10 Best 12 Volt Coolers 2025 in the United States

The Dometic CFX3 75-Liter Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator and Freezer is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable and powerful cooling solution. With a generous 75-liter capacity, it can hold a significant amount of food and drinks, making it suitable for activities like camping, fishing, or picnics. One of its standout features is its ability to refrigerate or deep freeze items down to -7°F, thanks to its efficient VMSO3 compressor cooling technology, which ensures that your perishables stay fresh even in warm conditions.

Portability is also a strong suit, as it comes with a rugged and lightweight ExoFrame construction, along with aluminum alloy handles, allowing it to withstand rough handling and various environments. The cooler is versatile in power options, functioning on AC, DC, or solar power, and includes a built-in battery protection system to avoid dead batteries, making it practical for long trips.

However, it does have some drawbacks. Weighing in at over 61 pounds, it may be challenging for some users to transport, especially when fully loaded. Additionally, while the advanced technology, such as WiFi and Bluetooth temperature control via the CFX3 App, is a great convenience, it may not appeal to those who prefer simpler, more straightforward appliances. The cooler's impact resistance is a plus, yet the plastic material could raise concerns regarding long-term durability in harsh conditions.

The BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator is a solid choice for those seeking a portable cooling solution. With a generous capacity of 23 quarts, it offers ample space for food and drinks during road trips or camping. One of its standout features is the fast cooling capability, which allows it to reach temperatures as low as -5℉ in under an hour. This is particularly beneficial for keeping perishable items fresh without the hassle of ice. The unit is also designed with low power consumption in mind, consuming less than 45 watts, which is great for energy efficiency, making it suitable for various vehicles like RVs, trucks, and boats.

Portability is another strong point; weighing just over 22 pounds and measuring compactly, the cooler is easy to transport. Additionally, its low noise operation at 45dB ensures it won’t disturb your sleep after a long drive, which is a thoughtful design aspect.

The manual defrost system may require extra effort to maintain, and it's important to keep the fridge out of direct sunlight to prevent damage. While it includes a battery protection feature to guard against draining your vehicle's battery, users should still be cautious about power management. Furthermore, it does not have an Energy Star rating, which may be a concern for some environmentally conscious users. The BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator excels in cooling performance, portability, and energy efficiency, making it ideal for travelers and campers. However, it may require some extra maintenance and attention to placement to ensure optimal functionality.

The ENGEL MT35 34 Quart Platinum Series Portable Fridge-Freezer is a solid choice for those who need a reliable 12-volt cooler for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and picnics. One of its standout features is its dual power compatibility, allowing it to operate on both 12/24V DC and 110/120V AC, which makes it versatile for use in vehicles or at home. The digital temperature control with an LED display is user-friendly and ensures that your items remain at the desired temperature.

The efficient 'Swing Motor' compressor is designed to be vibration-resistant, making it a durable option for extreme conditions, which can be a real plus for adventurous users. Its incline operation capability of up to 30° is another great feature that adds to its usability in various settings.

Another consideration is the 34-quart capacity, which should be sufficient for small to medium groups, but larger families or those planning longer trips may find it a bit limiting.