Electric car fridge in the open boot of an estate car at a campsite at sunset

Ranked #7 of 10 best-selling car fridges on Amazon UK

Alpicool NLS45 Dual-Zone Fridge review

Best compact dual-zone fridge
Updated By the Garage Ten Motoring DeskMid-range price band
8.0/10
Owner satisfaction (weight 35%)8.1
Features & spec (weight 30%)9.0
Value for money (weight 20%)7.7
Build & reliability (weight 15%)6.8

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A 31L dual-zone compressor fridge with separate temperature controls, two lids and car and mains power.

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Pros

  • Two independently controlled compartments
  • Can chill and freeze at the same time
  • 12/24V vehicle and mains power options
  • USB port, drain plug and reversible lids

Cons

  • Some owners report unreliable temperature control
  • Freezer use may affect the other compartment
  • Heavy to move when empty

Overview

The Alpicool NLS45 is a 31L compressor fridge with two independently controlled compartments, aimed at campers and van owners who want chilled food and frozen supplies in one unit. It ranks #7 in our list of the top 10 best-selling car fridges and electric cool boxes on Amazon UK, earning an 8/10 score and our Best compact dual-zone fridge award. Its mid-range position reflects the useful two-zone layout, though owners’ reports of temperature-control uncertainty are worth weighing up.

Compared with the #6 EUHOMY 65L Car Fridge, the Alpicool is smaller and easier to fit where space is limited, but gives up capacity. The #8 Alpicool 9L is a much smaller option for buyers who need a basic compact compressor fridge; the NLS45 makes more sense if having separate fridge and freezer sections matters.

Features and specification

The listing gives a temperature range of -20°C to 20°C for both zones, with separate controls so you can set one side to chill and the other to freeze. You can also run both at the same temperature. The 31L capacity is listed as enough for up to 36 standard cans, while two lids with different opening directions are intended to make access easier in different layouts.

Power options are 12/24V DC for vehicles and 100–240V AC for mains use; the listing says both car and mains adapters are included. A three-level battery-protection system is designed to help reduce the risk of draining the vehicle battery. Other listed features include a USB port, drain plug, handles and reversible lids. Its dimensions are 61.8 × 44.2 × 37.6cm, so check your boot or van storage space before buying. The listed 45dB operating noise is a specification rather than a guarantee of how noticeable it will be in your setup.

What owners say

Positive owner feedback commonly highlights quick cooling, useful separation of frozen and chilled food, and capacity that works well for camping or van trips. Some owners report using it for extended trips and say it can run from a vehicle or leisure-battery setup. Others find the compressor reasonably quiet and like being able to switch between mains and car power.

There are also meaningful reservations. Some owners report that displayed or actual temperatures do not reliably match their settings, including one account of a compartment becoming far colder than intended. A separate owner notes that using one compartment as a freezer can affect the other side. The unit is also described as heavy when empty, which may make moving it awkward. These reports do not establish that every unit will have the same issues, but temperature-sensitive users should factor them in.

Who should buy it

Consider the NLS45 if you want a relatively compact compressor fridge with two separately controlled zones for camping, touring or campervan use, and can accommodate its size and weight. It offers more flexibility than a single-temperature cool box, and dual power options suit trips that alternate between the vehicle and a mains supply.

Skip it if you need something especially light, or if precise temperature control is essential and you are unwilling to check performance after setup. For a larger group, the 65L EUHOMY offers more capacity; for a smaller load, a compact alternative may be easier to handle. Overall, the NLS45 is a capable layout on paper, but its reported temperature inconsistencies make it a considered rather than automatic buy.

What UK owners say

Owners like

  • Useful separate chilled and frozen storage for trips
  • Cools quickly and maintains cold temperatures for many owners
  • Flexible use with vehicle and mains power

Common complaints

  • Some report temperatures drifting from the selected setting
  • One compartment's freezer operation may influence the other
  • The unit can be cumbersome to lift or move

Summarised in our own words from recurring themes in verified Amazon.co.uk reviews.

Key specifications

Capacity31L
ZonesTwo independently controlled
Temperature range-20 to 20°C
Power12/24V DC and 100–240V AC
FeaturesUSB port, drain plug and reversible lids
Dimensions61.8 × 44.2 × 37.6cm

Taken from the manufacturer's Amazon listing. Check the listing for the latest details.

The verdict: 8.0/10

The Alpicool NLS45 is worth considering for campers who want two temperature-controlled zones in a relatively compact 31L fridge. Buy if the layout and dual power options suit your trips, but skip it if low weight or dependable precise temperature control is a priority.

Best for: Campers who want a relatively compact unit with separate chilled and frozen sections. Skip it if: You need a lightweight unit or want to avoid temperature-control uncertainty; some owners report inconsistent readings or operation.

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Sources consulted

Alpicool NLS45 Dual-Zone FridgeScore 8.0/10 · #7 of 10
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