White elephant?

The term "white elephant" means an extravagant, but impractical, gift that is hard to get rid of. Supposedly, the King of Siam, (Thailand), would give albino elephants to those in his court who displeased him.

It's not only gifts but things you buy yourself. 

We bought this eklipt Portable Car Refrigerator in the summer when we were about to go away on our three week trip to Spain and France. Primarily to take Reggie's frozen food with us and to buy locally sourced raw dog food frozen or fresh. It would also supplement the small fridge in the van. 

In the end it was way too big for the current van. 

However, with Christmas and New Year food buying it has come into its own. Sited on the dining table in the conservatory it's been used as a fridge. It can also be set below 0°C to be used as a freezer.

The original idea was that it would be situated under the table in the van with the 12v cable running to the socket on the dash. When on hook-up, connected to the other 12v socket by the TV power supply.

But Reggie wouldn't stay in his purpose built bed on the passenger seats, and so we had to put him back in his bed under the table! No room for both of them!