Plug in ice chest coolers

No ice? No problem!

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Our top picks ensure your perishable food items stay perfectly chilled for the long haul. She's been writing about food in all its forms since and is a big believer that anyone can and should love to cook. Jump to a Section. With built-in cooling mechanisms, electric coolers are similar to mini-refrigerators but more portable.

Plug in ice chest coolers

When ice just isn't enough, a powered cooler is perfect. For several months and hundreds of kilowatt-hours, we put these coolers through the wringer to discover which offer top-notch temperature control, the hardiest insulation, and those efficient enough for off-the-grid living. We tested and recorded enough performance and energy usage specs to make an electrician happy and subjected them to a profound amount of use and abuse. From enduring stifling summer heat to careening down rutted gravel roads, we got to know the ins and outs of these electric boxes well to help you determine which one is right for you. If you aren't sure what kind of cooler you need or even what kinds are available, you've stumbled into the right place. We've also thoroughly tested and summarized our favorite soft coolers and top picks for hard-sided coolers , outlining the best models for camping or other adventures. If you need to upgrade other items in your camping setup, we can help with that, too. Our team of outdoor experts spent many nights under the stars or hanging in the top-rated tents , and we have compiled a list of our favorite camping essentials along the way. The Dometic CFX3 45 is a seriously impressive powered cooler that's convenient to use, rugged enough for just about every adventure, and designed to keep things cool and fresh under nearly any circumstance. This particular model is the updated version of another Dometic model we've loved for years. Some of our favorite upgrades include a better-designed interior, a streamlined app, and extra features like the ability to handle inclines of up to 30 degrees. With two internal baskets one of which has a removable divider , the CFX3 has the organizational capacity and the convenient dimensions to fit all the items you might want to bring — from a carton of eggs to a bottle of champagne. The internal light faces backward, a drain allows for easy cleaning, a single USB port on the front makes charging your device easy, and the simplified app will alert you if the lid is left open for longer than 3 minutes. It's one of the quietest models we tested and gets the coldest.

Sometimes all three! Measure content performance.

Our car experts choose every product we feature. We may earn money from the links on this page. Keeping food and drinks cold is an essential aspect of any tailgate, road trip, or potluck convoy. Whether it's a salad or some adult beverages, you don't want to be that person who brings lukewarm refreshments. But sometimes, just a regular ice chest won't cut it.

Updated on: September 12, We adhere to editorial integrity are independent and thus not for sale. The article may contain references to products of our partners. Here's an explanation of how we make money. Wild Explained was founded in and has a long track record of helping people make smart decisions.

Plug in ice chest coolers

When ice just isn't enough, a powered cooler is perfect. For several months and hundreds of kilowatt-hours, we put these coolers through the wringer to discover which offer top-notch temperature control, the hardiest insulation, and those efficient enough for off-the-grid living. We tested and recorded enough performance and energy usage specs to make an electrician happy and subjected them to a profound amount of use and abuse. From enduring stifling summer heat to careening down rutted gravel roads, we got to know the ins and outs of these electric boxes well to help you determine which one is right for you. If you aren't sure what kind of cooler you need or even what kinds are available, you've stumbled into the right place. We've also thoroughly tested and summarized our favorite soft coolers and top picks for hard-sided coolers , outlining the best models for camping or other adventures.

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Note, though, that it's not a freezer. One of the industry leaders in portable cooling and refrigeration, Dometic is renowned for its RV air conditioners. Best Portable. The Engel Platinum MT35 is an exceptionally energy-efficient compressor cooler. When doing the same test with battery power, it took 36 minutes and used percent of the battery. Alpicool CF Ensure all cleaning agents are thoroughly rinsed and the cooler is dry before storage. Even the units with "Eco" modes can't compete with this impressively efficient box that pulls just Read more: Engel Platinum MT35 review. Best Camping Tables. These values have been modified to have the same starting temperature for an easier visual comparison. The Whynter opens along its long edge, more like a traditional cooler or trunk. Cons Size makes it unwieldy and difficult to store. The bag is also easier to carry, with shoulder and hand-carry straps, a built-in cord storage pocket, and plenty of outer pockets for additional items.

We've tested over 40 coolers since in search of the best, most well insulated models.

The Koolatron can also hold an impressive amount of content for such an overall small size — more than some of the gigantic compressor coolers we tested. Compressor models get much colder, but also come at a higher price. Despite the lack of an "Eco" mode, like many of its rivals, the Dometic CFX3 features three battery levels that change how long the cooling cycle runs to conserve your precious electrical juice. Consider what your trip will look like and the power sources you have available. Cons Size makes it unwieldy and difficult to store. Assigning each cooler a thermometer, we started each at 71 degrees and turned each to its lowest setting, measuring the time it took to get there. Honorable Mention. With two internal baskets one of which has a removable divider , the CFX3 has the organizational capacity and the convenient dimensions to fit all the items you might want to bring — from a carton of eggs to a bottle of champagne. They require an additional adapter but allow you to thread the plug into power, preventing it from rattling out during a bumpy drive down an unmaintained road. Like our other thermoelectric picks, this unit has the power to keep the contents about 30 degrees below outside temperature, and it works best when the contents are pre-chilled. The internal light faces backward, a drain allows for easy cleaning, a single USB port on the front makes charging your device easy, and the simplified app will alert you if the lid is left open for longer than 3 minutes. It also has impressive energy consumption statistics, with a rather low power draw on a normal setting just 50 Watts AND an "Eco" mode to boot. Where many electric coolers struggle to function in more extreme settings like off-roading when extreme angles can compromise function , the ICECO VL45 Portable Refrigerator is specifically designed for these situations.