Are you planning an adventure but worried about your food and drinks spoiling? A cooler can help keep things fresh for a short period, but what if you need something more long-lasting? Enter electric coolers – the perfect solution for hassle-free adventures. Here are some of the best plug-in electric coolers for 2023 that you should consider.
Best Car Refrigerators
Igloo Iceless 28-Quart Electric Cooler:
The Igloo Iceless 28-Quart Electric Cooler is a thermoelectric cooler that is designed to keep food and beverages cold without the need for ice. It can cool down to 36°F below the ambient temperature and can hold up to 32 12-ounce cans. The exterior is made of durable and easy-to-clean plastic, and it features an ergonomic swing-up handle for easy carrying. It can be powered by a standard 110-volt outlet or a 12-volt power source.
Wagan EL6206:
The Wagan EL6206 is a compact and portable thermoelectric cooler and warmer that is designed for use in cars, trucks, RVs, and boats. It can hold up to 9 cans and can cool down to 32°F below the ambient temperature and warm up to 140°F. The exterior is made of durable and easy-to-clean plastic, and it features a built-in carry handle for easy transport. It can be powered by a 12-volt power source.
BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator:
The BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator is a portable compressor refrigerator that is designed for use in cars, trucks, RVs, and boats. It has a 42-liter capacity and can cool down to -4°F. It features a digital display and temperature control, and it can be powered by a 12-volt power source or an AC adapter. The exterior is made of durable and easy-to-clean plastic, and it features an ergonomic handle for easy carrying. It also has a low voltage protection function to protect the vehicle battery.
Ivation Electric Cooler & Warmer with Handle
The Ivation Electric Cooler & Warmer with Handle is a portable thermoelectric cooler that uses powerful technology to provide dependable cooling and warming for all types of potables and perishables. With a large interior compartment, it has enough space to hold dozens of bottles, food trays, dishes, to-go containers, refrigerated medications, and even 2-L soda bottles.
The innovative dual-function cooler allows you to keep pre-chilled beverages icy cold or maintain the heat of pre-cooked foods. You can change modes with the flip of a switch and it includes built-in fans and one-button hot/cold switch for safe, effortless operation. It also has a collapsible handle for cool portability and power adapters for home and vehicle, making it an ideal travel cooler system. However, some users have reported that the stowaway area for the cords is extremely small.
Alpicool CF55 Portable Freezer
The Alpicool CF55 Portable Freezer is a 58-quart capacity portable freezer that can fit 60 x 12 oz cans of cola. It has a powerful chilling down performance, with the ability to adjust the temperature to be a fridge or freezer. The freezer runs great with your small solar system as well. It also has a car battery protection feature that comes with a temperature memory function and 3 different levels for battery protection: Low, Med, and High.
The Alpicool CF55 is designed with an LCD display and digitized temperature adjustment, a built-in LED light, and an internal basket. It has a reliable sealing property construction with thick and high-density foam insulation, which provides continuous cooling performance during your journey. While it has received positive reviews for its function, longevity, and price, some users have reported poor use of space, a poorly designed latch that holds the lid closed, and a handle that may get broken easily.
Also read: Best Refrigerator Deodorizer 2023: Top Picks For A Fresh And Odor-Free Fridge
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Does it matter where the cooler opening is?
A: Yes, it matters where the cooler opening is depending on the type of vehicle you have. In most cars and SUVs, you’ll want a cooler that opens from the top. However, if you have an older truck with space between the front seats, a side-opening cooler could work. In an RV or at a campsite, the opening orientation doesn’t matter as much, but if you’re in an exposed area, you’ll want a cooler with a tight-fitting lid.
Q: Why should I buy a small refrigerator that costs more than $500?
A: If you’re planning to be on the road or away from a traditional refrigerator for an extended period, a compressor-style cooler is worth considering. While electric coolers are designed for on-and-off use, they may wear out over time. A compressor-style cooler is designed for sustained operation and is better suited for longer journeys, such as trucking, road trips, or boating.
Q: Will a cooler drain the car battery?
A: Yes, if you’re using a plug-in cooler, you’ll need to keep your vehicle running to prevent the battery from draining. You should run the motor intermittently to ensure that the battery stays sufficiently charged. Running the plug-in cooler for an extended period can drain the battery, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
Q: Does a cooler keep hot food hot?
A: Some electric coolers can keep warm food at the desired temperature. However, it’s important to note that unlike cold items, you can’t supplement the warming efforts of these coolers. To keep your warm food warm, you should pack it warm to begin with. Remember, it’s a cooler/warmer, not an oven.
