Electric Coolers

Choosing an Electric Cooler

Skip the need to stop for ice, and even better, never deal with icy water that makes your favorite foods soggy and squishy just hours into your adventure. When choosing a powered cooler there are two basic types: compressor coolers and thermoelectric coolers. Compressor coolers like Dometic’s CFX3 line are powerful and provide excellent cooling performance, even at extremely high ambient temperatures — even on the hottest days out in the desert. They make an excellent choice if you’re looking for an electric cooler for camping, especially if you’ll be off-grid for days at a time. They can be powered by AC (110-240), DC (12 volt / 24 volt), or solar power. Thermoelectric coolers are electric camping coolers that are limited in their ability to cool by the temperature outside. A thermoelectric cooler can cool to about 30 degrees below and warm to about 60 degrees above the ambient temperature. It can’t freeze food and isn’t as efficient as compressor coolers in terms of energy usage.

Thermoelectric coolers are electric camping coolers that are limited in their ability to cool by the temperature outside. A thermoelectric cooler can cool to about 30 degrees below and warm to about 60 degrees above the ambient temperature. It can’t freeze food and isn’t as efficient as compressor coolers in terms of energy usage.

Why Choose a Compressor Cooler From Dometic?

Dometic knows refrigeration and has specialized in keeping cold food (and drinks) cold for more than 100 years. Our compressor coolers represent the latest technological advances in mobile refrigeration. The design of our CFX3 line lets you maintain a cold, even freezing, temperature inside the cooler, even on the hottest days.  Optimized software and a user-friendly app mean that you can adjust the temperature without even touching your car fridge and rest easy, knowing that icy-cold bevvies and fresh, delicious food are waiting for you when you return from the trail. 

Dometic’s CFX3 line has been designed specifically for the demands of over-the-road use. They are ideal for taking on camping trips; boat trips; RV trips; outdoor picnics and sports; and even for barbecues at home, where they can be connected to household electricity to provide additional storage for food and drinks. Without ever having to stop for ice again or having to replace it halfway through your trek. 

Because you don’t need ice, your CFX3 will hold about twice as much food and drinks as a regular cooler. That means if you choose a CFX3 45, you’re getting 45 liters of cold storage because you don’t have to pack ice as well. More room for food means more time in the outdoors, longer adventures, and more memories along the way. 

And if you want a freezer instead, no problem. Portable compressor coolers can also operate as portable freezers, and some, like the Dometic CFX3 75DZ, can be used as a refrigerator and freezer simultaneously. Like thermoelectric coolers, these can run on 12V DC and 240V AC power sources; some are solar-compatible as well.

How Do You Choose the Right Powered Cooler for You? 

If you’re looking for the best electric cooler for camping, an important aspect to consider is whether you need a cooler that will cool and freeze regardless of the outdoor or indoor temperature.  A compressor cooler has the power to freeze regardless of the ambient temperature, while a thermoelectric cooler’s ability to cool will depend on the ambient temperature. 

To choose a cooler, consider factors like how many people will typically be using the cooler; whether you will need a cooler that freezes or simply keeps food cool; the type of environment and temperature you’ll use the cooler in; whether you are often off-grid or will usually have access to shore power; and how many years you plan to use the cooler. 

On the bubble with getting a portable powered cooler? Consider the convenience of never needing ice again, and never having to dig your hands into freezing-cold water to find a cold drink or sad, spotty banana somewhere down below.  Once you opt for a Dometic CFX3, you’ll wonder how you ever adventured without it.

What is a “12V Cooler”?

A 12V cooler, also known as a 12v portable fridge, isn’t a particular type of cooler, but rather refers to any powered cooler that can be plugged into the 12V outlet in your vehicle. Both compressor coolers and thermoelectric coolers can be considered 12V coolers when they can be run off your vehicle’s 12V outlet.

Electric cooler Accessories

Dometic offers electric cooler add-ons like slides for your truck, SUV, or trailer; protective covers; strap kits; replacement parts; and more.