Alpicool is one of the best-known budget 12V fridge brands, with a wide range of small and mid-size compressor fridges. ICECO sits higher in the market, with SECOP compressors, larger sizes up to 95 quarts and a 5-year compressor warranty. This comparison uses each brand's own published specifications. Alpicool publishes many of its specs only in product images, so we use its text figures wherever they exist, and we include no prices or test results of our own.
Size-for-size comparison
| Model | Capacity | Zones | Weight | Exterior (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpicool K18 | 20.1 L / 21 qt | Single | 23.1 lb (net) | 23 x 13.2 x 11.4 |
| ICECO APL20 | 20 L / 21 qt | Single | - | - |
| Alpicool T50 | 47 L / 50 qt | Dual (movable divider) | Not published | 28.5 x 14.2 x 18 |
| ICECO VL45ProD | 42.5 L / 45 qt | Dual | 53.4 lb | 28.1 x 15.9 x 18.1 |
| ICECO APL55 | 55 L / 58 qt | Dual | 63.2 lb | 29.7 x 18.9 x 19.3 |
| Alpicool LGT60 | 60 L / 63 qt (56.5 L with divider) | Dual (movable divider) | Not published | 28.5 x 14.2 x 21.4 |
| ICECO VL60ProS | 60 L / 63 qt | Single | 59.0 lb | 30.2 x 18.5 x 18.1 |
| ICECO VL60D | 63 qt | Dual | - | - |
Alpicool's US store tops out at 60 L. ICECO goes up to the 75 L VL75ProD and 90 L VL90ProD.
Compressor
This is the main difference. ICECO uses SECOP compressors across its APL and VL Pro ranges. Alpicool's FAQ says that only its LGT50, LGT60, LGCF45 and LGCF55 models use LG compressors, and the rest use a Chinese-made compressor.
Zones, temperature and features
- Dual zone: Alpicool's T-series uses a movable divider to create two zones. ICECO's dual zone models have fixed, independently controlled compartments.
- Temperature range: Alpicool lists -4°F to 68°F. ICECO rates the APL series -4°F to 68°F and the VL Pro series 0°F to 50°F.
- App: Alpicool lists app control on the T50 and LGT60. ICECO lists Bluetooth app control on the APL55, VL45ProD, VL45PLUS and GO20 (see our ICECO app guide).
- Battery protection: ICECO publishes the cut-off voltages for its three levels (see our battery protection guide). Alpicool shows three modes on the K18 but doesn't publish voltages.
- Power: both run on 12/24V DC and AC, and Alpicool includes the AC adapter and DC cord with all models.
Power use
Alpicool publishes almost no power figures in text; the K18 image says "1kWh for 2-4 days" depending on settings. ICECO publishes lab kWh per 24 hours for each model, for example 0.293 kWh for the APL20 and 0.326 kWh for the APL55, without stated test conditions. See how long a battery will run an ICECO fridge for battery sizing.
Warranty
| Brand | Compressor | Whole unit / other parts |
|---|---|---|
| ICECO | 5 years | 1 year |
| Alpicool | 2 years | 1 year |
More in our ICECO warranty guide.
How to choose
- Lowest cost of entry and occasional use: Alpicool is the budget option.
- Branded SECOP compressor and 5-year compressor warranty: ICECO.
- More than 60 L: ICECO.
- Fully published specs (weight, power, protection voltages): ICECO publishes far more in text.
- Flexible divider instead of fixed zones: Alpicool T-series.
Shop the full ICECO range or every 12V fridge we carry. For the bigger picture, read our ICECO buying guide.
FAQ
Does Alpicool use a SECOP compressor?
Alpicool's FAQ says four models use LG compressors and the rest use a Chinese-made compressor. ICECO uses SECOP.
Which has the longer warranty?
ICECO: 5 years on the compressor against Alpicool's 2. Both cover the rest of the unit for 1 year.