Plug in ice chest coolers

No ice? No problem! This convenient cooler is like a portable refrigerator, perfect for camping trips, vacations, dorm rooms, truck cabs, offices, you name it.

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.

Plug in ice chest coolers

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. Enter portable electric coolers. An electric cooler can keep food and drinks chilled and even frozen, no ice required. They're extremely handy for road trips, car camping, hunting trips, and more. There are two main types of portable electric coolers: thermoelectric and compressor. Thermoelectric coolers can often heat the contents too, but they won't get your food down to freezing temps. Compressor coolers can get food and drink to freezing, but they're often heavier. So which one do you choose?

Their cooling power can range from deep freezing to just cold enough to keep drinks chilled, and some thermoelectric options can even keep food hot.

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.

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. Enter portable electric coolers. An electric cooler can keep food and drinks chilled and even frozen, no ice required. They're extremely handy for road trips, car camping, hunting trips, and more.

Plug in ice chest coolers

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.

Walmart distribution center 7017

Size Electric coolers vary enormously in size and capacity. We used a combination of practical observations and hard data for this test. But when compared to the 42 lb Dometic , The energy savings you get with the Engel come at a cost. But for its impressive performance, rugged durability, and hard-to-understate convenience, the CFX3 is the best we've tested and worth the investment for serious camping and van living. Best for Car:. Not far behind, is the Alpicool , which draws Is it safe to leave an electric cooler plugged in at all times? Coolers made with compressors are more similar to refrigerators, which are also cooled by compressors. Bouncing down unmaintained dirt roads, being carted across parks to picnics, and used as impromptu step ladders, these coolers have seen it all. Pros Reached the coldest temps out of any cooler in this test Top-notch quality and usability. Design: What features add to or subtract from the cooler? While several manufacturers offer external displays that can be paired with your cooler, Dometic is the only one we tested that can be controlled by a free app on your smartphone — that even warns you when the lid has been open for longer than 3 minutes. One of the industry leaders in portable cooling and refrigeration, Dometic is renowned for its RV air conditioners.

Say goodbye to nasty water at the bottom of coolers and bags of rock-hard ice.

She's an expert at translating techniques, recipes, equipment, and ingredient information for all skill levels. Our favorites are the Dometic , Engel , and Whynter baskets. The Engel Platinum is shockingly energy efficient, even taking home an award for this ability. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page. And though the Whynter model exceeds both of these in price, we are very impressed that it can perform alongside the strongest and highest-performing competition for considerably less. However, considering that it cools just 4L of space, it quickly becomes much less impressive. Pros This unit has a built-in ice maker. We only tested the small, 35L version, which is heavy for the capacity nearly 48 pounds and much smaller than anticipated, holding just The Cooluli takes "mini fridge" to a whole new level. Best Electric Cooler Bag. For the past several years, we've spent months testing these coolers' abilities to handle everything we can throw at them. Wipe interior and exterior surfaces clean before storing and between uses. Read more: Dometic CFX3 45 review. Collin Morgan is a Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos, where the former Rust Belt mechanic and gadget enthusiast presents the best gear for your automotive endeavors. The Whynter FMG isn't far off either, hitting