The ULTIMATE 12V Refrigerator Alpicool CX30 REVIEW

[@greginemerald]

Exactly what Flyboy said. The sensor in foamed into the insulation along with the coils. I moved, installed a new one in the actual space where the food is. Now its nuts on.

[@njtexit8]

Did you install one of those wireless temperature sensors?

[@Flyboytr]

One of the problems with temperature differences is that the thermostat probe appears to be buried inside the case/lining, not inside the actual refrigerator compartment. A more accurate measurement would be to have the unit loaded (water jugs would be fine) and then take temp measurements at 6, 12 & 24 hours...measuring the liquid, not the air temp. Great review and very helpful. Sincerely appreciated.

[@WannaBFree]

Thank you :)

[@hardtruth2039]

Good review. We have an XtremepowerUS 52 quart (46 really) 12v/24v/120v freezer/fridge. Same machine as the Alpicool. It’s fantastic, we use it in our 5th wheel for extra freezer/fridge space. It sips power, nice and quiet, and the Bluetooth app is great. Also has a usb plug which is a nice plus. I have it sitting next to my theatre seats as an end table, works prefect. When the grandsons are on board we’ll use it as a fridge for their snacks and drinks. It keeps them out of the big fridge and with it being top loading it doesn’t loose any cold when they get into it. May get a second one.

[@WannaBFree]

Sounds like you got a good one too. They are very handy items for nomads, campers, outdoor enthusiasts. Mine have paid for themselves in cost of ice savings and are much better than the conventional ice cooler. Thank you for the comment :)

[@tinabeane]

Great helpful review Bruce. It cooled down pretty fast. Shared your video to help others, thanks! :)

[@WannaBFree]

Thank you Tina, yes it did cool down quickly. So far I'm really liking this little refrigerator. Thanks for watching and safe travels. :)

[@paulsccna2964]

If you take the screws off the cover, there will be a fuse inside on the bread-board, that runs the controller. Good review. I like that you did some real bench testing and did the kick the tires thing, in the review. THE ONE aspect of this video, I WANT you to CALIBRATE IT with the secret setting. IN other words, once it is calibrated, run the test again. Is it cooler? Does it take longer? More amps? This would have been interesting. I do like that the feature that it can be calibrated. That really is dead on important. I think. Good review, regardless.

[@tamiweber9409]

Great Review 💖 Nothing worse than a loud compressor kicking on or off. Does the compressor kick on and off quietly?

[@WannaBFree]

Thank you. Yes you can hear the compressor kicking on and off but it's not too annoying to me and I'm a light sleeper. I suppose it subjective though as to how loud it is. With this technology it just going to be something you'll have to decide if you can live with it or not. Hope this helped you out. :)

[@carlossaenz5922]

Great review Thank you. I just got mine today

[@WannaBFree]

Nice 👍 I hope you enjoy it as much as I have mine.

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Good video..Thanks from Scotland

[@WannaBFree]

My pleasure Jono, thanks for watching.

[@otrookie]

Just got a t50 dual zone on amazon for $220 after $100 gift card, I’m excited to test it out!

[@WannaBFree]

Very nice!

[@volodymyryakovliv4755]

Good review, thanks, just one more thing I need to know, what brand of the compressor they use?

[@WannaBFree]

Glad you liked it. I really don't know the brand of compressor. Judging by the price of these fridges, I'm sure it's just some random Chinese compressor. So far so good though.

[@volodymyryakovliv4755]

@@WannaBFree thank you for response, I drive 18 wheeler since 1995 and I've been through a lot of coolers as you can imagine, so now I want to try this brand. I've already ordered 50qt one on Amazon and as soon as I open it I will let you know what's inside there, thanks again.

[@WannaBFree]

Very cool and thank you for doing what you do. Keeping America on it's feet! Looking forward to finding out what you learn about the compressor. Keep on Truckin' 👍👍👍

[@volodymyryakovliv4755]

@@WannaBFree hi there, as I promised here is some info on my Alpicool T50 compressor- Hua Jun (manufactured by?) ZH35G, R134a 12/24v, made in China Looks like Danfoss knock out.

[@WannaBFree]

That is what I figured but now I know. I don't have any idea how long it will last. I don't use my fridge every day like you might but so far mine is doing good. Every day use will be the real test though. Enjoy your fridge and I hope it last you years! Thank you for the info.

[@oferhasson703]

Thanks. This was a helpful review

[@WannaBFree]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gregorylecomte90]

Hi, I’m thinking of getting one for myself, after a year or so now does it still run good? Thanks

[@WannaBFree]

Yes it does

[@cesartejeda9438]

Thank You for the video. I am wondering what's the material of the inner case. I guess the evaporator is running behind this case. Is it made out of a special material to ensure good cooling?

[@WannaBFree]

Good question but I really don't know for sure what the inner case material is. I would guess it's some type of hard plastic. It may even be a fiberglass of some sort but I'm really not sure. Thank you for the question.

[@cesartejeda9438]

WannaBFree thank you. I already found it out. It should be High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS).

[@WannaBFree]

Interesting, thanks for the information.

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

Great review, very informative... thank you !

[@WannaBFree]

You are quite welcome, thanks for watching! :)

[@3754700]

Is the interior watertight. Are there any openings up under the shelf that water could get into?

[@WannaBFree]

I think it's completely watertight. I think you can even use it like a cooler with ice if you want. It does have a drain hole in the bottom with a sealed removable plug.

[@paulhunter546]

Good video Bruce..lots of detail !

[@WannaBFree]

Thanks Paul!

[@SuperDominicco]

Hi Sir It's been 2 years already your Alpicool still working?

[@WannaBFree]

Yes it is still working but I must admit, I haven't used it for about a year.

[@cinnamon--girl]

I think your refrigerator needs calibration Bruce. 26 degrees F is below freezing, not just cool. I keep a thermometer in my Dometic CF25 and it reads a 1 to 2 degrees deviation from what it is set at. Thank you for running the test and sharing!

[@WannaBFree]

I think you may be right. It did pop back up to 34 fairly quickly so I need to do a little more testing I think. Maybe it just overshot and the temp sensor was slow to react. Thanks for the info :)

[@miroslavkovacic5835]

Thanks for the video Bruce, did you gather data on the average power consumption over the span of 24 hours? I am currently looking for an affordable off-grid cooling solution that I can run with a small to medium sized solar system.

[@WannaBFree]

No I haven't done any data gathering over time. I will say I have ran this fridge on a single 100W panel and 108Ah lead acid battery over a couple of months continuously and it did great. It will take a couple of days of no sun to really deplete the battery but if I get a couple of hours of sun each day it does just fine. Hope this helps and thanks for watching. :)

[@miroslavkovacic5835]

@@WannaBFree That helps alot, thanks for the information.

[@ChristopherRodriguez-qu6pu]

Actually the fuse is inside between the power plug and the module. Its actually easy to get to it only 6 screws 3 infront and the other 3 inside when you open the door

[@WannaBFree]

Good to know! Thanks for the information!

[@mtbelpino3855]

thanks bro this was a good review ....

[@WannaBFree]

You're welcome and thanks for stopping by.

[@SailingSeaDreamofClyde]

Great info. Thanks!

[@WannaBFree]

Glad it was helpful!

[@svespritlibre7192]

How did you find out these settings? I have a nick off of this model. The temp it says has never been what’s in it. I live on my sailboat and have been fighting with this thing for months.

[@svespritlibre7192]

How do I know what each of the values is so I can try to adjust my system. Please help. Ty.

[@WannaBFree]

If I remember correctly I got the settings off some Alpicool KZbin videos. Check out this guys video, it has some good info about the Alpicool settings. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjZmmaAeJWIiKs

[@karinhart489]

Did you pre-chill it plugged into the AC at home & pack it before putting it in & plugging it into your van’s house 12v battery? Did that help at all with battery management?

[@WannaBFree]

No I didn't, I plugged it in about an hour before we packed it with cold stuff out of our house fridge then off we went. This little fridge just seems to do real well with the single house battery and is quick to cool down. As long as there is at least a couple of hours of sun I can cool it down from warm temps without even touching the house battery. This 100w solar panel puts out about 5+ amps in direct sunlight and the fridge only draws 4 amps or less so if there is good sun on the panel for the cool down period the solar panel could run the fridge without a battery. Cooling down at night or without sun would be a different story. Hope this helps.

[@karinhart489]

Thx for quick reply. I’ve been looking at the 20L one, but might go with this 30L if it fits under the cot in the back of my PMCity.

[@WannaBFree]

You are welcome. I think you will be happy with what ever size you get. They are nice little refrigerators for the money. So far I'm impressed with mine. Thanks for watching Karin and take care.

[@WannaBFree]

Alpicool also has a new model that's in between sizes. They have the Alpicool C22 that might be the size you are looking for if the CX30 is too big. Just thought I'd mention it to you.

[@bluecollarstudio8513]

Mine just died on me. It turns on, just doesn't get cold anymore. I'll have to check out the hidden features.

[@WannaBFree]

I'm sorry to hear that.

[@Underdog72B]

I've got a C40 that's dead just short of a year. Compressor runs constant but no cool. Think we'll stick to buying ice.

[@disabledoffgridadventure9580]

Hows it been holding up? Still going good?

[@WannaBFree]

It's been several months since I've used it but it is still doing good.

[@disabledoffgridadventure9580]

Awesome. I'm looking at getting something like this. I want to go off grid. I just ordered the rockpals 500 watt power station to power one of these. Have the rockpals 100 watt panel already too.

[@WannaBFree]

I have been real happy with my 12 refrigerators and I think you will be too. They pay for themselves in a short time through ice savings and you don't have soggy food from the melted ice. Good luck with your new off grid set up.

[@disabledoffgridadventure9580]

Awesome news and thank you. If you're up for seeing my adventure to go off grid and doing some reviews along the way please subscribe. I want to show/inspire others that are disabled or even in a wheelchair like myself that they can still go out and do more than they think.

[@WannaBFree]

Very cool, I'll check it out.

[@dsholden1]

thanks

[@WannaBFree]

You're welcome!

[@livinglifemyway7349]

Looks like a decent 12 volt fridge... I just bought the CF35 alpicool from amazon.. Would you know what the difference besides size would be cf vs cx ? thanks I had a edgestar p430 portable fridge and was fine until today so we ordered this cf35

[@WannaBFree]

The CF35 should be a nice fridge. Hope you like it. Sorry but I don't know the differences between the cf and cx. I just don't have any experience with the cx.

[@livinglifemyway7349]

@@WannaBFree thanks, so you still like the alpicool no problems since you did the video?

[@WannaBFree]

Yes, I still like the alpicool and no problems with it to date (Aug 2019)

[@LeoBarr1968]

CX is the trolly model, the compressor is at top and door opens front to back. CF compressor is at bottom and door opens right side to left side. Main differences.

[@gregorypeterman6216]

@@LeoBarr1968 cold air goes down so its always better if the compressor is up top.

[@TVCColin]

Is there a way to disable the battery protection settings? I am running a lithium pack and its cutting out at 60% and would like to drain it down more.

[@WannaBFree]

I really don't know if the battery protection settings can be disabled or not.

[@johnbergholm]

Adventure Van Man Brian and Element Van Life Nate both talked about that issue and said no, there's no way to disable it.

[@datvik7187]

Can u comment on the Alpicool C15? I'm concerned about reliability. I want a smaller unit for my compact car.

[@WannaBFree]

Sorry but I have no experience with the Alpicool C15. I can tell you that the Alpicool CX30 has been problem free for me since I've owned it. I don't use it full time though, only for short camping trips.

[@vanpiper]

I did not like my C15 fridge you need to keep it set between 35- 40 degrees for best Energy Efficiency but it seemed to run more than it was off. insulation needs to be improved.

[@Flyboytr]

I just purchased the 30 liter model. I used your affiliate link. On sale for $279 for about 2 more hours. Thanks again.

[@WannaBFree]

Thank you for your support! It sounds like you got a great deal with the sale too. I hope you enjoy your new portable fridge and it serves you as well as mine has served us. You are welcome and thank you again. Have a Happy 4th!

[@Flyboytr]

@@WannaBFree , You are welcome. I have a question. How do you set the battery level cutoff. I don't remember seeing that anywhere?

[@WannaBFree]

Good question, I can't remember for sure. I'll have to check for you. I think you hit the set button until you see "Low - Med - High" and stop on the one you want. I'll check and let you know what I find out.

[@WannaBFree]

Setting the battery level cutoff is as follows. With the unit turned on, press and hold the set button for three seconds. Then press aging to select one of the three settings. Once it's on the setting you choose just wait several seconds and it will return to displaying the current temperature and it's set at what you left it on. The three settings are: H1 (Low) Best with auxiliary battery and engine starting isn't an issue if you run the battery too low H2 (Med) H3 (High) - Recommended setting if using your car starter battery. You won't run it down so far that you can't restart the car. I haven't found the actual cutoff voltages for the three setting options. If I remember correctly I have mine set on H2 (Med) I am using an auxiliary battery so I am not worried about starting my van if I run it down too low. I Hope this answers your question.

[@Flyboytr]

@@WannaBFree , Thanks. I have used the unit for several days. In the beginning it is very deceptive how quickly the temp reading falls. I put a gallon of 75 degree water, a 6 pack of my favorite beverage and a few cans of soda. After an hour, my wireless internal temp probe was indicating 74 degrees. The refer panel was showing 15 degrees. I had the unit set to 18 degrees. It took basically 20 hours for it to cool the contents to 25 degrees. After that, I set the temp to 30 and it easily maintained that temp. I did have a 3 degree error between the readout and my wireless system. I changed the units calibration by -3 degrees and now they hold with a degree of each other. I am very pleased with this unit. Thanks again for you help.

[@majidamjadi2356]

Do you need portable battery to charge it on the field

[@WannaBFree]

This fridge needs any 12V or 110V power source to run in the field.

[@GMauriceGuinouard]

Any idea how the amp draw compares to your Dometic. Compensated for the difference in size of course.

[@WannaBFree]

It's been too long since I ran numbers on the two fridges. I did a few videos a couple years back on the draw of the Dometic CF50 when I was testing it. They might help you out if you want to look at them. Sorry I can't give you more info it's just been too long ago.

[@GMauriceGuinouard]

@@WannaBFree Will do. Thanks

[@12vLife]

It's a Chinese product with 1 year warranty on compressor and 3 year on parts.. sounds like they support it remotely... anybody had to execute the warranty and get service on these unit? Anybody had luck with Amazon Square Trade (Allstate) warranties?

[@crazysoldier1982]

Good review. However, I am still unclear of what was the actual temperature inside.

[@WannaBFree]

Yes, that is a bit confusing in the video. The inside temp read 60F and the fridge thermostat read 32F when it shut off. I didn't give the temp enough time to stabilize in the video. It really needed another 10 to 15 minutes to stabilize the temp but basically the temp inside will drop a couple degrees below what you have the thermostat set for. Then it will warm up a couple of degrees above what you have it set for before it kicks on again. Also with the fridge being empty it doesn't take long when opening the door for the temps to change inside the fridge. It's much more stable when it's full of food or beverages and that helps the temperature stabilize. Hope this helps and thank you for the comment. :)

[@cliffordsikora9841]

@@WannaBFree Is it possible, just possible that the display was in celcius and the thermometer in farenheit. Or vice versa. Just saying. Because that is a HUGE difference

[@WannaBFree]

It's possible

[@vanpiper]

I have already checked on my refrigerator there is no fuse in it

[@WannaBFree]

Interesting

[@vanpiper]

Yes I cut my plug off and directly connect it to my fuse panel in my van now I know it's protected

[@WannaBFree]

That's a good solution! I have my 12V outlet plugs wired with a fuse.

[@PidasianHippie]

Those coolers are getting to be better made, more efficient and more affordable to the point that they can replace coolers. I wish I had got one of these for my trip to Florida. Did I miss hearing you say how heavy this is? Weight is a big issue for me since I would have to lift it by myself.

[@WannaBFree]

Not sure if I mentioned it or not but it's about 26lbs. Not bad at all I think.

[@PidasianHippie]

@@WannaBFree Thanks. I could probably handle that.

[@gregorypeterman6216]

It isn't as heavy as an ice chest with a bag of ice, lighter than that.

[@melindamarie6139]

I love my 20 qt.!!!

[@gsp49]

I just ordered it on eBay for $217

[@SailingSarah]

Rub it in like salt lol

[@inoahmann7542]

@@SailingSarah yep, I paid $255.

[@fromUAtoUSA]

Thanks for review

[@WannaBFree]

You are welcome, thanks for watching. :)

[@kathyfann]

We need to know how many watts does it draw

[@WannaBFree]

(Amps x Volts = Watts)............This refrigerator pulls about 4 amps and runs off of 12V. My batteries usually run around 12.5V to 12.8V so in this case at 4 amps it pulls about 50 to 51.2 watts. I hope this helps you out.

[@njtexit8]

Looks like CX30 is not available. Your link goes to C20 which doesn't have the wheels. :-(

[@WannaBFree]

Yes I see that. They do have a new 36 liter Dual Temperature out now that includes the wheels. I don't own one but it looks like an improved version over the older one. Here's a link to that one if you want to check it out. Alpicool Dual Temperature Control T36 Portable Refrigerator 38 Quart(36 Liter) - amzn.to/33y9Lhi

[@njtexit8]

Thanks. We just went through an 18-hour power outage from Hurricane Isaias. I am looking for a freezer to use when the power goes out. two ideas: a.) an Alpicool CF35 $299 and running it from car battery or b.) a regular mini freezer 1.1 cubic foot $190 and running it from an inverter --- I already have the inverter --- connected to car battery Do you have anything thoughts on this? Or buy inverter generator for $500? .

[@WannaBFree]

Sorry to hear about your 18-hour outage. A mini freezer sounds like a cheaper option but I have never ran something like that off a battery with an inverter. I do know the inverter does draw energy from the battery and it's less efficient so I'm unsure how long the battery will be able to run the freezer. An inverter generator would do the trick but then you have to have the gasoline and noise from the generator. That's a hard one to decide. I wish you the best!

[@njtexit8]

Thank you. Some of our friends had to toss all the food in their refrigerators. Their power will not be back until 7 days after the storm. We kept the refrigerator closed for the entire 18 hours and fortunately did not have to toss any food. I think I am going to have to look into an inverter generator.

[@michaelmedicworldoftanks33fps]

Your fridge is definitely broken! I have same Alpicool 15L and it cools down from 28C to -6C in 45 minutes

[@marciabrainard9837]

Run my alpicool and charge my phone..or watch netflix at night off my roof 100W solar. ...no problem

[@WannaBFree]

Very nice! A lot of items can be run off a 100W solar panel for sure. More than most people realize I think. Thanks for your input!

[@camilla74hansen]

Thanks! Got a 100W solar too, so i should be squared away.

[@WannaBFree]

Yes you should!

[@robernth1]

Hi when i reaches its temperature, does it then shut down and save power and then starts again or does it keep running and using almost 3amps all the time you have it turned on? Cheers and thanks for the video nice one //Robert

[@TheYankmchain]

Check it with a pyrometer gun. Easy.

[@WannaBFree]

That will work.

[@udmbfckx2916]

Around 12 minutes.........Both thermometers are not that accurate while they are showing about the same temperature.? I am not convinced, there is something definitely wrong with the Alpidull refrigerator.

[@WannaBFree]

I am not trying to convince anyone of anything. Just showing what you can expect and how mine works. This 12V fridge has been working fine for our needs. We just adjust it to what we like and leave it no matter what the numbers are on the readout. Thanks for watching.

[@udmbfckx2916]

@@WannaBFree I am talking about your test, which you did as it was supposed to be done and your test data results, which were dismal, apparently because of the product. Maybe the refrigerator does work in cooling, but not at the level or temperature that the manufacturer is selling it to the public. Have you ever had a thermometer inside when using it and compared it to what the readout outside says it is?

[@WannaBFree]

I have not but that is a test I should do the next time we use the fridge. I would suppose the fridge reading is off. There are adjustments you can use to correct it if you wish. I just haven't adjusted mine at all. I'm using the factory settings.

[@penelopegreenland3537]

Where is the manual? My fridge comes on, beeps, everything changes to 8s then restarts. No Messages

[@WannaBFree]

Sorry but I don't know where the manual is. You might be able to google search and find the manual on line though.

[@topcheese2889]

Now on sale 279

[@WannaBFree]

That's a great price for a good refrigerator!

[@gsp49]

$217

[@PeterPan-fv9du]

hi, we're a professional manufacturer producing car refrigerators, ice makers etc., do you interest to try them? Really hope we can talk and we will not let you down, thank you.

[@WannaBFree]

Sure, I'm interested. What do you have and what are the details?

[@PeterPan-fv9du]

@@WannaBFree So glad to receive your reply, can you give me your email? I send the information to you, I will not let you down

[@WannaBFree]

I don't want to post my email here. Do you have an email I can reach you?

[@PeterPan-fv9du]

@@WannaBFree waiting for your reply

[@WannaBFree]

I don't want to post my email here. Do you have an email I can reach you?