5 Best Thermoelectric Coolers Reviewed & Tested Buying Guide

We specifically looked for an upgraded or higher-tier cooler to compare with mainstream models, and settled on the Dometic – TC35-DC-A because of its thermostat control. Dometic isn’t the only company selling a model like this, but they have a good reputation among RV and van enthusiasts. The Igloo is the only cooler that we tested which fits comfortably between the front seats of our tester’s minivan, but that’s not enough to make it a good buy. After thorough testing, we’d check out the small coolers from Wagan before we’d settle on the Igloo for this role.

After searching for reviews, we found that only a few sites have really compared and tested electric coolers. We relied on the comparison from OutdoorGearLab to set our expectations, which is to say we realized lgloo Cooler that many buyers aren’t happy with these coolers. Dometic was the only manufacturer to include an AC 120-volt power adapter with their cooler. Cheap 5-amp adapters are easy to source, but it was a nice touch.

But the swing-up handle and ergonomic curved design make it easy to carry the cooler in one hand. If it’s too heavy, the handle is long enough for two people to hold and lift. Thermoelectric coolers are lighter, drier, more efficient and easier to use than traditional ice-fill coolers or compressor-driven electric coolers like the Dometic. ◊Pricing, selection, and availability of store clearance items are determined by each store.

igloo electric cooler

It can cool contents to 40 degrees below the surrounding temperature or heat food to 149 degrees. It will fit into any car, and you can have it plugged in to ensure chilled drinks throughout the ride. This is the best personal cooler option in our opinion, and it has indeed touched the adventure spirits in us. The cooler should be sufficient enough for you to keep your drinks but should not offer extra space as that will add to the weight and size. Since these are generally made for traveling purposes, you would not want to carry extra weight. Plus, the body is light, and you can keep a number of cans at once.

We earn a commission when you purchase items through our links. 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. For additional information, please visit the Warranty Service page under Customer Care.

Non-expedited orders are processed for shipment within two business days of payment verification, excluding holidays. You will receive a shipping confirmation e-mail once your order has shipped. The e-mail will provide igloo electric cooler your tracking number and link to the shipping carriers tracking page. The Peltier Effect creates a temperature difference from one area to another by transferring heat between two separate electric junctions.

There are also some notable quality control issues that can result in the product breaking shortly after purchase. In terms of performance, the Igloo Breeze 28 is capable of dropping the internal temperature by 36 degrees while the larger and more powerful Powerchill 40 bumps this number up to 38. There is no heating feature here and we do wish the lids were a bit more robust, but they come in at a very attractive asking price and are quite reliable despite these small flaws. Both units can be plugged into any standard 12V outlet or, with the inclusion of a 110V adapter, can be plugged into most power sources on a car or RV.

The tray also has the option of being used as an oven pizza… This is great if you want to keep your food quite cold but don’t want to worry about accidentally freezing it. It’s got slightly thinner walls than most other coolers on my list but still does a good job getting the temp down to an acceptable level.

The cooler receives its power through a direct current (DC) car adapter plug and power source or via a DC-to-DC, alternating current (AC) or battery-converter setup. As with ice-only coolers, you can use Kool Mate thermoelectric coolers on trips, while camping or during parties. Additionally, you can use Kool Mate thermoelectric coolers as additional refrigeration for your home, office or dorm room. When you plug in a typical freezer or fill a typical cooler with ice, you can expect a pretty consistent internal temperature. Many are rated to +/- a certain range compared to the outside air. So if it is extremely hot outside (100F) and your electric cooler has a minimum temperature range of -40F ambient, then you will only experience a storage temperature of 60F!