No app | | Dimensions | 22.68 × 12.6 × 12.97 in | | Weight | 22.3 lb | | Wheels | No | | Warranty | 2 years | | Price tier | $ Budget (under $300). See Amazon for today's price. | - BougeRV rates it at 60 W in MAX mode and under 45 W in ECO. - Weight is 22.3 lb on the listing; OutdoorGearLab measured 19.8 lb. OGL measured 21.7 L usable volume. - OGL recorded 8.3 W average DC draw at steady state but doesn't state the ambient temperature, so we don't treat it as a rated draw. - Colors are separate listings (grey $144.39, black $159.99 on Oct 29, 2026). ### Other sizes in this series Each size is a separate Amazon listing. Prices are typical street prices, not live. | Size | Capacity | Price | | --- | --- | --- | | BougeRV 30 Quart | 30 qt | [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPM7C8RT?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20) | Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and independent reviews and may change between production runs. Confirm on the Amazon page before buying. ## How long will a battery run the BougeRV 23 qt? Estimated runtime on a 100 Ah LiFePO4 battery (about 90 Ah usable) with the fridge set to 37°F and the lid mostly closed. BougeRV doesn't publish an average draw for this model, so these figures are estimated from its size, calibrated on fridges that do publish one, and are rougher than usual. | Outside temp | Avg draw | Per day | Runtime | Solar to break even* | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 70°F | 0.42 Ah/h | ~120 Wh | 8.9 days | ~30 W | | 85°F | 0.61 Ah/h | ~180 Wh | 6.1 days | ~50 W | | 100°F | 0.80 Ah/h | ~230 Wh | 4.7 days | ~60 W | * With 5 peak sun hours and 25% system losses. Freezer settings, frequent opening and warm food all add load. Try your own battery and weather in the [battery runtime calculator](https://portablefridgeguide.com/tools/battery-runtime-calculator/?model=bougerv-cr22-23). The BougeRV 23 Quart, sold as the CR22, is a small single-zone compressor fridge that runs on 12/24 V DC or household AC and costs about $145–152 on Amazon depending on color (check today’s price). For that money you get a real refrigerator that can freeze, sized to sit on a back seat, plus 3-level battery protection and both cords in the box. It’s our pick for the best small budget fridge and the cheapest sensible way to stop buying bags of ice. If you’re not sure 23 quarts is enough, our [fridge matcher](https://portablefridgeguide.com/tools/fridge-matcher/) sizes it against your trip. ## Who it’s for (and who should skip it) It’s for road-trippers, commuters, anglers and solo or two-person weekend campers who want cold drinks and lunch without melted ice, and who don’t want to spend several hundred dollars to get it. At about 20–22 lb it’s light enough to carry one-handed, which matters more than spec sheets suggest when you’re moving it in and out of a car every day. Skip it if you need a fridge and freezer at the same time (look at the dual-zone [ICECO GO20](https://portablefridgeguide.com/fridges/iceco-go20/), with a Secop compressor and a removable divider, at about three times the price), if you want app monitoring, or if you’re feeding a family for several days. Twenty-three quarts holds about 23 cans; a week of food for two won’t fit. ## Cooling performance OutdoorGearLab, which made it its small powered cooler pick, found the CR22 reached temperature in 1.3 hours and got down to −3.2°F. Fast pull-down is useful for a small fridge, because you can load room-temperature drinks mid-trip and have them cold within the afternoon. Temperature control is looser than on premium fridges. OGL measured about 3°F of average deviation from the set point, where the best units hold within about half a degree. For drinks and sandwiches, that doesn’t matter. For raw meat or dairy, set it a few degrees colder than you need and use a separate fridge thermometer to check it. The other caveat is condensation: OGL saw moisture build up on the upper walls after a few hours. Keep food in sealed containers and wipe the walls when you stop. ## Power and practical use BougeRV rates it at 60 W in MAX mode and under 45 W in ECO, but those are compressor-running figures. Averaged over a day, the draw is much lower. OGL recorded 8.3 W average at steady state, though it didn’t state the ambient temperature, so we don’t treat that as a rated figure. Our own capacity-based estimate is about 194 Wh a day on a 90°F day at 37°F inside, or about 0.67 Ah per hour at 12 V. That’s frugal. By our estimate a 288 Wh DC power station would run it for a little over a day in summer heat, and a 100 Ah LiFePO4 house battery for several days. To replace a day’s use with solar you’d need roughly 50 W of panel in five peak sun hours. Our guide on [how long a battery will run a 12V fridge](https://portablefridgeguide.com/posts/how-long-will-a-battery-run-a-12v-fridge/) covers the math, and the [battery runtime calculator](https://portablefridgeguide.com/tools/battery-runtime-calculator/?model=bougerv-cr22-23) does it for your setup. The 3-level battery protection is the feature that makes it safe to run from a car’s 12 V socket. Use the highest setting when it’s plugged into your starter battery. ## Reliability and warranty The CR22 has one of the biggest owner bases in the category: about 3,200 Amazon reviews averaging 4.6 stars when we checked. That doesn’t guarantee your unit, but a large, long-running review record is the best reliability signal a budget fridge can offer. BougeRV covers it for 2 years, longer than the 1-year whole-unit warranty on the [Alpicool C20](https://portablefridgeguide.com/fridges/alpicool-c20/). BougeRV doesn’t publish the compressor make. ## How it compares The obvious rival is the Alpicool C20, at about $170. The C20 has a slightly narrower box and an app, but its official specs are thin and owners are split on how well it holds temperature. We’d buy the BougeRV first. Our [BougeRV 23 Quart vs Alpicool C20](https://portablefridgeguide.com/posts/bougerv-23-quart-vs-alpicool-c20/) comparison goes deeper. If you have the space, the [Euhomy 59QT](https://portablefridgeguide.com/fridges/euhomy-59qt/) costs less than $100 more and holds well over twice as much, though it’s a much bigger box and very slow to cool down. ## Bottom line For about $150, the BougeRV 23 Quart is a real compressor fridge that freezes, sips power and has thousands of owner reviews behind it. Expect some condensation and a few degrees of temperature swing. If you need tighter control or a split freezer, step up to the ICECO GO20; if you just want cold food in the car without ice, this is the one to buy. See where it ranks in our [best small car fridges](https://portablefridgeguide.com/posts/best-small-car-fridges/) guide. Ready to buy? · 7.8/10 BougeRV 23 Quart (CR22) $$$$ Budget Price tier: Budget · 23 qt (22 L) · Single zone [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G1BBBQW?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20) ## Accessories for the BougeRV 23 qt Official and universal add-ons sold on Amazon — insulated covers, batteries, 12V wiring and mounting gear. Check the listing confirms your exact model and size before you buy. - Insulated cover**BougeRV 23 Quart Insulated Protective Cover (CR22)**Official BougeRVA $40 insulated cover for the 23-quart CR22 that helps it stay cold in a sunny car and may reduce the condensation OutdoorGearLab noted.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G1RV1FRT?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20) - Battery & power**LiTime 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery (Group 31)**Universal fitAbout 1,280 Wh of lithium storage, enough to run an efficient 45-quart fridge for several days. This is the usual dual-battery or house-battery upgrade for overlanding rigs.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ78JZ2B?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20) - Battery & power**EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station (286Wh)**Universal fitA compact power station with a 12 V car outlet, enough for a night or two on a small fridge. It recharges from the car or solar during the day.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCCB657J?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20) - Battery & power**Anker SOLIX C300 DC Power Station (288Wh)**Universal fitA budget DC-only power bank with a 12 V car socket. It keeps a small compressor fridge running overnight while the engine is off.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D62PMB3R?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20) - 12V wiring**26 ft 14AWG Heavy-Duty 12V Extension Cord (20A)**Universal fitHeavy 14AWG wire avoids the voltage drop that makes fridges trip their low-battery cut-off when run from the front socket to the back of an SUV or truck bed.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMPX96JL?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20) - 12V wiring**16.4 ft 12V/24V Car Fridge DC Power Cord**Universal fitA longer replacement for the short DC cord most fridges ship with, so the fridge can sit in the cargo area while plugged into a dash socket. Fridge-end plugs differ by brand: confirm the connector matches your model before ordering.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2T7XPNQ?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20) - 12V wiring**Anderson Power Products SB50 Connector Kit (6 AWG)**Universal fitThe standard overlanding connector for a fused, high-current fridge circuit. It is far more secure than a cigarette-lighter plug on washboard roads.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CHBKS6K?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20) - 12V wiring**Renogy 12V 20A DC-to-DC Battery Charger**Universal fitCharges a second battery from the alternator while you drive and isolates it from the starter battery, so the fridge can never leave you unable to start the engine.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQP87ZRK?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20) - Solar**FlexSolar 100W Portable Solar Panel**Universal fitA 100 W foldable panel sized for the built-in solar inputs on the Anker EverFrost 2 (100 W max), EcoFlow Glacier Classic (110 W) and BougeRV CRD2 (150 W). Check that the panel's connector or adapter matches your fridge or power station's solar input.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPFK9YMX?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20) - Solar**Renogy 200W Solar Suitcase with 20A Charge Controller**Universal fitIt has its own charge controller, so it can top up a 12 V lithium or AGM house battery directly, with no power station needed.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RFQVB9M?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20) Compatibility checked October 2026. More in our [portable fridge accessories guide](https://portablefridgeguide.com/accessories/). ## Featured in our guides - [The 7 Best Portable Fridges of 2026: 12V Fridges Ranked by Trip, Power and Budget](https://portablefridgeguide.com/posts/best-portable-fridges-2026/) - [The Best Budget Portable Fridges Under $300 (and the Thermoelectric Trap to Avoid)](https://portablefridgeguide.com/posts/best-budget-portable-fridges/) - [The Best Small Car Fridges of 2026: Compact 12V Fridges for Road Trips and Day Trips](https://portablefridgeguide.com/posts/best-small-car-fridges/) - [Best Portable Freezer for Camping: Which 12V Models Reach 0°F](https://portablefridgeguide.com/posts/best-portable-freezers-for-camping/) ## BougeRV 23 qt FAQ ### Can the BougeRV 23 Quart actually freeze food? Yes. It's a compressor fridge, not a thermoelectric cooler, and OutdoorGearLab got it down to −3.2°F in testing. You can run the whole box as a freezer or as a fridge, but not both at once, because it has a single zone. ### How much power does the BougeRV 23 Quart use? BougeRV rates it at 60 W in MAX mode and under 45 W in ECO, but the compressor cycles, so average use is far lower. OutdoorGearLab recorded about 8.3 W average at steady state (ambient not stated), and our capacity-based estimate is about 194 Wh a day on a 90°F day. ### What about the condensation problem? OutdoorGearLab saw condensation build up on the upper walls after a few hours. Wiping it out at camp, keeping the lid closed and using BougeRV's insulated cover can help; the cover is about $40. It's a nuisance rather than a cooling failure. ### BougeRV 23 Quart or the 30 Quart version? The 30 Quart is about $197 versus about $145–152 for the 23 Quart. Pick the 30 if you're feeding two people for a weekend or want room for a few full-height bottles; the 23 is easier to fit on a back seat or floor. ## Sources - [amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G1BBBQW?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20) - [outdoorgearlab.com](https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/powered-cooler/bougerv-23-quart) - [outdoorgearlab.com](https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-powered-cooler) Not sold yet? ## Alternatives to the BougeRV 23 qt ![Alpicool C20](https://portablefridgeguide.com/_astro/alpicool-c20.DZnqt9nr_1zjqqR.webp) ### [Alpicool C20](https://portablefridgeguide.com/fridges/alpicool-c20/) 7.5 - 21 qt - Single zone - Down to -4°F Truckers and solo campers who want the most-reviewed small budget compressor fridge. $$$$ Budget Price tier: Budget today's price on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075R1LH8D?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://portablefridgeguide.com/fridges/alpicool-c20/) ![Dometic CFX2 28](https://portablefridgeguide.com/_astro/dometic-cfx2-28.Bz2GQsx7_Z2kaMpx.webp) ### [Dometic CFX2 28](https://portablefridgeguide.com/fridges/dometic-cfx2-28/) 8.0 - 30 qt - Single zone - Down to -7°F Solo travelers and couples who want a Dometic-brand car fridge sized to sit on a back seat or between SUV seats, without CFX5 money. $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range today's price on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DF81CFPP?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://portablefridgeguide.com/fridges/dometic-cfx2-28/) ![ICECO GO20](https://portablefridgeguide.com/_astro/iceco-go20.yjRud39Z_Z27Bhzu.webp) ### [ICECO GO20](https://portablefridgeguide.com/fridges/iceco-go20/) 7.9 - 21 qt - Dual zone - Down to 0°F Day trips, tailgates and front-seat road trips where you want a small Secop-powered fridge that can split into a mini freezer. $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range today's price on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07THMM1CK?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://portablefridgeguide.com/fridges/iceco-go20/) [Compare all 14 fridges →](https://portablefridgeguide.com/fridges/) ## Helpful guides [Top picks ### The 7 Best Portable Fridges of 2026: 12V Fridges Ranked by Trip, Power and Budget Best portable 12V fridges of 2026, ranked: ICECO VL45 ProS, VL60 Dual Zone, Anker EverFrost 2, Euhomy 59 qt and more, with power estimates and who each fits. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://portablefridgeguide.com/posts/best-portable-fridges-2026/)[Dual zone ### The Best Dual-Zone Portable Fridges of 2026: Fridge and Freezer in One Box The best dual-zone 12V fridges of 2026: ICECO VL60 Dual Zone, Dometic CFX5 75DZ, ICECO VL75 ProD and cheaper options, plus what a freezer zone costs in power. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://portablefridgeguide.com/posts/best-dual-zone-portable-fridges/)[Budget ### The Best Budget Portable Fridges Under $300 (and the Thermoelectric Trap to Avoid) Best cheap 12V fridges under $300: Euhomy 59 qt, BougeRV 23 qt and Alpicool C20, where budget fridges cut corners, and why a thermoelectric cooler isn't one. Updated Oct 30, 2026](https://portablefridgeguide.com/posts/best-budget-portable-fridges/) BougeRV 23 qt $$$$ Budget Price tier: Budget [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G1BBBQW?tag=portablefridgeguide.com-20)