How to choose the right boat refrigerator

Some boat owners are looking for a cool drink on a hot afternoon out on the water. Others need a way to keep perishables cool on longer trips. Regardless of your needs, selecting the right boat refrigerator is essential for a properly equipped galley.

When shopping between different makes and models, there are a few things to consider that will help you narrow down your decision.

Bigger is not always better

You want a boat refrigerator with the capacity to hold all your perishables, but you don’t want to waste space, money, or energy by buying a unit that’s too big. When looking at the size of a marine cooler, you’ll need to consider the outside dimensions when judging the fit in your kitchen and the inside dimensions when determining capacity. The insulation will create a substantial difference between the two measurements.

Your size options will likely be limited by the interior space of your boat. If you have a small boat, you won’t have the space, or likely the need, for a full-size refrigerator. Measure the area where the unit will be installed so you don’t waste time looking at oversized fridges.

Once you have a maximum outside measurement, you need to consider capacity. If you use your boat for short trips around the bay, you probably won’t need more than a 15 or 20 liter unit. A recreational fishing trip may require a larger marine cooler to store the catch on the return trip. A large vessel used for multi-day voyages will need even more storage space, as it will rely on this food for survival rather than eating it as a snack.

Power and temperature considerations

Do you need a freezer or will a simple refrigerator suffice? Many boat refrigerators can be equipped with a lower temperature thermostat that allows them to function as freezers. This can be a luxury or a necessity depending on the purpose of the refrigerator. As with size, remember that lower temperature means higher power usage.

Is your boat’s electrical system up to the power demands of the unit? If you will be running your marine cooler for extended periods when the engine is off, you should examine the battery capacity. The power demands of refrigerators and other high powered items like microwave ovens will require at least one deep cycle battery to keep everything powered up.

Are you seaworthy?

Boats require dedicated boat refrigerators. There are other small non-marine refrigerators available and some owners are attracted by the lower price, but these units will actually cost you more in the long run. They do not withstand the corrosive effects of the marine environment and will require frequent replacement.

Even ship refrigerators are sometimes built with cheap materials that don’t last. Look for materials like anodized aluminum that are resistant to rust or steer clear of cheap plastics that will break the first time a wave rocks the boat.