5 Best Thermoelectric Coolers Reviewed & Tested Buying Guide

If you own an older truck or SUV that doesn’t have a center console, this item can fit perfectly between the seats or in the middle of the bench. This cooler comes with a helpful carrying strap and it weighs just nine pounds, making it a great unit to remove from the vehicle and take with you on a picnic. Dometic’s CFX3 line-up is one of the best on the powered cooler market. There are seven different sizes available ranging from 25 liters to 99 liters, including a 75-liter and 95-liter dual-zone version. These powered coolers draw 50.7 watts of power while cooling—even to sub-zero temperatures—which is less power than a typical 60-watt household light bulb. To top it off, the CFX3 offers better temperature control and insulation quality than other powered coolers in its class.

igloo electric cooler

They can run on propane, as well as 12-volt or 120-volt power sources, but they are not as portable. A cooler is a great way to maintain food and beverage temperature over a short period of time. Even the best name-brand coolers are good for about a day, and they are only optimal if the items being stowed are already cold and they receive regular ice refills. If you are going to be away for a longer period of time or just don’t feel like dealing with the hassle of loading up ice, an electric cooler is a great way to make your adventure easier. For performance, Rockpals states that you can expect temperature drops of up to 45 degrees Fahrenheit which is extremely high and among the best ratings we have come across.

Follow our features to look for when buying your next best thermoelectric ice box to find the best option for you. We always appreciate a large cooler that can fit anything and everything. For us, even if we have everything packed, we can always think of something else we may need. This is when a massive capacity comes in, we’re talking about 60 cans worth of space!

The high-quality cooler was built in the USA and features a quiet brushless motor and convection cooling fan to ensure your drinks and snacks stay chilled until you’re ready for them. Electric coolers range greatly in price depending on the functionality and quality that you’re looking for. Most baseline coolers will cost anywhere from $80 to $150—but larger electric coolers that also freeze can run you more than $500. With a sleek black and orange design, AooDen offers a unique looking alternative to most.

Given their very affordable prices and good efficiency at smaller scales, a thermoelectric cooler can be one of the best value for your money refrigeration methods. Dometic is one of the most well-known names in the RV and off-grid electronics world. They make a range of DC powered refrigerators, including the TC35 thermoelectric cooler. Electric coolers are disappointing if you want ice-cold temperatures, but the Koolatron is at least the coldest of the lineup we tested. If you don’t mind seeing 48 degrees instead of 39 on a hot day, this model will serve you well. Wagan is aiming at the budget price bracket, but they haven’t skimped on features.

You can use it either upright like a mini-fridge or as a traditional cooler/chest fridge. It can be powered via 110 V AC or 12 V DC and has a small fan to help speed up temperature drop internally. That performance was followed up with a flop, though, as the Igloo failed to get below 64 degrees on the following 97-degree day. The external color and aesthetics are quite nice and will blend in nicely with most vehicle settings. This Igloo product is warranted to be free from defects in material or workmanship under normal use and service for 1 year from the date of original purchase.

Although small, it offers workable efficiency and quality for an affordable price. That’s just enough space for 2-3 days worth of food lgloo Cooler for one person or 1-2 days for two people. It’s basically a standard Igloo cooler with a thermoelectric cooling apparatus built-in.

If you just want to keep your beverages at a more refreshing temperature without dealing with ice, it’ll do just fine. If you want to pack this with food and take it to a party, make sure you carefully pack the most perishable items next to a frozen water bottle or ice pack. In a car or SUV, you’ll want to be able to open a cooler from the top. Older trucks might have a space between the front seats for these units, but most modern vehicles have a center console that obscures this placement. As long as they are tall enough, you can reach right behind the front center console from the front seats.

They can operate on multiple power sources (propane, 12V DC, or 110V AC) and are quiet, but they have a lower cooling capacity compared to compressor-based coolers. Yes, but be mindful that the cooler is powered by your car’s battery. Run it too long, and the car’s battery might drain completely. Luckily, many electric coolers produce a “low voltage” alert, which lets you know when the vehicle’s battery is getting dangerously low.

Choosing the right electric cooler for your lifestyle depends on what you plan to use your cooler for. If you want something for occasional car trips, the Koolatron D13 Soft-Sided Electric Travel Cooler will do just fine. Its dual functionality as a warmer and cooler has a maximum heating capacity of 140ºF and can cool up to 36ºF below ambient temperature.