Mestic is a Dutch brand specialising in portable electrical appliances and power solutions for caravanners, motorhomers, and camping enthusiasts who spend extended periods off-grid or at sites with limited electrical capacity. The product range includes low-wattage kettles (as low as 500W), compact washing machines, thermoelectric and hybrid coolers, portable power stations with LiFePO4 batteries, solar panels (both flexible roof-mounted and foldable portable types), air fryers, coffee makers, and rooftop air conditioning units. These aren't household appliances adapted for camping - they're purpose-built for the specific constraints of mobile living, where you're working with 6-10 amp hookups, 12V leisure batteries, or solar power systems. The kettles won't trip your campsite's circuit breaker. The washing machines connect to a tap rather than needing plumbing. The flexible solar panels bend up to 30 degrees to fit curved motorhome roofs. Every product addresses a real problem that regular household kit creates when you're living in 7 metres of metal box.
The power stations are where Mestic's engineering focus becomes obvious. Models range from the 102Wh MPS-200 (suitable for phones and laptops) up to the 2560Wh MPS-3000, which you can expand further with additional battery packs. All use LiFePO4 chemistry rated for 3000-4000 charge cycles and include built-in charge controllers for solar input. They're controlled via a smartphone app over Bluetooth or WiFi, letting you monitor battery status and power draw without getting out of bed. The solar panel range includes rigid shingled PERC panels for permanent roof installation (80-180W), ultra-thin flexible panels weighing just 2kg (100-200W output), and foldable portable panels with integrated stands for positioning at optimal angles. The foldable 200W model packs down to 54x44x5cm - small enough to store in a wardrobe when you're touring. These work with most power stations, not just Mestic's own, though you'll need their cable kit for some connections.
The washing machines get used more than you'd expect. The MW-100 handles 2kg of dry laundry, whilst the MW-120 manages 3.5kg and includes a spin dryer. Neither heats water - you fill them via a hose connected to a tap, add detergent through a valve, set the timer (3-15 minutes), then drain and refill for rinsing. It's more hands-on than your Bosch at home, but it means you're not queuing for the site's coin-operated machines or packing three weeks of clothes for a fortnight's trip. The thermoelectric coolers (25L and 28L capacity) cool to 20°C below ambient temperature on either 12V or 230V, which works fine for UK and Northern European touring but has limitations in genuinely hot climates - they're not refrigerators, and they won't keep dairy products safe at 35°C ambient. For serious refrigeration, the MHC-40 hybrid cooler uses compressor technology and functions as a proper fridge-freezer. Mestic products are available through camping specialists rather than general retailers, with the brand focused on the Benelux and UK markets whilst expanding across Europe. Prices sit in the mid-range - not budget, not premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between thermoelectric and compressor coolboxes?Thermoelectric coolboxes cool to approximately 20 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature using a Peltier effect device and fan in the lid. They're lighter and cheaper but performance depends entirely on outside temperature - at 35 degrees ambient, internal temperature only drops to around 15 degrees, which isn't cold enough to keep perishable food safe. Compressor coolboxes work like proper refrigerators, maintaining set temperatures from minus 18 degrees to plus 10 degrees regardless of outside heat. They cycle on and off to maintain temperature rather than running constantly. Compressor models are considerably quieter than thermoelectric boxes, producing gentle humming when active instead of constant fan noise, and they're the only option if you need to freeze items or camp in hot climates.How does the hybrid MHC-40 work?The MHC-40 operates in thermoelectric mode when connected to 12V power and switches to compressor mode on 230V mains. On 12V whilst driving, it cools to 20 degrees below ambient temperature. When you connect to 230V campsite hookup, the compressor engages and you can set precise temperatures between minus 15 degrees and plus 10 degrees using the thermostat dial. The 42-litre capacity holds 2-litre bottles standing upright. This design means you're not running a power-hungry compressor from your vehicle battery whilst travelling, but you get proper refrigeration capability once connected to mains power at your pitch.Why must I let the coolbox stand for 30 minutes after transport before switching it on?Compressor coolboxes shouldn't be tilted more than 30 degrees during transport. If they are tilted beyond this angle, you must let the unit stand upright for 30 minutes before switching on. This allows the coolant inside the cooling system to settle back into the compressor. Switching on immediately after tilting risks running the compressor dry, which damages the motor. This requirement applies to all compressor-based refrigeration systems. Thermoelectric coolboxes don't have this limitation since they use solid-state cooling without refrigerant or compressors.What features do Mestic compressor coolboxes include?Mestic compressor coolboxes feature digital LCD touch displays for setting temperature between minus 18 degrees and plus 10 degrees Celsius. Models include internal LED lighting so you can see contents in the dark, USB charging ports for phones, and divided interiors with one large and one smaller compartment for separating food and drinks. All compressor models come with 12V and 24V car charging cables included. A 230V AC adapter is included as standard but may have a Euro plug requiring a UK adapter. Models feature recessed handles for carrying and MAX cooling mode for rapid temperature drop plus ECO mode for reduced power consumption.Which coolbox technology suits different types of camping?Thermoelectric coolboxes like the MTEC-25 and MTEC-28 suit UK weekend camping and short trips in moderate temperatures. They're affordable and lightweight but won't keep food safe during hot weather. Compressor coolboxes are essential for extended trips, hot weather touring, or anywhere you need to freeze items or maintain precise temperatures regardless of ambient heat. The hybrid MHC-40 offers a middle ground - thermoelectric cooling whilst driving to save power, then compressor cooling on campsite mains. Absorption coolboxes run on LPG gas, making them suitable for off-grid camping without electrical hookup, though they require level ground to function correctly and aren't as portable due to gas bottle connections.What capacity Mestic coolbox do I need?The MCC-18 at 18 litres holds 1-litre bottles and suits couples for short trips. The MCC-25 at 25 litres also holds 1-litre bottles with more space for food. The MCC-35 at 35 litres accommodates 2-litre bottles standing upright. Larger models include the MCC-45 and MCC-50 at 45-50 litres. Dual-zone models like the MCCP-75 (75 litres) and MCCP-90 (90 litres) feature separate fridge and freezer compartments, allowing you to freeze items whilst keeping fresh produce at refrigerator temperatures. Consider what you need to store and how many people you're catering for - remember compressor coolboxes maintain temperature better with fuller loads.Can I run a compressor coolbox from my leisure battery?Compressor coolboxes draw power when the compressor cycles on to maintain temperature, then switch off when the set temperature is reached. Power consumption varies with ambient temperature - hotter conditions mean more frequent cycling. Running on 12V whilst the vehicle engine is running draws from the alternator rather than battery. When parked, the coolbox draws from your leisure battery. Most modern compressor fridges include battery-protection features that prevent discharge below levels needed to start your engine. Check your leisure battery capacity and the coolbox's power consumption specifications to estimate runtime for your setup.Do Mestic coolboxes need the MCCB-300 stand?The MCCB-300 Blackline stand is an optional accessory, not a requirement. It features adjustable height settings and includes one adjustable leg for levelling on uneven ground. The stand incorporates an extra strengthening bar for improved stability. Using a stand keeps the coolbox off damp ground, protects the base from dirt, and reduces how much you need to bend when accessing contents. It's particularly useful for compressor and absorption models that benefit from stable, level positioning, though compressor models are more tolerant of slight angles than absorption units.
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