The 4 Best Electric Coolers of 2025, According to Our Tests

The Best Electric Coolers for Your Next Adventure

As an avid camper, I’ve experienced the frustration of ice melting quickly in traditional coolers. But electric coolers have changed the game. I tested four top-selling models to see how they performed, and here are my top picks.

Our Favorite Electric Cooler

The Igloo ICF 40 Electric Cooler stood out for its durability, performance, design, and mid-range price. This compressor-powered cooler provides cooling and freezing between 0° and 68°F, with a powerful compressor and an easy-to-read temperature display.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Igloo ICF 40 Electric Cooler
  • Capacity: 41 quarts
  • Dimensions: 28.25 x 14.72 x 18.15 inches
  • Weight: 28 pounds
  • Temperature Range: 0 to 68°F :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/faw-electric-coolers-group-greg-baker-1-8bdd416f114a49d09f3381b1cc99d17a.jpg)
• Best Value: Igloo Versatemp 28-Quart Portable Electric Cooler ($121)
  • Capacity: 28 quarts
  • Dimensions: 18.43 x 12.78 x 17.07 inches
  • Weight: 10 pounds
  • Temperature Range: 36°F below ambient temperature
• Best Splurge: Dometic CFX2 37 Electric Cooler ($686)
  • Capacity: 39 quarts
  • Dimensions: 15.79 x 16.85 x 26.69 inches
  • Weight: 34 pounds
  • Temperature Range: -7° to 68°F
• Best Dual Zone: Alpicool CF45 Portable Fridge Freezer ($270)
  • Capacity: 42 quarts
  • Dimensions: 27.2 x 13.6 x 18.3 inches
  • Weight: 28 pounds
  • Temperature Range: -4° to 68°F

How We Tested

We tested these coolers based on their capacity, design, cooling capability, and freezing capability (if applicable). We also considered factors such as power source, thermoelectric vs. compressor technology, and portability.

Factors to Consider

When choosing an electric cooler, consider the power source, capacity, and type of cooling technology. Thermoelectric coolers are solid-state and have no moving parts, while compressor coolers have fans, motors, and coils. Capacity and portability are also crucial, especially if you plan to use the cooler for camping or outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many watts does an electric cooler use? The coolers we tested used between 40 and 55 watts.
• Do you need to put ice in an electric cooler? No, it’s actually discouraged. An electric cooler is essentially a refrigerator or freezer.
• Can electric coolers also keep food frozen? Yes, three of the models we tested could freeze, and had low temperatures of -7°F, -4°F, and 0°F.
• Is it safe to leave an electric cooler plugged in at all times? In most cases, yes. However, be aware that some coolers may drain your car battery if left plugged in for too long.