DC Power: Buyer's Guide to 12 Volt Appliances

A variety of appliances are available which can be powered with twelve volts; most automobiles have a cigarette lighter socket which provides 12 volt DC power, and some boats have a 12V supply as well. Basic solar systems which lack AC outlets may also provide this type of power. Read on for details about some of the appliances which will run on this kind of electricity...

SMALL OVEN: Several different models of small 12 volt ovens can be purchased. These appliances are usually limited to a lower temperature than typical kitchen ovens, but are hot enough for cooking or re-heating some types of foods. Models include the Burton "Oven To Go", the Koolatron 12V Lunchbox Stove (up to 300F, available at Target.com), the MarinePro MPSC-900, the RoadPro RPSC-197 (up to 300F), and the Vector 12V Travel Oven (up to 260F). They can be purchased on eBay.com and a number of other websites.

HAIR DRYER: A few 12 volt hair dryer appliances are available, including models made by MarinePro and Prime. One example is the RoadPro RPSC-818, which has a folding handle and can be purchased on several different online shopping websites.

BEVERAGE COOLER: The "12V Can Cooler & Warmer" cools or heats a single soda can or other similarly-shaped container. The Cooper Cooler Tailgater, available from Target's website (which also offers a 12 volt coffee maker), uses 110 or 12 volt power to help chill cans or bottles. According to Target.com, it "chills" a can in one minute, a bottle in 3 1/2 minutes, or a wine bottle in six minutes.

FOOD COOLER: Small appliances which cool larger quantities of food and/or beverages can also be purchased. Some of these have warming features as well. Models include the RoadPro 5212S (small, with shoulder strap), Koolatron Krusader P-85 (52 quart capacity), and others. The minimum temperature is a certain number of degrees below the outside air temperature on most models of these appliances, while the maximum (warming) temperature is generally in the range of 115-140F.

LIGHTS: A variety of different types of lights are available with run on 12 volt power. These include various low-wattage lights designed for boats or RVs, long fluorescent bulbs (more energy-efficient), and fan/light combination units. Some of these lack normal cigarette lighter connections. 12 volt rechargeable flashlights can also be purchased.

Other useful appliances which run on 12 volt DC power include portable frying pans (like the RoadPro RPSL-335) or saucepans, coffee makers (MarinePro MPAT-979), drink makers (RoadPro RPSC-876), and fans. Keep in mind that 12 volt appliances with lower amperage levels will use less energy.