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The 22 Best Travel Coolers and Ice Packs [Hard and Soft Options]

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The 22 Best Travel Coolers and Ice Packs [Hard and Soft Options]

Table of Contents

Why buy a travel cooler, things to consider with travel coolers, soft vs. hard coolers, how to pack your cooler, the 10 best hard travel coolers, the 8 best soft travel coolers, things to consider with cooler ice packs, the 4 best cooler ice packs, final thoughts.

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If you are heading out on a road trip, a travel cooler will keep your food and drinks chilled along the way. Whether you choose a basic model that will keep your lunch cool or a cooler that’s big enough to get the party started, mobile refrigeration is the way forward for great days out and long nights spent under the stars.

Travel Cooler

Being able to keep your food cold, and therefore safe to eat, on the go is the biggest benefit to buying a travel cooler, but there are other great reasons to consider getting one, too:

  • Upgrading from a traditional insulated picnic basket or lunch pack will reduce the risk of you having to deal with messy containers , melted ice packs, and other inconveniences along the way.
  • Never buy ice again — simply make your own and take it with you instead. A good quality cooler will help you chill enough drinks and snacks to keep all the family well-fed and refreshed when the temperature rises.
  • Save money by stocking up on snacks when you leave home. This also helps with special dietary requirements, calorie counting, or other preferences you may have as you will know exactly what is in your food at all times.
  • As an additional bonus, your new travel cooler can also be used to keep medicines cool , meaning that your insulin or other temperature-controlled medication won’t be at risk on the road.

Travel Cooler Capacity

The capacity of a cooler is often measured by the number of drink cans it can hold, as well as the extra ice needed to keep them cool. The internal capacity is, in many ways, much more important than the exterior dimensions, unless you have a very specific space to fill while transporting your cooler.

Smaller personal coolers may only have the capacity to hold between 6 to 8 cans, while huge party coolers can hold 50, 60, or sometimes more, plus ice. Keep in mind that the number of cans they can hold often relates to cans packed tightly together, and if you max out on beverages, you may not have the extra space needed to carry snacks or other essentials.

Hot Tip: Remember that the volume of the storage size can relate to both the insulated and non-insulated areas of the cooler, meaning that 50 quarts of storage may not mean that the entire internal space is available to be used for cooled items.

Travel Cooler Insulation

Depending on your budget and individual requirements, there are different types of insulation that will keep your food and drinks cool on the go. The 2 main types are:

  • Polystyrene — The most effective insulation that money can buy, this cheap, plastic lightweight material is very bad at transferring heat, meaning that your gear stays cooler for longer. As a general rule of thumb, the thicker the walls of polystyrene are, the better the insulation will be. This kind of insulation can keep stuff cold for days on end, making high-end hard coolers more suitable for trips away and longer stays.
  • Foam — Usually found in soft-sided coolers, a foam lining can work well if you need to chill your items for just a few hours at a time. Perfect for lunch packs and days out, foam is effective for short-term chilling, but not as effective as the far superior polystyrene.

Portability

Travel Cooler Portability

It goes without saying that hard coolers will be heavier to carry and bulkier to store than their soft-sided counterparts. Many of the larger coolers on the market will come with superstrong handles, often on both sides, making them easier to carry as a team effort.

With smaller coolers and soft-sided models, portability is easier as they come complete with shoulder straps, backpack straps, or grab handles, and their lightweight design means that they can be easily transported, even when full.

Materials and Durability

Travel Cooler Material

Rotomolded hard coolers are incredibly sought after by those who like to enjoy a bit of camping, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits. Made to be virtually indestructible, these types of coolers can last for many years and easily cope with the bumps and knocks of constant traveling.

Soft coolers, on the other hand, don’t need to be quite as indestructible, but should still offer tear-proof, waterproof exteriors, as well as washable and leakproof interiors that feature FDA-approved lining material.

Travel Cooler Features

Some of the coolers on our list come with delightfully useful additional features that you may never even know you needed. These could include clip-on tables that transform your cooler into an instant bar, handy little cup holders, lids that double up as seating areas, and even fish-measuring rulers for all you anglers out there.

Some of the bigger travel cooler brands offer extended warranties with their coolers. Expensive to buy and often manufactured using the very best materials, it is a safe bet that these types of coolers will last many years if used respectfully. As a rough guide:

  • Coleman  — up to 6 years, depending on the exact model purchased
  • Igloo — 1- to 5-year warranty, depending on the exact model purchased
  • ORCA — 5 years from the date of purchase
  • RovR — 1- to 5-year warranty, depending on the model purchased
  • YETI — 3- to 5-year warranty, depending on the model purchased

With the soft alternatives, most will offer a warranty of around 12 months only.

Hot Tip: Ensure that your cooler purchase is protected from theft, damage, or accidental loss with coverage provided by the best credit cards for purchase protection . If getting the most out of your warranty is important to you, check out the best credit cards for extended warranty coverage .

YETI Hardside and Softside Coolers

Soft Coolers

A soft-sided cooler is perfect for keeping your beverages chilled and will be able to hold enough for all of the family, without weighing you down. Unlike a regular soft-sided lunch bag, many modern-day coolers are “super” coolers with the ability to keep your food and drink much cooler for far longer.

Often insulated using high-density foam, soft-sided coolers are also incredibly portable and can be carried using a shoulder strap or even worn like a backpack. With a fabric or vinyl exterior and a lined interior, they are also easy to wipe clean or wash when needed. More expensive models come with thermally-efficient zippers to keep the cool in.

Although most soft-sided coolers may have a smaller capacity than their hard-sided counterparts, they are lightweight and easy to use daily.

Bottom Line: Soft-sided coolers can collapse down and fold up, making them easy to keep at home or in the car when not in use.

Hard Coolers

By contrast, hard-sided coolers have increased capacity and the ability to keep a wide range of food and drink cool and safely contained on the go. With additional features including freezer-grade lids, easy-to-clean interiors, and drains to quickly empty melted ice, these types of coolers are designed for more hardcore adventures and really thirsty adventurers.

Hard-sided coolers also offer better ice retention and are usually made from hard, rotomolded plastic, making them incredibly resistant to bumps and knocks along the way. While the increased capacity is also useful, the downside to these types of coolers is obviously the weight and restrictions in portability.

Bottom Line: You will need to carry your hard cooler in your car or another vehicle. If you are going all out for a group activity or celebration, you may need 2 people to carry it or even consider one that has its very own wheels.

To make the most of your new cooler, you will need to know how to load it properly. Here are some top tips to maximizing the efficiency of your cooler:

Pre-Cool Your Cooler

It goes without saying that a warm or room temperature cooler will be less efficient than a cold one. If you are using a hard cooler, fill it with ice the night before you plan to pack it.

Pre-Chill Your Contents

It is much more efficient to try and keep cold or frozen contents chilled than it is to cool room temperature ones. With this in mind, refrigerate or freeze your items before you pack them .

Add More Ice

The preferred ice-to-contents ratio is 2:1 , so anticipate that you will need more ice than you originally thought you would. Sprinkling a bit of ice on the top of the cooler will not keep your items cold, so add more.

Also, not all ice is equal. The ice from your refrigerator, for example, is not as cold as ice from a commercial ice maker. Dry ice mixed with regular cubed ice is the very best combination, if you can buy it.

Avoid air gaps by filling your cooler to capacity where possible. If you run out of food and drink items, use more ice instead, or fill the space with towels or paper to prevent the melting process from speeding up.

Whether you opt for a hard party cooler or a single soft lunch pack, there are really effective, affordable, and super “cool” travel coolers out there for you to choose from.

1. Great Storage Space Options and Hardwearing

Arctic zone titan deep freeze zipperless hardbody cooler.

Dimensions: 12.75 x 11 x 16.5 inches

Weight: 3.7 pounds

Large enough to hold 30 cans with ease, this incredibly useful travel cooler also comes in 9-, 16-, and 48-can capacities to suit every situation. Made from Rhino-Tech exterior material that is tough, water- and stain-resistant, and easy to wipe clean, this particular model is also designed to be abrasion- and puncture-resistant to withstand almost any adventure.

The interior will keep your beverages cool with deep-freeze high-performance insulation that features a radiant heat barrier and a removable HardBody liner with SmartShelf. The lining is waterproof and incredibly leakproof, and the patented “flip-open” zipperless lid makes it super easy to access your food and drinks at all times.

For added convenience, this little cooler also has a zippered accessory pocket that works well for keeping your napkins and cutlery or even your cell phone. It also has padded shoulder straps that make it comfy to carry over long distances.

What We Like

  • Zipperless lid for quick access

What We Don’t Like

  • Gets condensation on the outside

2. Retro-chic and Perfect Cooling, With an 85-can Capacity

Coleman cooler | steel-belted cooler.

Dimensions: 26 x 17 x 17 inches

Weight: 2.25 pounds

A modern take on a classic design, the Coleman 54-Quart Steel-Belted Cooler is as iconic now as when it was first released back in 1954. Offering an incredible 85-can capacity, this supercool cooler is also tall enough to hold a 2-liter bottle upright, making it much more spacious than many of its competitors.

Useful modern-day features include comfort-grip steel handles and a stainless steel latch. It also has a leak-resistant channel drain, which means you don’t have to tilt the cooler to drain excess water.

Offering 4-day ice retention at temperatures up to 90 degrees , as well as low CO₂ insulation for reduced carbon emissions from foam manufacturing, this is an intelligent choice for adventurers who want to keep their beverages cool while remaining eco-friendly.

Finally, the Have-A-Seat lid can hold up to 250 pounds of weight, making this an ideal cooler for campouts, picnics, tailgate parties, and so much more.

  • Has a channel drain to easily empty water
  • Exterior dents easily

3. Best for “Xtreme” Adventures on Any Terrain

Coleman rolling cooler | 50 quart xtreme 5 day cooler.

Dimensions: 22.6 x 17.6 x 17.7 inches

Weight: 14.15 pounds

This high-capacity cooler can hold up to 84 cans and keep them cool for a really long time. From beaches to ball games and everything in between, the Coleman Rolling Cooler comes complete with heavy-duty wheels that can handle almost any terrain , and the tall telescoping handle makes it easy to pull, even when it is completely full.

With a wipe-clean interior and an EZ-Clean lid, this cooler is incredibly hygienic, and the insulated lid and extra wall insulation can keep ice frozen for up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90 degrees. For impromptu parties or picnics on the go, the Have-a-Seat Lid can hold up to 250 pounds of weight, and there are even super-useful drink cup holders molded into the lid to prevent them from spilling.

  • Can be easily wheeled around
  • The telescopic handle could be longer

4. Best for Big Parties or Large Families

Igloo polar cooler.

Dimensions: 38.2 x 17.3 x 17.7 inches

Weight: 19.9 pounds

This monster of a travel cooler is one of the biggest and best on the market, with a whopping 188-can capacity. Perfect for use as an ice chest for parties, family gatherings, and other big occasions, the Igloo brand is known for its superior quality and incredible cooling capabilities.

Made with Ultratherm insulation, this model can keep ice frozen for up to 5 days, and the threaded drain plug enables an easy hose connection for draining. The 2 snap-fit latches keep the cooler box lid completely airtight and secure, and the lid can also be used as a seat.

While this baby is on the heavier side when it comes to carrying, it does have reinforced handles that you and a friend can use to lift, load, and carry.

  • Stores a lot and stays cold for days
  • Front latches are not that durable

5. Best for Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Igloo bmx 25 quart cooler with cool riser technology.

Dimensions: 19.6 x 15.7 x 13.2 inches

Weight: 10.34 pounds

If you are looking for a heavy-duty cool box, they don’t come with much heavier duty than this. Offering a whopping 49 liters of cool space, and looking awesome with reinforced blow-molded construction and steel kick plates, this cooler will see you through the toughest of environments.

With extra-thick Ultratherm insulated walls and Igloo CoolRiser technology, this beauty can retain ice for up to 5 days, and the superstrong blow-molded construction makes it a popular choice for outdoor adventurers, especially anglers and fishermen.

With rubber skid pads for extra shock resistance, durable T-latches, steel-enforced swing-up rubber grip handles, and even a fish-measuring ruler molded into the lid, this is a big cooler that is just right for taking with you for a few days away at the lake, by the ocean, or even out on a boat.

  • Has tie-down loops to be secured when transporting
  • No drainage spout

6. Best for Compact Cooling on the Go

Yeti roadie 24 cooler.

Dimensions: 17.1 x 14.3 x 18 inches

Weight: 12 pounds

The YETI Roadie is a compact but incredibly capable member of the YETI range. It can hold up to 18 cans and keep them ice-cold on the go. With 2 inches of legendary PermaFrost insulation, the ice stays cold, even in the hottest of weather, and the extra-thick FatWall design will protect your snacks and beverages from hungry bears and anything else the outdoors throws at it.

The rotomolded construction gives the cooler its very own suit of armor . The additional features, such as the interlocking hinge system, ensure that this compact cooler is built to last you through many trips, and the quick latches are quick and easy to open, even one-handed. Parties, picnics, campouts, boat trips, hunting, fishing, and a whole lot more will be even better with a YETI.

  • Available in a range of colors
  • Quite expensive for a cooler

7. A Top Contender by Pelican

Pelican elite 30 quart cooler.

Dimensions: 25.3 x 19 x 18.5 inches

Weight: 21.67 pounds

Offering extreme ice retention, this 30-quart cooler can keep your food and drinks colder for longer. With 2 inches of polyurethane insulation and a 360-degree freezer-grade gasket, this cooler delivers on long journeys and raised temperatures.

With an over-molded carry handle, 3-inch locking latches, reinforced lockable clasp, stainless steel bottle opener, anti-shear hinge system, and molded-in tie-down slots, this cooler offers a lot of features for active adventurers.

The 4 self-draining cup holders keep it easy to clean, and the non-skid rubber feet mean you can take it virtually anywhere. With a 23-can capacity, you and your friends and family can stay hydrated and cool on any trip.

  • Sturdy latches for secure closure
  • No wheels for easy transportation

8. Best for Family Fun and Flexible Capacity

Orca bw0260orcorca cooler in white.

Dimensions: 24.49 x 19.02 x 15.51 inches

Weight: 25 pounds

This is a great family-size cooler, perfect for road trips, campouts, and all kinds of outdoor adventures. Made from rotomolded materials, it is perfect for keeping your food and drink cold with ice for up to 10 days in a row. 

With integrated insulation and a wipe-clean interior, you can keep this durable ice trunk clean and hygienic on the move. The lid gasket ensures a perfect seal to prevent the chill from sneaking out, and the extendable flex-grip handles make it easy to carry with you to your picnic spot.

There is also a cargo net attachment for added storage and an easy-flow drainage spout to help drain away defrosted ice and water after use. This particular model is also available in 20-, 40-, 58-, 75-, and 140-quart capacity units, so you’re covered for whatever size you need.

  • Keeps food and drink cool for up to 10 days
  • A bit on the small side

9. Best for Rolling Over Rough Terrain

Rovr wheeled camping rolling cooler.

Dimensions: 24 x 21 x 22 inches

Weight: 44 pounds

This heavy-duty rolling cool box is made from top-quality materials and offers an impressive 7- to 10-day cooling capacity. Designed to travel anywhere with you, you can pull your drinks behind you over almost any terrain on the high-performance, 9-inch, puncture-resistant tires.

The rotomolded, elevated body keeps cool with the help of the airtight gasket and thick foam insulation that comes standard with this model. The removable Deepfreeze dry bin sits at the coolest part of the chest and is perfect for keeping meats, veggies, and large bottles separated and below FDA food-safe temperatures for as many as 10 days.

With more than enough space to hold up to 60 cans and 10 pounds of ice, the impressive cooling capabilities combined with excellent design features make this award-winning cooler one of the best for extreme adventurers a long way from home.

  • Puncture-resistant tires for rolling over any terrain
  • Prepping board attachment is sold separately

10. So Tough It’s Even Bear-resistant

The yeti tundra 45.

Dimensions: 26 x 15.5 x 16 inches

Weight: 18 pounds

Combining the versatility, durability, and delicious design that YETI is so famous for, the Tundra 45 is a rotomolded cooler that is infused with 2 inches of YETI’s patented PermaFrost Insulation. This means that it will keep all the contents of your cooler ice-cold, even on the hottest of days.

With space for up to 26 cans, this is a manageable size cooler for taking out on the road with you. Marine-grade polyester rope handles with textured grips make it easy to carry, and the T-Rex heavy-duty rubber lid latches will keep your food protected from the elements while out on the road.

For super-exciting adventures, this cooler even has an extra-thick FatWall design that makes it certified bear-resistant ! Offering virtually indestructible cooling, the Tundra range from YETI comes in a variety of other sizes and capacities, too.

  • Keeps food cool and safe from animals
  • Pretty heavy when empty

1. Best for Carrying Extra Accessories With You

Coleman 16-can soft cooler with removable liner.

Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 6.7 inches

Weight: 1 pound

Perfect for taking with you to picnics, BBQs, campouts, sporting events, tailgates, and much more, this soft yet durable cooler can hold up to 16 cans for all to share. With extra storage space in the front zippered pocket, the side mesh pockets, and the separate mesh pocket in the lid, you can sneak in extra snacks, cups, and cutlery, too. There are even bungees on the lid for stowing even more extras!

The FDA-approved lining material is safe for food contact. This liner can be removed for easy cleaning between uses and provides antimicrobial protection to resist odors, mold, and mildew. Lightweight and portable, this compact cooler is perfect for a large lunch for 2 or a round of drinks to share with friends.

  • Has an easy-to-clean interior lining
  • No short handle to grab

2. Great Option for Beach Trips

Clevermade collapsible cooler bag: insulated leakproof 50 can  .

Dimensions: 18.2 x 12.2 x 12 inches

Weight: 2 pounds

Offering better insulation and more snack space than the average lunch pack, this snap basket cooler can hold up to 50 drink cans and ice, too. Perfect for use on the beach, at a picnic, or even on a campout or sporting event, this is a good-sized, incredibly portable soft-sided cooler that is more stylish than the average ice pack.

With a patented snap hinge on both sides of the cooler, you are guaranteed structured support when the tote is open , yet still offered compact storage when you fold it flat.

Versatile and perfect for plenty of uses, including trips to the market to keep your groceries cool on the way home, this is a good-size cooler that won’t eat into your trunk space. It looks stylish and a little bit different from the average cooler.

  • Collapsible when not in use
  • No shoulder strap for carrying

3. Looks Just Like a Regular Backpack

Coleman c003 soft backpack cooler.

Dimensions: 12.2 x 6.3 x 19.3 inches

Weight: 1.4 pounds

Offering a flexible plastic inner liner that has been treated with antimicrobials to prevent the forming of mold, mildew, and odors, this little backpack cooler will keep your food and drinks cool and hygienic on the go.

Spacious enough to hold up to 28 cans, this backpack has multiple pockets for you to stash your snacks and gear, as well as a bungee cord on the front that provides quick access to other items. In the main compartment, the BPA- and phthalate-free, heat-welded design makes this backpack perfect for use with ice on the go.

Easy to clean between uses, this portable cooler has comfortable padded straps and can be worn just as easily as any other backpack, even when full.

  • The inner lining is not that durable
  • Backpack straps are too wide for smaller people

4. Best for Commuters and Short Trips for 1

Mojecto large cooler bag.

Dimensions: 9 x 15 x 12 inches

Weight: 2 pounds

Compact, but incredibly useful, this soft-sided cooler is more spacious than a regular lunch box, with the added benefit of offering superior chilling capabilities. Head on out to the beach or join friends for a picnic with enough food and drink. Made from a twisted poly fabric with a PVC-free PEVA liner , this is a great little bag for keeping your snacks and drinks cool.

The multi-compartment design has a removable shoulder strap and a rear pass-thru pocket. There is a dry top compartment that will keep your non-perishable items safe and dry, while the insulated bottom cooler compartment will keep your food and beverages completely cool. There is also an elasticized mesh pocket, 3 front zipper pockets, and drop-bottom water bottle carriers.

  • Lots of pockets for small items
  • Zippers are a bit fragile

5. Best for Hiking and Backpacking

Tourit cooler 30 can backpack.

Dimensions: 13 x 7.5 x 15.8 inches

Weight: 1.1 pounds

The perfect cooler to take on your next hiking trip, this sleek-looking backpack can keep up to 30 cans cool. Compact and discreet enough to be used as a lunch pack for your daily commute, while also being sizable enough to take on days out with friends and family, this is an affordable and practical alternative to a hard-sided travel cooler.

High-quality thickened PEVA hot-pressed material will keep your snacks and drinks cool for up to 16 hours (with freeze packs), while the inner insulation thickening foam and lining will prevent leaks and spillages.

The backpacks also come with ventilated material on the back to prevent your clothes from getting wet from condensation , and the padded, adjustable straps are comfortable to carry. As well as the good-size main compartment, there are also 2 front zippered pockets, 2 bottle holders, and a mesh pocket on the strap to keep your phone safe.

  • Great for picnics with compartments for plates and cutlery
  • Can leak if used with ice

6. Best for Every Occasion

Yeti hopper flip portable cooler.

Dimensions: 15.3 x 10.2 x 12.6 inches

Weight: 5.1 pounds

The soft-sided personal cooler is brought to you by the experts at YETI and is built to its usual rigorous standards with the same keen design elements. With YETI’s patented Dryhide Shell, the high-density fabric is waterproof and resistant to mildew, punctures, and UV rays . On the inside, the FDA-approved food-grade material will keep your food hygienic and safe.

The closed-cell rubber foam offers excellent cold-holding capabilities, and the Hydrolok zipper is one of the toughest leakproof cooler zippers in the world.

With a wide-mouth opening for easy loading and access, this compact cooler is far superior to a regular cool bag, and the Hopper is the perfect companion for going off-road, off-grid, and a million other places in between. Lightweight, portable, and with extreme insulation, this is an impressive travel cooler.

  • Large lid opening for easy access to items
  • The zipper is a little rigid

7. Best for YETI Lovers Who Want to Try a Backpack

Yeti hopper backflip 24 soft-sided backpack cooler.

Dimensions: 13 × 19 × 8.5 inches

Weight: 5.3 pounds

Beautifully designed to function as both a personal cooler and a practical backpack, this cooler combines the very best elements of the very popular Hopper with convenient design traits.

Being taller and slightly wider than the square box version, the BackFlip has been carefully designed to efficiently distribute the weight of your wares on your back . It also comes with a removable chest strap and waist belt for additional comfort and a customized fit.

As with the rest of the Hopper range, this cooler offers superior cold-holding and comes complete with the patented Hydrolok leakproof zipper and the tough DryHide Shell. With more than enough space to fit a full day’s worth of food and drinks for you and your crew, this bag is part cooler, part rucksack, and every bit as awesome as the rest of the YETI Hopper range.

  • Waist and chest strap for easy carrying
  • Doesn’t stay as cold as other Yeti coolers

8. Best for Parties on the Go

Personal cooler with speakers.

Dimensions: 12.2 x 13.8 x 15 inches

Weight: 1.7 pounds

Combine the very best of both worlds as you enjoy an ice-cold beverage while listening to your favorite tunes, even out on the road. Offering something a little different, this quirky cooler works on all devices, including iPhones, Android phones, iPads, and other tablets, and uses Bluetooth to connect with your media. However, there is an optional 3.5-millimeter jack included, too.

With a rechargeable speaker battery that lasts around 8 hours , you can enjoy cold food and drinks while turning up the tunes to get the party started. You can play music from your own playlist or through any radio station, and the speaker sound quality is pretty darn awesome.

When it comes to cooling, the water-resistant material and top-loading design make this a very practical, portable, and great fun alternative to traditional personal coolers.

  • Built-in power bank and speakers
  • No grab handle

Ice packs are lightweight, convenient, easy to use, and perfect for keeping your food and snacks cool.

While all ice packs are pretty much designed to do the same thing, there are a few differences in the way in which they keep your food cold.

Water-Based Ice Packs

Some icepacks contain water mixed with propylene glycol, thickening agents, silica gel, and a non-toxic coloring. This heady mix of liquids has been specially blended to allow for faster freezing and slower melting to keep your perishables icy cold for longer.

Gel-Based Ice Packs

Filled with easy-to-freeze gel, these types of cooling packs are covered in heavy-duty, puncture-proof plastic that won’t leak, even in extreme temperatures.

Flexible and easy to mold to the shape of your lunch bag or backpack, these types of ice packs take up very little room in your freezer and can provide many hours of icy-cold freshness for your food and drinks.

The very best ice packs can be used time and time again and can be wiped clean between uses. Both hard, solid ice packs and flexible gel packs can be frozen and refrozen time and time again.

Freeze Time

Most ice packs will need between 2 to 6 hours to become fully frozen . If you pop your ice pack in the freezer overnight, it should be frozen solid for your daytime adventures. While certain types of ice packs may freeze quicker than others, your ice pack will need to be fully frozen to allow for a slower release to keep your perishables cold on the go.

The specially formulated fillings in both gel and water ice packs are both designed to stay colder for longer than regular ice would. Most packs can stay frozen for an impressive 24 to 36 hours in an insulated cooler container and work best when paired with thermally-insulated coolers.

Ice packs used in an environment that aren’t fully sealed and insulated (like a lunch pack, for example) may only stay cold for between 6 to 8 hours, and ice packs left out in the open may only be effective for as little as 3 or 4 hours at a time.

1. Long-lasting Ice Packs for Everyday Use

Cooler shock reusable ice pack.

These brilliant little ice packs can freeze to a super chilly 18 degrees, and they have been designed to keep your drinks and snacks cool for up to 48 hours at a time . Easy to use, you only need to fill the pack with water, shake, and freeze until solid, then pack them in your lunch bag, cooler, or other type of food storage container.

The compact dimensions and slim design offer incredible cooling without the need for bulky ice cubes and messy leaks. The flexible design of these super useful, little ice packs means that they can even be used to help soothe pain from injury.

  • Excellent value for money
  • They freeze into odd shapes

2. Hardshell Ice Pack for Use With Coolers

Yeti ice refreezable reusable cooler ice pack.

Keep your perishable items cooler for longer with this solid ice pack from the cooling giants at YETI. Made from the same puncture-resistant DryHide fabric as its famous Hopper cooler, this cooling pack is also resistant to breaks and falls along the way.

The custom shape helps to reduce freezing time, and with 1-, 2- and 4-pound sizes available , this excellent range of reusable ice packs can be used in everything from your Hopper Flip 12 to your Tundra 350.

Designed to be frozen at home before you leave, this brilliant solid ice pack has been designed to keep your food and drinks supercool for many hours at a time.

  • Stays cold for up to 48 hours
  • Bulkier than soft-sided gel packs

3. Slimline Coolers for Everyday Snack Packing

Tourit long lasting ice packs.

Available in a choice of 4-, 8-, or 12-packs in a selection of colors, these supercool, slimline gel packs are designed to keep your cooler bag or backpack icy cold for longer.

The powerful freezing gel has been formulated to stay colder for far longer than regular water can, and once fully frozen, they will stay that way for many hours at a time. The long thin design can be neatly fitted into lunch backs and backpacks , and these supercute ice packs are perfect for use at home, school, in the office, and on days out, too.

  • Easy to fit in any type of bag or cooler
  • Can be prone to leaks

4. Super-slim Little Ice Packs

Original Cool Packs

This set of 4 slim and reusable hard gel ice packs has been designed to keep your cool bag feeling colder for longer. Perfect for use in lunchboxes, breast milk containers, and regular coolers, these ice packs measure 7 x 4.7 x 0.5 inches, making them compact enough to take anywhere with you.

Despite their super-small dimensions, they are still plenty powerful enough to keep your items cool, and made from 100% non-toxic and BPA-free materials , they are safe to use with your food.

These handy little ice packs are perfect for everyday use at home, at school, on vacation, and anywhere you want to keep your food and drinks cold away from home.

  • The compact dimensions
  • They don’t stay cold for longer than a couple of hours

Wherever you are headed, and however much food and drinks you need to take with you, there will be a travel cooler to suit. From oversized ice chests that can double up as a portable bar, to soft-sided coolers that will keep your lunch cool during your commute, modern-day coolers offer impressive cooling capabilities across the board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hard or soft coolers better.

The decision to buy a hard or soft cooler comes down to budget, use, and capacity. Soft coolers are cheaper and more portable but do not keep contents cool as long as hard coolers. On the other hand, hard coolers are generally more expensive and less mobile but have superior cooling capabilities.

What is the best travel cooler?

The travel cooler market is quite competitive and there are many that may be considered the best travel cooler. Some of the best coolers are made by brands such as Coleman, Igloo, ORCA, RovR, and YETI.

How long does a cooler keep food cold?

How long a cooler keeps food and drinks cold for depends on various factors such as the type of cooler, the insulation used, and how often you open it up. Cheaper, soft coolers may only keep food and drink cool for a few hours, whereas some heavy-duty hard coolers can keep food and drinks cool for 7 days or even longer.

What is the best cooler for the beach?

The CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag: Insulated Leakproof 50 Can is great to use on the beach as it’s a good size and incredibly portable. There are no wheels to contend with, and it has a solid structure that keeps it upright, even on uneven surfaces such as sand.

Which is the best cooler backpack for hiking?

The TOURIT Cooler 30 Can Backpack is an excellent backpack for keeping drinks and snacks cold for up to 16 hours with freeze packs. The bag also comes with ventilated material on the back to prevent your clothes from getting wet from condensation, and the padded, adjustable straps are comfortable to carry. 

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The Best Car Coolers and Portable Refrigerators for Your Next Road Trip

Chris Chase

Whether you’re striking out on a two-week camping trip or heading to the beach for a picnic, no outdoor adventure is complete without food and drink. That means you’ll need a cooler to keep your beverages chilled and food fresh. But even the best coolers can only keep things cold for so long. Eventually, your freezer packs will thaw out, and you’ll have to stock up on ice from the nearest gas station or convenience store.

What if there was a better way to keep your consumables cold without worrying about ice melting? Well, there is, and that’s by using an electric car cooler. These handy devices have a lot in common with the cooler you probably already have packed away with your camping gear. The difference is you can plug an electric cooler into your vehicle’s 12-volt power outlet, which will keep the things inside cool without the aid of ice. You can even use some of the more powerful electric coolers to make ice while you’re on the road or at the campground.

Some car coolers can do double duty and keep food warm, too, so you can be everyone’s best friend when you arrive at a fall picnic or backyard potluck with piping hot chili. You’ll find a lot of variety in the car cooler marketplace in terms of functionality and price.

For more information on the best car coolers and portable refrigerators for your car, refer to our table of contents.

Table of contents

  • 1. Editor's Choice: BougeRV CRPRO25 26-Quart 12V Portable Car Fridge Freezer

2. Best Premium Option: ICECO 31-Liter Portable Freezer

3. best storage capacity: setpower 53-quart portable cooler, 4. best on a budget: ivation 27-quart portable fridge, 5. best ultra-portable cooler: astroai 4-liter minifridge, 6. wagan 14-liter personal cooler/warmer, 7. bodega portable fridge/freezer, 8. koozam k-box portable cooler/warmer, should you buy a car cooler with a compressor or a thermoelectric model, can you put ice inside an electric car cooler, how long can you leave an electric cooler plugged into your vehicle, what’s the difference between running your cooler on 12-volt dc power and 110-volt ac household electricity, recent updates:, 1. editor's choice: bougerv crpro25 26-quart 12v portable car fridge freezer.

cool travel fridge

If you are in the market for a feature-rich portable fridge, look no further than the BougeRV CRPRO25. This 26-quart fridge/freezer is an ideal companion for your next road trip. It comes with an adjustable temperature setting that lets you set the temperature anywhere from -8 degrees Fahrenheit to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you can use it is a freezer to keep meat and ice cream frozen, or you can use it as a fridge to keep your drinks cool.

Designed to operate quietly, the BougeRV CRPRO25 is outfitted with a user-friendly smart panel to make temperature adjustments, bright interior light, exterior bottle opener, and four tie-down points. But what really sets it apart is a multi-functional storage box which has room for a portable power bank. With the portable power bank installed, you can keep the CRPRO25 running without plugging it into a power source.

Speaking of power, the BougeRV CRPRO25 consumes 45W in MAX mode and just 36W in ECO mode. It also boasts a three-level car battery protection system to help protect your car battery from draining when the voltage is low.

You can save 30% off of a BougeRV CRPRO25 is you use the code BJ30 at checkout.

cool travel fridge

None of the coolers on our list illustrate the phrase “you get what you pay for” better than this option from ICECO. You’ll pay more for this product, but for your money, you get a cooler that promises better performance and longevity than many other portable powered coolers.

This is a versatile cooler, boasting the flexibility to run on 12- or 24-volt DC current or 110- or 240-volt AC household power. While many of the other coolers we selected for our list are capable of keeping food and drinks chilled or frozen, this recommendation can be set to maintain a temperature anywhere between -7 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. That means you can easily chill or freeze food that’s at room temperature when you load it up without space-hogging ice or freezer packs.

ICECO equips this cooler with a Secop compressor for fast cooling. You can also run this cooler in an eco mode that consumes less electricity and prolongs run time when you’re powering it with a battery.

With your purchase, ICECO includes an insulated protective bag and a 12-foot-long DC power cable. The compressor is warrantied for five years, and everything else is covered by a one-year warranty.

cool travel fridge

While its price won’t be suited to every budget, Setpower's option gets a nod from us for its 53-quart capacity, the most generous of any of the items in our list of the best car coolers.

To give you an idea of its size, Setpower says you can pack 70 soda cans, 42 pint-sized water bottles, or 12 wine bottles in the AJ50 variant. A wire storage basket lets you store delicate food separately from hard/heavy items. You can use this recommendation as a fridge/freezer as well as a cooler. Setpower says the compressor is powerful enough to chill or freeze food and drink from room temperature, and you can set the temperature to any point between 0 and 50 degrees F.

A 38-pound weight means you’ll get a bit of a workout moving this cooler around, but it has robust-looking carry handles at either end. Setpower sells this particular cooler with DC (12/24-volt) and AC (110/240-volt) power cables, so you can use this portable cooler at home just as easily as you would in your car or camper. An auto shut-off system with three settings lets you protect your vehicle’s battery when running this cooler with the engine turned off.

cool travel fridge

Here's our recommendation for a basic cooler if you're shopping on a budget. While the first few items in our list are basically portable fridge-freezer units, this Ivation product is a simpler electric car cooler that will keep your food and drinks cool but not frozen.

This is a dual-power cooler that you can run on a 12-volt DC power source—like your vehicle’s cigarette lighter—or on 110-volt AC current with the included adapter for household outlets. Both adapters stow in convenient compartments built into the lid.

Ivation says this device will keep drinks as cool as 40 degrees F and can also keep food warm up to 130 degrees F. However, those are its only settings; it can’t be set to any temperatures in between those points. The company also says this option will work best if you load it with drinks or food that has already been chilled or warmed up. As some buyers have noted, it will take a long time to cool or heat items from ambient temperature.

While the cooler’s capacity is relatively modest, Ivation says it’s large enough to accommodate 2-liter soda bottles. This cooler weighs 10.6 pounds, so it’s relatively easy to move around even when loaded.

cool travel fridge

Designed to look like an old-fashioned home refrigerator, AstroAI’s minifridge is tiny, measuring 10 inches high by 9.45 inches deep and 6.9 inches wide. Its 4-liter internal capacity is just large enough to accommodate six regular-size soda cans, and a weight of fewer than five pounds empty allows for easy transportation.

AstroAI says it designed this little fridge for more than just keeping drinks cold. It’s also ideal for storing cosmetics and skin care products, breast milk, and other items that are perishable at room temperature.

This cooler will take items from room temperature down to 37 degrees F in three hours, and you can also use it to keep food or drink hot at up to 150 degrees F. The company makes it clear this product is not designed to warm things up from ambient temperatures but claims your items will stay warm for hours after the device is turned off. Actual cooling and warming performance will vary somewhat depending on the ambient temperature.

This minifridge ships with a 12-volt DC cigarette lighter cable for use in your vehicle and a 110-volt AC adapter, so you can also plug it in at home or in your office.

cool travel fridge

This option from Wagan is another lightweight cooler—it weighs a scant 8.7 pounds empty. Once loaded with food and drink it will obviously be heavier, but the included shoulder strap leaves your hands free for carrying other items.

This cooler’s design lends itself well to serving as a central console in a vehicle’s back seat and includes cupholders so your passengers can enjoy drinks on the road. Its capacity is 14 liters. While it’s advertised as a 12-volt cooler, Wagan sells an optional AC adapter that lets you plug it into a household power outlet. The standard 9-foot-long DC power cable connects to your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.

As with the Ivation cooler discussed above, this Wagan unit works best to keep your items cold or warm but is not designed to efficiently chill or heat your food and drink from room temperature. The company says this cooler's temperature range is 32 degrees F (the freezing point) to 140 degrees F. You can’t select any temperatures between those two points, but changing between cooling and warming modes is as simple as flipping a switch. Simple green and red LED indicators tell you at a glance which mode it is set to.

cool travel fridge

The 36-liter Bodega car fridge is pricy, but it's less expensive than our Editor's Pick, yet it has four more liters capacity.

To put this model's capacity in perspective, Bodega claims it will hold 41 cans of cola, 21 bottles of water, or ( somewhat humorously) "13 bottles of red wine." The compressor-chilled cooler will operate on 12 volts from your car's cigarette lighter or power port, but it can also be powered by 120-volt or 240-volt current from a wall outlet. The refrigerated compartment includes a divider and independent temperature control for both areas via a phone app. According to the manufacturer, the contents can be chilled down to 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Wheels, interior lighting, and a drain hole are thoughtful touches.

Bodega offers models with a capacity greater than 36 liters which are correspondingly more expensive. The larger 53-liter Bodega seems to be the most widely available.

There were complaints from a few users; most cited poorly-written instructions. Others found that the unit was slow to cool when full. However, most small-capacity refrigerators perform better when maintaining the temperature of pre-chilled contents rather than chilling warm items, in all the Bodega clocked in with a respectable 85% positive customer rating.

cool travel fridge

The 48-quart Koozam K-box electric cooler is one of the larger models reviewed here. It’s a thermoelectric cooler, which will keep pre-chilled items cold but won’t bring warm items down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Like other similar coolers, it can maintain a warm environment too. A removable interior divider helps keep contents under control.

This model has built-in 6-foot power cords that connect with either 12-volt (cigarette lighter style) or 120-volt supplies. The K-Box weighs 17.1 pounds empty; there are wheels, but given their small size, we think they’re for positioning the cooler rather than rolling it over long distances.

Gripes about slow cooling and difficult maneuverability marred the otherwise favorable user experiences. The K-Box still managed 81% positive reviews. This model is markedly less expensive than the 53-quart Setpower AJ50 reviewed above, which earned an exemplary 91% positive rating.

the best car coolers and portable refrigerators for your next road trip

Photo credit: LightField Studios / Shutterstock.com

If you want a cooler that can efficiently chill or freeze food and drink from room temperature, then you should choose one with a compressor, such as one of the products we placed at the top of our list.

A cooler with a compressor is effectively a portable fridge or freezer with proven and effective technology, but you won’t get it for cheap. The compressor itself is heavy, so any cooler equipped with one will be more difficult for you to pick up and move around.

A thermoelectric cooler is a simpler, less-expensive device that uses a scientific phenomenon called the Peltier effect to either generate heat, or absorb it and thereby provide a cooling effect. Thermoelectric cooling is less efficient than a compressor-based system, so it won’t do as good a job keeping your food chilled as a compressor-type cooler will. However, a thermoelectric cooler will be much less expensive than one with a compressor.

Yes, but whether you need to depends on the type of cooler you buy. If you choose one with a compressor-based cooling system, you won’t need to pack your food and drink in ice as these coolers are designed to be effective at chilling things down and keeping them at a set temperature.

However, if you buy a thermoelectric cooler, we recommend chilling or freezing your food and drinks ahead of time and then packing it in the cooler and turning it on. You can also pack your items in ice and the thermoelectric cooler function will keep the ice frozen for longer than in a regular cooler.

You can run an electric cooler plugged into your vehicle for as long as you want, so long as the vehicle is running, which keeps the battery charged.

When your vehicle is off, be careful not to leave the cooler running for too long because it will drain the battery after two to three hours, which can leave you stranded as the battery may not have enough power left in it to start the engine.

As far as your cooler is concerned, there isn’t much difference. All of these coolers in our list are designed to operate on 12-volt automotive DC power. The ones that can be plugged into a household outlet have adapters, like the one you use to plug a laptop computer into the wall to convert your home’s 110-volt AC power to the DC current the cooler requires.

June 12, 2023: Added BougeRV CRPRO25 at no 1.

December 29, 2022: Updated product links.

August 30, 2022: Added Bodega as No 6 and Koozam K-Box as no 7.

August 26, 2022: Removed Aspenora and AsrtoAI; unavailable.

June 9, 2022: Removed Koolatron brand due to poor reviews.

June 3, 2022: Removed out-of-stock 40-qt Igloo iceless cooler.

January 19, 2022: Renewed promoted product recommendation.

June 14, 2021: Updated with a promoted product recommendation.

We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works .

Photo credit: Koolatron

Chris Chase

More by Chris Chase

Join the conversation

Dorie

Cars do not have cigarette lighters anymore. Need coolers with USB for keeping them cold

David Traver Adolphus

Very few cars have lighters (although there are a few where it's still an option), but every car we've seen has the 12V port where a lighter once went, and most car accessories are powered with a 12V adaptor. The USB ports in most cars don't have enough power to run something like a cooler. USB-C is capable of much higher power delivery, but it hasn't been widely adopted in vehicles yet.

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The Best Electric Coolers of 2024

The best electric coolers, or portable refrigerators, have taken the outdoors by storm in the last few years. They will legitimately change the way you pack and prepare your camp meals. We tested some of the best on the market to help you choose which electric cooler is right for you.

best portable electric refrigerator freezer

Say goodbye to nasty water at the bottom of coolers and bags of rock-hard ice. If you’re ready for a serious camp-kitchen upgrade, it’s time to welcome an electric cooler to your kit.

These portable refrigerators can plug into your car battery or run on mobile power packs, solar panels, and more. You can pack your iceless cooler to the gills with food and drinks and maintain a consistent temperature indefinitely.

Some of the electric coolers we recommend even have dual zones, allowing you to store drinks and frozen treats separately at their proper temperatures.

In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we’ll help you find the best electric cooler for your specific needs. Using the links below, you can skip to the recommendation that suits your needs, or you can simply scroll down to browse all the high-quality options we selected for this list.

If you’re struggling to make a decision, head down to the end of the article to read our buying guide , comparison chart , and FAQ   sections. These will help you understand how to compare the many different features of electric coolers to determine which one will be best for your particular circumstances. For even more intel, be sure to check out our article on the seven things you should know before buying an electric cooler .

Editor’s Note: Our team updated this Buyer’s Guide on May 16, 2024 with the addition of the Anker Everfrost Powered Cooler 40 .

  • Best Overall Electric Cooler: Dometic CFX3 55IM
  • Best Budget Electric Cooler: Worx 20V Electric & Battery Powered Cooler
  • Best Fridge/Freezer Cooler: National Luna 50 Legacy Smart Refrigerator & Freezer
  • Most Rugged Electric Cooler: ARB Zero Portable Fridge & Freezer
  • Best Large Electric Cooler: Dometic CFX3 75 Dual Zone Powered Cooler

Dometic CFX3 55IM

  • Size 28.3″ x 18.9″ x 17.9″
  • Capacity 56 qt. / 53 L
  • Weight 47 lbs.
  • Temperature range Minimum of -7 degrees F

Product Badge

  • Lightweight
  • Convenient and comfortable handles
  • Good insulation
  • App-enabled controls

It’s no surprise that Dometic stands prominently on this list. The brand is a favorite among campers, RVers, and other mobile-life mavens. And as a global brand, it’s a fixture in everything from RVs to mega yachts. We wouldn’t fault you if you stopped reading right here and got yourself a Dometic Powered Cooler.

The CFX3 55 IM ($1,200) is the cream of the crop for electric coolers, striking a nice balance between capacity, price, and portability. Like all Dometic products, it has a sturdy construction and robust handles. This cooler is surprisingly lightweight considering its generous capacity, which can fit 50 soda cans.

But the main reason people love Dometic is its energy efficiency. The cooler has a strong compressor that can freeze down to -7 degrees F and a strong insulation factor to keep things cool and minimize energy consumption.

As GearJunkie reviewer Seiji Ishii explained, the electric cooler gets cold enough to be able to make ice. Check out his full review of the CFX3 .

One other huge perk of the family of Dometic products is they’ve entered the 21st century in a big way. The electric cooler not only has a sleek high-resolution display, but it’s also Bluetooth-enabled and app-compatible.

By downloading the Dometic app to your phone, you can control the cooler’s temperature and monitor the history of the cooler’s power consumption. All these excellent features do come at a hefty price tag, though, so if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you might want to scroll down.

Worx 20V Electric & Battery Powered Cooler

  • Dimensions 24” x 15” x 13”
  • Refrigerator Capacity 24 qt. / 22.7 L
  • Weight 29.8 lbs. (official), 33 lbs. (GJ weight)
  • Battery Capacity 20V Max
  • AC Rated Voltage 100V-240V (~50-60Hz)
  • DC Rated Voltage 12V/24V
  • Rated Current AC 1.2A-0.5A | ​DC 5.0A(12V)/2.5A(24V)
  • Temperature Range -4F to 68F

The Best Electric Coolers of 2024

  • Portable refrigerator/freezer you can take anywhere
  • 10-hour battery life
  • Maintains temperature settings very well
  • Built-in handle and wheels
  • Limited carrying capacity
  • Power button doesn’t actually turn it on

The  Worx 20V Electric & Battery Powered Cooler  ($499) is an intriguing option for van lifers, car campers, or anyone just spending the day at the beach. This portable electric refrigerator/freezer uses the same 20V batteries as Worx power tools. In a nutshell, having a universal power source that is also swappable across a wide range of power tools and garden equipment brings familiarity and convenience to consumers.

Unlike some portable refrigerators on this list, the Worx powered cooler only has a single compartment. That 24-quart space will fit about 32 12-ounce canned beverages. Having dual temperature zones would make it easier to carry chilled and frozen food simultaneously, but that would reduce the carrying capacity even more.

According to Worx, two fully-charged batteries will power the cooler for about 10 hours on average. The actual runtime depends on the unit’s temperature settings, ranging from -4 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Naturally, the ambient air temperature outside and the temperature of food and drinks inside also affect how long the batteries will last.

The cooler comes with two 20V battery packs, fully compatible with Worx’s power tools and lawn care equipment. A separate battery charger is included in the box, although the power cells will charge in the cooler when plugged into a 120V wall outlet or a 12V port in your vehicle. Additionally, the unit has a bright, easy-to-read LCD screen that displays the current temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius. It also shows whether it is in “eco” or “max” cooling mode and the current charge levels for the battery packs.

National Luna 50 Legacy Smart Refrigerator & Freezer

  • Size 28″ x 15” x 20” / 710 mm x 385 mm x 515 mm
  • Capacity (left zone) 10.1 gal / 38.3 L
  • Capacity (right zone) 2.9 gal / 11 L
  • Weight 54.7 lbs. | 24.8 kg
  • Temperature range 68 to -1 degree F (left zone), 68 to -11 degrees F (right zone)

The Best Electric Coolers of 2024

  • Super efficient
  • Organizer baskets are awesome
  • Two latches instead of one
  • Sometimes hard to find in stock

Overland and motoring editor Bryon Dorr has used a variety of 12V fridges in his overland travels. His current setup from National Luna is his best yet.

The 50L National Luna Legacy Dual Control ($1,295) offers great looks, compact size for its capacity, trusted durability (over 30 years in business), and impressive efficiency. Dorr’s favorite part of this fridge/freezer is the three included organizer baskets. They make finding that food at the bottom of the fridge super easy and loading the fridge before and after a trip a breeze.

The dimpled aluminum skin of the National Luna looks, feels, and is premium. The onboard proprietary compressor is not only super-efficient and quick to cool down the fridge/freezer but also comes with an 8-year warranty.

This dual-control cooler can also automatically switch between AC and DC power. That means it works just as well in your vehicle as it does plugged-in on your patio for your next BBQ.

ARB Zero Portable Fridge & Freezer

  • Size 33″ x 21″ x 25″
  • Capacity 69 L
  • Weight 62.9 lbs.
  • Temperature range -8 to 50 deg. F

The Best Electric Coolers of 2024

  • Tall storage
  • Very durable
  • Matching power pack (not included)
  • Very expensive

The ARB Zero Portable Fridge Freezer ($1,568) is a real beast of a cooler. It comes in around the same capacity, weight, and size as the Dometic but with a heftier price tag. For those who pack a variety of food, the extra versatility is worth the expense.

First, this cooler is over half a foot taller than the Dometic Dual Zone, which gives you deeper storage for things like tall wine bottles. Second, you get three baskets in the ARB as compared to two with the Dometic.

While you may worry about the single-lid design of the ARB, the freezer portion has its own lid inside to keep your food insulated when you open the fridge section.

Suppose you want to forgo the fridge/freezer combo and only use one temperature zone. In that case, the separate baskets and compartments can be removed to increase space, allowing for one larger space with a total capacity of 69 liters.

This is still slightly smaller than Dometic’s storage abilities, but the versatility of the product may be an important consideration. If you need to store large products, such as your Thanksgiving turkey, this ARB Zero will be able to handle it.

We also love the unit’s integrated handles, touchscreen, embedded cup holders, and seriously sturdy frame. The steel casing has robust corner molding to keep the electric cooler and your treats inside from getting damaged on a bumpy ride. Finally, anti-condensation technology prevents food from getting wet in the portable fridge.

As an add-on accessory, the ARB Zero Freezer Fridge Power Pack is the perfect way to keep your cooler going when you do not have access to another source of power. The Power Pack connects to the electric cooler and integrates seamlessly. And it can extend your cooler’s run time by a lot. For a deeper dive into this versatile cooler, read our full review of the ARB Zero Freezer Fridge Power Pack .

If you’re looking to make an investment in a sturdy electric cooler that will survive many wild adventures, the ARB Zero Portable Fridge Freezer may be the one for you.

Dometic CFX3 75 Dual Zone Powered Cooler

  • Size 35.1″ x 19.5″ x 18.6″
  • Capacity 75 L
  • Weight 61 lbs.

The Best Electric Coolers of 2024

  • Huge storage capacity for its weight
  • Dual zones for fridge/freezer combination
  • Reliable and durable
  • Steep price

The big brother of the 55 , Dometic’s CFX3 75 Dual Zone Powered Cooler ($1,400) is a powerhouse. This electric cooler is quite a bit larger, heavier, and more expensive than the relatively tame Dometic CFX3 55IM, but its extra capabilities make it a fan favorite for more serious adventures.

As the name suggests, the Dometic CFX3 75 Dual Zone has two storage compartments so you can cool and freeze simultaneously. Either compartment can be set to any temperature, allowing you to configure the cooler to your particular needs. This electric food cooler has a 75-liter capacity, which can fit 113 soda cans.

Reviewers love that the cooler is easy to use and find its insulation rating exceeds expectations. This is a high-performance travel cooler that brings comfort — dare we say, luxury — to car camping. Considering its bulky size, however, keep in mind it will probably live in your trunk, so it might not be the most practical option for accessing snacks on a road trip.

If you’re looking for a cooler that can last, Dometic coolers have a reliable three-stage dynamic battery protection system that will protect your food for the length of your adventure.

Engel MT35 Platinum Series

  • Size 25.5″ x 14.3″ x 16″
  • Capacity 34 qt / 32 L
  • Weight 49 lbs.
  • Temperature range Minimum of 5.5 degrees F

The Best Electric Coolers of 2024

  • Low power draw
  • Auto-switching system
  • 3-year warranty
  • Quite heavy for its small capacity
  • Does not offer sub-zero minimum temperatures
  • Protruding handles
  • A bit pricey

If you’re looking for a smaller and highly energy-efficient unit, the Engel MT35 Platinum Electric Cooler ($1,150) might be the one for you. This compact cooler is well-regarded for its low power draw, which consumes about 40% less energy than a traditional compressor, according to the company.

Another great feature of all Engel power systems is the auto-switching system between AC or DC power sources. The cooler can sense the difference on its own, which saves you the need to manually adjust the power input.

The unit is surprisingly heavy compared to other electric coolers of similar capacities. This is mainly due to its durable stainless steel construction. It does not have wheels, so its hefty frame could be a problem for some people.

Another potential downside is this cooler has thin metal handles that protrude far from its sides. These handles make the electric cooler both more uncomfortable to carry and more difficult to pack efficiently into a tight space.

One final potential disadvantage is the temperature range the Eng e l MT35 Platinum can achieve. The minimum temperature is the highest on this list by multiple degrees, so if you’re looking for a sub-zero freezer, look elsewhere. Still, for people concerned with their energy consumption, this efficient electric cooler is a great choice.

GoSun Chill Electric Cooler

  • Size 23.5″ x 19″ x 16″
  • Capacity 40 L
  • Weight 30.2 lbs.
  • Temperature range -4 to 68 deg. F

The Best Electric Coolers of 2024

  • Great with solar table integration (not included)
  • Eco-friendly
  • Most portable cooler here thanks to the handle and wheels
  • Small capacity

While any of these devices could be powered by a sustainable source like a solar panel and battery bank, none is more eco-friendly than the GoSun Chill Electric Cooler ($749). This is the perfect product for people looking for modern luxury but who still want to maintain a sustainable lifestyle.

This electric cooler can be charged by your car’s battery, an AC adapter, or another power source. It can also plug into the electric cooler’s PowerBank, which can save a dead phone battery in a pinch.

On an 80-degree day, the PowerBank is strong enough to maintain the internal temperature of the electric cooler at 40 degrees F for 10 hours or 10 degrees F for 6 hours.

Finally, you can get a package deal on the GoSun Chill Electric Cooler and either the Solar Table (literally a table that’s a solar panel) or the Flexible Solar Panels. With these accessories, as long as there is some sunshine, you can keep your food and drinks cold from anywhere without worrying about draining your car battery.

Other great aspects of this electric cooler are its stylish, fun design and the helpful wheels and telescopic handle. For folks who like what GoSun has to offer but want a dual-zone option, check out the GoSun Chillest “Solar” Cooler with 45 L of storage between two fridge or freezer areas.

Anker Everfrost Powered Cooler 40

  • Size 32.8" x 16.9″ x 19.1″
  • Capacity 45 qt. / 43 L
  • Weight 53 lbs.

The Best Electric Coolers of 2024

  • Built-in battery provides cooling without needing to stay plugged in
  • Removable basket makes it easy to transfer food in and out
  • Includes roller wheels and a built-in camp table
  • Can be controlled with smartphone app

The Anker Everfrost Powered Cooler 40 ($849) stands out for its wide range of features that make it one of the most user-friendly designs that we tested. It features a removable basket to load, unload, and transfer food and drinks without having to haul the whole cooler around, a built-in camp table, roller wheels, and a bottle opener.

As you’d expect from an electronics brand like Anker, it also includes several impressive technical features like a removable battery that can power the cooler without being plugged on, a couple of charging ports for your electronic devices, and four different charging methods (wall charger, car charger, USB-C input, and an optional solar charger). The cooler can also be operated with a smartphone app.

Performance-wise, the Everfrost holds it own against other more expensive competitors. It has a temperature range of -4 to 68 degrees F, it can cool itself within 30 minutes, and it can provide cooling (at 39 degrees F) that lasts up to 36 hours on a single charge.

It should be noted that Anker recently recalled a small batch of their cooler batteries that were manufactured in December 2022 and then sold between May 2023 and September 2023, but our understanding is that currently sold products are not impacted by this.

The Everfrost Powered Cooler comes in three sizes: 30 liters, 40 liters, and a 50-liter model that has dual-zones that can be used as a separate fridge and freezer.

To learn more, read our in-depth review of the Anker Everfrost Powered Cooler 40 .

Whynter FM-45G Portable Refrigerator

  • Size 16.5″ x 23.5″ x 20.5″
  • Freezer Capacity 45 qt. / 42 L
  • Refrigerator Fresh Food Capacity 52 ft3
  • Weight 45 lbs.
  • Temperature range -6 to 50 deg. F

The Best Electric Coolers of 2024

  • Has a “Fast Freeze” mode
  • Great minimum temperature and temperature control
  • Small handles
  • Not particularly stylish

At its relatively affordable price point, the Whynter Portable Refrigerator ($522) is a high-performing cooler with a lot going for it. The temperature range of the unit is very impressive, tying with the much more expensive ARB Zero for the lowest minimum temperature on this list. Not only is it the lowest we have seen, but it’s also just about the lowest possible temperature for an electric cooler.

The single-zone Whynter electric cooler functions as a refrigerator or freezer. However, it has a secondary “Fast Freeze” mode that jacks up the power and lowers the temperature as fast as possible. With a temperature control deviation of only 1.6 degrees F, it has one of the best control ratings of all the coolers we reviewed.

Other great features include its durable construction, removable storage baskets, and convenient drain plug for easy cleaning. While the handles don’t look as comfortable as many other electric coolers, you could purchase the accessory Transit Bag, which offers better handles and pockets for additional storage. The portable refrigerator also comes in a camouflage design for hunters and others who spend time in the woods.

ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator

  • Size 31.2″ x 19.4″ x 18.8″
  • Capacity 63 qt. / 60 L
  • Weight 65.7 lbs.
  • Temperature range 0 to 50 deg. F

The Best Electric Coolers of 2024

  • Interior LED light
  • MAX and ECO cooling modes
  • Thin handles might be uncomfortable

If you like the idea of a dual-zone electric cooler but not the price points of the Dometic or ARB options, you’re going to love what the ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator ($849) has to offer. ICECO is a popular brand with overwhelmingly positive reviews on all of its electric coolers.

This spacious cooler has two zones, both capable of reaching any temperature in the cooler’s range. The ICECO also supports two cooling modes, MAX and ECO, for fast freezing when you need it and energy efficiency when you don’t.

We particularly like the sturdy construction of ICECO’s coolers. The metal shell has thick walls, good seals, and steel fasteners to provide quality insulation.

The compressor comes with a 5-year warranty, so you can feel confident this electric cooler will be a good investment. Finally, the electric cooler comes with wired baskets for organizing your food and an interior LED light so you can always find what you are looking for, even in the dark.

There are a couple of small potential disadvantages to this cooler to be aware of before committing to it. Namely, the handles do not look as wide and comfortable as some of the others on this list. At such a hefty weight, if you plan to carry the cooler for any distance, this could be a hindrance.

More importantly, with a minimum temperature of zero degrees F, this electric cooler does not offer the sub-zero temperatures many of our other recommendations achieve. Still, at this price point, we had to give a shoutout to the rugged and capable ICECO Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator.

Electric Cooler Comparison Chart

Dometic CFX3 55IM Powered Cooler

Why You Should Trust Us

As you can see from all the included links, GearJunkie’s editors have reviewed quite a few electric coolers as well as standard ice chests, soft and hard shells, and even backpack coolers. We know our way around outdoor products and make it our mission to provide you with the best intel we can on the gear you need.

For this guide, we tested 10 different models over almost half a decade. We also researched the highest-rated, best-selling, and most positively reviewed electric coolers out there. We’ve already done deep-dive reviews on a number of these products, and you can read those particular articles for even more information on why we’re recommending each of these electric coolers.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Electric Cooler

Size and capacity.

As you can already tell from our list of recommendations, electric coolers are available in a wide range of sizes. For the most part, the bigger the size, the more capacity the cooler will have. However, bigger is not necessarily better. More size will also increase its weight and footprint in your car.

On average, electric coolers weigh about a pound per liter of storage capacity. Keep this in mind as you compare coolers to see which has the best compromise of portability to capacity.

When choosing the right size for your electric cooler, consider your average trip length and the number of people in your group. For quick weekend getaways, you might choose a smaller cooler. If you have a large family, even a short trip could require a bigger cooler with a lot of storage space.

Number of Temperature Zones

Multiple temperature zones add versatility to your cooler, but they tend to add cost. If you plan to bring both refrigerated and frozen foods, you’ll need an electric cooler with dual zones. On this list, Dometic, ARB, National Luna, and ICECO offer dual-zone portable refrigerators.

Dual zones could also be necessary for people who travel with medications that need to be refrigerated. This allows storing prescriptions at the correct temperature no matter what else is in the cooler. Both zones have the same temperature range, so you can use either side as a fridge or freezer, depending on your needs.

National Luna 50L Dual Control Legacy Fridge/Freezer

Weight and Portability

For many electric coolers, size goes hand-in-hand with portability. Smaller units are easier to carry or store (like between the bucket seats of a van, so your kids can access snacks during a road trip), whereas larger electric coolers would need to go in the trunk.

As you read the weights listed in these product specs, keep in mind these are the weights of the coolers when empty. If it seems like a lot, it is. These miniature portable refrigerators have more mechanical parts than simple ice coolers, and they can add up to a lot of weight.

Once you include beverages and food, you can easily increase the weight listed to something difficult to carry. So consider how you will load it, and whether you need to regularly remove your fridge from the vehicle while in use.

Shelves and Organization

Some electric coolers have different areas separated by shelving and baskets. This can be helpful for keeping your food and drinks organized so you always know where everything is. Even in an electric cooler that does not have multiple zones, baskets and shelves are vital to food organization.

For example, the smaller Dometic Portable Cooler , our best overall pick, has a removable basket. That makes it easy to access large items stored at the bottom of the cooler.

The single basket can also move back and forth depending on where you choose to keep tall items. If this storage system sounds like an important feature for your next electric cooler, you’ll direct your attention to Dometic, ARB, and National Luna products.

Temperature Control

While it may not be necessary to keep your electric cooler at a specific temperature down to the degree, you’ll want the precision of setting it within a couple of degrees. For wine, ice cream, or medication, having decent temperature control is an important factor in your decision of which electric cooler to purchase.

That said, keep in mind the temperature may vary within the cooler by a couple of degrees, depending on where the cooling mechanism and thermostat are located. For example, the Kohree Portable Refrigerator has a standard deviation of ±4 degrees.

While Amazon reviewers give this temperature control 4 out of 5 stars, some noted the temperature fluctuated by more than 6 degrees from its setting. Higher-priced, better-quality coolers like ARB, Dometic, and National Luna will give more precise temperature control.

Cooling Mechanism

Related to temperature control is the cooler’s temperature range capability. There are different types of electric coolers, the two most common being compressor coolers and thermoelectric coolers. All of the coolers featured on this list are compressor coolers because they offer a wider range of temperatures.

Thermoelectric coolers are reliant on the ambient temperature in their cooling mechanism and can offer an average of 40 degrees of cooling capability compared to the outside temperature. Compressor coolers, by comparison, can maintain sub-freezing temperatures no matter the ambient temperature.

One benefit of thermoelectric coolers is they require less power, meaning less cost, but this comes at a great loss of functionality.

Electric coolers are available at an incredible range of prices, from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand. And in our experience, you get what you pay for.

Among top brands, you’ll see prices varying within a couple of hundred dollars for comparable features and sizes. Attributes such as enhanced durability and weather resistance will also add to the price of a cooler.

On the low end of the scale, you’ll find a slew of Amazon products at a fraction of the price of name brands. While these coolers will be fine for the occasional weekend camper, they tend to have less consistent cooling abilities and are much less durable.

If you’re looking for a highly durable product that will last through some tough times, it would make sense to spring for a more expensive cooler. Our favorite durable investments are Dometic, National Luna, and ARB.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with no frills or add-ons, the Kohree Portable Refrigerator is our recommendation for an affordable and functional cooler.

Kohree Portable Refrigerator in grass filled with food and drinks

One final feature you shouldn’t overlook is durability. Electric coolers are made from many different materials, including ABS plastic, metal composites, and steel casing. If you’re going to spend a pretty penny on an electric cooler, make sure it’s a solid investment and that it will last.

The level of durability you need will depend on where you plan to take the cooler. For example, if it will be stored in the bed of your truck during an off-road adventure, you’ll need something that can withstand some bumps and bruises.

In this case, the ARB Zero’s extreme corner moldings were made just for you. And ARB’s Element is a totally weatherproof electric cooler that might make sense if you live in a rainy area or plan to store it outdoors.

Frequently Asked Question

In short, yes! Electric coolers are a great investment. They keep your food fresh while on the road, and you won’t have a soggy mess of melted ice in the bottom.

These electric coolers can achieve and maintain sub-zero temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about your ice cream melting. Plus, if you have enough power, say from a sustainable source like a solar panel and power bank, you can keep your electric cooler running forever and use it as a standard home fridge and freezer.

One caveat: If you’re only using your cooler for drinks and snacks during a day at the beach, an electric cooler is probably not worth the expense. In this case, you should check out our reviews of the best coolers  and the best soft coolers to find the best brands of traditional ice coolers. For hikers looking for super-portable soft coolers, head over to our review of the best backpack coolers .

These coolers have really changed the way we camp. And for hunters and anglers, you can even process and freeze your game meat in the field.

If you’re looking for something that can make ice, last multiple days, and save you the expense and annoyance of dealing with standard ice chests and wasted food, the extra cost of an electric cooler is worth the investment.

couple drinking beers at picnic table next to ICECO electric cooler

Yes, for most electric coolers, you could put ice in it, but why would you need to? These electric coolers can maintain sub-freezing temperatures on their own and even make ice for you.

If you’re hoping to put ice in an electric cooler and use it as a regular cooler without power, we don’t recommend it. The cooling elements that allow it to function as a refrigerator are both heavy and clunky. Once you add ice, you’d have limited room for your food or beverages, and it would be much heavier than a traditional ice chest.

Consistently rated as one of the best electric cooler brands, Dometic offers a wide range of sizes and options. There are, however, many other great brands to choose from if you can’t afford the relatively steep prices of Dometic products.

Other highly rated brands include Engel, ARB, and National Luna. We also love the dedication to sustainability by GoSun. If you can afford the investment of an ARB electric cooler, it really is a great brand for its incredible durability.

Yes, an electric cooler can definitely drain your battery if you leave it plugged in when you’re not driving. However, quality electric coolers have built-in battery monitoring and will shut down before draining your battery beyond its ability to start your car.

Depending on the power draw, cooler size, and temperature, it could drain a car battery in a couple of hours to a couple of days. And at that point, the cooler will turn off, possibly ruining your food.

Therefore, you should plan to keep your cooler plugged into the car while driving. But when stopped, it’s wise to have a secondary power source in case your car battery runs low.

A large battery bank or solar panel and battery pack (we love the system from Generark !) is a good way to get extra energy to your cooler.

Ecoflow Delta Pro powering camper

It depends. Some electric coolers may be waterproof, but they’re not necessarily. While they do have a tight seal for insulation purposes that would keep the rain out, many electric coolers have exposed electric elements.

For example, the Kohree Portable Refrigerator has a USB port on the top of the unit for charging your cellphone or other small electronics. It would be a bad idea to leave this in the rain. Even Dometic electric coolers are only splashproof, and the company does not recommend leaving the coolers exposed to continuous rain or flooding.

If you’re looking for a waterproof cooler you can confidently leave outside, check out the fully weatherproof ARB Element . This cooler is similar to the ARB Zero that we reviewed above, but it has a few notable differences.

Not only is this electric cooler extremely rugged, but it also has an electronic locking system to protect your food. It’s a bit more expensive than the Zero when you compare coolers of the same capacity, making it by far the priciest model on this list. If you need the ability to store your food in the bed of your trunk or outside a tent, this electric cooler would be worth the cost.

Yes, electric coolers can be used as refrigerators and are often just called portable refrigerators. The Dometic CFX3 75 Dual Zone Powered Cooler is a popular choice among people who live in vans or truck campers. These units are great for small spaces, as they are compact and can even function as seating.

For context, Dometic builds refrigerators for everything from yachts to RVs to airplanes!

If you plan to leave it plugged in all the time, just make sure you have a sufficient power source. If you keep an electric cooler plugged into your car overnight, it may turn off once the battery gets low. For full-time usage, you should consider getting a solar panel, secondary battery, or backup power banks.

cool travel fridge

The Best Rooftop Tents of 2024

We put the best rooftop tents of 2024 to the test. From hardshell options to budget-friendly picks, we’ve got you covered.

cool travel fridge

The Best Portable Power Stations of 2024

A good portable power station will keep you off the plug for days or even weeks at a time. We’ve tested the latest, including Anker, Goal Zero, and more.

Writer and editor Sean McCoy

Sean McCoy is the Editorial Director of GearJunkie, and 5+ other AllGear websites.

He has been writing about hunting, fishing, trail running, camping, skiing, and more for 15+ years.

Prior to GearJunkie, he was the chief photographer for the Virgin Islands Daily News and former editor-in-chief for GearJunkie. Based in Denver, Colo., McCoy is an avid trail runner, camper, hunter, angler, mountain biker, skier, and beer tester.

cool travel fridge

Bryon Dorr is the Motors Editor of GearJunkie. He has been writing about overland travel, off-road vehicles, general automotive, whitewater kayaks, and outdoor and travel gear for 12+ years. He has created content for a wide range of outdoor, automotive, and travel media outlets, both online and in print, as well as for a wide range of commercial clients as a photographer, social media marketer, business consultant, and copy editor.

After living on the road for nearly eight years, he is now based in Portland, Ore. Bryon is an avid kayaker, cyclist, skier/snowboarder, runner, and photographer. When not outdoors doing human-powered adventures, you’ll find him behind the wheel or bars of something with a motor and wheels finding adventure around the globe. You can keep up with his life of adventure on your favorite social media @ExplorElements .

Seiji Ishii user profile headshot

Seiji Ishii is Editor at Large at the AllGear network and the Climbing, Cycling, Fitness, and Powersports editor at GearJunkie.

He has been writing about cycling, climbing, outdoor endeavors, motorsports, and the gear and training for those pursuits for 20+ years.

Before AllGear, Ishii was a freelance contributor to print and web publications related to his interests and professional experiences. He continues to pursue climbing and cycling objectives seriously.

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Campfire Magazine

Campfire Magazine is supported by its readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Also, as an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best Camping Fridges and Coolbox – Our Fridge & Coolboxes guide

If you’ve already read our buyers’ guide to camping fridges and coolboxes, you should have a good idea of what kind of coolbox is best for particular scenarios. 

cool travel fridge

Now it’s time to look at some actual models to see how well they perform.

All our reviews at Campfire Magazine are independent and honest.

In a hurry? If you don’t have much time using the links below to quickly find our favourite coolboxes and fridges for you on Amazon. You can be assured we only choose the best products…

OUR TOP PICK

Dometic CoolFreeze CDF 36 Portable Electric Compressor Coolbox/Freezer, 31 Litre, 12/24V for Car,...

DOMETIC CoolFreeze CDF 36 Portable Compressor Cooler 

BEST FRIDGE

Dometic CFX3 55

DOMETIC CFX3 35

BEST NON-ELECTRIC COOLBOX

Igloo - Maxcold Latitude 62 Roller With Wheels, Grey and Blue - 56 Litres

Igloo Maxcold Coolbox

What are the different types of camping fridges and coolers?

Passive coolboxes and bags.

  • Passive coolboxes or coolers are insulated boxes or bags that you keep cool with ice-blocks or frozen drinks bottles. Their advantages are that you don’t need power and they’re usually cheaper and lighter.
  • The disadvantage?  You’ll need to constantly refreeze your blocks if you’re camping for more than a couple of days.

Electric or thermoelectric coolboxes

  • These are insulated boxes with the addition of an electric fan. They can be powered in your car or, usually with an adaptor, on the mains hook-up at a campsite.
  • How cold they stay inside depends on how hot it is outside. They won’t keep food as cool as a home fridge (which is around 5°C) if your outside temperature is in the 20°Cs or 30°Cs.

Compressor coolboxes and camping fridges

  • Compressor fridges are the top of the range because you can set a temperature for your food, or even freeze it, and that’s what you’ll get – unaffected by the searing sun outside. They’ll have to do more work in hotter temperatures, of course, which means they’ll run more often but they’re very efficient.
  • They run on the car battery and also on mains (some will only freeze when on mains power). Many have power-savings features and some can operate with solar.

Absorption coolers or three-way fridges

  • Absorption fridges start at around 30-litres in size and are the big boys of the coolbox world. They’re sometimes called three-way fridges.
  • They run on 12/230v electricity and also gas. They make no noise and can cool up to 33°C below ambient.

If you haven’t read our full  fridge guide , you might want to do that first – it’ll help you narrow down your choice so you buy (and spend) only what you really need.

Buying tips

Where we’ve given sizes for camping fridges, do check measurements before buying. Manufacturers aren’t consistent in what they call ‘depth’ – sometimes it means length!

There are a lot of older models around, which might be fine for you. But, if you want the latest, do check the model numbers.

All Dometic’s new models will say Dometic rather than Waeco on them.

We do have a bit of a preference for Dometic (was Waeco). They’ve have grabbed the market for higher-end options and it’s their ranges you’re most likely to come across. They’re reliably good.

You can also find slightly cheaper camping fridges branded IceCube, Berg and Bluefin, among others.

Now read on with our reviews.

DOMETIC CoolFreeze CDF 36

Dometic CoolFreeze CDF 36 Portable Electric Compressor Coolbox/Freezer, 31 Litre, 12/24V for Car,...

We tested the CDF36. Despite its name, this is actually a 31-litre fridge/freezer that’s high enough to take upright wine bottles and two-litre bottles.

There’s a cold section and a smaller area equivalent to the salad drawer in your home fridge, and even an interior LED light. A pull-out basket makes it easy to transfer things from the fridge to the cooler when you’re packing. Its temperature range is +10 to -15, and, being a compressor, it’ll achieve those temperatures whatever the heat outside.

It works on the 12V car or leisure battery and can be used on mains too. The CDF range goes from 10.5 litres to 39 litres . For bigger, you need to look at the CFX range.

What we liked

  • Very quiet indeed, and the compressor switches off when it’s at temperature, so you also get complete silence (unlike the continual fan noise of a thermoelectric).
  • The slim shape makes it easy to fit behind the front seats or in the boot (remember that you need to allow a bit of space for ventilation around it). And the flat top is useful.
  • It uses very little power (DC@5/25°C – 0.59 kWh/24h).
  • A battery-saving cut-off makes sure you always have enough car battery left to start the vehicle.
  • It was very cold within 15 minutes.

What could be better

  • Some of Dometic’s fridges have carrying handles, but the CDFs have integrated grab-handles, which some people may struggle with.

You might also come across the odd CF26 model . Personally, given that these are no cheaper, we can’t see there value. Opt for CDF or CFX instead.

Dometic CFX3 55

Dometic CFX3 55

Could this be the ultimate camping fridge? The CFX3 is Dometic’s latest compressor fridge and, although you won’t be able too inexpensive, they certainly offer a lot of features.

There are seven models – from 32-litres to 88-litres – and you can choose a model that will either chill or freeze, models with an ice maker compartment or true dual-zone fridge/freezers.

cool travel fridge

A gimmick? We’re not sure yet, but some will love the idea of being able to control temperature and battery level using a smartphone app.

They look great and are made to be durable but lightweight. The frame has protection round the edges and there are tough aluminium alloy handles.

The VMS03 compressor is the best yet, with powerful and efficient cooling and freezing down to -22C. A good compressor is one thing, but you also need excellent insulation and sealing to make a fridge really efficient, and the CX3 has all of these.

Many models go regularly out of stock. It definitely pays to check on Ebay as well. There’s usually a good range that come direct from Europe with free or reasonable delivery. Plenty of guarantees against bad sellers too!

cool travel fridge

CFX3 35 – Portable compressor cool box and freezer, 32 l

CFX3 45 – Portable compressor cool box and freezer, 40 l

CFX3 55 – Portable compressor cool box and freezer, 48 l

CFX3 55IM – Portable compressor cool box and freezer with ice maker function, 48l.

CFX3 75DZ – Mobile dual-zone compressor cool box and freezer, 65 l

CFX3 95DZ – Mobile dual-zone compressor cool box and freezer, 82 l

cool travel fridge

Cooling power

All the new CFX3 fridges can run on AC, DC and solar. The low power consumption using DC makes them perfect for pairing with solar panels.

Have a look at our  power for campers  article for some ideas here, especially how Gary Charman has set up his  CFX3 75DZ  to run on solar power. 

  • The most efficient compressor fridge you can buy (can freeze too).
  • Separate ice or freezing compartments on the larger models.
  • Reinforced corners and solid carrying handles.
  • Works on mains or 12v.
  • Digital temperature display – and even an app to control temperatures!
  • There’s also a USB charging socket on the rear.
  • Basket can be a bit ‘tricky to remove when full unless you’re standing right over it.
  • It’s quite deep, so there will be some organising to do to avoid having to take everything out to find the butter!
  • Not cheap, but a solid investment.

DOMETIC CoolFun CK 40D Hybrid

DOMETIC CoolFun CK 40D Hybrid - Thermo Electric/Compressor Cooler / Freezer for Normal and Deep...

Dometic Hybrid – part compressor, part thermoelectric.   An unusual one, this. The B40 (also called the CoolFun CK 40D!) is a 38-litre box-shaped portable fridge that operates on 12V as thermoelectric and on mains power using a compressor.

The idea is that you have a chill function on the 12V, but can use it as a freezer down to -15C on the compressor setting. You can’t do both at the same time, so you do need to work out how you’ll actually use it in practice. It is a cheap way of having a compressor fridge, however,  check out the prices here . 

Prices, we’ve found, vary wildly on this one.  At the time of writing, they were far cheaper than Amazon, even with delivery costs included.

The shape is a good one for easy stowing, but it does weigh 22kg. It’s a good ‘un for the money.

Dometic absorption coolers

cool travel fridge

Lots of people like the versatility of an absorption cooler . They’ll run on gas or on either 12v or 230v electricity.

They do tend to be quite large and boxy, but the Dometic ones have a nice aluminium housing. These are the models we tested and rated highly. 

41-litre ACX40

Alpicool G22  

  • Cools to 30C below ambient
  • Box-shape with a flat lid makes it useful for putting things on.
  • Silent running (love that film!).
  • 12 volts in the vehicle, 230 volts at home or campsite and switch to gas for outdoor use.
  • Fairly light at 14kg
  • Takes up a lot of room.
  • A bit unwieldy to carry.

Steer clear of the absorption coolers made by Royal and Tristar. We found them unreliable and not very robust, but still around the same price as the Dometic.

Compressor Fridges

OUR TOP COMPRESSOR FRIDGE

MOBICOOL MCF32

MOBICOOL MCF32 - 31 l Compressor Cooler, Blue/Grey, Cool Box 12/24 V DC / 100 -240 V AC, Cool Box,...

The Mobicool MCF range is brilliant. Set the temperature anywhere between -10 and +10C and the good insulation will keep power draw low. There’s a battery monitor on the control screen just in case.

Runs on 12V and 240V and very highly thought of amongst our readers. Three sizes – 31, 38 and 58 litres.

cool travel fridge

KITGARN Compressor Portable Small Refrigerator

KITGARN 35L Compressor Portable Small Refrigerator Car Refrigerator Freezer Vehicle Car Truck RV...

A new brand to us, but price is amazing and the 35l is about right for a couple or small family.

12V or 240V with cables supplied. There are also 30-litre ,  40-litre  and  50-litre  versions.

We wondered how they managed to keep the price so low and I think I know the answer – it’s the insulation. The test is to see how long they stay cold when turned off and unopened. For these, they warmed way faster than the Dometics. 

That’s not a problem if you’re keeping it turned on, but if you’re running on a leisure battery or solar, the extra power needed to keep it at temperature may be an issue for you.

Alpicool Portable Refrigerator

Alpicool CX50 50L Portable Refrigerator Car Fridge Freezer with Telescopic Handle Cool Box for...

Alpicool portable compressor fridges are one of the less well-known makes of compressor fridge.

The Alpicool compressor fridges are certainly a bit clunky-looking compared to the Dometic, but they’re also a bit cheaper. They both cool and can freeze. .

There’s a 30-litre, 50-litre and 52-litre option.

They come with a 12V plug and an AC mains plug.

Alpicool Car Fridge

Alpicool C15 Car Mini Fridge 12v 15L Portable Quiet Camping Refrigerator Freezer Vehicle Truck RV...

Possibly the ugliest camping fridges we’ve seen and definitely not the best insulated, but you may be won over by a starting price of for the 15l version  and a  40l model .

There’s a dizzying array of sizes, including 18l, 20l and 25l. We haven’t tested these, but we have heard mixed thoughts from readers. If you want to try one, make sure you can return it easily.

Keeping medicines cool

For keeping insulin or medicines cool, you need a constant temperature, so it has to be a compressor fridge, but…

…although it makes sense to have a fridge you can also use for other things, you might not want to stretch to the cost of a compressor or prefer to have a separate portable medicine fridge.

cool travel fridge

There are some decent passive coolers designed for insulin , but the best option we’ve found is the  LifeInABox portable medicine fridge.  

It can hold eight insulin pens or bottles of injectables, has an app for control and runs from a normal power outlet or the 12V in your car or van. Constant temperature and a beautiful object too

Indel B/Webasto Travel Boxes

Indel B were the only competitors to Dometic. We say ‘were’, because they used to be cheaper than Dometic for around the same spec. They’re now barely more affordable and readers don’t rate them as highly.

One reason to choose them would be if you needed a very small fridge for between seats, for example.

Indel B TB18 Portable Compressor Refrigerator

We tried the TB18 model . This is DC-only (so uses the car socket). The TB18 is very compact and boasts a new BD micro compressor with integrated control electronics, which regulates the speed according to the temperature set, so consumption is reduced to a minimum.

We found it to be properly portable – very light and with an included carrying strap. Slightly noisier at first (that wears off) than the Dometic. Given that it’s price and small, it’s hard to wholeheartedly recommend it. But if you have the exact tiny space for it, maybe.

Reliable electric coolboxes

There are a lot of electric coolboxes, and some of them very cheap indeed. You need to check the insulation and, if you can, check the fan noise. These are the best we’ve found…

Dometic Tropicool high-end electric coolboxes

Dometic TCX35 Dometic Tropicool, Black/Grey

The Tropicool TCX range differs from the usual electric coolboxes in that the fan is at the bottom rather than in the lid.

 They also have some clever power-saving electronics to improve performance and offer 12/24V and mains operation. There’s a display panel to set the desired temperature level. And they refrigerate down to -7°C below ambient temperature and heat up to +65°C.

We tested the  TCX 21 model . 

  • Lightweight.
  • There’s just enough room and a removable partition for flexibility.
  • The control panel was easy to use.
  • It got cold quickly, though we weren’t operating it in Mediterranean conditions.
  • We didn’t like the constant fan noise and wouldn’t want it next to us in a tent (or in a neighbour’s tent!). Unfortunately, that’s what you get with any thermoelectric box.

Campingaz power-box plus thermoelectric cooling-box

Campingaz power-box plus thermoelectric cooling-box, 12 V and 230 V., Unisex, 2000030252,...

The Campingaz Powerbox Plus comes as a 24-litre, 28-litre or 36-litre option and has four modes for balancing cooling power with fan noise, including a night-time setting so you’re not disturbed or disturbing anyone else.

Mobicool electric coolboxes

You get a lot of space for the money with the Mobicool 40l MQ40W. You can even stand 2l bottles upright inside.

It has two fans for faster chilling, and wheels and good handles make it easier to transport when it’s full of goodies. Plus, dual voltage and a split lid to help keep the cold in.

The  31l  is here. There’s also a  20l  and a good  range of other sizes at decent prices.

Our advice for any coolbox (especially passive) is to check the insulation, because that’s what counts.

cool travel fridge

If you’re wondering about off-hook-up power for your fridge, read our guide to power for camping and campervans .

Pro grade passive coolboxes

There are hundreds of non-electric coolboxes out there that simply work by filling with ice or ice-packs. The level of insulation is what matters here.

There’s something very appealing about the simplicity of a passive coolbox. No need for electricity or adaptors, but you do need to top up the ice or refreeze the blocks, and it’ll never keep things as reliably cold as a compressor.

Don’t forget good iceblocks – the best we’ve found for maximising space and coldness are the  Thermos Freezeboards .

Igloo Coolbox

IGLOO Marine Ultra Cooler (White, 128-Quart)

These sturdy workhorses are the best when it comes to top-end, higher-priced passive coolers. Five days of ice at 30C? Not bad at all.

The Marine range  (in white) is reliable. Sizes from 26l to enormous, stain and taint resistant interiors, superior insulation and prices is inexpensive.

Yes, please. This  Igloo BMX cooler is fantastic, holds 49 litres and is both rugged and smart. The best insulation we’ve found.

cool travel fridge

DOMETIC Cool-Ice

DOMETIC Cool-Ice WCI 22 Insulation Box Capacity 22 Litre

We were interested to see how Dometic’s Cool-Ice passive coolboxes would measure up to our old Yeti (no longer available in the UK).

We tested a  22l model  (other sizes available) and found it reassuringly sturdy.

Dometic’s tests have shown that if you filled one with ice, only opened it for a minute a day and removed the melted water, you’d still have enough ice left to make it effective after 10 days. This was on a constant 30-degree temperature. That looks impressive, but it’s not how people actually used their coolboxes, of course.

We froze a two-litre bottle of water, left it in the box in a sunny porch and checked on it three times a day. We got three days of useable coolness.

DOMETIC CoolFreeze CDF 26 Portabe Compressor Cooler and Freezer, 21 Litre 12/24 V

  • We liked the Cool-Ice  for being lighter and for its more useful shape – a flat-topped box that you can use as a side-table or stool.
  • It has good hinges and latches, low heat absorption and is supremely sturdy. ‘Labyrinth’ seals ensure no cold can escape. There are spares available too.
  • We especially like the new khaki coolboxes, available as  22-litre  or  42-litre .

Coleman Extreme coolbox

Coleman 50Qt Xtreme Wheeled Cooler Hard Shell Passive Cooler - Blue/White

Lots of Campfire Mag readers have told us they love their Coleman passive coolboxes . 

They have great insulation both in the walls and in the lid and can keep things cool for days (providing you fill the box and don’t open it too much).

The standard coolboxes come in five sizes – from  33 litres to 91 . We tested the 47l wheeled version by completely filling it with ice packs and bottles of frozen water. We found we still had ice inside after four days. Not bad at all.

Unlike compressor fridges, however, performance will vary if it’s super-hot outside. Keep your coolbox out of the sun, if you can.

There’s also a nice  31-litre model with a single carrying handle.

Coleman Xtreme 28QT Cooler Box - Blue/White, Small

  • The flat top and sturdy construction mean you can use them to sit on. There are cup-holders on the lid too.
  • Fairly lightweight – until you fill them, of course.
  • Excellent cooling.
  • BPA-free plastic.

We weren’t so keen on the handles as they were a bit sharp to hold and carrying the bigger sizes feels a bit awkward.

Coolbag that actually works (even without icepacks)

This cheap coolbag from Decathlon is brilliant for picnics and weekends away.

With ice packs, you should get two or three days of cool temperature inside. Without ice, it’ll last all day (providing the food and drinks you put inside are cool already).

cool travel fridge

This one is the family-size 36-litre, but there’s a  26-litre version and two smaller backpack coolbags too .

cool travel fridge

Mini fridges for camping?

We’ve been asked quite a few times whether a tabletop mini fridge would work for camping. The short answer is “yes, but…”

Subcold Eco50 Mini Fridge Black | Table-Top Model | Counter-Top Fridge | Solid Door with Chiller Box...

These will generally work only on a standard wall socket (240V). The main problem, though, is noise. They do tend to make a bit of a racket. That’s partly because the motor needs to run for longer and more often than a well-insulated, made-for-camping compressor fridge.

Some people are happy to put up with this because they like the idea of having an extra little fridge at home.

The  SubCold comes in 50l or 70l capacities and is a decent option .

Our top choices?

If budget isn’t an issue, we’d definitely opt for a compressor fridge from Dometic’s CFX3 range .

For a smaller budget, the CDF compressor fridges  are fantastic value.

For a passive coolbox, it would be either the  22l khaki Dometic  or the  Igloo BMX . 

And we’d always choose passive over a traditional thermoelectric because of the fan noise. But if you want an electric coolbox, go for the excellent Mobicool compressor.

Camping Fridge Buyers Guide

  • They come in a full range of sizes from as little as an over-the-shoulder 10-litre bag to whopping chest-sized, wheelable models.
  • They’re most suitable for cooler UK and northern Europe camping, or for day trips and picnics.
  • You’ll need good iceblocks for inside – the best we’ve found are the  Thermos Freezeboards .
  • Having said that, there are some high performance thermoelectrics that can keep the contents to 30°C below ambient.
  • They can drain a car battery quite quickly if the engine’s not running, but they’re cheaper, more lightweight and come in a wider range of sizes than our next two types.
  • The very cheap ones tend to be noisy, badly insulated and only really suitable for cooler camping and day trips.
  • Average power consumption over a day tends to be low compared to other types, as the compressor only operates when needed.
  • They’re heavier, but there’s a good range of sizes.
  • They’re suitable for camping in real heat, but are probably overkill for the UK and cooler weather.
  • The size means they’re really for families or for long trips. The fact that they’re silent, though, means you don’t have to worry about disturbed nights on the campsite for you or your neighbours.
  • If you’re using the cooler on gas, it must be in a ventilated area.
  • Some operate with a large gas bottle and hose; others take a canister.
  • This type of coolbox won’t work if tilted!

With every type of cooler, the insulation is the key to how well it performs. If the box can’t hold the temperature, then it has to work twice as hard – and that means more ice-blocks or more power.

What type of Camping Fridge / Coolbox do you need?

How much room do you need inside.

  • If you’ve already got a coolbox or bag, then you’ve got a starting point. Find out how many litres it holds and think back to previous trips to work out whether you had space to spare or you found it was a squeeze.
  • If you don’t have a box as a gauge, then do a pretend pack with the things you’re likely to want to take camping. Pack them into a box and measure the dimensions to get a rough idea of the space you need.
  • A family of four is probably going to need 40l or more; a couple could probably get away with 18l upwards. It depends, though, on what you like to eat, how long you’ll be away and how often you’ll be shopping for food.
  • Will you want to stand a wine or water bottle upright in the box is another question to ask yourself.
  • Don’t buy something too big, as that’s inefficient, plus you want to be able to fit it into the car and be able to lift it out when it’s full. Try to set an upper limit too, so that you can narrow down your choice.

How cool would you like to be?

  • If you’re travelling in very warm climates – the south of France or Greece, for example – your coolbox has to cope with a lot. Given that the grass set on fire in front of our tent in 47°C of heat in Corsica last year, it’s a big question for us. So, where do you do most of your camping? Will you be in Europe for the whole of the summer? Or the Yorkshire Dales for a couple of weeks at Easter? Or will it be a mixture?
  • You’ll see that unpowered and thermoelectric coolboxes are given an ‘X°C below ambient’ rating. How cool it stays inside depends on the temperature outside. The same is true of absorption coolers to a certain extent, but they’ll usually have a much better X°C figure.
  • Compressor coolboxes, on the other hand, keep a constant temperature. The trade-off is cost, so it pays to consider what you really need in terms of coolbox coolness.

What about power?

  • Now you need to think about where you’ll be camping. You’ll be able to power a coolbox or fridge while you’re driving, but will you have (or want) access to a mains supply at the site?
  • If you’re wild camping or don’t want to pay extra for a pitch with electric hook-up, then a powered box will be gradually warming up whenever it’s not being powered in the car.
  • Good insulation makes a difference here, and so does how often you open the box. Leaving a coolbox on the car’s 12v supply will drain the battery – how long that takes depends on the model of box. Some have power-saving features and cut-outs.
  • Absorption or three-way coolboxes can run on gas, but they’re probably too big to be carting around when wild camping , and replacing the gas canisters could get as wearing as constantly refreezing ice-blocks. Remember too that they really need to be cooled down completely on mains – when on 12v they’ll maintain the temperature but not get much cooler.
  • Some coolers or fridges will work on solar power, but unless you already have a solar set-up for your campervan or tent, then this is usually a complicated and expensive option.  
  • Have a look at our  guide to camping power – hook-up, portable and solar.

Worried about noise?

  • The final question may seem trivial, but do you really want a constant machine noise at night when you should be listening to owls or cicadas? And you don’t want to antagonise your neighbours on a busy campsite with the sound of your coolbox.
  • Absorption coolers are silent (though you shouldn’t sleep near them if they’re being powered by gas), compressor coolboxes hum and turn on and off as they maintain the temperature (top-end models are quite quiet), and thermoelectric boxes have constant fan noise.
  • It’s very difficult to gauge what the noise level will be. Often stores don’t have their display models plugged in. Even if they do have working ones on show, the background noise in a shop makes it hard to get a real idea. We’ve  tested a few models to check for noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use a normal fridge for camping.

The answer is, it depends. It really comes down to what type of camping you're doing and how long your trip will be. If the idea of eating cold food doesn't sound very appealing, then a regular fridge may not be for you! But if you plan on staying in one place with easy access to power sources like an RV or campsite with electricity, then using a normal refrigerator can make life much easier when enjoying nature. Keep these factors in mind before deciding whether or not to take a standard household appliance into the wilderness with you this summer!

Why are camping fridges expensive?

Camping fridges are expensive because they're typically built to be more durable than a traditional refrigerator. They'll also have the ability to operate on solar power, which means you can use them in remote locations where there's no access to electricity or running water. This type of fridge will keep your food fresh for much longer and could save you money in the long run by reducing spoilage costs. 

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How To Choose the Best 12-Volt Refrigerator for Your RV

cool travel fridge

Many people are attracted to van life because it offers freedom from traditional, crowded campgrounds. But Class B campers aren’t the only kinds of RVs that can be used for extended off-grid camping. 

Whatever RV you choose for boondocking , 12-volt refrigerators are great because they don’t require you to plug into power. You also reduce propane consumption, retaining that resource for your stovetop, oven, water heater, and any other propane-based appliances in your RV. If you’re using solar to charge your batteries, you can keep your refrigerator powered for much longer stays. 

Is a Compressor or Absorption 12-volt Refrigerator Better?

There are two different types of 12-volt camper refrigerators: absorption and compressor. We cover all the basics here , but let’s give you a brief overview. 

Absorption refrigerators typically have multiple power sources: propane, 110/120V AC, and 12VDC. They are commonly referred to as 2-way or 3-way refrigerators. 

However, if you plan to be off-grid and use your battery to power the refrigerator, you’ll want to choose a compressor-style refrigerator because it is much more efficient. You’ll also enjoy more space inside the fridge and a faster cooling time. Unlike absorption-style refrigerators, you don’t have to worry about being perfectly level for them to work properly, either. 

Types of 12-Volt RV Refrigerators

Camco electric RV fridge

For compressor-style 12-volt DC refrigerators, you can choose from upright and chest. Let’s review which might suit you best.

The most common 12V RV refrigerator style is upright, just like the one in your home and the gas-absorption refrigerators found in most modern RVs. Many prefer this style due to its organization. Once you open the door, you can see all your items for a quick selection. However, there is a downside to this style: You lose a lot of cold air each time you open the door.

This style resembles a traditional cooler , but unlike your standard roll-behind cooler, it has power, also known as an electric cooler . They are increasingly popular due to their convenient shape and added portability, giving you more layout options. 

The one major disadvantage of a chest style is convenience. You can’t always see everything inside from the top, leading to rifling through groceries to find what you need.

What Type of Fridge is Best for Camping?

technician fixing RV fridge

There isn’t one style that is best for everyone. Yes, the upright style is more organized, but the chest style is also more efficient. Your particular setup and what works best with your layout should be the deciding factor. 

If you’re replacing a gas-absorption refrigerator and want the same organization options, an upright 12-volt refrigerator is your best choice. If you have a camper van with limited space, you might like the mounting options a chest-style 12-volt refrigerator offers.

Does My Refrigerator Need to Be RV Rated?

Yes, you’ll need to be sure the refrigerator you’re using is specifically rated for RVs. You don’t want to use a standard refrigerator because it likely isn’t built to handle life on the road. RV refrigerators are built differently. They have much greater shock absorption, which helps them manage the rough ride and will ultimately last longer. 

Standard home refrigerators will still work inside an RV if you’re willing to rely on AC power from a generator or shore connection. However, these refrigerators don’t have the extra protection for the road, so longevity will always be a concern. This is another reason why RV fridges are typically more expensive. 

Factors for Choosing a 12-Volt Fridge

RV fridge full of energy drinks

If you’ve decided a compressor-style 12-volt RV mini fridge suits you, you’ll have some choices regarding size and layout. Let’s go over these in more detail to get the right one. 

Size and Storage

One of the first questions many people have when looking at refrigerators is size. What size do I need? The answer to this question varies, but factors such as how many people will use it and how long you want to stay off-grid are relevant. 

We all have different eating habits and preferences, but for a general guide, one person will need around 70 liters, and two will need around 100 liters. Chest-style refrigerators offer more space, so you can size down a bit.

If you’re replacing or upgrading an RV refrigerator, you’ll need to match your replacement to the dimensions of your current refrigerator unless you want to embark on a larger DIY conversion project. In this guide’s final section, we’ll highlight other RV refrigerator replacement tips. 

Freezer Space

If you’re unfamiliar with RV refrigerators, you may be disappointed in the lacklusterness of the RV fridge freezer. Yes, they are small but what’s most annoying is that they don’t get very cold, enough to store meat but not enough to keep ice cream from melting. In other words, if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to look for a unit with a separate adjustable freezer section. 

Energy Consumption

Chances are, if you’re considering a 12-volt RV refrigerator, you’re doing so because of its efficiency. But how do you determine which one is the most efficient? The best way is to find the manufacturer’s specified amp rating. For example, if the refrigerator has a 10 amp rating, you know you can run that refrigerator for about 10 hours with a 100 amp battery. If only the wattage rating is provided, simply divide the watt rating by the volts to get amps. 

Popular 12-Volt Refrigerator Brands for RVs and Van Life

Choosing a brand can be difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with the product. You want something affordable, well-made, and durable. If there are any issues, you want to be able to get them fixed in a timely manner. Let’s review some popular choices.

Dometic fridge

The most well-known manufacturer of RV refrigerators, Dometic, has a longstanding reputation as the leader in the industry. They offer multiple options, both upright and chest style.

everchill fridge

Everchill is a brand owned by Lippert, which is one of the leading RV suppliers in North America. They have a wide range of upright options.

GE fridge

GE is a very popular appliance manufacturer that has been around for a long time. They offer upright refrigerators in various sizes. 

Norcold fridge

A small company specializing in RV refrigerators, Norcold offers some great options and a warranty to back them up.

How Long Can You Run a 12-Volt Fridge?

12-volt RV refrigerators are extremely efficient, which is part of the reason they are so popular. With a properly equipped energy storage and management system in your RV, you can run them all day and through the night. However, variables such as the size of your battery bank and the unit’s power demands will impact just how long you can run a 12V RV refrigerator.

Let’s say your fridge draws around seven amps. To run this fridge for 24 hours, you would need about 168 amp hours (Ah). Most off-grid RVs have a battery capacity of at least 200 Ah, leaving some power for other necessities. Add a solar panel to the mix, and you’ll have even more power to spare. 

Do 12-Volt RV Refrigerators Require a Vent?

12-volt RV refrigerators must be vented for proper operation. However, compressor 12-volt refrigerators don’t require an external vent like absorption-style refrigerators. 

Instead, you’ll simply need to ensure adequate space around the fridge as specified in the owner’s manual. This means no additional holes in the outside of your RV, which can become access points for critters and pests.

Keeping Your 12-Volt Refrigerator Running

Empty RV fridge in camper van

It doesn’t matter how efficient your refrigerator is; if you don’t have a way to replenish your battery bank, you’ll eventually be left with warm and spoiled food. There are a few options for keeping your batteries charged. If you’re at a campground, you can simply plug into shore power.

However, if you are boondocking, you’ll need to use a generator, solar power, or a mix of the two. Solar is the best option since it’s sustainable and renewable but you may also need a generator for cloudy days, or for powering larger appliances like your microwave and air conditioner. 

What is the Life Expectancy of a 12-volt Refrigerator?

It’s difficult to determine the life expectancy of a 12-volt refrigerator because it is a newer technology in the RV industry. Residential compressor-style refrigerators have proven reliable, but the same cannot yet be said for 12-volt RV refrigerators. 

On the other hand, absorption-style RV refrigerators have proven their durability, with an average life expectancy of 10-15 years. It’s not uncommon to hear of some still kicking even after 25 years of service. 

If reliability is what you value most, you may want to stick with the tried-and-true absorption-style RV refrigerator . However, if you value efficiency most and the ability to use battery power for your refrigerator, it’s worth taking the dive into a 12-volt RV refrigerator. 

Installing an RV Replacement Refrigerator 

replacement-best-12-volt-rv-refrigerator-04-2024 Photo by Camping World

If you’ve decided on a 12-volt RV refrigerator replacement, there are some things you’ll need to know. For starters, you’ll want to measure the rough opening to ensure the fridge selected either matches or is less than its length, width, and depth. Because compressor-style refrigerators don’t require an external vent, you’ll also need space around the refrigerator for ventilation. It’s also a good idea to close and seal any existing exterior vents that are no longer used. 

If you have space for your new refrigerator, you can begin by removing the old one. Hopefully, it fits through the doorway, and you don’t have to remove a door or window, but be prepared for this, as it has happened before. To determine the best removal method, measure your doorway and the existing refrigerator. You’re good to go if the refrigerator is smaller than the doorway. Otherwise, you’ll need to begin removing a window or door. This is best left to a professional at one of our service centers .  

Once you have the old fridge removed and the new one in place, you’ll need to route wires from the fridge to the battery. The size of the wire and circuit protection you use is important, so be sure to reference the owner’s manual for this.

There are many benefits of adding a 12-volt refrigerator. Whether you’re looking to replace an old, non-working fridge or upgrade to a more efficient model, we hope you found this guide helpful. If a 12-volt DC refrigerator is not a good fit for you, there are plenty of other options to consider .  

Let us know in the comments below which style of RV refrigerator you prefer!

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Best 12 Volt Refrigerator Freezer For Camping & Travel 2024

top-5-portable-12v-refrigerator-freezer-for-camping-and-travel

What Is The Difference Between A 12 Volt Refrigerator & A 12V Cooler?

If you are in the market for a portable 12v fridge you’ve probably come across both 12 volt refrigerator freezers and 12v coolers.

While 12 volt coolers sound awesome and are much more budget-friendly than 12v refrigerators they don’t have the same purpose.

Related Product: Power your 12 volt fridge when camping using the .

12v coolers usually can only cool around 32 degrees colder than the temperature outside.

Many people see the number 32 degrees and think, perfect it can cool to 32 degrees. That isn’t the case though.

If it’s 80 degrees where the cooler is then it’s only going to be 48 degrees in the cooler. That’s 8 degrees higher than fridge safe temperature.

12 volt refrigerators are built more robust than 12 volt coolers and are made to keep food at fridge safe temperatures no matter how hot it is outside.

Some can even reach below freezing temperatures and can be used as a freezer.

These portable refrigerator freezers are perfect for those how camp or live out of a car, truck, or van.

They are even excellent for long road trips, you can bring snacks, store food safely and save money.

The best part is there’s no ice involved. No more food floating around in an ice water bath or having to buy ice every day.

See Also:  BougeRV CR45 Portable Fridge Freezer Reviewed For Camping/RV

In this review, I outline the unique features and rate some of the best portable camping 12 volt refrigerator freezers on the market today.

If you are looking for cold food storage options for a newly renovated van or just need an extra fridge or freezer space for your RV, you’ve come to the right place.

Table of Contents show What Is The Difference Between A 12 Volt Refrigerator & A 12V Cooler? Best 12 Volt Refrigerator Freezers Reviews 1. ARB Portable 12v Fridge Freezer 2. Whynter 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator/Freezer 3. Alpicool CF55 Portable Fridge Freezer 4. Dometic CFX 50W 12v Fridge Freezer 5. Linsion 12 Volt Refrigerator/Freezer 6. BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator & Freezer What To Look For In A 12 Volt Refrigerator Freezer My Pick For Best 12 Volt Refrigerator Freezer

ARB 10802602 Portable Fridge Freezer Model ZERO Single Zone 63QT,...

Best 12 Volt Refrigerator

Most Portable

Last update on 2024-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best 12 Volt Refrigerator Freezers Reviews

1. arb portable 12v fridge freezer.

Check Price at Amazon

The ARB portable 12 volt refrigerator freezer is one of the most heavy-duty, energy efficient, and easy to use portable fridges on the market today.

They also have lots of size and style options to fit any kind of camper or traveler.

The most popular version is the ARB Zero 12 volt fridge freezer. It’s the one I’m going to focus on the most in the review below.

The 63 quart single zone size (linked to in the picture above) is ARB’s most portable and usable for campers and travelers but they also make models from 36 quart (click to view on Amazon) to 101 quarts (click to view on Amazon) .

There’s even an extreme heavy-duty weatherproof 63 quart version (click to view on Amazon) with a stainless steel exterior and a weatherproof control panel.

There’s something for everyone with ARB, but for camping, van life, or road trips their 63-quart version is going to be a fantastic option.

It’s a good portable size while still being able to hold enough food for a few days.

I’m going to be talking about that version the most in the review below.

The outside measurements of the 63 quart size are 30 inches long, 18.5 inches wide, and 19.5 inches tall.

The interior has two wire basket compartments for dairy and regular food.

The dairy side is narrow but it’s deep enough to hold a couple 2 liter bottles of sodas and half gallon jugs of milk.

The food side is wider and longer but not quite as deep since the compressor is taking up some of that space.

The empty 63 quart version weighs 61.7 lbs.

An important feature of ARB Zero 12V fridges is the adjustable automatic battery protection system.

You can leave it plugged into your vehicle’s 12v outlet while the engine is off without worry.

The 12 volt refrigerator will continue to actively cool and shut off when your battery gets drained a certain amount.

This keeps your battery from dying or getting damaged.

It’s also very efficient. Using thick insulation and special hardware the camping fridge can maintain sub-zero temperatures in 90-degree heat.

The 63 quart version only uses 0.8 amps per hour when set at 32°F in mild temperatures.

The larger sizes of ARB Zero 12V fridges will use a little more power than the other the external temperatures are the more work the compressor has to do to keep the inside cold.

The smaller sizes can be either a fridge or a freezer and the larger sizes have two compartments and can be both a fridge and a freezer at the same time.

See Also:  Best Portable Foldable Solar Panel Chargers For Camping

The ARB is built for off-roading and getting bounced around.

The compressor is a heavy-duty Danfoss that can get the portable fridge temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

The ARB can sit at angles up to 30 degrees without being affected.

The control panel is mounted to the front and uses an LED display.

You can control the temperature settings electronically and there is an internal LED light that automatically illuminates when the fridge/freezer is opened.

The Zero 12 volt fridges are Bluetooth compatible which means you can monitor the temperatures via a smartphone and even adjust the temperature settings, the battery guard, and more.

The 12 volt refrigerator comes with a DC (12v) power cord which connects to  12/24 volt DC power outlets.

There is also an AC power cord included which plugs into any common household outlet.

You can run this portable fridge in your vehicle or at home.

As an added bonus ARB has included a USB port next to the power cables you can use to charge your phone.

Accessories

ARB has some pretty awesome accessories to make their portable refrigerators even more durable, portable, and efficient.

The ARB Protective Canvas Cover (click to view on Amazon) adds another layer of insulation and protection to your camping fridge.

If you are planning on storing your ARB fridge under a bed or in a storage compartment you can buy the ARB fridge slide (click to view on Amazon) that allows you to easily slide the fridge in and out.

There is also a custom tie-down system (click to view on Amazon) to secure the portable fridge to the slide-out or the floor or a van or truck bed.

And last but not least, if you don’t have the proper plugin for your vehicle they sell an easy to install wiring kit (click to view on Amazon) with a 20 foot 10 gauge cable.

Using this kit you can keep your fridge powered without worrying about the wiring or outlet being compatible.

You can also install it in your truck bed so you can have your fridge running without having to have it in the cab.

The ARB Portable 12v Fridge Freezer is one of the best products you can buy to keep your food at safe temperatures on any camping trip for any amount of time.

It’s easy to use, efficient and has many features that make it durable and long-lasting.

You can take it on crazy roads and park on uneven ground without having to worry about it shutting off and your food spoiling.

For keeping food cold while camping, or full time living in a van, car, or truck ARB is a fantastic way to go.

  • Heavy Duty Design
  • Battery Run Down Protection
  • Large Inner Storage
  • Can Freeze Or Refrigerate
  • Bluetooth Compatible
  • Lots Of Great Accessories
  • Dual Zone Option
  • Smartphone App Could Be Better

2. Whynter 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator/Freezer

Whynter is another great company that specializes in portable fridges and freezers.

Their 12 volt refrigerator freezer can get very cold and has some great features that make it perfect for using as a full-time RVing or camping fridge.

Whynter has a couple of different size options but their 45 quart slim fit is the perfect size for cars, trucks, or vans.

If you prefer a version with fewer features they also sell the 45 quart FM-45G (click to view on Amazon) and a 34 quart version

If you want to go bigger and better there is the 62 quart dual-zone portable fridge and freezer (click to view on Amazon) .

The dual zone is cool because it has two separate compartments for a freezer and a fridge.

If you live full-time in a van, car, or truck and have extra space, the dual-zone is more convenient.

Wynter also sells a regular 65 quart portable fridge (click to view on Amazon) with almost all the features of the 45 quart portable refrigerator.

The slim fit 45 quart Whynter 12 volt refrigerator freezer is 27 inches wide, 14.5 inches long, and 20 inches tall.

The inner compartment measures 21 inches wide, 10 inches long, and 15 inches tall.

It’s the perfect size for storing in a truck bed or under a counter or bed in a van.

The total weight when empty is 52 lbs.

The Whynter FM-452SG or “Sim Fit” is portable and small in size but has the features of a larger 12 volt refrigerator.

It can reach temperatures as low as -8 degrees Fahrenheit and an alarm sounds if the lid is open for more than 60 seconds.

There are two removable wire baskets and an interior light.

Everything is controlled by a small LED screen and buttons on the front of the fridge.

There is also a “fast freeze” mode which will get the freezer down to -8 Fahrenheit as fast as possible. The screen also has a battery power indicator.

See Also:  Best Portable Power Station/Solar Generator For Camping

The lid opens longways so you can easily get food in and out of it. There are two small metal handles on each side and you can lock the fridge as well.

Because it’s meant to go on camping trips and rough roads, the fridge can work like normal up to a 30-degree angle.

The body of the fridge is made with a powder coated steel outer shell and has a drain plug for easy cleaning.

It comes with a 12 volt DC plug and an AC plugin for a normal household outlet. You can plug them both in at the same time.

When there is AC power the fridge will draw power from that when the power is lost it will switch over to the DC power source.

There is no battery run-down safety feature on this unit, so be careful when you have it plugged into your vehicle. You could potentially end up with a dead battery.

This 12 volt fridge uses up to 70 watts while running.

Whynter sells transit bags (click to view on Amazon) for almost all their portable refrigerators/freezers to help protect and insulate.

Unfortunately, there isn’t one for the slim model.

The Whynter 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator/Freezer is an excellent camping fridge or freezer you can use in any kind of vehicle including vans, semi trucks, and campers.

Its shape and metal body make it perfect for having inside a vehicle or under a bed or counter in a van.

I don’t think it would be as good as some of the others for a truck bed but if you secure it right it will be fine.

If you want a 12 volt portable freezer then this is one of the best you can buy. It gets down to sub-zero temperatures and is well insulated.

  • Gets down to -8 Fahrenheit
  • Fast Freeze Mode
  • Can be plugged into AC and DC at the same time
  • Best For Using Inside Vehicle
  • No Low Battery Shut Off

3. Alpicool CF55 Portable Fridge Freezer

Alpicool makes a traditional cooler style portable refrigerator freezer with a few unique features. They sell multiple sizes in their CF (car fridge) series.

Normally for a car, van or truck would recommend the 48 quarts (click to view on Amazon) size but the 58 quart size is the same height as all the other car fridges in this review and will fit in a covered truck bed.

They also have a smaller 37 quarts (click to view on Amazon) portable fridge if you want something even smaller.

The 58 quart Alpicool 12 volt car refrigerator measures 27.2 inches long, 13.6 inches wide, and 20.6 inches tall.

Like all chest style 12 volt fridges there is one main compartment with a basket and a smaller dairy compartment that sits over the compressor.

The large compartment is 10.3 inches wide, 12.9 inches long., and 17 inches tall.

The smaller compartment is 10.3 inches wide, 6.5 inches long, and 10.5 inches tall. If you measure using soda cans it can fit 60 of them.

When empty the entire unit only weighs 35 lbs which is pretty lightweight for the size.

The Alpicool’s use an LCD display to adjust the temperature. There is also a built-in interior LED light.

This portable camping fridge can also be used as a freezer and can reach temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit.

Like the ARB Portable 12v Fridge Freezer (click to view on Amazon) reviewed above the Alpicool has a built in battery protection system to stop it from running down or going dead.

See Also:  Best 12V TV For RVs, Vans, Boats & Campers

There are large plastic carry handles on each side and it opens long ways.

The portable fridge can run at angles up to 45 degrees, which is more than the other 12 volt refrigerators in this review.

Alpicool has made a very efficient low power consuming 12 volt fridge, the power rating is only 45 watts.

The other portable fridges on this list use around 70 to 80 watts to start up. This one only uses 45 watts, which makes it good for solar set ups and solar generators.

It can run on DC (12 volt/24 volt battery) power and AC power. Each kind of power cord is included with purchase.

There is also an ECO mode you can turn on to save even more energy.

Unfortunately, Alpicool doesn’t sell any covers or additional products that work with its 12 volt refrigerators.

The Alpicool CF55 Portable Fridge Freezer is very lightweight for its size and uses very little power for how cold it can get.

It’s going to be a great option for people who have limited power and don’t turn on their vehicles very often.

It’s also a fantastic choice for solar set ups and using with solar generators like these ( click to view ).

Alpicool added a lot of cool extra features like the inner LED light and being able to run even at 45 degrees.

All of these things make this an excellent portable 12 volt refrigerator freezer.

  • Low Power Consumption
  • Lightweight
  • Battery Protection System
  • Lower Quality Exterior (Not Made For Outdoor Use)

4. Dometic CFX 50W 12v Fridge Freezer

In the world of travelers and campers Dometic is a well-known name.

They make a wide variety of camping appliances and gear and their products can be found in RVs, travel trailers, and vans.

So of course they make a portable 12 volt refrigerator freezer that is widely used among all kinds of campers and travelers.

Dometic has a bunch of different 12 volt refrigerators but one of their best for running with a car battery when traveling or camping is the CFX 50W.

That’s the size I’m going to focus on the most in this review.

Dometic also makes smaller versions like the CFX 40W (click to view on Amazon) if you don’t have room for the CFX 50W.

If you are planning on using a Dometic for full-time living in a van, car, or truck and you have space the CFX 75 DZW (click to view on Amazon) is also a really good option because there are separate fridge and a freezer compartments.

With the CFX 75 you can have frozen food and cold food at the same time, not either-or like most other car fridge freezers.

It’s versatile and convenient but heavy, weighing 70 lbs and it’s big, measuring 37.6 inches long.

Because space is usually limited in a vehicle especially when packed down with camping gear I like the CFX 50W.

It has some fantastic features and doesn’t take up a ton of space.

The CFX 50W is a 49 quart fridge. Its outer measurements are 28.5 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 18.5 inches tall.

It will fit in a covered truck bed with room to spare.

There are two inner compartments. The large one is 13 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 14.6 inches tall.

The smaller compartment over the compressor is 6.5 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 6.75 inches tall.

When empty the entire camping fridge weighs 45 lbs.

The Dometic fridges can reach temperatures as low as -7 Fahrenheit.

It can be controlled by buttons and the LCD screen on the side or with an app on your phone when connected to wifi. It also has an inner LED light.

The body is made of durable plastic for holding up against travel and rough roads.

There is a robust handle on either side for easy lifting. There is also a drain hole for cleaning and it can run normally at an angle up to 30 degrees.

This is a great 12 volt refrigerator for storing in a truck bed much like the durable ARB fridges reviewed at the beginning of this article.

See Also:  Best Small Portable Propane Heater For Indoor & RV Use

The Dometic 12 volt refrigerator has a built in battery protection system which will shut down the fridge before the battery dies which is a great feature to have if you plan on powering it with your vehicle’s battery.

The CFX 50W is true to its name and runs on up to 50 watts of power. It can use AC or DC (12 volt) power and comes with a power cord for each kind.

There is even a USB port on the fridge you can use to charge your phone.

Because Dometic knows travel and the camping life they have an optional heavy-duty insulated cover (click to view on Amazon) you can buy for any of their portable fridge freezers.

The cover has storage pockets which includes a phone pocket for when you are using the USB port.

Because some of the portable fridges can weigh up to 70 lbs you may want to get some slide mounts (click to view on Amazon) .

You can store it under a bed or in an outer storage compartment and access it easily with the slide mounts.

The Dometic CFX 50W 12v Fridge Freezer and any of the other Dometic fridges are popular because of their quality and unique features.

They are perfect for full-time van life or even just a weekend camp trip.

Some people even use them as an extra freezer in their travel trailers and RVs. Whatever your portable fridge needs are, Dometic has you covered.

  • Wifi Controls Via Smartphone
  • Energy Efficient
  • Multiple Size Options
  • Great Accessories
  • Very Premium Option

5. Linsion 12 Volt Refrigerator/Freezer

Linsion makes a budget-friendly portable 12 volt fridge/freezer that can get down to very low temperatures and has the features of a higher end fridge.

There are just two sizes of this 12 volt car fridge available 42 quart (click to view on Amazon) and 54 quart (click to view on Amazon) .

The 54 quart fridge is very portable and will fit in a truck bed under a cover.

The outer measurements are 22.8 inches long, 14.3 inches wide, and 20.4 inches tall.

There are two inner compartments the larger one is 11.8 inches long, 11.2 inches wide, and 17.2 inches tall.

The smaller compartment is 2.6 inches long, 11.2 inches wide, and 10.9 inches tall.

The Linsion can reach temperatures as low as -13 Fahrenheit. Everything is controlled by an LCD panel with an ECO and MAX mode.

See also:  Top 5 Propane Camping Stoves – From Small To Large

It has built in battery protection at different levels. H3 (High), H2(medium), and H1 (low).

The portable refrigerator has vibration protection and can run at angles up to 45 degrees. When empty it weighs 44 lbs.

It can run on DC (12v) or AC power and each kind of power cables are included with purchase. The highest watts used is 72 but it’s rated for 40 watts.

Unfortunately, there are no insulated covers or accessories for Linsion car refrigerators.

The Linsion 12 Volt Refrigerator/Freezer is a great little budget-friendly camping or travel refrigerator.

It’s simple, has built-in battery protection, and doesn’t draw a lot of power.

If you need something to keep your food cold on your next weekend out then this is going to be a great choice.

  • Budget-Friendly
  • Gets Down To -14 Fahrenheit
  • Built-In Battery Protection
  • Limited Size Options

6. BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator & Freezer

BougeRV has recently rolled out a new line of portable 12 volt car refrigerators that can also be used as a freezer or both at the same time.

They have a lot of awesome features that make them perfect for every kind of camper and traveler.

I actually own this 12 volt fridge and was able to do a full review of it you can check out here.

There are three size options that are measured by their liter capacity. There’s a 35, 45, and 55 option.

The one I’ll be talking about in this review is the middle 45 liter options.

It measures 28 inches long, 18.5 inches wide, and 20 inches tall.

The total weight is 40.5 lbs but it gets much heavier when you fill it up.

There are two inner compartments. One large that measures 15 1/2 inches tall, 10 1/4 inches wide, and 12 inches deep.

The smallest is 8 1/2 inches tall, 7 3/4 inches wide, and 12 inches deep.

There’s a lot to go over when it comes to the many features of this robust 12 volt fridge/freezer.

First, on the outside, it has a durable body built with thick heavy-duty plastic.

It’s easy to carry this fridge around when it’s empty via the large front handle and the small back one.

When it’s full you can drag it around by the two wheels attached to the back.

The large front handle is as wide as the body of the fridge and it can even extend out to make it easier to pull.

The lid is also made of thick plastic. It’s heavy duty enough to sit on without sagging. Inside there’s a small built in cutting board BougeRV has included.

The lid is fully removable and you can actually change the side that hinges easily.

Inside there are the two different sizes of compartments that are sealed separately. Inside each one is a wire basket you can use to access the food inside easier.

Both compartments can reach temperatures between 68 and -4 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can make both compartments a freezer, a fridge, or have each one set to different temperatures.

There are three levels of battery protection built in so you don’t accidentally kill the 12 volt battery that’s powering the fridge.

On the front, there’s a small LCD screen you can use to control everything the fridge can do. That includes the temperature and battery protection levels.

There’s also an app you can download on your smartphone to control the fridge via Bluetooth.

I use the app almost every day to check the temperatures inside to make sure everything’s working as it should.

The CR line of BougeRV fridge/freezers can be powered via a 12 volt plug or with a 120 volt AC plug.

To campers and travelers, power usage is probably the most important part of any portable fridge.

When we set the large compartment to fridge temperatures and the small compartment to freezer temperatures it used 410 watts in 24 hours with food inside in moderate ambient temperatures.

You can find more specific power usage in the review linked to above.

So far there are no covers specifically made for the CR line of BougeRV portable fridges.

The optional battery that fits inside a compartment in the fridge will become available later this year.

I’ve been very impressed with the BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator & Freezer . We’ve been using it in our RV as an extra freezer for a few months now.

It lives in one of the lower storage compartments and we’ve been powering it with AC power since we are currently close to hookups.

It’s been working fantastic, even in high temperatures, and it freezes food even better than our RV freezer.

I really like that I can check the current inner temperatures with just my phone and it runs so quiet that we can’t hear it inside our RV.

We did try to use it a little bit with a solar panel and power station.

The performance was the same but I recommend having at least a 1000 watt power station or battery to run it if you plan on using it full time.

The power usage over 24 hours doesn’t sound like much but when you are depending on the sun for power the watts can really add up.

  • Will Freeze Food
  • Optional Built In Battery
  • Wheels & Telescopic Handle
  • Two Compartments
  • Smartphone App
  • Moderate Power Usage

12 volt refrigerators are great for van life or car camping

What To Look For In A 12 Volt Refrigerator Freezer

The first thing you need to think about is how much space do you have in your van, car, or truck.

This will be a huge factor when choosing a portable fridge because they come in all shapes and sizes.

Also, you need to have room for the compressor vent because restricted airflow can damage it.

Some of the 12 volt refrigerators have optional sliders you can buy that you bolt to the floor.

They can be used to easily slide the fridge in and out from under a bed, counter, seat, or an outer storage area.

It will even work in the trunk of an SUV or truck bed.

If you are planning on storing your camping fridge in a truck bed under a cover make sure you measure how much space there is.

Some of the larger portable refrigerators are tall and won’t fit under a low truck bed cover.

Battery Power

If you are planning on camping where it’s going to be very hot and the sun will be shining on your vehicle you may want to place the portable refrigerator in a cool shaded area.

It can get very hot in vehicles and super high temperatures can make it hard for any refrigerator to stay cool.

It has to work harder which can drain your battery faster and even damage the compressor.

50 watts doesn’t seem like much and if you have a large battery being charged with a solar panel you should be ok.

But make sure you keep an eye on it. If you have a few shady days things can start getting low and you don’t want your fridge running out of power and ruining your food.

If you want to read more about amps, watts, voltage, and what it all means. Check out this article.

Some of these 12 volt refrigerators are built to be used more long term than others.

Any of these portable fridges will be amazing for a weekend or even a month.

If you plan on using it full time make sure you get something that will last.

My Pick For Best 12 Volt Refrigerator Freezer

Dometic CFX 50W 12v Fridge/Freezer

I have to hand it to Dometic, they’ve done a fantastic job with their line of 12 volt refrigerators/freezers.

Not only does it have built-in battery protection you can monitor and control the inner temperature of it from your phone.

They even added a handy USB port for charging electronics.

There’s a high-quality insulated cover (click to view on Amazon) available for added protection and insulation.

If you prefer a freezer and a fridge (click to view on Amazon) there’s one of those too.

Basically, with Dometic refrigerators, you get a lot of options, bang for your buck, and peace of mind because you are buying from a brand that knows travel and camping gear inside and out.

Have any questions about 12 volt refrigerator freezers? Leave a comment below.

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bodega portable fridge

🚚KEEP FOOD FRESH AND BEVERAGE COLD ON THE ROAD🚐

BODEGA Cooler is a mature and dynamic brand focused on refrigeration products.

We focus on designs and manufactures  car fridges  for RVers, van owners, overlanders, truck owners and the outdoor communities to keep their food fresh and beverage cold on the road.  BODEGA Cooler also specializes in wine coolers . Our wine coolers are engineered to maintain a consistent temperature range and provide a safe and optimal environment for storing and aging wine. With an all-round and high-quality product, thoughtful service, BODEGA Cooler is a trusted brand in the world of coolers and refrigeration.

Bodega will be with you as you travel home and on the road.

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RV portable fridge R50

BODEGA 12 Volt RV Refrigerator 45L(1.6cu.ft)/65L(2.3cu.ft.) RV Fridge and Freezer

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Review of the BODEGAcooler T50 Portable Freezer

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Electric & Non-Electric Cool Box & Bags

Halfords cool boxes are the ultimate camping companions, keeping your food and drinks cool throughout your adventure. Discover our collection of useful cool bags, perfect for picnics, and explore our range of electric cool boxes, ideal for longer journeys.

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Includes:   Halfords 24 Litre 12V Electric Coolbox ,  Halfords Coolbox Mains To 12V Accessory Adaptor  and  Halfords Medium Ice Pack x2

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Cool Bags and Cool Boxes from Halfords

Raise a toast to the cool bag. These cool camping accessories keep food and drink ice-cold, whatever the weather. Store your beer, burgers and butter in one of these beauties and you’ll be a happy camper.

At Halfords, we’ve got coolboxes and cool bags perfect for outdoor adventures. Our standard coolboxes use freezer boards to keep food and drink fresh. Imagine your own camping fridge, keeping drinks cold on a hot day, or storing your food safely before you cook up a storm. They aren’t the only cool box option though.

Electric coolboxes

Electric coolboxes use the 12v power from your car to keep things cool. If you’re heading away for a longer journey, perhaps for anything from a few days to a few weeks, then these devices are perfect for you - and larger capacity electric coolboxes are better suited to longer trips.

However, if you’re only off for a picnic or a few days of camping, then a standard ice box should be perfect. Ultimately, cool boxes can make for an excellent addition to your arsenal of camping equipment , and could well make your shopping list when you’re identifying the camping essentials.

Why shop at Halfords?

At Halfords, we’ve got coolers from reputable brands such as Coleman, Cricket Cooler and Navigate, as well as our own Halfords’ brand coolboxes. In stock, we have a massive range of camping equipment and accessories perfect for every trip. All of our camping essentials can be purchased online with free home delivery when you spend over £20 and options to spread the cost. No matter where you’re going and how you’re travelling, stock up at Halfords.

If you’re in a hurry, use our Click & Collect service and your new coolbox will be ready to pick up the next day at your choice of Halfords store.

Cool off with a refreshing beverage from the Xbox Series X mini fridge this Memorial Day weekend, now under $40 Walmart

Get your fridge on

A price cut on the Xbox mini fridge.

This deal isn’t exactly a show-stopping discount on the Xbox Series X, but it’s definitely the next best thing. The hilarious yet practical Xbox Series X mini fridge has had its price slashed in the Memorial Day sales , giving you the chance to cool off with a refreshing drink for less.

• Shop Amazon's full Memorial Day sale

Right now you can pick up the Xbox Series X mini fridge for just $39.94 (was $88) at Walmart. That’s a massive saving of $48.06 and one of the lowest-ever prices that we've seen this particular product reach. 

Designed to imitate the look of the already quite fridge-like Xbox Series X, the Xbox Series X mini fridge is a great choice if you’re looking for a funny gaming gift or simply a good way to keep your drinks cool on hot days while showing your loyalty to Team Green.

Today's best Xbox Series X mini fridge deal

Xbox Series X mini fridge: $88 $39.94 at Walmart

Xbox Series X mini fridge: was $88 now $39.94 at Walmart This is a great discount on a novelty fridge designed to look like the Xbox Series X. It's officially licensed and looks remarkably similar to the console itself, making it the perfect addition to your gaming setup if you love chowing down on a cold snack or sipping a cool drink while you play. 

A novelty mini fridge designed to look like the Xbox Series X,  this could be a worthwhile investment before summer gets into full swing. With space for eight cans of drink, plus a dedicated snack shelf, you're going to be able to store quite a few beverages in this bad boy. The mini fridge also boasts an authentic light-up Xbox logo, in addition to a handy USB port that can be used to charge your phone or peripherals. 

Not in the US but still craving a cold beverage? You can look for some Xbox mini fridge deals in your region below.

Shop more Memorial Day sales

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Dash is a technology journalist who covers gaming hardware at TechRadar. Before joining the TechRadar team, he was a print journalist writing articles for some of the UK's biggest gaming magazines such as PLAY, Edge, PC Gamer, and SFX. Now, when he's not getting his greasy little mitts on the newest hardware or gaming gadget, he can be found feverishly devouring the latest Nintendo Switch otome.

This fantastic Asus ROG Cetra gaming earbuds deal is back for the Memorial Day sales - and they still come with a free copy of Ghostunner 2

I am once again recommending the Nitro Deck during the Memorial Day sales period

Best Walmart Memorial Day sales 2024: 13 great deals on products we rate at least 4 stars out of 5

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17 budget-friendly ways to keep yourself (and your home) cool in the summer

Posted: May 26, 2024 | Last updated: May 26, 2024

<p>The dog days of summer have officially arrived, and folks worldwide have been dealing with record-high temperatures since June. And whether you live in an area where it regularly gets hot in the summer, or you're dealing with an unexpected heat wave, one thing's for certain: nobody wants to sweat in their own home. </p><p>Flip through the slideshow for 17 budget-friendly ways to keep your home — and yourself — cool this summer. From DIY pools to easy household upgrades, these tips can help you conserve energy, save cash, and stay cool on even the hottest days of the year. </p>

The dog days of summer have officially arrived, and folks worldwide have been dealing with record-high temperatures since June. And whether you live in an area where it regularly gets hot in the summer, or you're dealing with an unexpected heat wave, one thing's for certain: nobody wants to sweat in their own home. 

Flip through the slideshow for 17 budget-friendly ways to keep your home — and yourself — cool this summer. From DIY pools to easy household upgrades, these tips can help you conserve energy, save cash, and stay cool on even the hottest days of the year. 

<p>If you find that you've got a door that's letting in warm air or a leaky window, consider using caulk or weather stripping to seal up those areas to both make your home more energy-efficient and keep it cooler. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/the_14_most_beautiful_beach_towns_on_the_west_coast/s1__38578337'>The 14 most beautiful beach towns on the West Coast</a></p>

Check your home for insulation issues

If you find that you've got a door that's letting in warm air or a leaky window, consider using caulk or weather stripping to seal up those areas to both make your home more energy-efficient and keep it cooler. 

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<p>They may not always be the most fashionable, but many discount retailers sell blackout curtains that will block the sun's rays and keep your home cooler in the process. If you're willing to splurge, though, you can definitely find some heavy, light-blocking drapes in a style you love. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

Buy cheap blackout curtains

They may not always be the most fashionable, but many discount retailers sell blackout curtains that will block the sun's rays and keep your home cooler in the process. If you're willing to splurge, though, you can definitely find some heavy, light-blocking drapes in a style you love. 

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<p>If your home has a lot of windows, simply closing the blinds can make a major difference in how much the sun warms your home. Even just keeping them shut during the sunniest times of the day will make a big difference. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/18_ways_to_keep_your_kids_busy_indoors_during_the_summer_heat/s1__39042358'>18 ways to keep your kids busy indoors during the summer heat</a></p>

Close the blinds

If your home has a lot of windows, simply closing the blinds can make a major difference in how much the sun warms your home. Even just keeping them shut during the sunniest times of the day will make a big difference. 

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<p>When you're done gardening or doing pilates, few things feel more refreshing than a spritz of cool water. Store a small spray bottle in the fridge, and mist yourself in those moments when you're feeling a little too hot. Adding a few cucumber slices to the water makes this ritual feel a little luxurious, too. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

Store a spray bottle of water in the fridge

When you're done gardening or doing pilates, few things feel more refreshing than a spritz of cool water. Store a small spray bottle in the fridge, and mist yourself in those moments when you're feeling a little too hot. Adding a few cucumber slices to the water makes this ritual feel a little luxurious, too. 

<p>Make sure your ceiling fans are spinning counter-clockwise, ensuring that your spaces stay cooler instead of drawing all the breezy air up toward the ceiling. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/22_meals_perfect_for_following_mediterranean_diet/s1__38389200'>22 meals perfect for following Mediterranean diet</a></p>

Make sure your ceiling fans are spinning in the right direction

Make sure your ceiling fans are spinning counter-clockwise, ensuring that your spaces stay cooler instead of drawing all the breezy air up toward the ceiling. 

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<p>Fans don't actually make rooms cooler, but they do make them feel cooler, which means that you can crank up the thermostat a few more degrees without worrying about breaking a sweat. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

...and consider adding more fans throughout the home

Fans don't actually make rooms cooler, but they do make them feel cooler, which means that you can crank up the thermostat a few more degrees without worrying about breaking a sweat. 

<p>Although it seems like a smart way to conserve energy, turning off the air conditioning while you're out isn't actually the best idea. You'll spend more energy trying to cool the house back down from those higher temps, and risk putting strain on your A/C unit. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/11_most_scenic_pacific_northwest_road_trips/s1__38393677'>11 most scenic Pacific Northwest road trips</a></p>

Don't turn your air conditioner off when you leave home

Although it seems like a smart way to conserve energy, turning off the air conditioning while you're out isn't actually the best idea. You'll spend more energy trying to cool the house back down from those higher temps, and risk putting strain on your A/C unit. 

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<p>To make sure your air conditioner is running at peak efficiency, have it evaluated by a professional. Many air conditioning companies offer free consultations, and though they're often accompanied by a sales pitch, you're not obligated to buy anything. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

Have your air conditioner checked out by a professional

To make sure your air conditioner is running at peak efficiency, have it evaluated by a professional. Many air conditioning companies offer free consultations, and though they're often accompanied by a sales pitch, you're not obligated to buy anything. 

<p>If you need to scrub the floors or hit the home gym, consider getting up early — or staying up late — to get those things knocked off your to-do list without having to crank up the air conditioning. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/15_things_you_must_do_in_costa_rica/s1__38385824'>15 things you must do in Costa Rica</a></p>

Save exercise and chores for the cooler hours

If you need to scrub the floors or hit the home gym, consider getting up early — or staying up late — to get those things knocked off your to-do list without having to crank up the air conditioning. 

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<p>Many people like their homes a little cooler at night for better sleep, but you don't necessarily need to crank down the air conditioning to make that happen. Sleep in breezy, cotton pajamas, turn on a fan, and swap your heavy comforter for a light cotton blanket for better rest — and a lower electric bill. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

Keep clothing (and blankets) light

Many people like their homes a little cooler at night for better sleep, but you don't necessarily need to crank down the air conditioning to make that happen. Sleep in breezy, cotton pajamas, turn on a fan, and swap your heavy comforter for a light cotton blanket for better rest — and a lower electric bill. 

<p>Staying hydrated in the summer is crucial, especially if you plan to be in the outdoors. But a nice glass of ice water can really cool you down indoors, too. Consider investing in an insulated mug to keep your drink chilly all day long. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/12_things_that_will_surprise_you_at_european_restaurants/s1__38269648'>12 things that will surprise you at European restaurants</a></p>

Drink lots of cold, refreshing water

Staying hydrated in the summer is crucial, especially if you plan to be in the outdoors. But a nice glass of ice water can really cool you down indoors, too. Consider investing in an insulated mug to keep your drink chilly all day long. 

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<p>For those days when it's too hot to enjoy the great outdoors without a little assistance, mister fans are a huge help. They're also relatively inexpensive, ranging from $20 to $100, and can make your patio or deck much more enjoyable during the dog days of summer. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

Score an inexpensive mister fan for your patio

For those days when it's too hot to enjoy the great outdoors without a little assistance, mister fans are a huge help. They're also relatively inexpensive, ranging from $20 to $100, and can make your patio or deck much more enjoyable during the dog days of summer. 

<p>Sometimes, you just need to take a dip during summer's hottest days, but buying and maintaining a pool is an expensive hassle. Stock tank pools have risen in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They're inexpensive and easy to make, and offer a nice respite on brutally hot days. Check out this <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/diy-stock-tank-pool-7373093">DIY tutorial</a> for more tips. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/20_of_the_best_road_trips_in_europe/s1__39980483'>20 of the best road trips in Europe</a></p>

Consider making a DIY stock tank pool

Sometimes, you just need to take a dip during summer's hottest days, but buying and maintaining a pool is an expensive hassle. Stock tank pools have risen in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They're inexpensive and easy to make, and offer a nice respite on brutally hot days. Check out this DIY tutorial for more tips. 

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<p>It might sound inconsequential, but traditional incandescent light bulbs can put off a ton of heat, especially in smaller spaces. They're also about to be phased out of the market due to new regulations, so now's a great time to swap to more energy-efficient (and cooler) LED bulbs. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

Swap out your lightbulbs

It might sound inconsequential, but traditional incandescent light bulbs can put off a ton of heat, especially in smaller spaces. They're also about to be phased out of the market due to new regulations, so now's a great time to swap to more energy-efficient (and cooler) LED bulbs. 

<p>Hot showers are definitely the best, but summertime demands a cooler rinse. Turn down the temperature just a few degrees, and you'll be surprised at how much less red-faced you are after showering. And, whenever you're feeling overheated, a cool shower is the definition of refreshing. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/add_these_20_unusual_us_destinations_to_your_travel_bucket_list/s1__38830856'>Add these 20 unusual U.S. destinations to your travel bucket list</a></p>

Take cooler showers

Hot showers are definitely the best, but summertime demands a cooler rinse. Turn down the temperature just a few degrees, and you'll be surprised at how much less red-faced you are after showering. And, whenever you're feeling overheated, a cool shower is the definition of refreshing. 

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<p>Not surprisingly, cranking up the oven to bake a pizza at 400 degrees will definitely heat up your home. Stick to crock pot meals on really hot days, or order takeout — nobody should have to cook when it's this hot outside. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

Use the oven less

Not surprisingly, cranking up the oven to bake a pizza at 400 degrees will definitely heat up your home. Stick to crock pot meals on really hot days, or order takeout — nobody should have to cook when it's this hot outside. 

<p>Washing machines, dryers, and other large appliances can give off substantial amounts of heat. Do your laundry late at night, or consider taking advantage of the warm weather and drying some of your clothing outdoors on a clothesline. You'll save energy, keep the house cooler, and your clothes will smell great. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

...and other major appliances

Washing machines, dryers, and other large appliances can give off substantial amounts of heat. Do your laundry late at night, or consider taking advantage of the warm weather and drying some of your clothing outdoors on a clothesline. You'll save energy, keep the house cooler, and your clothes will smell great. 

Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

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The Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers

Say goodbye to night sweats and hello to blissfully cool sleep.

the best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Which mattress is best for cooling? Our top-tested pick is the Purple Mattress . Users consistently praise it (and its hybrid variations) for its cool, breathable nature and highlight its unique springy yet cradling feel. If you're hoping to spend under $1,000, we recommend Tuft & Needle's Original Mattress .

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've vetted hundreds of mattresses, including many with cooling features. We assess everything from materials and construction to brand policies before working with hundreds of at-home consumer testers to directly evaluate new and popular models. Plus, we routinely survey our larger tester panel on beds they already own to see which cooling mattresses consistently outperform the rest. To find the best cooling mattresses, we combed through data from over 100 different consumer testers and more than 10,000 mattress owners .

  • Best Overall Cooling Mattress: Purple Mattress
  • Best Value Cooling Mattress: Tuft & Needle T&N Original Mattress
  • Most Popular Cooling Mattress on Amazon: Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress
  • Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers: Casper Snow Mattress
  • Best Luxury Cooling Mattress: Tempur-Pedic Tempur LuxeBreeze Mattress
  • Best Soft Cooling Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling
  • Most Breathable Cooling Mattress: Saatva Classic Mattress
  • Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress: Serta Arctic Hybrid Mattress
  • Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain: Nolah Original 10”
  • Best Adjustable Cooling Mattress: Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed

Purple Mattress

Mattress

It's hard to find a mattress as breathable as one from Purple. Unlike memory foam which doesn't have much ventilation, this pick uses a unique, grid-shaped elastic top layer that is airy yet still supportive. Purple's GelFlex Grid has a one-of-a-kind texture with a squishy quality that feels both responsive and pressure-relieving, making it great for anyone who wants to try something new.

How it cools: While it doesn't have extra cooling technology, the breathable construction helps prevent overheating caused by lying directly on foam. The squishy grid also lies directly under your body for optimal ventilation.

Tester notes: Our testers and panelists highlighted how it felt noticeably cooler than other beds they've slept on. A few even called it "too cool" in the winter. The unique texture won over many, including one user who told us, "It's 'springy' and conforms to my body while still being supportive."

Some testers also appreciated how the bouncy layer had good motion isolation, and others said it feels like a perfect balance of soft and firm. Still, several reviewers found that the delivery took longer than they expected.

Tuft & Needle T&N Original Mattress

T&N Original Mattress

This foam mattress is a total steal and has built-in features to help prevent overheating at night. It's ideal for those who like the contouring feel of a memory foam bed without getting too hot or stuffy at night . While it may feel as cool as pricier models, it offers a good level of cooling for the price.

The boxed configuration is also convenient, meaning you can order it online and set it up once you're ready, without needing to schedule a delivery.

How it cools: The breathable open-cell foam is embedded with graphite and gel to help draw away heat from your body.

Tester notes: The majority of our panel told us they were able to maintain a comfortable body temperature while sleeping on their Tuft & Needle mattresses. One hot sleeper shared, "I have insomnia, and I have slept better on this mattress than any other mattress." Others also highlighted the easy setup and how their partners couldn't feel them move around in bed. The main call-out is that there isn't as much edge support, meaning it may sag when you sit on the side of the mattress.

Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Not only does this cooling mattress have more than 35,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, but it's also a fraction of the cost of other mattresses on our list. Plus, it arrives at your house within days of ordering and there are several heights to choose from (ranging between 6 inches to 12 inches ).

How it cools: There's a layer of gel-infused memory foam at the top, which helps draw heat away from your body and its open-cell structure makes it more breathable.

Tester notes: Users found it to be comfortable to sleep on and said it didn't cause any overheating. One even reported experiencing less back pain and another called the bed "easy to order, not expensive, easy to set up [and] just as comfortable and good-quality as expensive mattresses."

Our most recent tester for this model also gave it a perfect score when we asked if they stayed at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. Though it didn't fully take shape after opening in our review, and it doesn't feel as luxurious as pricier models, it's still a great option if you're hoping to spend less and shop on Amazon.

Casper Snow Mattress

Snow Mattress

Casper's Snow Mattress adds advanced cooling technology to a classic foam hybrid. It's got the cushiony, pressure-relieving feel you'd expect, with a versatile medium firmness. Plus, if you're a side sleeper, this pick isn't too firm to help keep your spine aligned.

How it cools: Featuring a cool-to-the-touch cover, Phase Change Material (PCM), cooling gel and HeatDelete bands over pocketed coils, it's designed to pull away excess heat from your body, but still has the textbook cradling feel of memory foam.

Tester notes: Casper recently re-launched its entire mattress line-up, and our consumer testers for this updated model have been happy so far. "It's soft enough, yet provides great support and conforms to my rapidly aging body," noted one tester. "Even after a workout, walk or yard work, I don't feel as stiff and sore getting out of bed as I have in the past." Others called Casper's cooling features "extremely noticeable" and noted huge differences in their sleep quality.

Though it has a medium firmness rating, some said they were surprised that it was softer than expected — which may actually be a benefit for side sleepers.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur LuxeBreeze Mattress

Tempur LuxeBreeze Mattress

While most cooling mattresses simply feel cool to the touch, this innovative mattress uses unique Phase Change Technology that's been tested to keep you feeling up to 10 degrees cooler than usual all night. It's expensive, but if you're willing to invest in a top-quality mattress with proven cooling capabilities, the LuxeBreeze is one of the best. Plus, it's made with Tempur-Pedic's famous high-quality foam.

The brand also offers the ProBreeze mattress , which keeps you up to 5 degrees cooler instead of 10 at a lower price.

How it cools: Under its cool-to-the-touch cover, various layers are designed to absorb, diffuse and disperse heat, thanks to its Phase Change Technology. The popular medium hybrid option also adds coils for more breathability.

Tester notes: The brand recently re-engineered this mattress, upgrading from an 8-degree cooler sleep to a 10-degree cooler sleep, and it's proven more than exceptional in our tests. Testers praised the noticeably cold feel and how they don't feel their partners moving as they do on other foam mattresses. Our most recent tester shared, "I’m not overheating throughout the night as often (if ever!), which used to happen pretty frequently [on my old mattress]."

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling

Aurora Luxe Cooling

Most soft mattresses use memory foam, which is known to retain heat, but this one is designed to pull heat away from your body. It has a cool-to-the-touch cover (that our testers loved) along with excellent pressure relief and cushiony comfort. The Euro-top provides a nice touch that lives up to the 'Luxe' name.

How it cools: Under the cool-to-the-touch cover, the mattress uses layers of foam infused with Phase Change Material (PCM) over breathable coils for added air flow.

Tester notes: Many hybrid beds claim to sleep cool, but this one proved noticeably cooler over time compared to similar models, according to our testers and panelists. "The cooling technology is far better than our old mattress," said one user.

Others also commented on the plush feel. One Textiles Lab analyst described her medium version as having "a cloud-like feel that relieves pressure around my shoulders and hips, so I’m not just lying on top of the mattress." Note that this model ran a bit soft in our evaluations and the pillow-top will cost extra.

Saatva Classic Mattress

Classic Mattress

If you prefer the feel of a traditional mattress instead of a bed-in-a-box, Saatva gives you the quality of in-store models with the convenience of online shopping. The Classic Mattress is one of the best we've tested, featuring excellent support, especially around the edges . The brand also offers free white glove delivery and removal along with a 365-day sleep trial — just remember, you'll have to pay a $99 pick-up fee if you decide to return it.

How it cools: It doesn't have any added cooling features like the other mattresses in our round-up, but it's made with coils that are inherently more breathable than all-foam styles.

Tester notes: Our consumer panel has consistently given Saatva top ratings for comfort, support and overall sleep quality. Most, including several GH staffers, found that they sleep at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

In addition, they loved its superior edge support, which has impressed our experts, and said it makes it easier to get in and out of bed. Beyond that, the brand stands out for its top-notch customer service, surprising some users with near-instant attention compared to the all-too-common long wait times many expect.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Saatva Mattress is Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed

Serta Arctic Hybrid Mattress

Arctic Hybrid Mattress

For hot sleepers, cooling technology and inherent breathability are musts when it comes to shopping for a mattress, especially one made with foam. Serta's Arctic Collection is engineered to pull away excess heat from your body without compromising on comfort and comes in hybrid and all-foam variations . The contouring memory foam also cradles pressure points.

How it cools: The brand's Reactex technology uses phase change material and gel within the top foam layers to pull away your body heat and transfer it deep within the mattress. The hybrid version also comes with breathable coils.

Tester notes : While this one comes with limited feedback compared to some of our other picks, those who own it swear by it. One tester even commented, "I haven’t woken up with night sweats since sleeping on it."

It's also earned especially high scores for comfort, temperature regulation and support, with reviewers stating they experienced a noticeable improvement in their sleep quality. Just note that while the brand offers free shipping, the mattress comes already expanded, and setup is extra.

Nolah Original 10”

Original 10”

For those who suffer from pain in their shoulders, hips or lower back, maintaining neutral spinal alignment while sleeping is very beneficial. Nolah's mattresses offer everything you'll need to do just that, from pressure relief and support to a medium level of firmness. This specific model earned dozens of positiv e reviews from our testers and panelists, who swore it made all the difference for their back and hip pain.

How it cools: The brand's AirFoam differs from memory foam because it uses open-cell structures to maximize ventilation. This means that the foam is inherently more breathable than memory foam with perforations.

Tester notes: Multiple users who've suffered from joint pain told us this bed notably eased their discomfort. One owner praised the model for its comfort, and shared that it "offers back support while still cradling pressure points."

Plus, while foam is known for trapping heat, our reviewers told us this one sleeps surprisingly cool compared to others they've owned. Note that the 10-inch height may be too low for those with mobility issues, depending on the height of your bed frame .

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Sleep Testers Swear Nolah's Mattress Alleviates Back Pain

Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed

360 i8 Smart Bed

Sleep Number beds are famous for their air-filled chambers that let you pick your perfect firmness level so you can get comfortable whether you're a side, stomach or back sleeper. This is especially helpful if you aren't sure what level of firmness is right for you, as you can change it as you please to find 'your number,' or if you have a different preference than your partner.

How it cools: This model features foam that's infused with ceramic, which draws heat away from your body, on top of adjustable air chambers.

Tester notes: Users were impressed with their sleep quality as well as being able to control their firmness level. And though Sleep Number beds are pricey, reviewers on our panel said they were worth the cost. One of our experts even said, "I was really impressed with how it learned and reacted to my body. It didn't feel gimmicky, seemed really intelligent and actually worked."

Keep in mind that all Sleep Number mattresses need to be paired with a matching base, ranging from simple bed frames to adjustable bases .

Do cooling mattresses actually work?

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Yes, but they can't work miracles. Cooling mattresses can help you sleep at a more comfortable temperature throughout the night, but the efficacy depends on the cooling features in the mattress. If you have a condition that causes night sweats, a cooling mattress can't cure it, but it can certainly help bring you some relief.

While night sweats can be caused by many factors ranging from medical conditions to summer weather, a mattress that traps heat can make it worse. A hot mattress can even cause overheating for someone that wouldn't otherwise have night sweats. The worst offender? Memory foam mattresses. Unlike innerspring mattresses with built-in ventilation, memory foam is denser, so there's not as much airflow. This means the heat around your body gets trapped, causing overheating and night sweats.

When shopping for a cooling mattress, look for one that uses cooling technology — beyond a cold-to-the-touch cover — and one designed with more breathable construction. For example, Phase Change Materials (PCM) will store and release heat to ensure you're at a comfortable temperature throughout the night, while a hybrid mattress (that combines combine memory foam with coils) will offer more breathability than memory foam alone.

What type of mattress is best for staying cool?

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There are various types of cooling features built into mattresses, and just because a mattress brand claims to be cooling, doesn't mean it'll actually keep your body temperature lower. Here are the main types of techniques you'll find in cooling mattresses:

✔️ Cool-to-the-touch materials: Typically made of synthetic fibers, like rayon or nylon, these surface fabrics quickly draw heat away from your body, but likely won't stay cool all night long.

✔️ Built-in cooling features: These can be metal particles, gel or Phase-Change Technology embedded into foam materials to help pull heat away.

✔️ Breathable construction: Even without cooling technologies, mattresses that are more breathable with chambers for air or with a spring construction can prevent heat from staying trapped around your body.

✔️ Electric capabilities : Some plug-in options use cool water or air that flows through the mattress to keep it continuously cool. These are more high maintenance and have added components, like a unit next to your bed.

How we test cooling mattresses

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Each year, we work with consumer testers to directly evaluate dozens of mattresses in addition to routinely surveying our larger tester panel and readers on beds they own. On top of this, our analysts thoroughly review the materials, special features and other relevant specifications of each mattress. Throughout this process, we research each brand, including vetting certifications and consumer complaints, to ensure we stand behind our recommendations.

Regarding cooling mattresses specifically , we consider both company-provided lab data that proves the bed's cooling capabilities and first-hand user experiences from our own surveying. We also consider the claims to see whether any brands may be overpromising on their chilling powers.

two hands pressing against a memory foam mattress

When it comes to collecting feedback from our consumer testers and panel, each user fills out various surveys about their user experience.

For our consumer testers, surveys are sent out after several weeks of sleeping on the mattress to get initial feedback. We continue to survey them over an extended period, from months to years, to see how the mattress holds up over time. For our panel of Good Housekeeping readers, we send one questionnaire to get additional in-depth feedback on the mattresses they already own. Each survey addresses a range of aspects, including:

✔️ Ordering and delivery: Users provide ratings and comments about the ease of ordering, how quickly it arrived and whether there were any issues throughout these steps.

✔️ Setup: Whether it's DIY or white glove delivery, we explore how easy the process was and whether the mattress took shape quickly.

a compressed mattress in plastic unrolled on a bed frame

✔️ Firmness level: Often, the perceived firmness doesn't match the brand's specified level. This helps us understand how soft or firm it feels in real life.

✔️ Edge support: Reviewers let us know whether the bed sinks when they sit on the edges or if it holds the shape well under weight.

textiles lab experts looking at the edge support of a mattress

✔️ Comfort and support: Testers weigh in on whether they liked sleeping on the mattress immediately and again later in the review period. They can provide comfort and support ratings as well as detailed comments.

✔️ Temperature: We ask users whether they stayed at a comfortable body temperature throughout the night so we can note whether any cooling features were observed.

✔️ Sleep quality: Respondents let us know if the mattress has had any effect on their sleep, whether they woke up sore and whether they are overall satisfied with the mattress. They also have the opportunity to compare the mattress with other models they've owned.

✔️ Additional feedback: Through a series of open-ended questions, testers can share any likes, dislikes and further comments about their experiences.

Things to consider when shopping for the best cooling mattresses

On top of the cooling features, here are things to keep in mind as you shop for your best mattress:

✔️ Sleep position: Stomach sleepers need a firm surface, side sleepers need a softer surface and back sleepers (or anyone who changes position) will need something in between. The goal is to keep your spine in neutral alignment as you sleep.

✔️ Weight: Heavy people need a firmer bed , while lightweight frames are better suited with a softer mattress. This is also for proper spine alignment, and you can take into account both your weight and sleep position when choosing your bed's firmness level.

✔️ Back pain : A pressure-relieving mattress with all foam or a mix of foam and coils is ideal to relieve upper and lower back pain. Also, look for medium firmness for a balance of cushioning and support.

✔️ Motion isolation: If you're sharing a bed with your partner, nothing's worse than being woken up by another person's tossing and turning at night. For good motion isolation, look for foam or hybrid models and avoid "bouncy" mattresses like those made of latex.

✔️ Return policy: It's difficult to know whether a mattress is a good fit without sleeping on it first. To help you shop online, most mattress companies offer a trial period of about 100 nights. This is especially important for cooling mattresses since brands make bold claims about keeping your temperature lower. Before you buy, check whether there are any hidden return fees and how you go about making the return.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has tested all kinds of bedding and home products for more than a century. Since the online mattress industry's rapid expansion in 2014, our experts and analysts have delved in even further, becoming subject experts in new launches and noteworthy innovations. Each year, our experts actively research and review hundreds of mattresses in addition to surveying our readers, organizing consumer testing, and analyzing countless data points.

Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees all bedding content and testing. She has been actively researching and reporting on mattresses since online bed shopping hit the mainstream in 2014 and has extensively reviewed dozens of models by meeting with brands, surveying real mattress owners and conducting consumer tests.

Grace Wu most recently updated this story. She's a textiles product review analyst and has overseen recent mattress testing at Good Housekeeping. Wu regularly evaluates mattresses herself, coordinates consumer testing and writes about beds for every type of sleeper. Prior to joining GH, Wu earned a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.

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Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

Headshot of Grace Wu

Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

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Alpicool CF35 Portable Car Refrigerator,12 Volt Car Fridge Freezer, 32 Quart (30.6 Liter) Fast Cooling 12V Car Fridge -4℉~68℉, Car Cooler, 12/24V DC and 100-240V AC for Outdoor, Camping, RV, Truck

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Alpicool CF35 Portable Car Refrigerator,12 Volt Car Fridge Freezer, 32 Quart (30.6 Liter) Fast Cooling 12V Car Fridge -4℉~68℉, Car Cooler, 12/24V DC and 100-240V AC for Outdoor, Camping, RV, Truck

42 Qt-LGCF45

42 Qt-CF45-SC12

( $22.83 / kg )

52 Qt-LGCF55

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About this item.

  • STORAGE SPACE:Exterior Size 27.2”x13.6”x15”, 32Quart(30.6 Liter) capacity ,fits 48 x 12ozs cans of Cola.
  • FREEZES WITHOUT ICE: -4°F(-20°C) powerful chilling down performance ,can adjust the temperature be a fridge or freezer.Run great with your small solar system as well.
  • CAR BATTERY PROTECTION:With temperature memory function and 3 different levels for battery protection: Low, Med and High to protect your vehicle battery without run down.
  • FUNCTIONAL DESIGN:With LCD display and digitized temperature adjustment, included built-in LED light and internal basket.
  • KEEP COOLING AND FRESH:Reliable sealing property construction,thick and high Density Foam Insulation.Continues keep cooling performance during your journey.Fresh all way and super energy saving!

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Alpicool CF35 Portable Car Refrigerator,12 Volt Car Fridge Freezer, 32 Quart (30.6 Liter) Fast Cooling 12V Car Fridge -4℉~68℉

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Alpicool CF Series Car Fridge Freezer

Alpicool Portable Compressor Fridge Freezer

Product Description

CF

Description of Alpicool CF Series Car Freezer

  • LCD display panel ,built-in LED light and internal basket.
  • Suitable for Car and home using work on 12/24V DC and 110-240V.
  • Can freeze down to -4°F(-20°C) for true car refrigeration.
  • 3 stage car battery protection system to prevent the car battery run down.
  • With portable handles on both sides, easy for moving.
  • Vibration resistant design to protect the device safety while driving on road.
  • Safe to run on angles up to 45°from horizontal—great for 4WDing!
  • High efficiency compressor with adjustable ECO and HH modes.
  • 1 X Alpicool fridge freezer
  • 1 X DC power cord(12/24V)
  • 1 X AC adapter(110-240V)
  • 1 X Instruction book

3

Have a wonderful time with our fridge!

From the brand.

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Caring about what people really want, Alpicool always listens to novel ideas from those who are longing for freedom and have a strong desire to explore this world. We are insisting on the innovation of mobile cooling. And now we have refrigerator, air-conditioner, soft cooler, ice maker and so on.

CF45

Alpicool Car Freezer

Alpicool can be everywhere you are at home, on the road or somewhere you choose to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the value and power draw of the ice chest. For example, they mention it's good value for the money, uses very little power, and is relatively efficient. They also like the fit, portability, and capacity. That said, opinions are mixed on quality, temperature, and noise.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the value of the ice chest. They say it's a good value for the money, and saves them money over buying ice. Some appreciate the price and weight of the product.

"...If you have some common sense these are a good value, economical to run , easy to clean, durable within reason, perfect for 1 to 2 people...." Read more

"... Well worth the money . Well worth the relatively small foot print space." Read more

"What I like - the price and the weight . My reference electric cooler is the Whynter FM-65G which is like 50% bigger, and like 4x as heavy...." Read more

"...You get more space in an efficient unit at a great price . Can't complain about that." Read more

Customers are mixed about the noise this ice chest makes. Some mention that it's extremely quiet, while others say that it makes a bit of noise. Some customers also mention that the fan is not too loud.

"...Its reading 31 and the fridge is humming along after 9 months . Happy camper." Read more

"...Overall, decently quiet .The fridge has a three level selection of battery saver...." Read more

"...Mostly quiet when running although it can be quite loud when it starts up ...." Read more

"Summary/Review: fairly quiet with the fan being the loudest noise it produces.. Much quieter than a typical box fan on low...." Read more

Customers like the power draw of the ice chest. They say it uses very little power, and is relatively efficient. Some say that the low power usage helps keep their idle down.

"...No issues. Uses less power than a lightbulb . It will even make ice if you put a Ziploc with water on the bottom...." Read more

"...I had more than enough space for 10 day trip, just me. No issues on power draw while off grid, while also running my portable ice maker and my CPap..." Read more

"...The power it uses to run is miniscule . It stays nicely and steadily cool as long as you aren't opening it 4x an hour. Oh, and it's *very* quiet...." Read more

"... Uses almost no power . I use it as a fridge, have it set to 33 degrees and eco mode, this thing would run for weeks I'm sure...." Read more

Customers like the fit of the ice chest. For example, they mention it's wonderful, fits perfectly in the compartment designed for the fridge, takes up the same amount of space, and is extremely roomy. Some say it'll fit nicely under a tonneau cover in a pickup bed. Overall, most are happy with the size and price of the product.

"...The small fridge compartment is good enough to keep some bags of shredded cheese above freezing, but refrigerated...." Read more

"...Purchased for a month long car camping trip, It's a great size ...." Read more

"...1. The 120v power pack cord is too short. The cord is only about 12 inches and when setting on my seat, the power pack wont reach the floor so..." Read more

"...At the one week mark, i'm really liking this unit. The size and price were right . Delivery was about a week faster than anticipated...." Read more

Customers like the portability of the ice chest. They say it's great for road trips, travel, and short camping trips. The basket makes it easy to transport food, and it'll keep everything you need frozen or refrigerated. Some say the build quality isn't there, but it works well.

"Overall this is a nice portable refrigerator that cooled off quickly and was easy to work...." Read more

"This portable fridge works good , was shipped fast, but the build quality isnt there...." Read more

"Can’t say enough good about this purchase! Compact and lightweight , very effective refrigeration and extremely energy efficient...." Read more

"...As long as this proves reliable long-term, it's a perfect solution to your camping /boondocking/trucking refrigeration needs." Read more

Customers like the capacity of the ice chest. For example, they say it has lots of room, it easily holds a weeks worth of food, and it's versatile.

"...It holds a surprising amount of food /drinks; more than what I anticipated when I first opened the box although if there were more than one person..." Read more

"...The space is great with two . But One worked fine also.The app for the phone to check and change temperature is wifi connected...." Read more

"...The CF45 had more than enough capacity for all our food and snacks and well as 14 cans of beer in the bottom...." Read more

"...The space is so great, lots of room for storing what you need. I'm also surprised at how fast it cools down!..." Read more

Customers are mixed about the quality of the ice chest. Some mention that it works amazing, the fridge works well, and runs great, while others say that the latch broke after using it for a month, the build quality isn't there, and the included 12V cigarette is a little flaky.

"...I use mine on my boat and in my van. It works flawlessly on 110 power . It works extremely well with my 100 amp HR lifepo4 battery also...." Read more

"...The fridge works well , and you can tell it is working because a hand by the vent (left if facing the plug, right if facing the control panel) will..." Read more

"...It works very well in that application . I'm using it in conjunction with a Jackery 500 which has a 500 watt capacity...." Read more

"...I haven't heard anything from Customer Service re: the broken latch on my fridge . I'm very disappointed because I had read that they were responsive...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the temperature of the ice chest. Some mention it does a really nice job of making stuff cold, it stays nicely and steadily cool as long as you aren't opening it 4x an hour, and it quickly cools down to the desired temperature. However, others say that the temp range is 27-38 which is a little much, the temperature fluctuates quite a bit, and the display seems a few off.

"...That should be all I need. What I learned: the fridge is great . I use as a combo fridge freezer. I think it works best that way overall...." Read more

"...(make sure it fits this model, or a comparable brand), it adds a good amount of insulation , allowing the compressor to rest longer, and thus save on..." Read more

"...End up she ordered me a replacement to compare. Insulation of the fridge need improve . Otherwise it’s a nice fridge...." Read more

"...Being a top loading (king chest style) helps to maintain cooling while opening door.I don't know exactly what the ECO mode does...." Read more

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  9. 12 Best Camping Fridges For Road And Trails 2024

    Allow hot food to cool before putting them in the fridge to avoid your fridge overworking. Keep your camping fridge as full as possible. An empty fridge is less power-efficient. ... In 2016, I quit my job to travel solo to the Himalayas for 3 months and start my own thing. Today, I am a content creator who spends most of my time chasing the ...

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  12. Amazon.com : Coleman Electric Cooler

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  15. How To Choose the Best 12-Volt Refrigerator for Your RV

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  16. Best 12 Volt Refrigerator Freezer For Camping & Travel 2024

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  18. RV Fridge Maintenance: Tips for Keeping It Cool

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  19. 6 Best Mini Fridge Models for Small Spaces, Dorms and Beverages 2024

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  20. The Best Insulin Coolers and Travel Cases

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  22. Is It OK to Put Warm Leftovers in the Fridge?

    There is no need to cool cooked food before refrigerating, so long as it is stored correctly. Yes, really. Dr. Chapman explains that "it's a myth. A pervasive myth." The idea that food needs to cool first has been handed down from generation to generation but is based on outdated technology. Dr.

  23. Chefman

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  24. Cool off with a refreshing beverage from the Xbox Series X mini fridge

    Today's best Xbox Series X mini fridge deal Xbox Series X mini fridge: was $88 now $39.94 at Walmart This is a great discount on a novelty fridge designed to look like the Xbox Series X.

  25. 17 budget-friendly ways to keep yourself (and your home) cool in ...

    Flip through the slideshow for 17 budget-friendly ways to keep your home — and yourself — cool this summer. From DIY pools to easy household upgrades, these tips can help you conserve energy ...

  26. Elektrostal

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  27. 10 Best Cooling Mattresses of 2024, Tested by Experts

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  28. Gipnoz Hotel Moscow, RU

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  29. ELEKTROSTAL HOTEL

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  30. Amazon.com: Alpicool CF35 Portable Car Refrigerator,12 Volt Car Fridge

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