Dometic CFX3 100

The CFX5 is our most advanced cooler compared to the CFX2 and CFX3 models. It features upgraded insulation with Vacuum Insulated Panels for superior efficiency and reduced power consumption. The VMSO 3.5 auto-adjusting compressor delivers better performance and operates up to 5 dB quieter. It also has a weatherproof high-resolution display with fast-charging USB. Larger sizes come with carbon steel reinforcements for extra durability. If you're looking for top-tier cooling on your adventures, the CFX5 is the way to go!

Yes, cleaning your CFX electric cooler is simple. Just wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces with a mild cleaning solution and a towel. Regular cleaning helps maintain the hygiene and longevity of your cooler.

Yes. The CFX Models lids are very rugged. They are made from durable polypropylene plastic and injected with foam insulation. It's perfectly reasonable to sit or stand on the lid of the cooler.

We recommend using a 100W or larger solar panel and a minimum 40Ah battery like the Dometic PLB40 or the new PLB15. You need a battery with the panel to store the energy coming from the solar panel and then adjust it to the correct voltage for the CFX models.

To determine how long the battery will power a CFX model for, review the CFX model average energy consumption per hour (Ah/h). This is the amount of energy the cooler will use in 1hr for the given internal and ambient temperature. Divide your battery's usable capacity (Ah) by the CFX model average energy consumption (Ah/h) to get the number of hours of run time.

To determine the solar panel's power input back into the battery, review the solar panel manufacturer's Amp Output specification to calculate how much input back into the battery you will generate for a given length of time. This is usually between 4-8A max per hour depending on the panel. Plan on roughly 6 hours of sun per day to do your calculation.

Yes. In our lab testing we found that the items in the cooler (33 cl soda cans) warmed up at roughly 1.8 degree C per hour. For this test the cooler internal temperature was 3.3 C and the ambient temperature was 21 C. There were 24 cans in a CFX3 55.

In most conditions (ambient temperature of up to 32 C, internal set to 2.8 - 5 C), you will have ice cubes in roughly 2.5 hrs after switching the ice maker on.
The controller is programmed to run the rapid freeze plate in "freeze" mode for enough time to create the ice. During this time, more refrigerant will flow to it and the compressor runs 100% so it freezes as fast as possible. After "freeze" mode it will switch to "maintain" mode, meaning less refrigerant will flow to the ice maker, and the compressor starts cycling to save energy.

TIP 1: If you want another batch of ice as soon as possible after harvesting the first batch, switch the ice maker off and back on. This "tricks" the controller into starting from the beginning of the "freeze" mode.

TIP 2: Switch off the ice maker when not in use to save energy.

Yes. We have designed the PLB15 and PLB40 to be able to charge and power a CFX model at the same time.

The CFX factory setting is with the WiFi signal "off". To switch to "on", at the CFX cooler, press "SET" 5 times (single compartment models), or 6 times (two compartment models), followed by "+" once.

The graph shows two things- historical internal temperature (F) and energy consumption (Ah/h). Temperature scale is on the left, in white. Energy consumption scale is on the right, in orange. Note- the energy consumption is only displayed when using DC power.

Please consult dometic.com for CFX energy consumption, then divide the PLB40 battery capacity (40Ah) by the CFX energy consumption (Ah) to get number of hours of run time. Use good powered cooler practice to conserve energy.

• Keep the cooler fully packed

• Keep lid closed as much as possible

• Provide proper space around ventilation holes

The factory default name is "CFX_xxxxxxxx".

Yes. Take the handles off by simply removing the screws with a 5mm Allen Key.

Fuse ratings can vary between models. The correct fuse size is indicated on the 12V Plug label.

Please connect to your CFX model with your app to learn more about the warning. You can also navigate to the product page and find a warning codes table in the operating manual.

CFX electric coolers can be used anywhere in the world and can be powered with 12-24VDC, or 100-240V AC @ 50/60Hz.

One of the best things about upgrading to a powered cooler or fridge freezer is how much more interior storage space you have to work with vs an ice chest. In a normal ice chest, you need to fill it with roughly 50% ice vs "stuff" in order to keep it cold. This means you can buy a CFX that is half (1/2) the size of your current ice chest or buy the same size and hold twice (2X) as much.

No, the CFX models cannot actively keep things warm, but if switched off they will keep food from freezing for some time due to the insulation.

We recommend 5F for freezing and 39F for refrigeration for optimized performance vs energy consumption. Note - even small increases/decreases in internal temperature settings can affect energy consumption.

Check out dometic.com for all your replacement part needs.

Your CFX has a 3-stage battery protection system that actively monitors inbound DC voltage and will turn off the cooler if it senses low voltage. This feature is designed primarily to prevent the cooler from draining your vehicle's starter battery and leaving you stranded while out on the road. It also prevents damage to accessory batteries. The battery protection system has three levels: we recommend High or Medium for applications where the CFX is running from your starter battery, and Low when its running from an accessory or dual battery.If your battery protection is set to a recommended setting and the CFX still won't turn on, try setting the system to one level lower – eg from High to Med. Do not use splitters, pigtails or extensions. Each of these can create more line loss (DC voltage decreases along the length of a cable) which will cause lower voltage at the socket.

NOTE:

1. When electricity (current) flows from a battery, the voltage of the battery reduces. This is known as Peukert's Law, and commonly referred to as the voltage when battery is "under load". This is important to understand when troubleshooting voltage issues because the CFX is not using the "no load" battery voltage for the 3-stage battery protection system, but rather the voltage when the compressor is running, and battery is under load. This means that your vehicle battery may read a full 12.8V at the terminals, but when the CFX compressor turns on, your voltage readings will drop, and then return to the original voltage when the compressor shuts off.

2. The voltage drop from the battery to the CFX is also an important consideration. Voltage is measured at the internal electronics, then calculated to equate to the voltage at the DC Plug at the end of the DC lead. This value is displayed on the CFX display, and in the CFX app.

The energy consumption specification is the average amount of ampere hours (Ah) that the unit will use on 12V for a given ambient and set internal temperature. To figure out how long the CFX will operate on a 12V battery, simply divide the battery's usable Ah capacity (See Battery Capacity Chemistry Note) by the CFX's average energy consumption (Ah/h) to get approximate number of hours it will run. Battery Chemistry Note: lead-acid batteries have a 50% usable capacity of the stated Ah capacity, lithium NMC's are roughly 80% and lithium iron phosphates lime the Dometic PLB40 are nearly 100%.The Rated Input Current is the maximum current input that the unit is rated. Think of this as the maximum current that the unit would ever draw. This spec is applicable for wiring if you are doing a DIY electrical setup. We recommend using 12 AWG wiring in any DIY setup. Also, check out our upcoming tech page for more power consumption specs at different ambient and internal temperatures to get a feel for how much power your CFX will need at different temperatures.

Yes! This is why we don't call it just an ice maker. To remove the ice maker just lift out the entire component. Experiment with bringing new foods or drinks along or use it to quick-chill warm beer. If something gets stuck on the surface shut the ice maker off and let it thaw. If you need to clean it off, use warm, soapy water. Let us know what you use it for! Use #CFX355IM

The factory default password is 8 zeros: 00000000

Simply open the lid in a continuous motion through the end point of the hinge. The lid will pop right off. Remove the hinge socket dress discs on the other side, use a 4mm Allen Key tool to remove the hinge pins and swap to the other side, then re-fit the dress discs to the original hinge side.

If you have a CFX protective cover installed, you do not need to remove it.

The Dometic PLB40 Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate battery delivers high levels of mobile power – up to 40 hours of Dometic CFX 40W cooling on a single charge (When fridge temperature is 5°C). Designed to supply power to powered coolboxes and other 12 V appliances while being off-grid. Thanks to its lightweight and compact design you can enjoy true independence and travel off-grid for longer.

• Enables you to travel off-grid for longer

• Three-way charging via 12 V socket, solar panel or AC house power

• Extremely lightweight, ergonomically designed stainless steel carry-handle

• Specifically designed for Dometic CFX and other powered DOMETIC PLB40 coolers

In mobile applications electrical devices are mostly supplied from "limited energy sources". That means energy consumption is a crucial factor to consider. The table below tells you how to calculate the consumption of specific cooling appliances. It becomes obvious that longer periods of use (e.g. more than 2 days) call for the energy efficient compressor technology. The owners of an absorption unit have an alternative, though: gas operation.

Absorption technology CombiCool ACX 40

Formula: Power input : voltage
Example: 85 watts: 12 volts
Amperage: 7 Ah / h, 168 Ah / day

Thermoelectric technology CoolFun SC 30

Formula: Power input : voltage
Example: 85 watts: 12 volts
Amperage: 47 watts: 12 volts = 3.92 Ah / h, 94 Ah / day

Compressor technology CoolFreeze CFX 40W

Formula: Current draw x average running time* (48 W: 12 V = approx. 3.75 A)
Example: 3,75 A x 22 %
Amperage: ‹ 1 Ah / h, ‹ 24 Ah / day

Energy consumption labeling

Coolers which are predominantly run on the mains are subject to the Eco Design directive for determining the energy efficiency class. Absorption coolers are exempt as they can also be operated with gas. Depending on the cooling technology, mobile cooling appliances can use two different measuring techniques. Thermoelectric coolers cool down to an interior temperature of 17 °C at an ambient temperature of 25 °C. The power consumption required for this is represented by the energy efficiency. The Dometic thermoelectric coolers all consistently reach A++. Compressor-powered coolers are classified with an ambient temperature of 25 °C and an interior temperature of 5 °C. The models in the Dometic CFX series here with the A++ energy efficiency class achieve top rates which have never been matched in the area of mobile compressor coolers.

Is it okay for you to run your cooler "only" from the 12 or 24-volt vehicle battery? Would you like a 230-volt mains option as well? Or are you one of those camping enthusiasts who prefer cooling with gas? The Dometic cooler range accounts for all these energy options. Compressor units can even be run with solar power – a plus factor you should exploit when travelling in the sunny south a lot.

If gas operation is all-important to you, absorption cooling is your system of choice. Dometic compressor coolers excel for their energy-efficient operation. Integrated battery protection puts you on the safe side when the unit is powered via the vehicle battery. This feature is fitted as standard on all Dometic compressor boxes as well as the thermoelectric coolers of the TCX series.

Absorption technology: 12 volts / 230 volts / gas.

Thermoelectric technology: 12 volts / 24 volts / 230 volts.

Compressor technology: 12 volts / 24 volts / 100 – 240 volts.

The noise emission of a cooler is not much of an issue while travelling in a car, boat or truck. It's a different story when it is kept in the room you are staying or even sleeping in. If you – like most camping enthusiasts – wish to place your cooler under the awning, you are best advised to choose an absorber unit. This type of cooler is almost quiet. If the occasional start of the compressor does not really bother you though, you will be just as happy with a compressor box.

Absorption technology: Absolutely silent
Thermoelectric technology: Continuous fan noise
Compressor technology: Occasional, quiet running noise of the compressor

Of course we can deliver coolers in any size and volume you want. Please consider, however, that the larger the cooling compartment, the more energy is required. Moreover, a jumbo-size cooler is heavier and more difficult to store than a compact model. On the other hand, a compact cooler would hardly be sufficient for a family of five – they would certainly need more cooling capacity. The same is true for truck drivers, who tend to be on the road in pairs and for days on end. And, of course, skippers planning a long trip will require a different cooler than anglers who just want to safely store the catch of the day.

Conclusion: The cooler you choose should be a perfect match for you, your companions and your travelling habits, but also in terms of size and the space available in your vehicle.

Passive cooling: 13 – 110 litres
Absorption cooling: 31 – 40 litres
Thermoelectric cooling: 7 – 37 litres
Compressor cooling: 10.5 – 88 litres

Take Two

For day tours and spontaneous picnics we recommend the thermoelectric TropiCool TCX 21. In the morning you put soft drinks and sandwiches in it – in the evening it's empty. It's also great for anyone who travels a lot for work. Long trips, however, require a somewhat larger and stronger solution.

Take the CoolFreeze CFX 50 compressor cooler for instance. It neatly fits into the boot of your car and is great for the occasional boat trip as well. Its greatest bonus is its incredible performance. The sun may be scorching hot, yet this unit plays it cool!