9 Best 12V Electric Coolers [Top Picks, Buying Guide, and FAQs]

The biggest concern for campers and tailgaters everywhere is keeping drinks and food cold for days out on the road or campsite.

If you don’t want the hassle of melting ice bags and wet supplies, a 12v cooler is just what you need!

The beauty of 12v coolers is that they DON’T require any ice. Electric coolers only need a cigarette plug to generate cold air.

It’s perfect for short trips or extended excursions out in the country.

From lightweight coolers to mini-fridges, we reviewed the nine best 12v coolers to help you find the right choice.

The 9 Best 12V Coolers

Planning a road trip to the great outdoors?

A 12v cooler can keep your food and drinks cool while eliminating the struggle of cleaning up melting ice.

See our top picks for the best 12v cooler, the best budget 12v cooler, the best value, and more below.

1: Dometic CFX3 35-Liter Cooler – Best Overall

Features:

• Dimensions: ‎27.32″ x 15.67″ x 16.02″
• Weight: 37 lbs.
• Capacity: 35 liters
• Refrigeration: Compressor

This Dometic portable fridge is a true powerhouse among the electric coolers on the market today.

With temperatures reaching -7 degrees Fahrenheit, it can deep freeze game or fish for spoil-free storage.

It has two separate compartments for organization, an interior light for visibility and drain plugs for easy cleaning.

This Dometic model also has a scratch-resistant and waterproof digital display that helps you keep track of the cooler metrics!

Using the CFX3 app, you can remotely manage the cooler’s temperature and power consumption.

It works with solar, AC, and DC power, allowing greater versatility.

Combined with high-tech features and versatile functionality, Dometic’s CFX3 12v cooler easily tops our list. Get it on Amazon.

Pros:

• It can work as a refrigerator and a freezer
• Includes an app for remote management
• Compatible with multiple power sources

Cons:

• Expensive
• Bulky form may be difficult to transport

2: Wagan 12V Personal Thermoelectric – Best Value

Features:

• Dimensions: ‎19″ x 10.25″ x 12″
• Weight: 8 lbs.
• Capacity: 14 liters
• Refrigeration: Thermoelectric

Wagan 12V thermoelectric cooler is a compact unit that offers great value at an affordable price.

It can keep supplies cold as low as37 degrees below the ambient temperature and warm food at a maximum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cooling and warming functions are located at the lid, which is properly sealed to ensure maximum insulation.

Despite its slim design, you can fit up to 12 liters of cans or water bottles and two-liter wine bottles.

It includes a 9-inch DC power cord you can extend from the car trunk and shoulder straps for better portability.

If you intend to run it on another power source, you’ll have to purchase the AC adapter separately.

See it on Amazon.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced
• Can keep food warm and chilled
• Spacious compartments
• Lightweight and portable

Cons:

• AC adapter is purchased separately
• Needs to be removed from the power source when the vehicle is turned off

3: Igloo 28 Quart Thermoelectric Portable 12V Cooler – Best Budget Pick

Features:

• Dimensions: ‎18.25″ x 12.87″ x 16.62″
• Weight: 12.5 lbs.
• Capacity: 24 liters
• Refrigeration: Thermoelectric

For a reliable portable electric cooler, the Igloo Thermoelectric 12V Cooler is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Simply plug it into a 12v power supply, and it can cool supplies 36 degrees Fahrenheit below ambient temperatures.

It can hold up to 24 liters of contents, which means you can fill it with up to 32 12-oz. cans.

A quiet motor can circulate cold air for ice-free cooling wherever your adventure takes you.

This 12-volt cooler is designed with a curved exterior and Igloo’s signature carry handle for easier transportation.

The air vents and motor are conveniently placed on the lid, making it easier to store in-between seats.

Made from lightweight and waterproof polyurethane, it’s a durable unit you can take anywhere! Get it on Amazon.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy to carry
• Quiet motor
• Durable construction

Cons:

• No optional AC adapter
• The power cord is easily breakable

4: Electric Cooler & Warmer – Best Large-Capacity

Features:

• Dimensions: ‎22″ x 15″ x 15″
• Weight: 16 lbs.
• Capacity: 45 liters
• Refrigeration: Thermoelectric

K-box Electric Cooler is the perfect companion for any large group gathering or the truly dedicated traveler.

This car cooler can hold up to 60 12-oz. cans or 15 soda cans with 6 two-liter bottles!

Worried about the weight? It comes with transport wheels and a folding handle so you can lug it around even when fully loaded.

It combines the cooling capacity of a fridge and the warming feature of a microwave to keep your supplies at the perfect temperature.

This electric cooler has a removable basket for better organization and a separate socket to store your power cords when not in use.

This large-capacity cooler can meet all the demands you throw at it, whether you want to keep your food warm or cold for the whole party.

Get it on Amazon.

Pros:

• Compatible with AC and DC power
• Convenient cable storage
• Includes warming features
• Has wheels for portability

Cons:

• High power usage
• Side handles are not durable

5: Dometic CFX375DZ – Best Premium

Features:

• Dimensions: 19.5″ x 35.9″ x 18.6″
• Weight: 71 lbs.
• Capacity: 75 liters
• Refrigeration: Compressor

Dometic is a brand known for its high-quality portable refrigerators, and the CFX3-75DZ cooler is no exception.

It has a generous interior capacity of 75 liters with dual compartments that you can control separately.

It’s a dual-zone unit that not only functions as a refrigerator but as a freezer as well.

With a dynamic battery protection system, this portable refrigerator can draw from dual batteries for optimum power efficiency.

It’s equipped with Dometic’s best technologies, including a high-resolution color display, CFX3 app compatibility, and a powerful compressor.

This cooler is made with a durable ExoFrame construction capable of withstanding harsh outdoor conditions. You’re paying for cutting-edge cooling technology that can last for years.

Check it on Amazon.

Pros:

• Extra large capacity
• Dual-zoned
• Can be managed remotely
• Extremely durable

Cons:

• Heavy
• It can take up space
• Expensive

6: Koolatron 12V Compact Electric Cooler and Warmer – Best Space-Saver

Features:

• Dimensions: 17.25″ x 8.75″ x 16″
• Weight: 5 lbs.
• Capacity: 17 liters
• Refrigeration: Thermoelectric

If you’re looking for a cooler you can easily store in your minivan or sedan, the Koolatron 12V Compact Electric Cooler might just be what you need.

It has a slim design with tall exterior dimensions that can fit as many as 23 soda cans without hogging too much space in your vehicle.

Not only can it keep your supplies cold, but it also functions as a food warmer!

It can efficiently warm up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and cool at a 40-degree temperature difference.

This Koolatron 12V cooler has an easy-to-open lid, a cord compartment, and a foldable handle for your convenience.

Although it’s the only cooler in this list made in Canada, Koolatron has been a leading brand in manufacturing 12-volt coolers for three decades.

Get it on Amazon.

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable
• Space-saving design
• Includes warming feature

Cons:

• Limited capacity
• The fan is easily breakable

7: Coleman PowerChill Portable Thermoelectric Cooler – Best Versatile

Features:

• Dimensions: 23.5″ x 15.3″ x 17″
• Weight: 47 lbs.
• Capacity: 46 liters
• Refrigeration: Thermoelectric

If you know anything about coolers, then you’ve probably heard of Coleman.

Coleman’s PowerChill Thermoelectric Cooler is a sleek mini-fridge style cooler that delivers on the brand’s reliable cooling technology.

What we liked about this unit is its versatility. You can keep it upright and open it like a fridge or lay it down for more storage capacity.

It gives you more room to decide how to store it depending on your needs.

This Coleman PowerChill cooler is capable of cooling your supplies in as fast as 3 hours, making it incredibly energy efficient.

It can also heat food up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient air temperature.

At 40-qt. capacity, you can store as many as 44 soda cans and some snacks too! It also includes an 8-foot DC cable and a handy divider for organized storage.

Get it on Amazon.

Pros:

• Includes warming feature
• Multiple opening options
• It can work as a mini fridge or a chest cooler

Cons:

• It can take up considerable space

8: Alpicool C40 Portable Refrigerator – Best Multi-mode

Features:

• Dimensions: 14.4″ x 22.6″ x 13.8″
• Weight: 34.5 lbs.
• Capacity: 40 liters
• Refrigeration: Thermoelectric

For those who want full control over their cooling settings, Alpicool C40 Portable Refrigerator offers just that.

It’s equipped with intelligent cooling technology you won’t find anywhere else.

Alpicool C40 has a max mode for high-speed cooling and an eco mode to reduce battery drain.

The eco-cooling mode is particularly useful because this unit draws a lot from your vehicle’s battery capacity.

As an alternative, you can also plug it into a solar battery bank or portable power station.

With a maximum temperature of –4 degrees Fahrenheit, it can deliver all your cooling needs.

It’s built with heavy-duty stainless steel and sturdy handles for added durability. Check it out on Amazon.

Pros:

• It can work as a refrigerator and a freezer
• Multiple cooling settings
• Fast cooling time

Cons:

• Consumes energy more
• Noisy motor

9: AstroAI 12-volt Car Fridge Cooler – Best Features

Features:

• Dimensions: 12.6″ x 22.2″ x 9.8″
• Weight: 20.6 lbs.
• Capacity: 35 liters
• Refrigeration: Thermoelectric

AstroAI 12-volt Car Fridge Cooler is a feature-packed unit you can get at an affordable price.

It can cool down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit in about 15 minutes and reach its lowest temperature of -4 degrees in only 45 minutes!

It has three modes of battery protection to reduce energy consumption so you can prevent unnecessary power drains.

This cooler also has an LED display panel and a built-in interior light for better visibility when you get the munchies at night.

You can even charge your phone using its USB port. It also includes a child safety lock that prevents accidental opening and spills.

AstroAI 12-volt Car Fridge Cooler comes with both DC and AC adapters for home or vehicle use. You can even plug it into portable power stations if you want to use it outdoors.

Get it on Amazon.

Pros:

• Comes with battery protection modes
• Includes child safety lock
• Includes USB port
• Includes DC and AC power adapters
• Fast cooling time

Cons:

• Limited storage capacity

Buying Guide: What to Consider When Choosing 12V Coolers

12v coolers are convenient for on-the-go refrigeration. But not all of them are created equal.

Whether you’re spending a weekend in the woods or hosting a barbecue during tailgating season, the right 12v cooler for you should be able to deliver a solid performance.

Let’s look at the key features of 12-volt coolers that you need to consider:

1: Insulation

The cooling system is the first thing you have to look into before purchasing a 12-volt cooler.

A quality 12v cooler should maintain a constant internal temperature.

The temperature shouldn’t drop too fast, even when the lid is open. You should get a few hours of cooling once your car cooler is disconnected from a power source.

Look for a 12-volt cooler with a tightly-sealed lid to ensure that it can withstand direct sun exposure.

2: Storage Capacity

Are you going to use a 12-volt cooler for yourself or for your family of four? Do you need one that can readily fit into your car trunk?

Buying a 12v cooler that is bigger than what you need means higher costs and less storage space.

On the other hand, you’ll have to shop for more supplies frequently with a smaller 12v cooler.

For truck drivers and outdoorsmen who are frequently on the road, a large-capacity 12-volt cooler is ideal.

If you’re a solo user, a 30-qt. 12v cooler size should be enough. A 12v cooler with a 45-qt. capacity is generally recom