Cheap Ways to Keep Your Fridge Cold Without Power in South Africa (2025)

When the Power Goes Off, Your Groceries Are on the Clock

It’s no secret: in 2025, South Africans are still navigating the unpredictable rhythm of load shedding. And while many of us have become pros at lighting candles and keeping phones charged, there’s one household item that’s harder to manage in a blackout: your fridge.

Food waste, safety risks, and the rising cost of groceries all make it essential to keep your fridge as cold as possible when the power cuts. But here’s the good news: you don’t need expensive equipment to do it. With a few clever hacks and a bit of Joburg resourcefulness, you can outsmart even the longest outage.

Also read: Prepaid Electricity Hacks: How to Stretch Your Units Further in South Africa 2025

1. Don’t Open the Fridge Unless You Absolutely Have To

This is the number one rule. Every time you open your fridge or freezer, cold air escapes and warm air rushes in. Keeping the door sealed tightly means the interior stays cold for longer.

A closed fridge will stay at a safe temperature for around four hours, while a full freezer can hold its chill for up to 48 hours. Planning meals and knowing what’s inside can help you avoid opening it unnecessarily.

2. Freeze Water Bottles Ahead of Time

Before an expected outage, fill a few plastic bottles with water and freeze them. They’ll help maintain a lower temperature inside the fridge or freezer, acting like mini ice bricks.

As a bonus, you can drink the cold water once it melts. Just don’t overfill the bottles, as frozen water expands.

3. Move Frozen Food to the Bottom

Grouping frozen items together and shifting them to the bottom of the fridge or freezer helps them stay cold longer. Cold air sinks, so this small adjustment can make a surprisingly big difference.

4. Insulate the Fridge from the Outside

Add a thermal barrier using blankets, sleeping bags, towels, bubble wrap, or even foil. Wrapping your fridge can help slow the warming process by minimising heat transfer from the outside environment.

Reflective car sunshades work well too. Just make sure to leave space for ventilation around coils and unplug the fridge if it’s heavily insulated.

Image 1: Freepik

5. Use a Cooler Box as Backup

If you’ve got a decent cooler, use it for the most perishable items during long outages. Fill it with ice packs or frozen bottles and keep it in a shaded, cool spot.

It’s ideal for dairy, leftovers, and meat, especially when the fridge’s temperature starts to rise after four hours.

6. Dry Ice for Extended Outages

Dry ice can keep your freezer cold for up to two days. Just handle with caution. Wear insulated gloves, store it in a well-ventilated space, and never touch it directly.

Use around 25 to 50 pounds for a standard-sized freezer, and place it at the top of the compartment (cold sinks downward).

7. Clean Your Coils and Check Door Seals

A well-maintained fridge is more efficient at keeping cold. Vacuum the condenser coils every few months, and check the rubber door seals for cracks or looseness. If a paper slips easily between the seal and the door, it might be time to replace it.

8. Consider a Portable Power Station

If outages are frequent or last more than four hours, a portable power station is a practical investment. These units are rechargeable, solar-compatible, and safe to use indoors. Choose one with enough wattage to cover your fridge’s startup and running needs.

A small fridge uses about 100 to 200 watts, so a power station with 500 to 1000 watt-hours of capacity can keep it going for several hours.

From Braam to Bryanston, clever locals are finding ways to beat the blackout blues. Whether you’re wrapping your fridge in a thermal blanket or stockpiling frozen water bottles, small changes can protect your food and your wallet.

Being prepared doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With these easy, practical strategies, you can stay one step ahead of load shedding and keep your cool, even when the power goes off.

Also read: Why Your Water Bill Just Spiked: Top 3 Causes + What to Do (2025)

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Featured Image: Freepik