4 REASONS WHY NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY A PORTABLE FRIDGE

- 2022-10-23

FACT: Modern adventurers want to maintain their everyday life rituals even when they’re far from home.

At Front Runner, we know that whether you’re heading out on a day trip with the family, camping for the weekend, or embarking on an extended overland expedition, you want fresh, healthy food and cold drinks. That’s why we’re stoked to announce that the latest in portable fridge technology has landed on South African shores and is exclusively available through Front Runner.

The CFX3 line from Dometic is the brand’s most advanced yet and offers a range of high-tech fridge/freezer sizes to suit all types of adventure and travel needs. The series has received multiple international awards, so if you’re in the market for your first portable fridge/freezer or looking to upgrade your existing powered cooler, read on:

1. There is a portable powered cooler in the range for you

The Dometic CFX3 range is extensive, featuring seven models to suit your lifestyle, vehicle and type of adventure. From the CFX 35 (which, with its 35l capacity, is ideal for day trips and shorter overnight adventures) up to the expedition-ready CFX 100, all CFX3s were designed to perform in the toughest conditions.

The 55IM with freezer plate is the ideal long-weekend model and has the unique distinction of being the first camping fridge in the world to offer an ice maker. The single-zone cooler has an independently refrigerated ice-making section (complete with ice trays) that can make ice while running the main compartment as a fridge.

For longer adventures, there are two dual-zone fridge/freezers in the range (a 75l and a 95l) both of which work off flexible power options (AC 100-240 V and DC 12/24 V). They feature two-zone storage compartments that have independent temperature control so you can use one side as a fridge and the other as a freezer for longer expeditions.

2. Portable coolers have never been this energy efficient

To radically paraphrase the science: Each cooler in the line can freeze down to –22 °C while using less power than an average 60W lightbulb.

Energy efficiency is one of the most important decision-making factors for modern consumers. Dometic’s most recent version of its proprietary Variable Engine Speed Optimisation ‘VMSO3’ (industry-shaping electric compressor technology inside) makes the CFX3 one of the most energy-efficient powered coolers in the world. It features a unique evaporator coil that evenly distributes cool air, prevents frost and ensures an airtight seal to keep freshness inside. In addition, the innovative internal design allows you to choose how you organise the space with a removable wire divider for maximum use of your fridge’s capacity.

3. This camping fridge was designed for the digital age

The CFX3 line of power coolers was engineered for the modern, digitally-equipped explorer. Each unit has an intuitive user interface that displays the voltage, Bluetooth/WiFi connection status and temperature in colourful graphics, while the operating settings of the cooler can be adjusted at the press of a button with a simple menu.

The CFX3 line also comes paired with a free mobile app (available for iOS and Android) that allows you to control and monitor the temperature of the cooler remotely. It features a user-friendly interface to help you track the cooling status of your CFX3 and, if you happen to leave the lid open, the app will ping you a notification. While powered, the app keeps detailed records of the temperature and power consumption history, so you know your limits on your next journey. In addition, the CFX3 has a powerful USB charger output to power devices such as mobile phones and tablets.

4. Compatible with various Front Runner accessories

There is a range of vehicle-specific off-road accessories to pair with the CFX3 range, including fridge covers (for added protection) and heavy-duty Front Runner fridge slides (to maximise accessibility and space in your vehicle) as well as the game-changing Dometic PLB40. This portable 40Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate battery system delivers high levels of mobile power – up to 40 hours for powered coolers – on a single charge and was designed specifically for powering powered coolers and other 12V appliances while being off-grid. The integrated charger offers three convenient ways to charge via: the vehicle, 12V DC socket, solar panel or AC home power, and is equipped with USB 2.0 ports as well, so that you can power devices such as smartphones, GPSs, sports watches and portable speakers.

There has never been a better time to plug in and get things chilled when you unplug… To learn more about the full range of Dometic CFX3 fridges, click here and, if you want to get a few tricks on making the most of your cooler from some experienced overlanders, click here