Customer Reviews

Wagan 12-Volt 4 Liter Hot / Cold Personal Fridge

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

This cooler keeps things cold, but it is better to think of it as a "permanent" thermos. In other words, it is extremely slow to actually cool things. A 6-pack of room-temperature soft drinks will take 24-30 hours to get really cold. This unit will cool considerably below ambient temperatures, even to 32 degrees -- better than most of the units on the market, because it is so small inside, but uses the same capacity thermoelectric element. It does make noise with the cooling fan whirring all the time. It's about like a loud computer fan. As to adapters: thermoelectric elements do not function properly if there is electrical noise. Most cheap transformers do not in fact make a "clean" power flow. This will significantly reduce the efficiency of this refrigerator, which would mean less cooling. So it may be best to get the adapter from the manufacturer, not go to eBay or such sources. You can tell the difference in the car, using battery power this unit will show the best performance it is capable of.

You also need several inches of air space around the unit for proper operation.

If you need more storage than a 6 pack, or need to actually cool things down, keep in mind that this is a really light-duty unit. You'll be happier with a 1.6 cu. ft. refrigerator if you have the room. But this will work okay if nothing larger would be allowed in your office.

The thermoelectric cooling principle was discovered well over 100 years ago, and has been used extensively by NASA. Basically if you put hot Plutonium against one side of the thermoelectric element, electricity will flow. Whether cooling or making electricity, these circuits are only about 10% efficient. A compressor-type refrigerator is about 35% efficient. So, if you're using your employer's office power, don't worry about it, but if you use this at home, at 48 watts continuously, it will use about $25 a year for power. That is a lot of juice for a little bit of cooling.

The first time I used this product it shorted out the lighter in my car. The plug for the lighter did not fit properly, overheated and shorted the system. The refrigerator never cooled. Additionally, the refrigerator hold much less than you would think.

This is a cute little unit, but don't expect to buy an adapter ... so easily. We did, but it only supplies half an amp. The fridge needs somewhere around 3 amps. You can purchase the right adapter ... Even when you use the unit in the car, it takes a while to chill warm things.

If you just want to keep a six-pack cool on a long drive, then this is probably the cooler for you. If you want one primarily for home or office use, go with a real compact fridge.

It's true no adapter and no way to get one. No way to order on company's site. Can't find in any store on the web.

This product only came with a car adapter so if you want to use it with a normal outlet, you have to buy an additional adapter. Amazon does not appear to sell the adapter for this item. I bought this thing and it's just sitting in a corner until I can get an adapter for it. I wish the previous reviewer had said something about it...instead of "buy one for your house"...thanks buddy.

Update: I contacted the company and a wall outlet adapter will cost an additional $...+ shipping. Radio shack, circuit city, etc do not sell an adapter that will work for this item.

NO adapter comes with unit. Motor is only good for 1300 hours. Do not buy this. I was foolish.

110 V adapter not readily available. Not worth the money and returned the item

Product does not come with an AC adapter so even though it says that it can be used at home.... you can't use it at home. Good luck trying to find the right adapter for it.

The instructions are terrible and not informative. Better pay a little more at another store and get a good product with a company that backs it. That is what I did. I returned this product and if you buy it you will too.

Got one of these in late March, and I was amazed at now noisy it was. I had to put it out in the garage. The fan pretty much runs 24/7.
It cools enough for my purposes, but it died today of terminal fan failure, and only comes with a 30-day warannty, so it's junk now.
Cannot recommend.

No adapter and absolute no information in the package on where to get one, or even whether it's safe to use one. Complete rip-off.