Q: How do portable refrigerators keep items cool? A: A pump called a compressor pumps a fluid called refrigerant into a high-pressure chamber called the condenser, through a narrow valve and into a low-pressure chamber called the evaporator in a continuous circuit. The condenser is outside the refrigerator. When the refrigerant is pressurized inside of it, it rises in temperature. That excess heat leaks out of the compressor into the air. When the refrigerant flows into the low-pressure evaporator, the opposite thing happens: the refrigerant lowers in temperature. The evaporator is inside the refrigerator, and heat flows into it, cooling the portable fridge. Through this cycle, heat is continuously pumped out of the fridge and into the air outside, keeping the food inside nice and cool.
Q: There are weird noises coming from my refrigerator, is this normal?
A: It is generally normal for the refrigerator to make noises. If your fridge is tilted, moving it to level ground may improve these sounds. Some possible noises you may hear include: a) The fan (It’s normal for it to run all the time). b) The refrigerant (Gurgling or hissing sounds, this is normal.) c) Continuous metallic thumping: This is an indication of a problem. The unit may have been tilted or dropped during carrying. This can damage the compressor. Leave the unit on a level surface for 24 hours, and try turning it on again.
Q: How does the battery protection work?
A: This product is configured with automatic battery protection function in case of low voltage. If the DC power voltage drops to a cut-off value, the compressor will be automatically turned off and the “F1” error code will appear on the display screen.
Q: What is the recommended temperature for running a portable refrigerator as a refrigerator?
A: Most vegetables & fruit should be kept at a maximum temperature of 10ºC, and for milk, dairy and other perishables 4ºC or lower is recommended. Please check the guidelines printed on the packaging of food that you purchase. Below 4ºC water starts to expand and it breaks open the plant cells, particularly in high water content foods such as lettuce, strawberries, etc. It is recommended that you do not place these items close to the top of the stainless steel liner where the evaporator coils are.
Q: Can portable refrigerator be operated from 12V DC power socket of a car?
A: Yes. We recommend you to set the battery protection at high mode, and the ignition should be on to charge the battery so that your car battery has enough power to supply. Then you can connect the refrigerator with DC cable. This will help to prevent you from flattening your car battery, of course. If your car battery is not in good condition the low voltage error protection may switch off the fridge.