When you're on the road or off the grid, the last thing you want is spoiled food or warm drinks. That’s why overlanders and campers alike are looking for reliable, compact, and efficient portable refrigerators. That’s where the Bodega Cooler comes in. Today we're going to review Bodega 26qt (25L) Fridge/Freezer — a compact beast that surprised us with its power, portability, and performance.
First Impressions
Unboxing the Bodega Cooler 26qt
Right out of the box, the Bodega 25L cooler feels well-built. It comes with an AC wall plug, a 12V car adapter, and a sleek digital display. The plastic casing feels sturdy yet lightweight — ideal for tossing in the back of your SUV.
Compact Yet Rugged Build
This unit is small, no doubt — 26 quarts (25 liters) of internal space — but it’s clearly built for adventure. It’s designed to handle bumpy roads, extreme temps, and rugged environments. The matte gray finish and functional design give it a modern, tactical look.
Key Features of the Bodega 25L Cooler
Fridge or Freezer Mode
The Bodega 26qt cooler offers full-range cooling from 68°F down to -4°F, allowing you to use it either as a fridge or freezer. While it doesn’t offer dual-zone capability due to its size, it handles either function exceptionally well.
Fast Cooling Power
In the video review, the cooler dropped from room temperature to freezing in under 30 minutes using MAX mode. That’s impressive for such a compact unit.
Digital Temperature Display
It has an easy-to-read digital control panel where you can set the exact temperature you want. You also get two operating modes — MAX (for rapid cooling) and ECO (for energy-saving).
Low Noise Level
The Bodega cooler is whisper quiet, registering around 45 dB, making it easy to sleep near while camping in a tent or van.
Dual Power Options (AC/DC)
You can run this cooler from your home outlet or car port. It automatically detects voltage and adjusts, and it’s compatible with solar-powered stations like Jackery or EcoFlow.
ECO & MAX Modes
Switch between ECO mode for long-term, low-power usage, and MAX mode when you want that temp drop fast. The flexibility here is ideal for road warriors and weekend warriors alike.
Real-World Performance
Tested in Overlanding Conditions
The reviewer in the video took this cooler on a real overlanding trip — bumpy trails, heat, dust — and the Bodega 25L kept everything cold without a hitch.
Cooling Efficiency on the Go
Even with the engine off and ambient temps above 90°F, the cooler held temp like a champ using just a portable power station.
Power Draw & Battery Usage
It consumed around 35-45 watts on average, meaning you can run it off a small battery bank for several hours — or even days with a solar panel.
Stability and Durability in Vehicles
It didn’t slide around or overheat. The anti-slip base and compact footprint make it ideal for tight spaces in Jeeps, vans, or even car trunks.
Portability & Usability
Lightweight and Space-Saving
At just over 22 lbs, this thing is easy to carry, and its shape makes it stackable with other gear.
Easy to Load in SUVs and Vans
The 25L size is perfect for weekend road trips or solo overland missions. It fits behind seats or between gear without taking up too much room.
Built-In Handle and Non-Slip Base
While there are no wheels (it’s small enough to carry), it does have a sturdy handle for easy lifting and moving.
Pros and Cons
Highlights of the 25L Bodega Cooler
- Rapid cooling to -4°F
- Ultra-portable at 22 lbs
- Energy-efficient with ECO mode
- Compatible with solar and power stations
- Quiet operation
Areas for Improvement
- No wheels (not a big deal for its size)
- No dual-zone feature (expected for small capacity)
- Display can be hard to read in direct sunlight
Pricing & Overall Value
For the feature set, this fridge is priced very competitively. It delivers high-end performance at a mid-range cost, making it a smart buy for outdoor lovers, overlanders, and even daily commuters.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a portable fridge/freezer that actually performs, the Bodega 26qt (25L) model deserves a spot in your gear list. It nails the balance between size, power, and affordability—and proves that good things really do come in small packages.
Conclusion
The Bodega 26qt (25L) is a total winner. Whether you’re heading off the grid for days or just doing a weekend road trip, this unit is compact enough to go anywhere but powerful enough to keep your stuff ice cold. For under-the-radar overlanding gear, this one hits the mark.
You might also like: Bodega Cooler Mini 16 Quart Car Freezer/Fridge with Battery (P15) (16qt/15L/15 Liters)
FAQs
1. How much can the 26qt Bodega Cooler hold?
It holds about 30 standard soda cans, or enough food for 1-2 people for a weekend trip.
2. Can I use it as both fridge and freezer at once?
No, the 25L model is single-zone, so you have to choose fridge or freezer mode — but it does both extremely well.
3. Does it work with a Jackery or EcoFlow?
Yes! It’s compatible with most portable power stations and can run for many hours on a single charge.
4. Is this cooler good for weekend trips?
Absolutely — it's perfect for solo or couple travel, camping, fishing, and overlanding.
5. How loud is the compressor?
It’s very quiet, running at around 45 dB, similar to a mini fridge or quiet fan.
