We had no issues with the durability of the Iceless 28 in our testing. The overall construction as well as the hardware held up just fine. As compared to the Editors’ Choice Yeti Tundra 45, this model feels flimsy and light. And our experience with long-term testing of similar models suggests that hinges and handles may loosen and break down with time. Additionally, note that this is the only mechanized or powered cooler in our testing. While our testers had no issues with the reliability of the thermoelectric cooling mechanism, this is a potential failure point.
Thermoelectric capacity is indicated in quarts or liters. The best way to maximize energy efficiency is to pack the cooler fully. Consider how much food you want to bring along and choose the appropriate thermoelectric cooler size. Electric cooler igloo ice chest sizes are typically on the lower side, with the full-size ones having a capacity of liters. It comes with a 12v DC plug for easy powering via a vehicle’s 12volt outlet. It is also 110v Ac compatible, but you would need to buy the cord.
Sometimes you need a big cooler and sometimes you don’t. If you want something truly portable and space saving, the Cooluli mini fridge is for you. This little guy does not have a ton of room at all, but it’s not supposed to.
Their top advantages include low noise, compactness, lightweight, and portability. Other extra features that make this cooler stand out are removable dividers and a drain plug. The drain probably hurts insulation a bit, but it’s very nice for easy clean-out after a longer trip. The dividers make all the difference when you’re trying to keep your perishable items close to the chiller unit and want to fill up empty space with heat-absorbing frozen water bottles.
Despite claims that an electric cooler can get 40 degrees below ambient temperatures, we mostly saw temperatures that would quickly lead to spoiled food over the course of a long trip. You also need to supply 12-volt power constantly to keep things cold, or treat the electric cooler like a regular cooler and pack it with frozen items anyhow. Thermoelectric coolers will chill your drinks or help keep your lunch cold while your AC is on while you’re driving, but they need a constant supply of power. Electric coolers vary significantly in their ability to cool. Some units can efficiently freeze their contents, some can keep food frozen, and others are only designed to gently cool. Consider what your needs are around actual temperature before selecting an electric cooler to purchase.
With a 23-can capacity, this unit is big enough for an all-day picnic or long road trip. The thermoelectric cooling unit in this bag promises to keep contents 30°F below ambient temperatures, and the 12-volt adapter plugs easily into your car’s cigarette lighter. If you’d like to have an electric cooler that also makes ice, the Dometic CFX3 55IM Powered Cooler + Ice Maker is your best option.
When we looked at the temperatures from the two data-log thermometers, it was clear that the insulation and cooling power of these coolers is insufficient for use outside on a hot day. As soon as the sun hit the spot they were sitting at around 10 a.m., the temperature would climb above 50 in a better cooler or all the way up to 70 in a cheaper cooler. Things only dropped again when outside temperatures fell below 70 igloo ice chest overnight. As expected, the temperatures in the evening were much better, finally dropping down below 40 and even freezing in one unit when outside temperatures were in the 60s overnight. But that’s still not the performance necessary to keep perishable items like potato salad safe if you have to unplug when you’re stopped. If you need to keep food (or anything else) below 40 degrees, you’d be better off using ice.
Dometic’s smart battery protection system prevents dead car batteries — a helpful feature when you plan to leave the cooler plugged in overnight. The cooler is also insulated enough to remain well-chilled for about five hours after the power is no longer connected. They make designs across the whole available spectrum, as well as creating entire categories. The thermoelectrically cooled Iceless 28 model is just such a category.