Dometic TropiCool TCX 07

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!

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.

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