Review of the BODEGAcooler T50 Portable Freezer

Description

As you can see in the photo above, the T50 is sheathed in blue and light gray plastic with a hinged top lid.

Size

• It weighs 38.6 pounds and is 28.35 inches wide, 14.17 inches deep, and 18.11 inches high.

Portability

• Handles fitted to each end, complemented by a pair of small plastic wheels, allow this fridge to be carried or rolled across the ground.

Smartphone Control

• The top-mounted display is located to the right of the T50's door. This control panel sets the required temperature and connects the device to WiFi and Bluetooth in conjunction with a smartphone.

Interior Space

• The storage area consists of two sections with removable bins separated by a divider. The left compartment can hold 30 quarts, and the right compartment has a capacity of 23 quarts. The divider can be removed if two temperature zones are not required.

Specifications

• Brand: BODEGA
• Name: Portable Freezer 53qt/50L with Flexible Dual Zone T50
• Color: Blue and light gray
• Weight: 17.5 Kilograms (38.6 pounds)
• Dimensions: 72 x 36 x 46 cm (28.35 x 14.17 x 18.11 in)
• Capacity: 50 liters (53 quarts)
• Application: QZsmart
• Dual-zone temperature: Yes
• Left zone range: 14–68 degrees Fahrenheit
• Right zone range: -4–68 degrees Fahrenheit
• Storage compartment light: Yes
• Wheels and handles: Yes
• Battery protection: Yes
• Power modes: Maximum and economy
• WiFi: Yes
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Package contents: Fridge, AC adapter, DC cable, and user guide

Easy Setup

I plugged the T50 into the 12V DC output of my Deeno portable power station and turned on the fridge.

The next step was to download and install the QZsmart application. This software automatically searched for compatible devices but could not detect my fridge.

I reverted to the manual method and was able to quickly add the device.

Application screenshot

The QZsmart Application

This is a helpful tool for monitoring and changing temperatures. It also allows users to adjust the battery protection level and switch between Maximum and Economy power modes.

The QZsmart application is compatible with Android and iOS devices.

Read more: BODEGA cooler APP Download

Preliminary Tests and Trial Run

I filled the T50's left bin with items that would typically be stored in my refrigerator. This included milk, fruit, a bag of petite potatoes, a few cans of soda, and some leftovers from last night's supper.

I stuffed several bags of frozen entrees and a package of unfrozen wieners into the right bin.

Using the application, I set the left temperature zone to 38°F and the right zone to 0°F.

At this point, the fridge was drawing 35W at 12V from the DC port of my portable power station. According to the 1000Wh power station's readout, it had sufficient capacity to keep the fridge running for 29 hours.

While I could have used the T50's AC adaptor, plugging it into a wall outlet, there are very few situations where this option would be used.

Left Bin Tests

Within 30 minutes, both the fridge's display and the application noted that the bin's temperature had dropped to 38°F. However, because the bin's contents slightly obstructed air circulation, my X-Sense test thermometer did not agree with this reading until another 30 minutes had passed. From then on, the temperature in this compartment remained stable.

Right Bin Tests

Because the frozen food helped reduce the bin's temperature, the compartment cooled to 0°F within 35 minutes. Then, to my surprise, it began to rise.

It turned out that I had stuffed so much food into the bin there was insufficient air circulation. I removed a bag of German sausages and an entrée of frozen chili. Within ten minutes, the temperature returned to 0°F.

Here is where it gets a little tricky. A freezer will cool until it reaches the set level—in this case, 0°F. Then, the compressor will turn off, allowing the temperature to rise gradually. As it reaches an upper limit, the fridge's compressor will turn back on, pumping refrigerant throughout the system.

According to my test readings, the freezer section of the T50 allows the temperature to fluctuate between zero and ten degrees when it is set to 0°F. This result is perfectly acceptable.

Even though I had removed some items from the bin, air circulation was still slightly obstructed. My X-Sense thermometer did not agree with T50's internal sensor until the fridge had been operating for two hours. In later tests, the two sensors often disagreed as they were placed in different areas of the bin.

The following day, I rechecked the temperature readings. At this point, the internal sensor recorded a temperature of 10°F. However, the X-Sense thermometer, sitting at the top of the compartment, read 0°F.

Bottom Line: This system works well, providing decent power management while keeping the food frozen.

Recommendations

• It is best to turn on the fridge 30 minutes before use, allowing the compartments to reach their operating temperature before food is added.
• Add previously frozen food to the right bin. This will help maintain the temperature, lowering power demands.
• As cool air will quickly escape, avoid opening the door frequently and close it as soon as possible.

Best Usage of the Car Fridge

When traveling in your car or RV, it may be connected to the vehicle's DC port. Then, expensive restaurant meals can be avoided because all the required food and beverages are stuffed inside the fridge.

Due to its 53-quart capacity and ability to be powered by a portable power station, this fridge would be ideal for use at campgrounds and family picnics. And, if you are setting up the barbecue for a large gathering, the T50 will keep all the hamburgers, steaks, buns, and condiments cool.

Overall Impression

This BODEGA fridge boasts all the features expected in a high-capacity car fridge.

Works as Fridge or Freezer

Its compartments may be configured as a fridge and freezer, but with the divider removed, it can be utilized as either.

Large Storage Space but Heavy

Due to the T50's large capacity, it is quite large and heavy. The wheels offer adequate assistance when traveling across a level surface, but I did have trouble carrying it down my front steps. Perhaps I should have removed the bins of food beforehand?

Thumbs Up!

If you are looking for a well-designed and constructed portable fridge with plenty of storage space, I recommend the BODEGAcooler T50.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Read more: Bodega T50 Dual Zone Portable Car Fridge Freezer Review