Mestic Coolboxes | Thermoelectric, Compressor, Hybrid & Absorption Camping Fridges

Mestic coolboxes cover four different cooling technologies - thermoelectric, compressor, absorption, and hybrid - each suited to different camping situations. The thermoelectric models (MTEC-25 and MTEC-28) cool to 20°C below ambient temperature on either 12V or 230V, making them lightweight, affordable options for UK touring where daytime temperatures stay moderate. They're fine for keeping drinks cold and maintaining non-perishable food, but they won't keep dairy products food-safe during a heatwave. The compressor range (MCC-18, MCC-25, MCC-35, MCC-45, MCC-50, MCCP-35, MCCP-60, MCCP-75, MCCP-90, MCCHD-45) functions as proper refrigerators and freezers, maintaining set temperatures from -18°C to +10°C regardless of ambient heat. These work on 12V, 24V, or 230V (with included adapter), feature digital LCD displays, internal LED lighting, and USB charging ports. The absorption model (MAC-40) runs on either 230V mains or LPG gas at 30mbar, offering genuine off-grid capability without needing electrical hookup. Then there's the MHC-40 hybrid, which switches between thermoelectric mode on 12V (whilst travelling) and compressor mode on 230V (when you've pitched up), giving you the best of both approaches in a single 42-litre unit.

The compressor models are where most caravanners and motorhomers end up once they've realised thermoelectric boxes won't cut it for extended trips or hot weather. Capacities range from 18 litres (holding 1-litre bottles, suitable for two people) up to 90 litres in the dual-zone MCCP-90, which has separate fridge and freezer compartments. All compressor models include divided interiors with one large and one smaller section, recessed handles for easier carrying, and 230V adapters as standard - though some come with Euro plugs requiring a UK adapter. They're considerably quieter than thermoelectric models, cycling on and off rather than running constantly, with just occasional clicks and gentle humming when the compressor activates. Power consumption sits around 0.2-0.3 amps per hour, meaning a 100Ah leisure battery provides roughly 333 hours of operation at 0.3A draw. The MCC models won't tilt more than 30 degrees without risking compressor damage, and after transport at angles, they need standing upright for 30 minutes before switching on so coolant settles back into the compressor. Most models feature MAX cooling mode for rapid temperature drop and ECO mode for reduced power consumption.

The hybrid MHC-40 addresses the main limitation of pure thermoelectric coolers whilst avoiding the cost of a full compressor model. On 12V (plugged into your vehicle whilst driving), it operates as a thermoelectric cooler managing 20°C below ambient - adequate for pre-chilled food during travel. Switch to 230V at your campsite and it becomes a compressor fridge-freezer adjustable between -15°C and +10°C via the thermostat dial, unaffected by outside temperature. User reports confirm frozen items arriving still solid after long drives to Southern France with just a pre-frozen bottle providing additional cooling mass. The 42-litre capacity accommodates 2-litre bottles standing upright. This dual-mode approach means you're not running a power-hungry compressor from your leisure battery whilst travelling, but you get proper refrigeration once connected to campsite mains. The stand (MCCB-300 Blackline) suits all models, featuring adjustable height settings and one adjustable leg for levelling on uneven ground, plus an extra strengthening bar that makes it sturdier than standard coolbox stands.

READ MOREDown Arrow Icon
Mestic MTEC-25 Thermoelectric Cool Box (AC/DC)
£15.05 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MTEC-25 Thermoelectric Cool Box (AC/DC)

The Mestic Cool Box Thermoelectric MTEC-25 AC/DC is a versatile compan

 
£59.95 (inc VAT)
Stock 
Mestic MAC-40 Cool Box Absorption (AC/DC/Gas)
£80.00 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MAC-40 Cool Box Absorption (AC/DC/Gas)

The Mestic Cool Box Absorption MAC-40 AC/DC, 30mbar offers unparallele

 
£249.99 (inc VAT)
Stock 
Mestic MHC-40 Hybrid Cool Box (AC/DC)
£35.01 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MHC-40 Hybrid Cool Box (AC/DC)

The Mestic Cool Box Hybrid MHC-40 AC/DC is an essential companion for

 
£259.99 (inc VAT)
Stock 
Mestic MCC-25 Compressor Cool Box (AC/DC)
£80.00 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MCC-25 Compressor Cool Box (AC/DC)

The Mestic Cool Box Compressor MCC-25 AC/DC is a versatile solution fo

 
£239.99 (inc VAT)
  £319.99
Mestic MCCHD-45 Compressor Cool Box (AC/DC)
£85.01 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MCCHD-45 Compressor Cool Box (AC/DC)

The Mestic MCCHD-45 Cool Box Compressor AC/DC is the ultimate solution

 
£409.99 (inc VAT)
Stock 
Mestic MCC-35 Compressor Cool Box (AC/DC)
£56.00 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MCC-35 Compressor Cool Box (AC/DC)

The Mestic Cool Box Compressor MCC-35 AC/DC is the ultimate solution f

 
£249.99 (inc VAT)
Stock 
Mestic Cool Box Stand MCCB-300 Blackline
£8.04 Off Discount Flag

Mestic Cool Box Stand MCCB-300 Blackline

The Mestic Cool Box Stand MCCB-300 Blackline is an essential accessory

 
£24.95 (inc VAT)
Stock 
Mestic AC Adapter for MCC / MCCHD / MCCA Cool Boxes
£1.78 Off Discount Flag

Mestic AC Adapter for MCC / MCCHD / MCCA Cool Boxes

The AC adapter for MCC / MCCHD / MCCA cool boxes will give you versati

 
£22.21 (inc VAT)
Stock 
Mestic MCCP-75 Dual Zone Compressor Cool Box (AC/DC)
£249.01 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MCCP-75 Dual Zone Compressor Cool Box (AC/DC)

The Mestic Cool Box Compressor MCCP-75 AC/DC Dual Zone brings innovati

 
£699.99 (inc VAT)
  £949.00
Mestic MCCP-90 Dual Zone Compressor Cool Box (AC/DC )
£275.01 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MCCP-90 Dual Zone Compressor Cool Box (AC/DC )

The Mestic Cool Box Compressor MCCP-90 AC/DC Dual Zone offers a cuttin

 
£719.99 (inc VAT)
  £995.00
Mestic MR-42 Compressor Refrigerator
£75.75 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MR-42 Compressor Refrigerator

The Mestic Refrigerator Compressor MR-42 is the perfect addition to yo

 
£419.25 (inc VAT)
Stock 
Mestic MTEC-28 Thermoelectric Cool Box (AC/DC)
£16.00 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MTEC-28 Thermoelectric Cool Box (AC/DC)

Mestic MTEC-28 Thermoelectric Cool Box (AC/DC) is your lightweight and

 
£79.99 (inc VAT)
Stock 
Mestic MCCP-35 Cool Box Compressor AC/DC
£70.00 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MCCP-35 Cool Box Compressor AC/DC

Cool box compressor MCCP-35 AC/DC Are you looking for a user-friendly

 
£599.99 (inc VAT)
Stock 
Mestic Coolbox MCC-18 AC/DC
£45.00 Off Discount Flag

Mestic Coolbox MCC-18 AC/DC

The Mestic MCC-18 is a compressor coolbox that genuinely freezes and c

 
£214.99 (inc VAT)
Stock 
Mestic MCC-50 Compressor Cool Box AC/DC UK
£48.00 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MCC-50 Compressor Cool Box AC/DC UK

The Mestic MCC-50 compressor cool box gives you proper cooling and fre

 
£281.99 (inc VAT)
Stock 
Mestic MCC-45 Compressor Cool Box AC/DC UK
£64.00 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MCC-45 Compressor Cool Box AC/DC UK

The Mestic MCC-45 Dual Zone compressor cool box gives you proper refri

 
£335.99 (inc VAT)
Stock 
Mestic MCCP-60 Compressor Cool Box AC/DC UK
£120.00 Off Discount Flag

Mestic MCCP-60 Compressor Cool Box AC/DC UK

The Mestic MCCP-60 sits right at the top of their Performance range, a

 
£599.99 (inc VAT)
Stock 

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.