First, compare car coolers by price, customer rating, cooler size and capacity, compressor vs thermoelectric and more. Plus, some models can cool or warm, and others have freezer and fridge compartments. Pay less AND also find the best portable car cooler!
Car Coolers |
Price (approx) | Rating 1-5 |
Capacity | Dimensions | Cooler Type | Cooling Type | Carrying Handle | Special Features |
Alpicool Portable
|
$299-355 | 4.5 | 45 Liter 55 Liter |
27.2″ L 13.6″ Wide 18.2″ Tall (45L size) |
Fridge/Freezer | Compressor | Side grab handles | Well-made cooler at a lower price. Plus, it has a high efficiency compressor (ECO mode), battery protection, is vibration/angle resistant and has a digital display & internal light. Alpicool Fridge Freezer Review |
Whynter 65 Quart Fridge-Freezer |
$550-755 | 4.6 | 65 Quart | 28.1″ Long 18.25″ Wide 21″ Tall |
Fridge + Freezer | Compressor | Side flip-up handles | More powerful, longer-lasting unit for RV’ers and van dwellers has dual units and “fast freeze” feature. Whynter 65 Quart Review |
Dometic CFX 95DZW |
$750-1490 | 4.7 | 90 Quart | 37.7″ Long 20.8″ Wide 18.5″ Tall |
Fridge + Freezer | Compressor | Side flip-up handles | This powerful, efficient dual-zone unit can also make ice. Plus, you can control the temp from a smartphone. Cooler also comes in multiple sizes. Dometic CFX Review or smaller Dometic CFX50. |
Costway Portable Fridge Freezer |
$379-399 | 4.3 | 54 Quart | 27″ Long 13.5″ Wide 21″ Tall |
Fridge + Freezer | Compressor | Side grab handles | Compact, narrow upright design also has discounted price. Plus, choose from fast-cool or ECO modes. See full Costway Fridge/Freezer Review. |
ABR 50 Fridge Freezer |
$970-990 | 4.4 | 50 Quart | 37″ Tall 24″ Wide 22″ Tall |
Fridge + Freezer | Compressor | Side grab handles | Heavy-duty portable fridge with freezer, plus lower power consumption. Also comes in 4 different sizes. See full ARB50 Fridge Freezer Review. |
Igloo Trailmate
|
$269-285 | 4.0 | 66 Liter | 34.5″ Long 19.7″ Wide 23.6″ Tall |
Cooler | Ultratherm Insulation | Wheels with pull handle | No power required, but can keep ice cold for 4 days. Rugged, all terrain design also designed for marine environments. Plus, cooler includes handy butler tray. Igloo Trailmate review |
Coleman PowerChill Thermoelectric Cooler |
$107 | 4.0 | 40 Quart | 17.7″ Long 16.1″ Wide 24″ Tall |
Cooler | Thermoelectric | Molded side handles | Can be used horizontally like ice chest or upright like mini fridge. Moreover, door converts to open from right or left side. Has adjustable interior shelf: Coleman PowerChill review. |
Koolatron P-20 |
$112 | 4.0 | 18 Quart | 17.2″ Long 8.8″ Wide 16″ Tall |
Cooler + Warmer | Thermoelectric | Carrying handle | Slim, compact design can also fit conveniently behind a car seat. Plus, it can sometimes fit between seats like a console. |
Information Not Included on the Cooler Comparison Chart:
First of all, the portable electric coolers above have several similar features. Therefore, for simplicity’s sake, we did not include all characteristics on the chart.
For example, all electric coolers chill to approximately 36-40 degrees below the ambient temperature. In addition, warmers typically warm to 140 degrees. So, when you compare car coolers, keep this factor in mind.
Also, all electric units plug into a 12V outlet (which you probably already assumed anyway). Additionally, you can purchase a DC adapter separately to plug in the coolers at home or in an office.
Furthermore, the Igloo Trailmate does not require power. Instead, it contains Ultratherm Insulation, which can keep the interior contents cold for much longer than a traditional ice chest.
Consequently, you can take the Igloo on long weekend camping trips without having to worry about having power. (Handheld 12V car vacuums work great for this too!) Plus, you don’t have to worry about it getting wet, like when you’re fishing on a boat.