# How We Research & Score Portable Fridges > How Portable Fridge Guide researches 12V portable fridges: where specs come from, how the 10-point score works, and how we estimate power draw and battery… - Source: https://portablefridgeguide.com/how-we-research/ - Markdown version: https://portablefridgeguide.com/how-we-research.md --- - [Home](https://portablefridgeguide.com/) - How we research # How we research and score portable fridges We'd rather tell you exactly how our recommendations are made than imply something they aren't. Here's the process behind every guide, review and calculator on Portable Fridge Guide. ## What we do (and don't do) Portable Fridge Guide is a research-based buyer's guide. We don't run a climate chamber, and our reviews are not hands-on tests. Instead, for every fridge we: - **Start from the live listing, spec sheet and manual**: capacity, temperature range, compressor, rated input, published average draw, battery protection, dimensions, weight and warranty. - **Separate rated input from real consumption.** A fridge rated at 60 W doesn't use 60 W all day; the compressor cycles. We use the maker's published average draw (amp-hours per hour at a stated temperature) where it exists, and say so plainly when it doesn't. - **Cross-check with independent reviews** from publications and testers who measure cool-down time, temperature holding and power draw, and note where results differ from the claims. - **Read owner reports** (retailer reviews, overlanding forums, support threads) for problems that appear after months of use: compressor failures, seal and latch wear, app bugs and warranty experiences. - **Flag uncertainty.** When a spec is missing or sources disagree we say so, and we leave a field blank rather than guess. Each fridge page lists the sources we relied on. ## How we estimate power use and runtime Makers that publish real consumption usually quote an average draw at 32°C (90°F) outside and 4°C (39°F) inside. We scale that figure by the gap between outside and inside temperature to estimate other conditions, then divide a battery's usable amp-hours by the result, which is the method Dometic itself publishes. Usable capacity is about 50% for lead-acid and AGM batteries, 80% for lithium NMC and around 90% for LiFePO4. When a maker publishes no average draw, we estimate it from capacity (about 110 Wh plus 3.4 Wh per liter per day at the reference condition, plus 20% for dual zone), calibrated on fridges that publish real figures, and mark the result with an asterisk. Rated input power isn't a reliable guide, because makers quote it inconsistently. Thermoelectric coolers run continuously, so we use their full rated power. Real fridges use a little more than this in very hot weather, with frequent opening, or when you load warm food, so treat every runtime as an estimate. ## How the 10-point score works Every fridge gets four sub-scores, each out of 10: - **Cooling & capacity (30%)**: temperature range and freezing ability, how well it holds temperature in heat, usable space and layout. - **Power efficiency (25%)**: published or measured average draw for its size, battery protection settings, eco modes and how well it suits off-grid use. - **Build & features (25%)**: case and lid construction, handles, drain, app and display, weight for its capacity, warranty (especially on the compressor) and owner-reported reliability. - **Value (20%)**: what you get for the street price compared with other fridges that do the same job. The overall score is the weighted average, rounded to one decimal. A 9+ is exceptional, 8–9 is a strong buy for the right trip, and under 7.5 means real compromises. Newer models with few owner reviews are scored cautiously on build and can move as the record builds. A higher score doesn't mean it's the right fridge for your vehicle and trips. A 95-quart dual zone is a bad buy for a hatchback and weekend trips. That's why we built the [fridge matcher](https://portablefridgeguide.com/tools/fridge-matcher/). ## Prices Prices are typical US street prices at the time of our last update, shown as ranges and as price tiers ($ to $$$$) because portable fridges are discounted often, especially around Prime events and Black Friday. Always check the current price on Amazon. Each size is its own listing, so our buttons link the exact size we discuss. ## Editorial independence Brands cannot pay for placement, and we don't accept free products in exchange for coverage. We earn a commission when you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you. ## Updates and corrections We review our main buying guides at least quarterly and whenever a significant model launches. Each page shows its last-updated date. Spot an error? [Tell us](https://portablefridgeguide.com/contact/) and we'll fix it.