When planning a road trip, camping adventure, or any outdoor activity, keeping your food and drinks cool is a top priority. A portable electric cooler is a great option for those who prefer the convenience of refrigeration without the mess of ice.
These coolers come in a variety of sizes and features, making it easy to choose one that fits your needs, whether you’re heading on a weekend getaway, tailgating, or camping.
Unlike traditional coolers that require ice, electric coolers use a power source to keep your items cool or even frozen, ensuring your beverages and snacks stay fresh throughout your trip.
This guide will review some of the best portable electric coolers available in 2025. From compact models perfect for short trips to larger coolers capable of keeping food frozen for days, we’ve selected top choices based on cooling efficiency, design, and overall versatility.
Whether you’re searching for a budget-friendly option or a premium cooler with advanced features, there is something for everyone. Let’s explore the best electric car coolers to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Igloo Portable Electric Coolers (18-60QT)
The Igloo Portable Electric Coolers (18-60QT) are proudly made in the USA and feature a swing-up bale handle with a comfortable grip for easy carrying, as well as molded-in side handles for two-handed lifting. With a capacity of 32 12-oz cans or 26 quarts (24 liters), these coolers come with an 8-foot long power cord that plugs into any 12V DC receptacle, such as a car’s cigarette lighter, for portable use.
They cool without ice, saving space for more food and drinks, and bring the cooler temperature down to 36°F below the surrounding air, keeping your contents fresh and dry.
Where to get it: Igloo
BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator 12V Car Fridge 30 Quart Portable Freezer Compressor Cooler
The BougeRV CR28 12V refrigerator is a portable and efficient cooling solution, offering fast cooling capabilities with compressor refrigeration technology. It can rapidly cool from 77°F to 32°F in just 15 minutes and from 77°F to -5°F in 50 minutes, ensuring your food stays fresh without the need for ice. The refrigerator operates with low power consumption, around 36W in ECO mode and 45W in MAX mode, making it an energy-efficient option for various vehicles like SUVs, trucks, RVs, and boats.
It includes a removable partition board, a 10.82 ft DC power cord, a 6.56 ft AC power cord, and a user manual.
This compact fridge is designed for durability and quiet operation, with a low noise level of 45dB, ensuring a peaceful sleep even after long drives. Its shock-proof design allows it to function smoothly on uneven terrain, even with a 30° inclination during off-road trips.
Additionally, it features a 3-level voltage battery protection system, which prevents the fridge from draining the vehicle’s battery by automatically shutting off when the voltage reaches a pre-set level. It’s a lightweight, space-saving option that keeps food and drinks fresh while on the go.
Where to get it: BougerRV
Alpicool CF45 48-Quart Electric Cooler/Freezer
For those looking for an affordable electric cooler that doesn’t compromise on performance, the Alpicool CF45 48-Quart Electric Cooler/Freezer is an outstanding option.
This cooler offers both cooling and freezing capabilities, making it perfect for road trips where you need to store frozen items. It can cool down to 6°F, which is sufficient to keep perishables frozen, and it boasts a 45-quart capacity that can hold up to 59 cans.
The Alpicool CF45 is powered by both a 12V DC plug for use in vehicles and a 120V AC plug for use at home or in RVs, providing ample flexibility. While it may not cool as quickly as some high-end models, it offers excellent value for its price. Its simple design and reliable performance make it one of the best budget electric coolers on the market.
Where to get it: Alpicool
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Bodega 80-Quart Electric Cooler/Freezer
For those who need substantial space for long trips or large gatherings, the Bodega 80-Quart Electric Cooler/Freezer is the ultimate choice. This cooler is equipped with dual zones that can be independently controlled, allowing users to keep items at different temperatures within the same cooler.
The 80-quart capacity can hold up to 102 cans, making it ideal for tailgates, family camping trips, or extended road trips.
The Bodega cooler is powered by both 12V DC and 120V AC plugs, offering flexibility for use at home or in vehicles. It features strong insulation, which allows it to maintain a consistently cold temperature for extended periods. While its large size makes it less portable, it’s a perfect choice for those who need a high-capacity cooler with versatile cooling options.
Where to get it: Bodega
BougeRV 23 Quart Insulated Protective Cover
The BougeRV 23 Quart Car Refrigerator Carrying Case is designed for a perfect fit, allowing you to easily insert and remove your fridge without having to take it out of the case.
This case provides essential protection, safeguarding your fridge from scratches, bumps, and sunlight damage, ensuring it stays clean and well-maintained. It’s an ideal solution for keeping your refrigerator in pristine condition while traveling.
The carrying case also features an insulated interior layer, which helps maintain the fridge’s cool temperature even on hot summer days. This reduces power consumption from your AC outlet or external battery.
Made from durable 600D Oxford cloth, thickened pearl cotton, and inner aluminum film, the case offers excellent protection from sunlight, dust, scratches, and collisions. Additionally, it includes ventilation for airflow and extra side pockets for storing power cords, making it a highly practical accessory for your car refrigerator.
Where to get it: BougerRV
Dometic CFX3 37-Quart Electric Cooler/Freezer
The Dometic CFX3 37-Quart Electric Cooler/Freezer is the ultimate premium cooler for serious adventurers. With its ability to cool to temperatures as low as -8.5°F, this cooler is perfect for those who need to store frozen goods or keep items at a precise temperature. Its sleek, rugged design is built to withstand the demands of outdoor use, and it features a user-friendly interface for easy temperature control.
One of the standout features of the Dometic CFX3 is its app connectivity, which allows users to monitor and control the cooler remotely via their smartphone. It’s also compatible with solar power, enabling off-grid use. While it comes at a premium price, its superior performance, reliability, and quality construction make it well worth the investment for outdoor enthusiasts or those who demand the best.
Where to get it: Dometic
Choosing the right portable electric cooler depends on your specific needs, whether you’re looking for a compact option for short trips, a large cooler for extended travel, or a battery-powered model that offers flexibility away from power sources.
From the affordable Igloo Versatemp 28 Qt to the high-end Dometic CFX3 37-Quart, each of these coolers provides different benefits, making them suitable for various types of adventures. When selecting a cooler, consider factors like capacity, power options, portability, and cooling performance to ensure that you choose the best one for your next outing.
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