Iceco APL35 Ultralight Dual Zone Aluminum Fridge Freezer

Iceco has been steadily gaining traction in the overland and off-grid refrigeration space, so after years of relying on units from stalwart brands such as Dometic and ARB, we were curious to see how their gear stacks up.

While Iceco offers more conventional plastic-bodied fridges, we opted for the APL35 specifically because of its aluminum case—it reminded us immediately of an Alubox or Zarges box, rugged aluminum-skinned staples in the overlanding world.

The question was: would its performance live up to its rugged looks?

Out of the box, the APL35 includes both a 12/24V DC power cord and a 110V AC adapter, giving you flexibility whether you’re using it in a vehicle or in a garage.

The fridge’s controls are mounted next to the power port and include a digital display and buttons for adjusting temperature and modes. 

Each of the two compartments can be operated independently, so you can run one side as a fridge and the other as a freezer—or sync both to serve the same purpose.

Full-Featured

At 35L (about 37 quarts), the APL35 hits a practical middle ground for solo travelers or couples who don’t want to lug around a larger unit.

One of its biggest advantages is weight. Weighing around 31 pounds (without contents), it’s noticeably lighter than many plastic-bodied counterparts. 

The fridge-freezer’s slim, compact footprint makes it easier to fit into tighter cargo areas, especially when packing other gear.

At only 14.4-inches wide, 15.7-inches tall and 27-inches deep, the APL35 is a compact solution that maximizes interior space without compromising capacity, making it ideal for tighter cargo areas in overland rigs, SUVs, camper builds, or even CUVs.

One of the most useful real-world features is the lid’s Zero Gravity Hinge, which allows it to stay open at any angle—including barely cracked. 

Thanks to a lid that stays open on its own, you won’t have to wrestle with it while parked on an incline or when your hands are full grabbing food and drinks. 

This feature has been especially handy when we want to prop the door slightly for air circulation to allow it to fully dry out when the unit isn’t in use.

Interior LED lights automatically turn on when the lid is lifted and are among the brightest we’ve seen, making it easy to locate items in low light.

Cooling performance has also been impressive. Iceco claims the APL35’s German-made Secop compressor can bring temps down from 77°F to 32°F in about 11 minutes using its Nano Fast Cooling function. In our own testing, we saw similar results. 

The unit runs quietly, even under heavy load—a big plus during overnight camp sessions, long drives, or when sleeping in its vicinity.

App Controlled

Control is also available through Iceco’s proprietary app via Bluetooth. We found the app intuitive and easy to navigate. You can monitor both zones, adjust temperatures, switch between Max and Eco modes, and quickly engage Freeze Mode with a single tap.

The Max mode pushes the compressor into high gear, while Eco mode prioritizes power efficiency—a handy option for solar setups or tight battery budgets.

The fridge also features built-in battery protection that automatically shuts it off if it detects low voltage, helping prevent a dead starter battery.

Our Nitpicks

There’s no question the APL35 is a sharp-looking fridge. However, its lightweight aluminum skin, while stylish, is also more susceptible to denting during regular use. Think of it like a Rimowa suitcase—it’ll pick up character along the way. 

We noticed small dings in the interior liner from canned drinks shifting during travel. It doesn’t affect performance, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re used to hard plastic interiors that hide abuse better.

Also, the fridge’s lid is secured with dual metal latches. While they provide a tight seal, we found them a bit tedious during frequent access, and often left one side unlatched out of convenience. It didn’t seem to impact cooling performance much, but it’s a tradeoff worth noting.

Another limitation: the lid cannot be reversed. If your setup would benefit from an alternate hinge direction, this could be a drawback, especially for those accustomed to reversible lids like the one on the Dometic CFX55IM.

Thoughtful Touches

Nitpicks aside, Iceco designed some thoughtful touches into the APL35 that we find valuable including reinforced corners on the exterior for protection, a drain plug at the base of each compartment, and integrated carry handles that double as tie-down points for securing the unit during travel.

Not into the raw aluminum look? APL35 is also available in a sleek brushed black aluminum version. Accessories are also available such as a magnetically attachable portable power supply and an insulated cover designed to boost the fridge’s efficiency.

Hardwired

If you’re wondering whether the fridge can be hardwired into your vehicle, the answer is yes—at least in our experience. Our OVR LC100 usually runs a Dometic fridge wired into a dual battery system using Dometic’s Hardwire Kit.

We were able to use the existing hardwired power cable with the APL35 without any issues. That said, it’s likely that neither Iceco nor Dometic would officially recommend this setup—so proceed at your own risk.

Final Thoughts

After a couple of trips with it, the APL35 has firmly earned its place in our kit and now lives full-time in the OVR LC100. It strikes a solid balance of portability, performance, and usability—all wrapped in a form factor that’s as functional as it is good-looking.

If this unit is any indication of the rest of Iceco’s lineup, it’s easy to see why the brand is making waves. The APL35 isn’t just a sharp-looking box—it’s a capable tool that delivers where it counts.

Iceco APL35 Ultralight Dual Zone Aluminum Freezer

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