Alpicool C9 9L 12v Fridge Freezer: Tech Review
- slaters089
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
The Alpicool C9 Mini is a 12-volt compressor fridge-freezer designed for use in vehicles. With its smart features and compact size, the Alpicool brand has become popular in the motorhome market. It's also quite affordable, with prices starting around £100—though it’s frequently discounted on sites like Amazon.
In this tech review, we’ll be taking a closer look at the Alpicool C9 Mini fridge-freezer after a month of testing. We’ll explore its specifications, ease of use, and value for money, so you'll know if it’s the right fit for your needs.
What's in the Box?
Before we dive into the cooler itself, let's take a look at what’s included in the package.
It comes with two charging cables—one for mains power and another for 12-volt sockets. The only other item included is the operation manual.
Specifications and Dimensions
User experience
Set-up
Setting up the cooler was straightforward, as to be expected from a mini fridge. The manual was concise, simple, and easy to understand.
App
Connecting to the app via Bluetooth was also a seamless experience. Once connected, you can monitor and set the desired temperature, as well as check the status of your leisure battery—making it particularly campervan-friendly.
However, since the app requires a Bluetooth connection to function, you can't check the fridge’s status when you're more than 15+ metres away. This limits its usefulness somewhat, but it can still be handy if, for example, the fridge is stored away in a cupboard, and you want to monitor its status remotely.
Controls
Outside of the app, the Alpicool can be controlled with four buttons, these are:
On/off
Temperature up
Temperature down
Settings
Press the settings button once to change the cooling mode, and press and hold it to set the battery protection mode.
Construction
The Alpicool construction is solid, and the display is bright and easy to read. However, the plastics don’t have the highest-quality feel—which is understandable given the affordable price point. The cooler is definitely up to the task, and I’d have very little concern about damage when throwing it in and out of the car or bumping it around in the boot.
Positives
Affordable
Easy to set-up and use
App controls
Compact size
Battery protection
Freeze function
Negatives
Plastic feel
Updated C9PT and NL9 offer more colour options, with improved aesthetics
Who is this for?
The Alpicool 9C is ideal for those seeking a compact cooler for camping trips, road trips, or use in small campervans where space is limited.
Its size is both an advantage and a drawback. While the compact design makes it easy to transport and fit into tight spaces, it also limits the amount of storage available. This makes it more suitable for weekend getaways and solo or couple use, rather than extended trips with the whole family.
Conclusion
The Alpicool C9 Mini offers an affordable, compact solution for anyone needing a portable fridge-freezer for camping, road trips, or small campervans. Its user-friendly setup, app control, and battery protection features make it a convenient choice road trips.
It's worth noting that Alpicool has introduced newer models, such as the C9PT and NL9, which offer more color options and improved aesthetics. Although I don't believe the functionality hasn't had any major updates.
Overall, the Alpicool C9 Mini remains a solid option for those seeking a budget-friendly, space-saving cooler—perfect for weekend adventures and short trips. However, for extended use or larger storage needs, you may want to opt for their 12 or 16 litre models.
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