Comparison Dometic Waeco TropiCool TC-21 vs Dometic Waeco TropiCool TCX-21

The volume of the working chamber of the car refrigerator. The larger the volume, the more products can be loaded into the unit at a time. When choosing according to this parameter, it makes sense to select a model with a margin, because it is not recommended to load products too tightly — this adversely affects the quality of the device. On the other hand, note that the volumetric container and dimensions will have the appropriate ones.

The presence in the refrigerator of separate zones for storing products, separated by a stationary dense wall of a non-removable structure. The vast majority of car refrigerators have a single-chamber layout, however, there are also two-chamber models, which is extremely convenient for sorting products.

The minimum temperature to which the refrigerator is able to cool the product placed in it when operating in cooling mode. It should be taken into account that the minimum cooling temperature is not always achievable in fact: the actual cooling temperature depends on the ambient temperature and on the capacity of the refrigerator for maximum cooling (for more details on the calculation formula, see "Maximum cooling per (°C)"). However, this applies only to refrigerators that are not equipped with compressors (see Compressor); compressor models are able to reach the minimum cooling temperature regardless of external conditions.

The power consumed by the refrigerator when operating in heating mode. As with cooling, more power usually means more performance; see "'Сooling energy consumption" for details.

— USB for charging gadgets. A standard USB connector from which you can charge a smartphone or other gadget. Note that this function only works if the refrigerator is connected to the mains — car refrigerators do not provide their own batteries, and without an external power source, energy will not be supplied to the USB port.

— Smartphone control. The ability to control the unit from a smartphone or other gadget, usually through a special application. The gadget itself is connected directly wirelessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This feature provides a number of conveniences. Firstly, it allows you to control the operation of the refrigerator from a distance. Secondly, the application on a smartphone is often more convenient and intuitive than the unit's own control panel. Thirdly, the gadget can receive various notifications from the refrigerator: set settings, current status, notifications about problems, etc. At the same time, control from a smartphone is expensive, which is why it is quite rare, mainly in fairly advanced models.

— Built-in fan. The presence of a fan in the working chamber of the refrigerator. Due to this function, improved air circulation inside the chamber is provided, which contributes to better and more uniform cooling of loaded products.

— Discharge battery protection. An car...refrigerator with this function, when operating from a car battery (with the engine turned off), constantly monitors the state of the battery. If the charge drops to a critical level, the unit “takes action”: it turns off automatically or gives a signal about the need to turn off. This avoids the complete discharge of the battery and unpleasant situations such as the need to start the engine “from the pusher”.

— Internal illumination. The presence of internal lighting in the working chamber of the refrigerator. This makes it easier to use it in low light conditions — even in complete darkness outside, the contents of the camera can be easily seen.

— Removable cover. Possibility to remove the refrigerator cover from the main container. The meaning and features of this function may be different. So, in some models, the cover is removed only in order to make it easier to get to the contents and to make the working chamber easier to wash / clean. In others, it may be possible to choose the side in which the lid will recline. And some units with this function are equipped with two covers at once: one has a power cord and a cooler, when installed, the device functions as a refrigerator, the second is a simple heat-insulating cover that turns an car refrigerator into a thermos.

— Carrying strap (shoulder). A special strap that allows you to carry the device in the manner of a shoulder bag. Actually, most often it is bag models that are equipped with this function (see "Type"). Anyway, such a strap greatly simplifies transportation: it is more convenient to carry a rather weighty refrigerator on your shoulder, in addition, your hands remain free. There are even models that can be carried like regular backpacks.

— Wheels for transportation. The ability to transport car refrigerators in the manner of a trolley is much more convenient than carrying it in your hands or on your shoulder, especially with large volumes and the appropriate weight of the model.

Own external display. Various service information can be displayed on such a display, such as the temperature inside the working chamber, the operating mode enabled (see "Operating mode"), the battery charge level (see "Battery status control"), etc. The display makes the management of the refrigerator more visual and simple — in particular, it allows you to control the status of the contents of the working chamber without opening it.

The supply voltage for which the car refrigerator is designed. There are several standard options:

— 12 V. Standard on-board voltage for passenger cars, as well as many minibuses and light trucks. Supported by most modern car refrigerators.

— 24 V. Standard voltage of the on-board network of buses, heavy trucks and other large equipment; also found in some SUVs. Car refrigerators “only for 24 V” are practically not produced, usually, such a possibility is provided in addition to 12 V.

— 230 V. Powered by a standard household outlet. It is usually a fallback option in case the refrigerator needs to be turned on outside the car for a while — for example, to pre-cool before a trip. In addition, units with such a power supply can be used as an impromptu replacement for a stationary refrigerator — for example, when leaving for a country house where there is no permanent refrigerator.

A parameter that characterizes the efficiency of energy consumption. In modern car refrigerators, there are classes from A + and above; the more “pluses” in the marking, the more economical the device.

Note that the energy class does not describe the actual power consumption, but the efficiency of the device compared to similar models. Therefore, for example, a large built -in A++ class unit may consume more energy than a smaller A+ class armrest refrigerator.