With the increase in outdoor activities among individuals, the demand for refrigeration solutions in mobile scenarios has significantly risen in recent years. Portable refrigerators (or mobile refrigerators) have gradually distinguished themselves from traditional home refrigerators, establishing an independent category. These portable units are generally smaller in size and capacity, with a greater emphasis on lightweight design and energy efficiency. Their power supply methods also differ markedly from those of conventional home refrigerators. Additionally, they must address unique challenges posed by outdoor environments, such as high temperatures and exposure to rain or snow.
Based on different refrigeration technologies, mainstream portable refrigerators can be categorized into two types: semiconductor and compressor models. Semiconductor portable refrigerators are relatively lighter and consume less energy during operation. They can achieve minimum temperatures around -5°C, which suffices for general refrigeration needs. These models are particularly suitable for users with basic cooling requirements or those who prioritize product lightweighting.
In contrast, compressor-based portable refrigerators utilize the mechanical compression cycle principle to generate cold through refrigerant compression. They offer higher refrigeration efficiency, support larger cooling spaces, and can accommodate freezing requirements as well. Consequently, these units provide greater flexibility in meeting diverse refrigeration demands across various scenarios and have become the predominant method of refrigeration for portable appliances. The core component of this type of refrigerator is its compressor; upstream suppliers include Secop, LG, and Midea—companies that offer a range of compressor models tailored to customer specifications while also providing customization options based on individual needs. The related industry is relatively mature.
In addition, other essential components of portable refrigerators include the electrical control system, insulation materials, batteries, and more. The upstream supply chains for these components are relatively well-established. The midstream sector of the industry primarily consists of manufacturers such as Dometic, Engel, and Aike. These companies either develop various models of portable refrigerators independently or tailor their offerings to meet customer specifications while sourcing materials from upstream component suppliers for assembly and production.
Based on different terminal assembly methods, portable refrigerators can be categorized into two modes: pre-installation and post-installation. The pre-installation market predominantly involves vehicle applications where manufacturers directly supply vehicle producers to complete installations before vehicles leave the factory. This includes a variety of trucks, commercial vehicles, and passenger cars. Conversely, the post-installation market encompasses a broader range of scenarios such as camping, picnics, hunting trips, wine travel excursions, and certain electric tool applications.
The portable refrigerator market presents significant growth potential. In comparison to the 200 million units of traditional refrigerators currently in circulation, the total potential scale for portable refrigerators is anticipated to reach approximately 100 million units. Given that the average lifespan of a portable refrigerator is around five years, there remains considerable opportunity for enhancing its penetration rate in various markets. Presently, this penetration rate is experiencing rapid growth across multiple scenarios. Although statistics from different sources may exhibit slight variations, conservative estimates indicate that the global market size for portable refrigerators (calculated based on annual terminal sales) stands at roughly 1 billion US dollars with an annual growth rate exceeding 20%.
According to industry insiders, the global shipment volume of portable refrigerators was approximately 4 million units in 2023 and is projected to exceed 5 million units in 2024. This growth can be attributed not only to the rising demand for cooling solutions in mobile scenarios but also to the maturation of the lithium battery industry, advancements in solar and wind energy applications for outdoor settings, and the increasing adoption of new energy vehicles—all contributing factors to the ongoing expansion of the portable refrigerator market.
The current competitive landscape for portable refrigerators can be categorized into three main types of players. First, there is Dometic Group from Sweden, an undisputed leader in the industry that encompasses brands such as Dometic, Mobicool, and Waeco. Second are domestic manufacturers represented by ICECO and Alpicool, which emphasize production and manufacturing capabilities. Lastly, there are cross-border e-commerce companies that emerged from Amazon sellers—including Bodega, Aobosi, Euhomy, and Bouge RV.
In terms of business volume and price positioning: based on variations in business scale and pricing strategies, each brand’s relative position within this market segment is outlined as follows:
The pre-installed products available in sales channels are primarily offered by manufacturers with production capabilities, including Dometic (which encompasses its Mobicool brand), Indel B, and ECO. These companies engage in direct collaboration with vehicle manufacturers. In 2023, the combined shipment volume of these three manufacturers reached approximately 3 million units, representing around three-quarters of the industry’s total annual shipment volume. They have effectively monopolized the entire pre-installed market. The remaining production of about 1 million units is mainly attributed to Huikang and small-scale factories located in the Zhongshan and Foshan regions.
Regarding after-market products, online sales—led by Amazon—account for approximately 20% of this segment and are currently experiencing rapid growth. This portion of the market is predominantly occupied by cross-border e-commerce brands from China. In addition to previously mentioned entities such as Qianzhou, Shiyizhong, and Haomi, major sellers offering a wide range of categories include Shun Yang (Shark Ninja) and Si Shun (Vevor), both actively participating in this product sector. Each e-commerce brand also operates through their independent websites; however, this channel represents a limited proportion of their overall sales strategy. Furthermore, several local distributors based in Europe and North America—such as Fnac, Otto, Home Depot, and Walmart—also sell related products via their online platforms.
In terms of offline sales channels, most portable refrigerator transactions continue to rely on vehicle modification shops (Builders) as well as home appliance stores. Comprehensive chain supermarkets that offer portable refrigerators remain relatively scarce.
