HCALORY Car Refrigerator Review (30 & 42 QT)

30 Quart Specs

• Weight: 30.9 lb / 14 kg
• Depth: ‎16.96 in / 43.08 cm
• Width: 25.31 in / 64.29 cm
• Height: 16.53 in / 41.99 cm
• Controls: Touch screen
• Color: Black
• MSRP: $239.99

42 Quart Specs

• Weight: 36.1 lb / 16.37 kg
• Depth: 28.03 in / 71.2 cm
• Width: 16.45 / 41.78 cm
• Height: 20.94 in / 53.19 cm
• Controls: Physical buttons
• Color: Blue/gray
• MSRP: $219.99

Notes on Use

I used both coolers in a limited capacity for two weeks while traveling in my van. Each was run either off the vehicle or off a large power bank when the van wasn’t on (and when I needed things cooled). This is to say that this is simply an initial review, test, and comparison of these two coolers and not a long-term review. If I have more information to provide in the future with continued use, I will update this article.

30 Quart Photo Gallery

42 Quart Photo Gallery

The Good

The Cooling

The HCALORY 12 Volt Car Refrigerators have compressor-based cooling systems, which do a better job of cooling than thermoelectric coolers. Both can reach temperatures as low as -4°F / -20°C, which will keep frozen items from thawing even when it’s warm outside (just be sure to keep it plugged in). The compressor can rapidly cool down the interior, which is great since you probably aren’t going to have this running ahead of time, and you’ll want it to be cold by the time you get to the store to fill it with snacks, beverages, and/or your meal(s). Both refrigerators are insulated to help maintain the desired temperature and minimize energy consumption.

The Light

There are interior LED lights in both of the HCALORY 12 Volt Car Refrigerators. The light in the 30-quart cooler does a better job of illuminating the interior since it’s located in the center of the cooler. The light in the 42-quart cooler is at the end (the shorter end), where there’s the secondary compartment. It doesn’t do as good a job of illuminating the larger compartment. The LEDs are energy-efficient, which means they consume minimal power and thus do not significantly impact the refrigerator’s overall power consumption or your vehicle’s battery.

The Cost

The affordability of HCALORY 12 Volt Car Refrigerators is an advantage if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. Each of these coolers is available on Amazon (I don’t believe they’re available on any other English-language website) and is often on sale or has coupons available. Because they’re on Amazon, they also have free shipping and free returns—always great for products you can’t check out locally beforehand.

The Okay

The Handles

32 Quart: Positioned somewhat low on the unit, the handles can make lifting and carrying the refrigerator, especially when full, a bit awkward. These handles are sunk into the cooler which is nice because they don’t protrude and take up extra space, but it also means you’re gripping with just your fingertips. A slightly higher handle placement would be better (at least for me) and would make lifting the cooler a bit easier.

42 Quart: The HCALORY 42 Quart Car Refrigerator has bulky handles that protrude from the sides of the cooler – the “front” and “back” if the front is the side opposite where the lid lifts to (that side being the back). The handles can hinder portability since they make it difficult to fit the unit into tight spaces in a vehicle or storage area. Additionally, the bulky handles can make maneuvering the refrigerator through doorways or narrow paths a sometimes dangerous prospect.

The Drain Plug

The two coolers have the same drain plug – a plug that’s far from perfect. The plug is relatively small and located in a recessed area, making it difficult to access and open, especially when the cooler is full. However, the more significant issue is the plug doesn’t always create a perfect seal, and it can lead to leaks if the cooler is jostled too much. It also can come loose easily, potentially resulting in unexpected spills if not checked regularly. I am happy to use the coolers to keep things chilled, but I wouldn’t trust it in my vehicle with loose ice or open liquids.

The Materials

The HCALORY Car Refrigerators, while functional, leave something to be desired in terms of material quality. The exterior plastic can feel flimsy and prone to bending, while the interior lining can seem thin and not exceptionally durable. The overall impression is one of cost-cutting, which is why the coolers can be offered at a lower price point. As stated above, I haven’t used these in the long term, and I worry the materials might not withstand frequent use or rough handling. While this doesn’t necessarily affect the refrigerator’s cooling performance, it does raise concerns about its long-term durability and overall value.

The Bad

The Lid

42 Quart: The HCALORY 42 Quart Car Refrigerator has a somewhat frustrating design flaw with the lid. The plastic connector piece connecting the lid to the interior cavity turns out the wrong way and gets stuck between the lid and the body whenever I close the cooler. This can become a repeated annoyance and requires you to manually push the plastic piece in as you close the lid to prevent it from becoming stuck between the lid and the cooler body. While this issue doesn’t affect the overall functionality, it is an annoyance, especially when opening and closing frequently. Check out the photos above if you’re unsure what I’m talking about.

The Names

These two coolers are quite different from one another. They’re not just different sizes; they’re different models. What’s the name of one model versus the other model? I have no idea. Instead, the names – or at least the titles on Amazon – are stuffed with keywords. I’m honestly not 100% sure how I would refer to one of these over the other without merely describing what it looked like.

The Customer Service

I have had such a terrible experience with this company that I almost didn’t even post this review, but why let all these words go to waste if they might help someone make a decision? Honestly, I could recommend against getting these coolers based on this experience alone. Still, since many alternatives (such as the Dometic CFX5 45 Powered Cooler) are prohibitively expensive, these coolers may be a good option for some users. We don’t all need a $1,000 cooler, after all (even if the quality and the company are objectively many tiers above).

Wrap Up

The HCALORY 12 Volt Car Refrigerator options offer an affordable blend of performance and convenience for anyone looking to keep drinks, produce, or snacks chilled on the road. They both have decent cooling capabilities, ample storage space, and user-friendly features.

They’re basic in their design and materials, and the customer service is terrible, but these will get the job done if you’re not looking for anything fancy and can overlook a few annoyances. Check out the HCALORY 12 Volt Car Refrigerators here.

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