Snomaster - an essential for your next adventure - Wild Access

Snomaster - an essential for your next adventure

by St John Townshend on July 31, 2023 Categories: Product Reviews

If you're an avid camper or outdoor enthusiast like me, investing in the Snomaster 12V camping fridge is a total game-changer. This fantastic portable refrigerator has truly revolutionised the way I experience the great outdoors.

We were lucky enough to partner with Snomaster on our first expedition to Namibia.  The model in question for this expedition was the 56L Dual Zone and we put it through the toughest conditions to test the ruggedness of this fridge. Link to the product information of this fridge can be found here.

From collection at the Snomaster offices in Cape Town, the Dual Zone fridge was set and never changed again. The handy remote that features as a programmer, torch and monitor was used to set the small compartment to -23°C and the main fridge to 2°C, and from that moment on the remote was stored in the seat covers, not to be taken out again. Snomaster have wonderfully created a product which is set up, go and enjoy. 

At Wild Access we take pride in providing customers with products that are proven. 6,800km of river trails, 4x4 tracks, Divorce Pass, Talc Powder like dust and infamous Namibian corrugations was the perfect testing ground for any product. We put the impeccable build quality and durability into the ring and the rugged construction was ideal for rough terrains, making it a perfect companion for off-grid excursions and camping trips.

Having products with you on your overland excursion, weekend camping or day to day use that you don’t have to think about is key. Last thing you want to do is stress about the ice not being ready for your wine on a beautiful African sundowners. Speaking of ice, yes we managed to make ice in less than 24 hours whilst driving. The only way you will get ice in the middle of the desert.

making ice in a snomaster

The cooling performance was impressive, and it never struggled to maintain correct ranges set. Ease of mind knowing our veggies were fresh and beers were cold. Not only did this hassle free, but the energy efficiency was terrific. I was running 2 fridges on a 100Ah battery and not once did it run flat (longest camp time was 3 days). There are three performance settings, High, Auto and Low so you can decide what consumption is necessary for your situation.

The fridge's capacity is generous, providing ample space for all my essentials and more. The thoughtful design includes compartments, allowing me to organize my supplies efficiently. We found that 56L was the perfect all rounder size. If I was going on a low trip where I won't be able to get supplies for a long period then a bigger size would be nicer, but in now way necessery. Cleaning and maintaining the Snomaster fridge are hassle-free as well. The interior is straightforward to wipe down, and the durable materials stand up well to regular use and cleaning.

There is a reason why Snomaster has become a world wide icon and in my opinion it is because they have done the simple things well:

  • The internal LED is bright, and you can easily see contents at night
  • Insulation is thick enough to reduce energy consumption and keep items cold if your battery dies, but not too big that it compromises storage space
  • The remote works very well, and even has a built in solar panel so you don’t have to worry about its charge
  • Equal cooling distribution – there weren’t any cold spots within the zones unlike the competitor’s fridge I was using on the trip. The entire fridge was a set temperature
  • Built tough – not that I wanted to test it but I have full confidence that if you drop this, have something knock it in the back of the car or hit a 4x4 trail with too much speed, the fridge will survive.

All these things give me confidence to say that the Snomaster 12V camping fridge is hands down the best investment to make for outdoor adventures. Its durability, excellent cooling performance, energy efficiency, and portability have made camping and traveling an absolute pleasure. Whether you're a seasoned camper or someone just starting to explore the great outdoors, this fridge will undoubtedly enhance your experience. I can't recommend it highly enough!