Whether you’re heading out for a camping trip, embarking on a road adventure, or simply need a convenient way to keep your groceries cool, a portable car refrigerator is a practical and relatively affordable addition to your EV.
If you own a Tesla, you might want to make the most of its Camp Mode feature by folding down the back seats, setting up a mattress, and spending a night surrounded by nature.
However, whether you drive a Tesla or another EV, these vehicles are designed for functionality, and a 12-volt cooler enhances their practicality even further.
Selecting the right car refrigerator, however, can be a challenge. With numerous brands available and prices ranging from as low as $100 to over $1,000, it’s essential to find the best option for your needs.
After our recommendations, we’ll provide guidance on choosing the right car refrigerator or cooler, but one key factor should remain a priority: size.
The size and capacity you prefer will help narrow down your choices, and we’ll highlight a variety of options to suit different needs.
Ultimately, selecting the best 12-volt cooler comes down to what fits your specific requirements, as any of the reputable brands we mention will serve you well.
1. Top Pick: ICECO GO20 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator (20 Liter)
The ICECO GO20 is the 12-volt car refrigerator I personally own and use. If you’re interested in learning more about it, you can check out my full review.
This unit features a dual-zone design, meaning you can set different temperatures for each compartment.
One of my favorite aspects of this fridge is the fast cooling function during my testing, the left zone’s temperature dropped from 81°F to 37°F in just 10 minutes.
It also does an excellent job maintaining the set temperatures over extended periods.While the fridge comes with Bluetooth and a companion app for mobile control, its limited Bluetooth range somewhat reduces its usefulness.
That being said, the app does help with one of my biggest frustrations: the controls on the lid. The touch controls aren’t the most responsive, so adjusting temperatures via the app is far more convenient.
Despite this minor drawback, the ICECO GO20 is well-built and justifies its price if you plan to use it frequently.
Additional small features include a built-in LED light that provides sufficient illumination and a soft-closing lid that prevents accidental finger pinches. The fridge also comes with an adapter for standard household outlets.
However, what truly sets this unit apart from the competition is its Secop compressor, which is impressively quiet and efficient. ICECO backs the compressor with a five-year warranty and offers a one-year warranty on the other components.
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2. Runner-Up: BougeRV 12-Volt Car Refrigerator (22 Liter or 28 Liter)
Our second pick comes in two size options 22 liters or 28 liters offering a great balance between performance and price. We believe these sizes will suit most buyers, and regardless of which one you choose, you can expect efficient cooling.
This portable fridge can lower its temperature from 77°F to 32°F in approximately 20 minutes. If you need it to function as a freezer, it will reach -5°F from 77°F in about 50 minutes all without the need for ice, as it’s a true portable refrigerator.
BougeRV designs its 12-volt coolers with an ECO energy-saving mode, ensuring that the fridge operates at less than 45 watts. Even when running on MAX mode, it consumes less than 1 kWh per day.
If you plan on using this cooler for camping, you’ll appreciate that it runs quietly at just 45 dB. To enhance durability and safety, the fridge features a shockproof design, allowing it to operate smoothly even when driving up a 30° incline.
Additionally, a three-level battery protection system prevents the fridge from completely draining your car’s battery, giving you control over the voltage threshold at which it will automatically shut off.
Finally, BougeRV backs this refrigerator with a two-year warranty covering both the compressor and accessories.
3. Premium Pick: Dometic CFX3 12-Volt Portable Refrigerator and Freezer (45 Liter)
If you’re looking for one of the best 12-volt coolers on the market and are willing to invest in a high-end option, the Dometic CFX3 portable refrigerator/freezer is worth considering.
This premium 12-volt cooler is built to handle just about anything, with the capability to deep freeze down to -7°F. It’s available in multiple capacities, including 25-, 35-, 45-, 55-, 75-, and 100-liter options.
Regardless of the size you choose, you’ll be getting an exceptionally durable 12-volt cooler with a lightweight ExoFrame construction and sturdy aluminum handles.
One of the biggest reasons for this portable refrigerator/freezer’s popularity despite its higher price is its smart connectivity. With built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, you can control the unit remotely via a smartphone app.
This allows you to adjust the temperature or monitor its performance even when you’re not nearby. It’s a particularly useful feature for camping trips or off-roading adventures when you’re away from your campsite.
Additionally, the CFX3 is equipped with a high-resolution color display and soft-touch buttons, making it easy to operate directly from the unit.
The Dometic CFX3 offers versatile power options, as it can run on AC, DC, or even Solar power. Naturally, it also includes a built-in three-stage dynamic battery protection system to prevent your car’s battery from being completely drained.
Oh, and if you ever find yourself needing ice while on the road, the Dometic CFX3 conveniently features an integrated ice-making compartment.
4. Best on a Budget: AstroAI 12-Volt Car Fridge Cooler (15 Liter or 22 Liter)
If you’re in need of a reasonably sized car refrigerator but don’t plan on using it frequently, the AstroAI 12-volt cooler is a solid budget-friendly option.
Available in 15- or 22-liter sizes, this portable fridge can cool down to 32°F in approximately 15 minutes when empty. If you need it to reach its lowest temperature of -4°F, it will take around 45 minutes.
The unit features a MAX mode for rapid cooling and an ECO mode to conserve energy, using less than 1 kWh per day.
Like many higher-end models, it also includes a three-level battery protection system, which automatically adjusts power consumption to extend your vehicle’s battery life.
For convenience, the fridge is equipped with an LED display panel and a USB charging port, allowing you to charge your mobile devices while on the go.
Inside, a built-in LED light makes it easier to locate items in low-light conditions. Additionally, this portable refrigerator includes a child safety lock to prevent accidental openings.
Like our other recommendations, it supports both AC and DC power, making it versatile enough for use at home or on the road.
5. Best Compact: Wagan EL6214 12-Volt Car Cooler (14 Liter)
Sometimes, all you need is a small, portable cooler for everyday convenience whether it’s to keep your kid’s snacks fresh on the way home from soccer practice or to ensure your lunch stays cool during your commute to work.
If you’re in the market for something compact, our top recommendation is this 14-liter portable fridge from Wagan. To give you a sense of its capacity, it can hold up to a dozen soda cans and even accommodate two-liter bottles.
While it’s not as advanced as our other recommendations, it serves its purpose well, cooling down to 32 to 36°F and even heating up to 140°F.
If you prefer a no-frills option without the extra features found in models like the Dometic CFX3, this is a solid choice.
For added convenience, this portable cooler includes two built-in external cupholders, making it especially useful for road trips when placed in the rear-middle seat.
Additionally, a nylon carrying strap allows for easy transport when you reach your destination.
Can a 12-Volt Cooler Drain My Car’s Battery?
Yes, a 12-volt cooler can potentially drain your car’s battery, just like any device plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter socket. That’s why many of our recommended models come with built-in battery protection to prevent this from happening.
While it’s unlikely for a car fridge to drain the battery while the vehicle is running, the situation differs for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Tesla owners, for instance, should enable Camp Mode if they plan to leave their portable fridge plugged in overnight.
Additionally, it’s important to check if your BEV automatically disables the 12-volt outlet when the doors are locked, as this could cause your fridge to lose power unexpectedly.
How Long Will a 12-Volt Car Refrigerator Stay Cool Once Disconnected?
This depends largely on the insulation quality of the cooler you purchase. Well-insulated coolers can retain their temperature for several hours after being unplugged, provided the lid remains sealed and is not opened frequently. For more precise details, check the specifications for your specific model.
Can I Heat Up Food With a Car Refrigerator?
Some car refrigerators include a heating function, but they are not designed to replace an oven or microwave.
Their purpose is to keep food warm rather than cook it. So, while they can help maintain the temperature of your meals, they should not be used for actual cooking.
How Long Does a 12-Volt Cooler Take to Get Cold?
Cooling time varies by product and capacity. Most manufacturers provide estimates on how long it takes to reach a certain temperature. In general, an empty cooler should reach cold temperatures in under an hour.
If it’s loaded with items, expect it to take significantly longer. A rough estimate is that for every pound of items inside the cooler, it will take approximately one hour to cool from room temperature to its coldest setting.