Best Overall: BougeRV Rocky 55QT Dual Zone 12V Portable Fridge
The BougeRV Rocky 55QT Dual Zone 12V Portable Fridge stands out as the best overall electric cooler due to its versatility, size, weight, depth of features, and affordability. After extensive testing, it has become our go-to mid-size electric cooler for various outdoor adventures.
Designed for overlanding, the Rocky 55 is built to withstand rough conditions. It features a durable stainless steel exterior that can handle up to 664 pounds on top. The unit is also efficient, drawing just 45 watts in eco-mode. Its fingerprint-resistant casing keeps it looking fresh even after prolonged use.
The Rocky 55 is a true dual-zone model, allowing each compartment to be set as a fridge or freezer. A removable divider makes it easier to organize items like ribs and chard. For those needing extra power, an optional 173 Wh battery is available, which can run off 100 watts of solar power. However, it’s important to note that the battery lasts only about four hours on eco-mode in hot weather.
This cooler can be powered via a car’s 12V socket, a regular AC wall plug, or a portable power station. For larger coolers, it’s recommended to plan for around 1,000 watt-hours per day (or 1,500 to be safe). The Rocky 55 is compact and lightweight for its capacity, slightly smaller than the Anker EverFrost 30, Bluetti MultiCooler, or EcoFlow Glacier but with more internal space. It’s also about 6 pounds lighter.
One of the main drawbacks is the lack of wheels, making it awkward to transport. Unless you’re particularly strong, a team carry is recommended.
Best Dual-Zone: Newair Portable 80 Qt. Electric Car Camping Cooler
The Newair Portable 80 Qt. Electric Car Camping Cooler offers many features found in high-end models at a fraction of the price. While it’s a bit unwieldy for everyday use, it’s perfect for extended road and camping trips or any day involving a family or work crew.
This dual-zone cooler has ample fridge and freezer space and draws 80 watts, making it suitable for running off a portable power station or 12V car outlet. It has a sturdy feel and a textured, rugged look. Due to its large capacity, it’s a heavy lift, requiring two people to move into a car. However, once in place, it’s reasonably easy to move around thanks to large-diameter wheels and a high-quality extending pull handle.
Compared to the Dometic CFX75 DZ, the Newair is slightly heavier and smaller in both capacity and dimensions but costs less. It also offers a 173-watt battery/100W solar panel accessory, though this won’t power it for very long. If you don’t have a 12V or wall socket, a larger portable power station is recommended.
Best Budget: Alpicool CF45 Portable Fridge Freezer
Coming in well under $300, the Alpicool CF45 is an outstanding portable cooler for the price. It’s energy-efficient, drawing just 60 watts, and lightweight at a hair over 28 pounds. The cooler has two compartments, though it isn’t a dual-zone model since both compartments stay at the same temperature.
It’s the only cooler in the lineup with a lid that opens from the short side, which could make it more or less convenient depending on how you stow your food. The Alpicool can function at up to a 45-degree tilt, making it suitable for off-roading. Despite its budget-friendly price, it has some downsides, including a noisy compressor and no drain. It also lacks wheels, which is common for a cooler of this size.
Best for Job Site: Ryobi One+ 18V 24 Qt. Hybrid Battery Powered Iceless Cooler
If you already use Ryobi tools, the Ryobi One+ 18V 24 Qt. Hybrid Battery Powered Iceless Cooler is an obvious choice for job sites or tailgating. It can run off one or two Ryobi batteries and comes with cords for an AC wall outlet or a car 12V electric socket.
Lightweight enough to solo lift in and out of the truck, it has one compartment that can be set as a fridge or freezer. It holds up to 40 12-ounce cans and comes with a 3-year warranty. The LCD screen displays both temperature and battery level, and it’s easy to clean with a single compartment and a drain. The biggest downside is that it doesn’t come with any batteries, which are expensive if you don’t already use Ryobi products.
Best for Quick Cooling: Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 40L Electric Cooler
For fast cooling, the Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 40L Electric Cooler is a good bet. Its powerful compressor can cool the interior from 77°F to 32°F in 15 minutes. It offers three modes—Eco, Max, or Smart—and four ways to recharge. However, it isn’t a dual-zone unit, so you either freeze or refrigerate, not both. The battery requires a second purchase for optimal performance.
Best for Beach and Boat: Bluetti MultiCooler Fridge Plus AC180T Power Station
The Bluetti MultiCooler Fridge Plus AC180T Power Station is ideal for beach and boat use. It features an automatic ice maker and a 45-degree tilt tolerance. It can be paired with Bluetti’s B70 modular power system batteries, making it a smart option for off-grid adventures. The cooler includes USB-A and USB-C ports for charging electronics and a removable lid for convenience.
Best for Campers and Van Camping: Dometic CFX3 75 Dual Zone Powered Cooler
The Dometic CFX3 75 Dual Zone Powered Cooler is among the largest electric coolers on the market, comparable in capacity to the Newair model. It’s known for its durability and excellent warranty. Despite being more expensive than the Newair, it’s still the same price as the EcoFlow Glacier. It’s great for holding a lot of food and is very sturdy. However, it lacks wheels or a handle, making it difficult to transport without additional accessories.
What to Look for When Buying an Electric Cooler
When choosing an electric cooler, consider the following factors:
- Cooling Technology: Compressor vs. thermoelectric.
- Size and Weight: Consider both internal capacity and external dimensions.
- Power Options: AC, DC, battery, and solar.
- Energy Use (Watt-hours): More efficient models are better for off-grid use.
- Cooling Zones: Dual-zone models offer more flexibility.
- Other Features: Adjustable temperature controls, durability, wheels, USB outlets, and app controls.
How We Found the Best Electric Coolers
After analyzing 15 manufacturers, we tested 8 models across various sizes and features. We evaluated them based on power efficiency, size, weight, price, power options, cooling zones, and user interfaces. We also tested their performance in different scenarios, such as freezing ice, maintaining temperature, ease of cleaning, and practicality for packing food.
Other Electric Coolers We Tested
Several other models were tested, including the Igloo Iceless Portable Electric 40-quart Cooler, which is affordable and easy to carry but limited in cooling capabilities.
FAQ
- How long do electric coolers stay cold? It depends on the power source and environmental conditions.
- Can you leave an electric cooler plugged in all the time? Yes, but parts may wear out over time.
- Can you put ice in an electric cooler? Yes, but using ice can reduce efficiency and cause moisture issues.
Why You Should Trust Us
With nearly 30 years of experience testing outdoor and camping products, we’ve put electric coolers and portable power stations through rigorous testing in various environments. Our research and updates come from trusted sources like Yashar Mosaferi and Tom Callahan, who provide expert insights into cooling technology and product development.
