Credit: https://www.caranddriver.com
If you're on the road and need to keep food and drinks cold, look no further than these plug-in coolers for the car.
Tested By Katherine Keeler, Collin Morgan and Gannon Burgett
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. These coolers can keep food and drinks chilled and even frozen, with no ice required. They're convenient for road trips, car camping, hunting trips, and more.
Things to Consider
Capacity
Ensure your cooler has enough room to store all the food and drinks you’ll need for your trip. The size should align with the length of your journey and the number of people involved.
Power Options
Electric coolers typically run on AC, DC, or portable power packs—sometimes offering all three. Evaluate your travel plans and confirm the power sources you’ll have access to during your trip.
Portability
Sturdy handles, lightweight construction, wheels, and a compact design make a cooler easier to carry and move. These details are especially important for outdoor activities or frequent transport.
Thermoelectric vs. Compressor
Compressor coolers work at any outside temperature, but thermoelectrics are severely affected by it. The hotter the ambient temperature, the worse the performance. This is why most thermoelectric cooler manufacturers don't provide a maximum cooling temperature—the ambient temperature defines it. If you want your thermoelectric cooler to work best, ensure it's operating away from ambient heat.
To that end, if you live in a hot, arid environment or are driving through one on your road trip, avoid thermoelectric coolers altogether—unless you plan on using yours within the vehicle cabin and not in the trunk or truck bed.
Temperature Control
Many electric coolers let you set and maintain specific temperatures, ideal for precise cooling needs. Thermoelectric coolers often lack adjustable settings and simply keep items cool or warm.
Extra Features
Look for added conveniences like removable dividers, built-in lights, or USB charging ports. These features can make a big difference depending on how and where you plan to use your cooler.
How We Tested Portable Electric Coolers
We used a combination of practical observations and hard data for this test. Using an army of Bluetooth thermometers, boxes of evenly sized soda and beer cans, and an average-size Kia Sorento, we set to work. Here are the parameters we tested:
- Cooling efficiency/time
- Insulation
- Size/Space
- Capacity
- Design
Upon gathering our data and testing notes, we set to work deciding which coolers were the best for certain situations.
Best Electric Car Coolers
Best Extra-Large Electric Cooler/Freezer
Bodega 80-Quart Electric Cooler/Freezer
Pros
- Humongous capacity
- Independently controlled dual cool zones
Cons
- Size makes it unwieldy and difficult to store
For the tailgater who wants to bring all the goodies, this 80-quart Bodega beast is our pick. Featuring two internal zones that can be independently controlled, it's the ultimate extra-large electric cooler/freezer. The 80-quart combined capacity is handy too, allowing us to cram in 102 soda cans.
This cooler/freezer won't be for every driver, as the size makes it unwieldy and difficult to store. But if you have the room, it's the perfect tool to transform a tailgate party.
| Power Source | 12v DC plug; 120v AC plug |
|---|---|
| Claimed Capacity | Left zone: 48 quarts; Right zone: 32 quarts; Total: 80 quarts |
| Tested Can Capacity | 102 cans |
| Space in Vehicle | Fits in trunk with half of rear seats down |
| Lowest Temp Reached | Left zone: 2.3 degrees Fahrenheit Right zone: 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Dimensions (with handles) L/W/H | 35.0/20.0/19.0 in |
| Available Sizes | 37, 48, 59, 80, 100 quarts |
You might also like: New Review of BODEGA Cooler 75L Portable Fridge Freezer TWW75
Best Compact Electric Cooler
Igloo Versatemp 28 Qt Portable Electric Cooler
Pros
- Spacious but compact
- Cooling and heating function provides excellent usability
Cons
- Lacks an AC power cord; plugs into 12-volt car outlet only
For most of us, this 28-quart cooler from Igloo nailed the sweet spot. The thermoelectric powerplant provides cooling power to 36 degrees Fahrenheit below the ambient temperature and can also heat the inside up to 136 degrees Fahrenheit. This flexibility allows you to keep cold things cold and hot things hot. It’s the best of both worlds.
The Igloo lacks a freezer function, but the attractive price point reflects that. The design isn’t anything impressive, but it’s what Igloo is known for: functional and durable. The small size is perfect for road trippers and truckers—it fits just about anywhere in the vehicle, even the front floorboard—and the price is undeniably great, which is why we picked it as the Best Compact Electric Cooler. We wish it had an alternate power source besides its 12-volt cig-lighter plug, but there are plenty of affordable DC to AC adapters available at Amazon.
Specifications
| Power Source | 12V DC plug |
|---|---|
| Claimed Capacity | 28 quarts |
| Tested Can Capacity | 39 cans |
| Space in Vehicle | Fits in trunk with all rear seats up, in all rows, and front passenger’s footwell |
| Lowest Temp Reached | 36 degrees Fahrenheit below ambient |
| Dimensions (with handles) L/W/H | 16.0/10.0/16.5 in |
| Available Sizes | 28, 35, 40 quarts |
Best Budget Electric Cooler/Freezer
Alpicool CF45 48-Quart Electric Cooler/Freezer
Pros
- Great price for the performance
- Larger capacity than expected
Cons
- Handles protrude, making fitment a potential issue
The electric car coolers/freezers in this test vary wildly in price, but this Alpicool 48-quart entry held its own against the more expensive options. It boasts a healthy capacity, holding 59 soda cans (without the internal basket). The cooler comes with 12-volt and 120-volt power cords, so you can pre-cool it at home, keep it cooling on the road, and plug it in when you arrive at your destination.
The Alpicool didn't get as cold as some of the others we tested (see graph below), but it was definitely cold enough to keep frozen items frozen. This is a great choice.
| Power Source | 12V DC plug; 120V AC plug |
|---|---|
| Claimed Capacity | 45 quarts |
| Tested Can Capacity | 59 cans (without basket) |
| Space in Vehicle | Fits in trunk with half of rear seats down and on second row seats |
| Lowest Temp Reached | 6 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Dimensions (with handles) L/W/H | 27.0/12.5/18.0 in |
| Available Sizes | 37, 48, 58 quarts |
Best Battery-Powered Cooler
Anker EverFrost Powered Cooler 30
The Anker EverFrost 40L is unlike any other cooler on this list. In addition to being able to be plugged into your vehicle for cooling on the road, it also features a built-in 299Wh battery that can power the cooler even when it’s unplugged.
This means you can keep your items chilling even when your car is turned off without draining your vehicle’s battery. It also means you can take the cooler to a tailgate party or beach and keep your food and drinks cold all day long. How long the removable battery can power the cooler varies greatly based on ambient temperature, the temperature you set it to, and whether or not it was pre-chilled beforehand while plugged into the wall or vehicle, but with an ambient temperature of 78-degrees, our EverFrost unit kept 65 cans at 36-degrees for around 32 hours.
When plugged into a standard AC wall outlet, the unit took just 28 minutes to get from 71-degrees to 32-degrees using its integrated compressor. When doing the same test with battery power, it took 36 minutes and used 26-percent of the battery. So, if you want to maximize how long the battery will last, be sure to pre-chill it using power from your vehicle or wall outlet.
Speaking of power, the battery can charge through USB-C and a 100W XT-style connection. This XT connector will work with the car charger, wall charger, and even solar panels with the appropriate output or adapter. Anker sells its own solar panels, but any brand should work so long as you convert it to the appropriate male XT connector. The battery will also charge passively via the car and wall charging input that’s on the bottom of the cooler.
Other cool features include extra USB-A and USB-C charging ports on the battery for charging your mobile devices, as well as a fold-out “EasyTow” handle that doubles as a surface for cutting or holding items.
We tested the 40L model, but there’s also a smaller 30L model and a larger dual-zone 50L model with two areas that can be independently cooled.
| Power Source | 120V AC plug,12V DC plug, 299Wh battery, 100W XT connector (Solar) |
|---|---|
| Claimed Capacity | 40L |
| Tested Can Capacity | 65 cans (without basket) |
| Space in Vehicle | Fits in trunk with half of rear seats down and on second row seats |
| Lowest Temp Reached | 4 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Dimensions (with handles) L/W/H | 35/20/22 in |
| Available Sizes | 35, 40, 50 liters |
Best Electric Cooler/Freezer for Small Cars
BougeRV BougeRV 23-Quart Electric Cooler/Freezer
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Lots of color choices
Cons
- Internal insulation isn't as quite as good as the Alpicool
If you're looking for a great deal on a portable electric car freezer, you've found it. We really liked the compact size of the BougeRV; its dimensions are ideal for road trips in small cars. (Again, most of these portable coolers come in multiple sizes; which one you need is up to you.) As far as performance, the BougeRV was comparable with our Best Budget Cooler listed above but came up just short with its insulation; once unplugged, it lost its internal temp just a tad faster than the Alpicool. But it costs about a hundred bucks less, and Alpicool doesn't make a model that's this compact.
A fantastic option for a road-trip freezer, it performed well in our vehicle space test; it'll fit just about anywhere. If you need to keep frozen items from melting in a compact space, this is the portable cooler to get.
| Power Source | 12V DC plug, 120V AC plug |
|---|---|
| Claimed Capacity | 23 quarts |
| Tested Can Capacity | 30 cans |
| Space in Vehicle | Fits in trunk with all rear seats up, in all rows, and front passenger's footwell |
| Lowest Temp Reached | 0.94 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Dimensions (with handles) L/W/H | 22.0/12.3/12.5 in |
| Available Sizes | 23, 30 quarts |
Best Premium Electric Cooler/Freezer
Dometic CFX3 37-Quart Electric Cooler/Freezer
Pros
- Reached the coldest temps out of any cooler in this test
- Top-notch quality and usability
Cons
- Pricey
One of the industry leaders in portable cooling and refrigeration, Dometic is renowned for its RV air conditioners. That said, if you want to splurge on a top-of-the-line electric cooler/freezer to take along in your car or truck, this is the one you want. It reached the coldest temps in our test (see graph below) by a good margin. It's extremely well built, featuring spring-loaded handles, an easy-to-use interface, and a sturdy hinge.
Temperature control is accessible through an app, and the option to power it by a separate solar panel opens it up for use off the grid. Yes, it's pricey, but well worth the money.
| Power Source | 12V DC plug, 120V AC plug |
|---|---|
| Claimed Capacity | 35 Quarts |
| Tested Can Capacity | 54 Cans |
| Space in Vehicle | Fits in trunk with half of rear seats down, fits on second row seats |
| Lowest Temp Reached | -8.5 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Dimensions (with handles) L/W/H | 26.5/15.0/16.0 in |
| Available Sizes | 26, 37, 48, 58, 79, 100, 105 quarts |
A Note On Coolers
Gannon Burgett|Car and Driver
Resisting the urge to crack open beers by the fire, we focused on gathering objective data for this cooler test using thermometers, a Kia Sorento, and identical beverage cans.We evaluated the coolers based on these key criteria:
- Cooling Efficiency/Time: How quickly they cooled to the lowest setting.
- Capacity: The number of cans each could hold.Design:
- Features that improved or hindered usability.
- Insulation: How well they maintained temperature.
- Space: How easily they fit in various car spaces.
To test cooling performance, we used the Govee Home Thermometer System. Starting each cooler at 71°F, we measured how long it took to reach its lowest setting, logging results via the Govee app to analyze cooling and insulation. Tests were conducted with empty coolers, per manufacturer recommendations, with priming—and pre-cooling overnight using a 120-volt AC power cord.
Next, we assessed how each cooler fit in a Kia Sorento, evaluating storage options in the trunk, cargo hold, and back seats for accessibility. We also confirmed manufacturer capacity claims by counting how many 12-ounce cans each cooler could hold.
Lastly, we evaluated design elements like portability, handles, wheels, interior baskets, and overall ease of use. Frequent repositioning during testing gave us a clear sense of how practical these coolers are in real-world scenarios.
FAQs
What is a portable electric cooler?
A portable electric cooler is a smaller appliance that keeps food and drinks cold (and sometimes warm). They can be plugged into a 120-volt AC wall outlet, the 12-volt cigarette lighter outlet in your car, and/or to a portable power source. Each model will have different power sources, so research your needs and pick up an adapter or power inverter if you need to.
How do I use a portable electric cooler?
To get the best out of your electric cooler, you should prime it the night before your trip. Plug it into your 120-volt wall outlet and begin the cooling process. Once it's down to your desired temperature, transfer refrigerated items into the cooler. This way, your portable cooler is maintaining a cold temperature, which is far more efficient and uses less power than cooling down items.
What are some differences between thermoelectric coolers and compressor coolers?
Compressor coolers use the same technology as your home refrigerator, cooling through a series of compressed air and refrigerants. They are definitely more effective in cooling and are ideal for drivers who need to keep items at a consistent temperature.
Thermoelectric coolers use "solid-state cooling," meaning there is no compressor or refrigerants. It uses the transfer of heat or cold through solid metal to run the device. Thermoelectric cooling is incredibly effective, but it does depend on the ambient temperature in which the cooler is operating. For example, if you are trying to run your cooler in the middle of the desert sun, the solid metal plate may have a hard time cooling since the original transfer begins at such a high temperature.
Are electric coolers noisy?
Not really. Some electric coolers can produce a low humming sound when in use.
Can electric coolers be used while driving?
Yes, a 12-volt DC power outlet can power most electric coolers—but be sure to check what the product offers.
Can I use an electric cooler while the car is off?
Yes, but be mindful that the cooler is powered by your car's battery. Run it too long, and the car's battery might drain completely. Luckily, many electric coolers produce a "low voltage" alert, which lets you know when the vehicle's battery is getting dangerously low.
How long do electric coolers stay cold?
This is dependent on many factors, such as ambient temp, insulation, and contents. In general, as long as your cooler is plugged in, it will remain cool. An unplugged cooler, however, will lose temperature at different rates.
Can electric coolers freeze food and drinks?
Some electric coolers have a freeze function that can lower the temperature inside the cooler below the freezing point.
