ICECO JP40 Portable Refrigerator Review

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It’s time to upgrade your cooling game and leave behind the hassle of ice with the 42QT JP40 Refrigerator by ICECO. This summer, I made the switch from a traditional cooler to ICECO’s portable fridge freezer units, and the difference has been remarkable.

ICECO is a brand dedicated to providing top-notch food storage solutions for those on the go. Whether you’re traveling by car, RV, boat, or overland vehicle, ICECO has the perfect food storage system to meet your needs. With over 15 years of experience in the food storage industry since its establishment in 2005, ICECO has become a trusted name in the field. In fact, their innovative approach has earned them an impressive 104 technology patents, making them one of the industry’s leading manufacturers of portable vehicle refrigeration units.

As someone who has always relied on ice-filled coolers in the past, I was eager to put the 42QT JP40 ICECO refrigerator to the test. With a family of four, our food storage requirements are often put to the ultimate challenge. Whether we’re embarking on boat trips, camping adventures, cross-country road trips, attending sporting events, or enjoying mountain biking excursions, this refrigeration unit has proven to be a game-changer.

Stay tuned as I share my experiences and delve into the various possibilities this versatile portable fridge freezer has to offer.

About the 42QT JP40 12V Refrigerator

The 42QT JP40 Refrigerator is part of ICECO’s JP collection, specifically designed for off-road use. With a capacity of 42 quarts, it is the middle sized option in this collection, while the largest capacity freezer in the lineup offers a spacious 64 quarts of storage and the smallest with a 32 quart capacity. The JP40 has dimensions of 17.6″ tall, 23″ long, and 13.8″ wide, with an empty weight of 38.8 lbs.

Exterior

The exterior of the cooler exudes ruggedness, with both the lid and sides feeling incredibly sturdy. The refrigerator features two handles located on each end, equipped with back springs that keep them neatly tucked away when not in use. These handles can be easily removed or added with just four screws. The cooler also boasts a large lid latch on the sides, providing convenient access to the contents inside.

On the lower portion of the ICECO JP40, there is a 5″ x 5″ thermovent that allows air to flow to the compressor. The AC & DC power socket is situated on the thermovent side of the refrigerator. This power socket offers two charging options: AC charging by plugging into a home outlet, or DC charging using a vehicle, power station, or solar panels. Additionally, there is a triple battery protection switch for use with DC charging. This feature prevents excessive draining of the battery by offering high, medium, and low set points. Once a set point is reached, the refrigerator automatically shuts off to conserve battery power.

Interior

The ICECO JP40 has a total volume of 42.3 quarts, making it the smallest capacity in the JP refrigerator lineup. Despite its size, it can comfortably accommodate 58 cans of soda, a 12 bottles of wine, or a decent amount of mixed groceries.

Inside the refrigerator, you’ll find two compartments. The smaller compartment measures approximately 9″ x 5″ x 11″, while the larger compartment is 14″ x 11″ x 11″ in size. The larger compartment features a removable wire basket with a handle and a vertical divider down the middle. To illuminate the contents, an LED light in the fridge emits a pleasant blue color spectrum.

Operating Controls

The controls of the JP40 are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Located on the right side, there is a power button to turn the refrigerator on and off. Next to it, you’ll find the compressor speed button, allowing you to choose between maximum power or reduced economy mode. Adjacent buttons control the temperature, allowing you to adjust it up or down according to your needs.

Thoughts and Testing the 42QT JP40 Refrigerator

Temperature Setting

The 42QT JP40 Refrigerator impresses with its solid construction and user-friendly design. What stands out to me is its simplicity. The controls are minimalistic, requiring little effort to learn and operate. Setting the temperature is incredibly straightforward—simply select your desired temperature and let the fridge do the rest.

I did notice slight fluctuations in the actual temperature after it was set, with a range of a few degrees. However, in practical use, this hasn’t posed any significant issues. Having beverages at 42 or 45 degrees Fahrenheit hasn’t been a concern for me. The only time this might be problematic is if the temperature was set to 32 degrees, and the unit fluctuated to 35 degrees, which could cause slight melting of items like popsicles or ice cubes. However, I would adjust the temperature accordingly if I were carrying items that are sensitive to freezing or melting. Overall, I am highly satisfied with the refrigerator’s ability to set and maintain the desired temperature.

Speed of Cooling

When it comes to cooling, the JP40 Refrigerator is a beast in Max cooling mode. It takes less than 30 minutes for the refrigerator to become cool and ready for use. Even in eco mode, the unit performs admirably, although at a slightly slower pace. In my experience, I typically use the max mode to bring the unit from room temperature down to the desired cold temperature, and then switch to economy mode to maintain the temperature. So far, this approach has worked well for me. However, it’s worth noting that I have only used the JP40 in ambient temperatures below 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Holding Temperature

The ICECO JP40 refrigerator does an excellent job of maintaining temperature even when not actively running. During my tests, I have plugged the unit into a car, boat, and wall outlets without using a power station. In vehicles like the boat and car, where the 12-volt outlets shut down when the vehicle is turned off, the JP40 Refrigerator Portable Fridge Freezer has proven to stay cool without any issues. However, I have only been away from the car for a couple of hours.

For longer periods without a power source, having a power station to run the refrigerator would be ideal. Even a medium-sized power station should be able to power this unit for a day or two. Using a kilowatt meter I found that the Max mode used around 57 watts and the Eco mode used 35 watts. If you’re planning camping trips where you’ll be staying at one location for a couple of days or more, having a power station would be a great addition. Check out some of the power stations Runhood Rallye and Bluetti EB70S we have reviewed for more options.

Temperature Variation

Within the JP40, there are slight temperature differences. The bottom of the refrigerator corresponds to the temperature displayed on the outside panel. Towards the top of the cooling unit, I found the temperature to be a few degrees higher. While this hasn’t posed any significant issues, I recommend placing food and beverages that require the coldest temperatures at the bottom of the unit. Additionally, the smaller additional compartment tends to be about 5 degrees warmer. This knowledge can be useful when using the freezer, as it allows you to simultaneously store non-frozen items.

Powering the ICE CO JP40 Refrigerator

The ICECO JP40 unit comes with both a DC 12V charging cable and an AC standard charging cable. The DC cable is long and allows the JP40 to be placed anywhere in the vehicle, not limited to being near the outlet. On the other hand, the AC cable is shorter but works perfectly fine when plugged into a standard household outlet.

My Outings With the 42QT JP40 Refrigerator

The 42QT JP40 12V Refrigerator  has become my go-to portable refrigeration unit, and I must admit, I’m hooked. As an outdoor enthusiast, I’ve discovered countless ways in which the JP40 refrigerator has proven invaluable, enhancing my outdoor experiences.

During road trips, a Portable Fridge Freezer is a no-brainer. The ability to eliminate the hassle of dealing with melting ice is truly awesome. Recently, during a 24-hour cross-country drive, the JP40 kept our food cold and allowed us to avoid relying on fast food. The eco mode setting was perfect for maintaining the desired cold temperatures throughout the trip.

This has also proving perfect for our Northern Michigan fruit picking. Fruits like raspberries, strawberries, and cherries do no keep well in the heat. Being able to get them in the cool refrigerator has been perfect, making for some great treats.

Sports and Activities

Returning to the car after a bike ride or sporting event and finding a cold drink waiting is simply fantastic. Most recently, after participating in a road race, it was a joy to have cold water waiting for us at the finish line. The JP40 comes with an insulated and protective bag, which adds an extra layer of insulation to keep the contents cold. This feature is especially useful in hot cars when the power is off. As a mountain biker, one of my favorite post-ride activities is sitting at the trail head, relaxing in a pop-up chair, and enjoying a cold beer. The JP40 12V Refrigerator adds an extra element of fun to all of these activities.

Additionally, when out on a boating trip the ICECO JP40 is right at home. The refrigerator plugs right in to the 12 volt DC outlet. Temperatures on our boat outings were in the 80’s each day and on Eco mode kept our drinks perfectly cool. Also, I was able to slide my worms into the cooler and was able to keep them healthy and active too!

Camping Potential

Although I haven’t had the opportunity to go camping with the JP40 12V Refrigerator yet, I am excited to do so. This refrigerator will be perfect for car camping trips. Even being the middle sized option in the JP lineup, I believe it will meet my needs as well as those of my family of four. However, to truly unlock the full potential of this refrigerator, having a power station would be fantastic. It would allow us to run the refrigerator when the car is turned off, providing even more versatility to this exceptional product.

Warranty and Parts

At the heart of the JP40 12V Refrigerator is the SECOP (Danfoss) compressor, known for its high ratings. This compressor comes with an impressive 5-year warranty. The rest of the JP40 refrigerator carries a one-year warranty.

Specs on the JP40 12V Refrigerator Taken Directly From ICECO

• MSRP $529
• JP40 portable refrigerator comes with FREE Insulated Protective BAG ＆ FREE 12 Feet-Long Extend DC Power Cable.
• Bluetooth APP Control
• MAX & ECO MODE
• FREEZERS WITHOUT ICE: Adjustable Temperature From -7℉～50℉(-22℃～+10℃).
• SECOP(Danfoss) Compressor
• 3 STAGE DYNAMTIC BATTERY PROTECTION SYSTEM
• 5-year warranty for the compressor and 1-year warranty for other parts.

Final Thoughts on the JP40 12V Refrigerator

The JP40 12V Refrigerator is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. Its versatility in charging options and low power consumption make it an ideal companion for road trips, overlanding, car camping, boating, and a wide range of outdoor adventures. With its robust construction and reliable SECOP condenser, this refrigerator is built to withstand the demands of outdoor activities for years to come. If you’re in the market for a portable refrigerator or looking to bid farewell to ice-related hassles, I highly recommend considering the JP40 12V Refrigerator from ICECO. It’s a game-changer that will elevate your outdoor experiences to new heights.

For more info or to purchase, visit www.icecofreezer.com. For a 12% discount on any of the JP series coolers, use code AGR at checkout. The JP40 is also available at www.amazon.com.