Keeping things cold on the road or away from traditional power sources was always a hassle for me. For years, I relied on standard coolers packed with ice, which inevitably led to soggy food, limited duration of coolness, and constant trips to find more ice. This problem wasn’t just inconvenient; it could be detrimental, especially on longer trips where food safety became a real concern. Having a reliable way to preserve perishables would have made a world of difference.
Venturing into the world of portable refrigeration means saying goodbye to the limitations of traditional coolers and ice. Someone typically seeks out this category of product because they need consistent, long-term temperature control for food, drinks, or even medications while traveling, camping, boating, or working remotely. The ideal customer is the road-tripper, the weekend warrior camper, the overlander, the truck driver, or anyone who needs a mobile cooling solution that doesn’t rely on melting ice.
However, this type of product isn’t for everyone. If you only need to keep a few drinks cool for a couple of hours on a short picnic or tailgate party, a simple insulated cooler might still suffice and be more cost-effective. Similarly, if you require a large capacity that mimics a household refrigerator or a true dual-zone setup with precise, independent temperature control for freezing *and* refrigerating simultaneously, this specific model or category might not meet those needs. For basic, short-term chilling, stick with passive coolers. For demanding, high-volume, or precise dual-temp needs, explore larger, more advanced portable fridge/freezers or traditional coolers combined with dry ice.
Before investing in a portable electric cooler like the Setpower 12V Refrigerator 21 Quart Portable Freezer RF20, you should consider several factors: the intended use (how long, what conditions), capacity needed (how much food/drink will you store?), power source compatibility (12V DC for vehicles, 120V AC for home/shore power, battery compatibility), power consumption (how much power will it draw?), cooling range (can it freeze or just refrigerate?), size and weight (will it fit in your vehicle and can you easily move it?), features (app control, anti-shake, low noise, backup cooling), build quality, and warranty. Thinking through these points will help ensure you choose the right portable cooling solution for your adventures.
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Introducing the Setpower RF20 Portable Freezer
The Setpower 12V Refrigerator 21 Quart Portable Freezer RF20 is a compact electric cooler designed to bring the convenience of refrigeration or freezing to your vehicle, campsite, or road trip. It promises to keep your contents cold or frozen without the mess and hassle of ice, leveraging compressor technology similar to your home fridge. When you purchase the Setpower RF20, you get the main unit, an AC adapter for home use (100/240V), a DC cord for vehicle use (12/24V), a user manual, and a built-in ice pack.
Compared to basic passive coolers, the Setpower portable fridge offers consistent, powered temperature control. Compared to some older or budget electric coolers, it boasts features like fast cooling, energy efficiency, app control, and enhanced backup cooling. It’s specifically designed for individuals or small groups (2-3 people) needing reliable cooling for 2-3 day trips in various vehicles like SUVs, trucks, RVs, vans, or even boats. It’s not intended as a replacement for a large, permanent freezer or a unit for a big family on an extended expedition requiring significant frozen and refrigerated capacity simultaneously.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my experience and gathered information:
Pros:
* Reliable compressor cooling eliminates the need for ice.
* Very energy efficient, drawing low power.
* Cools down extremely fast.
* Offers app control for convenient remote adjustments.
* Compact and relatively lightweight for its capacity.
* Comes with both AC and DC power cords.
Cons:
* Single chamber design means it’s either a fridge or a freezer, not both at once.
* The internal temperature display might not be perfectly accurate compared to external thermometers (though the actual temperature in the chamber seems stable).
* Lack of an interior light can make finding things difficult in low light.
* Plastic construction may limit accessory attachments like magnetic battery packs.
- What You Get: The CR22 12V refrigerator comes with a 2-year Tech Support. If you have any questions about the product, please REACH OUT TO BougeRV, as we provide friendly Tech Support. Package...
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- Package Inclusions & 2 Year Tech Support; EUHOMY electric cooler is equipped with 100/240V AC and 12/24V DC adapters and can be used at home or in the car for a variety of use scenarios. The car...
In-Depth Look at Features & Benefits
After putting the Setpower RF20 through its paces over numerous trips, several features stand out as truly impactful in my experience.
Exceptional 50-Hour Backup Cooling
One of the most impressive features of the Setpower RF20 is its advertised 50-hour backup cooling capability, thanks to the built-in ice pack. While I haven’t intentionally tested the full 50 hours in uncontrolled conditions, I’ve definitely experienced the benefit during unexpected power outages or when switching between power sources. The ice pack, which doubles as a divider, acts as a thermal mass. Once frozen and placed inside, it helps maintain low temperatures for an extended period even after the power is disconnected. This is a huge advantage over standard portable fridges that rely solely on insulation once unplugged. It provides peace of mind knowing that your food and drinks are protected if your vehicle is off for an extended period, your power station runs out, or you encounter a temporary electrical issue. It significantly reduces the risk of spoilage, a common anxiety with traditional coolers. You can effectively keep items cool for nearly two full days without any power whatsoever, assuming reasonable ambient temperatures and a full ice pack initially. This level of passive cooling resilience is a real game-changer for multi-day trips or unforeseen circumstances.
Remarkable Energy Efficiency
The Setpower RF20 is incredibly efficient, particularly in its ECO energy-saving mode, where it consumes only 28W. Even in MAX mode, it only draws about 40W. This low power draw is powered by the Smartele self-developed compressor technology. What this means in practical terms is that the portable freezer sips power rather than guzzling it. For vehicle users, this is crucial as it puts less strain on your car battery, especially when running on the 12V socket. For those using portable power stations (like I often do), this efficiency translates directly into longer runtime. I’ve found that even smaller power banks can keep the car refrigerator running for extended periods, often well over 12 hours, especially once it reaches the target temperature and cycles on and off. This low energy consumption means you don’t need a massive or expensive power setup to keep your items cold, making it more accessible and practical for a wider range of users and scenarios. It also significantly reduces concerns about draining your vehicle’s battery overnight (though it does have battery protection features, which I’ll touch on later).
Impressive Fast Cooling Performance
Forget waiting around for your cooler to get cold. The Setpower RF20 boasts impressive fast cooling capabilities. Using Smartele refrigeration technology, it can cool from 77℉ (a typical room temperature) down to 32℉ (refrigerator temperature) in just 15 minutes. Need things frozen? It can reach -4℉ (freezer temperature) from 77℉ in about 45 minutes. This speed is fantastic. You can load up the electric cooler with items at ambient temperature and have them properly chilled or even starting to freeze very quickly. This saves time, especially when you’re packing up and want to hit the road, or when you’re quickly restocking during a trip. It ensures your sensitive items get to a safe temperature zone rapidly, minimizing the time they spend in the “danger zone” for bacterial growth. No more pre-chilling for hours – just plug it in and go.
Convenient App Control and Operation
While the control panel on the Setpower RF20 is intuitive and easy to use, the added convenience of smartphone app control is a real bonus. You can connect your phone to the portable fridge via Bluetooth and remotely monitor the temperature, adjust settings (like temperature mode or MAX/ECO modes), and even turn the unit on or off without physically accessing the cooler. This is particularly useful if the car refrigerator is stored in a hard-to-reach spot in your vehicle, like the back of an SUV or a trunk. You don’t have to pull over or awkwardly maneuver to change the temperature. It adds a layer of modern functionality that enhances the user experience and makes temperature management effortless. The app is straightforward and reliable in my use.
Ideal Size and Portability
With external dimensions of approximately 24.3″D x 13.1″W x 11.9″H and weighing in at a mere 22.1 lbs, the Setpower RF20 is perfectly sized for its intended purpose. The 21-quart capacity (roughly 20 liters) is sufficient for stocking up on essentials for a short trip for one or two people – it can hold drinks upright and fit enough food for a few days. Its compact footprint means it fits easily into various vehicles without taking up excessive space. I’ve found it tucks neatly into the back of my SUV or fits behind a seat without obstructing passengers or gear. The relatively light weight also makes it manageable to carry, even when loaded, though as some users noted, the built-in handles can feel a bit stiff initially. The design is practical for transport and placement in tight spots.
Anti-Shake Design and Low Noise Operation
Designed with vehicle use in mind, the Setpower 12V Refrigerator RF20 features an anti-shake design. This is important because bumps and vibrations on the road can potentially damage the compressor or affect cooling performance in lesser units. The Setpower portable freezer feels robust and handles rougher roads without issue, maintaining consistent performance. Furthermore, once it settles after shipping (where some initial gurgling/noise might occur), the unit operates very quietly. In ECO mode, you barely notice it’s running. This low noise level is crucial, especially if you’re using it in a vehicle cabin while driving or sleeping in an RV or tent nearby. It doesn’t create a disruptive hum or rattle, allowing for a more comfortable environment.
Comprehensive Power Supply Options and Battery Protection
The inclusion of both AC (100/240V) and DC (12/24V) power cords right in the box means you can power the Setpower RF20 virtually anywhere – plug it into a standard wall outlet at home to pre-chill, connect it to your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket while on the move, or hook it up to a portable power station. The unit also features integrated vehicle battery protection. This system monitors your car battery’s voltage and will automatically shut off the cooler if the voltage drops too low, preventing you from accidentally draining your car battery and being unable to start your engine. You can typically set different levels of protection depending on your battery’s health and your preference. This feature provides vital peace of mind for anyone relying on their vehicle as the primary power source.
Convertible Freezer/Fridge and Reversible Door
The single chamber of the Setpower RF20 can operate as either a refrigerator (down to 32℉) or a freezer (down to -4℉), making it versatile depending on your trip’s needs. While it can’t do both simultaneously, the ability to switch modes is great. One day it’s keeping drinks cold, the next it’s storing frozen meals. The reversible door is another smart design choice. The lid can be installed to open from either the left or the right side using no tools, allowing you to adjust it based on where you place the portable freezer in your vehicle or setup. This seemingly small feature adds significant flexibility for optimizing space and access.
What Users Are Saying (Social Proof)
I’ve seen a lot of positive feedback from people who have purchased and used the Setpower RF20 and similar models like the RF25. Many users highlight the compact size being perfect for their cars and vans, praising its surprising capacity for weekend trips. The quiet operation is frequently mentioned, with some users having to double-check that it’s actually running! Fast cooling speed is another common point of satisfaction, getting contents cold very quickly. The app control is appreciated for its convenience, allowing temperature changes without needing to access the unit directly. Reliability with portable power stations and overall value for the price are also strong positives from user experiences. A few minor criticisms noted include the temperature display not being perfectly calibrated compared to separate thermometers and the desire for an internal light, but overall sentiment is very positive, with many recommending the product for its performance and feature set.
Concluding Thoughts
Living life on the go often presents the challenge of keeping perishables safely and reliably cold. Traditional coolers fall short, leading to spoiled food and the constant hunt for ice. The Setpower 12V Refrigerator 21 Quart Portable Freezer RF20 effectively solves this problem by providing consistent, compressor-powered cooling.
Its combination of energy efficiency, fast cooling, and thoughtful features like backup cooling and app control make it an excellent solution. It’s compact enough for various vehicles yet offers ample space for short trips, and the robust design handles the demands of travel. If you’re tired of soggy sandwiches and melted ice, this portable fridge is a fantastic investment. To learn more and see how it can simplify your trips, click here.
Last update on 2025-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API