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10 Best Electric Coolers

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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#8
YETI Tundr
Available on
£325
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Russell Hobbs Quiet Mini Cooler 17L Thermoelectric for Drinks with Adjustable Thermostat, Portable in White, Compact For Bedroom, Home, Caravan, Car RH17CLR1001

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,481
Cooling Performance
Portability
Durability
Cooling Performance
The adjustable thermostat provides effective cooling, keeping drinks cold without freezing, which suits its purpose perfectly.
Portability
The cooler's compact size and sleek design make it an excellent fit for small spaces like caravans and countertops without being bulky.
Durability
Despite initial satisfaction with cooling and noise levels, there are concerns about long-term durability due to recurring fan noise issues reported after several weeks.

The Russell Hobbs Quiet Mini Cooler RH17CLR1001 offers a compact and lightweight design, ideal for small spaces like bedrooms, offices, caravans, or kitchen countertops. With a 17-litre capacity, it comfortably holds drinks and snacks, making it a practical choice if you want convenient, close-at-hand cooling without the bulk of a full-sized fridge. The adjustable thermostat lets you set temperatures between 5 to 18°C, giving you some control over cooling, though it doesn’t freeze items since it’s freezerless.

It runs on standard 230V power and is portable enough to move around easily, thanks to its 7.3 kg weight and adjustable feet for stability on uneven surfaces. The cooling system is thermoelectric, which tends to be less powerful than compressor-based coolers, meaning it might struggle in very hot environments or with rapid cooling needs. Energy-wise, its annual consumption of 182 kWh is moderate but not the most efficient compared to larger or more advanced models.

Durability should be decent with metal and plastic construction, supported by a 1-year warranty for peace of mind. This mini cooler is well suited for users who want a small, portable unit mainly for drinks and snacks in controlled environments, rather than for heavy-duty cooling or freezing tasks.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,481
Cooling Performance
Portability
Durability
Cooling Performance
The adjustable thermostat provides effective cooling, keeping drinks cold without freezing, which suits its purpose perfectly.
Portability
The cooler's compact size and sleek design make it an excellent fit for small spaces like caravans and countertops without being bulky.
Durability
Despite initial satisfaction with cooling and noise levels, there are concerns about long-term durability due to recurring fan noise issues reported after several weeks.
#2

Alpicool CF35 35L Compressor Car Refrigerator, Portable Camping Fridge DC 12v Freezer for TruckCampervanRVBoat, -20℃ to 20℃

Rating
9.7
Capacity
Cooling Performance
Power Source
Capacity
The fridge is spacious enough to store a week's worth of food, making it ideal for long trips.
Cooling Performance
The dual-zone feature is incredibly useful, keeping frozen items at -15°C and drinks at +3°C even in ambient temperatures of 20-30°C.
Power Source
The cooler runs almost silently, especially in a truck, and has an acceptable power usage, allowing for restful sleep even when parked overnight.
Portability
Despite its weight, the cooler is manageable, though the handles could be improved.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a standout, with minimal impact on power usage, perfect for extended trips.
Durability
The build quality is robust enough to withstand bumpy rides, adding to its reliability.

The Alpicool CF35 35L Car Refrigerator is a versatile and effective electric cooler suitable for camping, long drives, picnics, and more. With a 35-liter capacity, it provides ample space for storing a variety of food and beverages. This cooler stands out with its impressive cooling performance, being able to lower the internal temperature from 25°C to 0°C in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for keeping items fresh during long trips. Additionally, its insulating materials allow it to maintain low temperatures even after being disconnected from the power source for several hours.

The cooler features a 3-level battery protection mode to prevent car battery drainage, which is a significant advantage for road trips. It automatically disconnects when the voltage is low and reconnects when the voltage is sufficient, ensuring your car's battery is not compromised. This Alpicool model is also designed for both indoor and outdoor use, coming with DC and AC cords for flexibility. It’s relatively portable with dimensions of 34.5 x 69 x 38.2 cm and a weight of 14.5 kg, making it manageable to move around but still substantial enough to ensure stability.

The built-in freezer compartment offers partitioned storage with a grid of baskets to help organize items, though it might not be suitable for larger frozen goods due to its compact size. Energy efficiency is maintained with a power usage of 60 watts and an automatic defrost system. However, the cooler's plastic door material and freestanding design could raise concerns about long-term durability and sturdiness. The 1-year warranty and prompt customer support add assurance to the purchase. The Alpicool CF35 is a reliable option for those in need of a portable and efficient electric cooler, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers.

Rating
9.7
Capacity
Cooling Performance
Power Source
Capacity
The fridge is spacious enough to store a week's worth of food, making it ideal for long trips.
Cooling Performance
The dual-zone feature is incredibly useful, keeping frozen items at -15°C and drinks at +3°C even in ambient temperatures of 20-30°C.
Power Source
The cooler runs almost silently, especially in a truck, and has an acceptable power usage, allowing for restful sleep even when parked overnight.
Portability
Despite its weight, the cooler is manageable, though the handles could be improved.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a standout, with minimal impact on power usage, perfect for extended trips.
Durability
The build quality is robust enough to withstand bumpy rides, adding to its reliability.
#3

Alpicool T50 50L Compressor Car Refrigerator, Portable Camping Fridge DC 12v Freezer for TruckCampervanRVBoat, -20℃ to 20℃, with USB Socket

Rating
9.1
Capacity
Cooling Performance
Power Source
Capacity
Despite being larger and heavier, the 50-liter version offers ample space for a week's worth of supplies, making it ideal for longer trips.
Cooling Performance
The dual-zone feature is extremely useful, efficiently maintaining frozen foods at -15°C and drinks at +3°C, even in ambient temperatures up to 30°C.
Power Source
The cooler operates almost silently, especially in a truck, which ensures undisturbed sleep even when parked with the engine off.
Portability
The build quality is robust, capable of handling bumpy rides, and the wheels make transport between vehicles convenient.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a standout, with minimal impact on power usage, perfect for long trips where battery life is crucial.

The Alpicool T50 electric cooler offers a substantial 50-liter capacity, making it suitable for camping, road trips, and picnics where you need to store a considerable amount of food and beverages. The advanced refrigeration technology allows for fast cooling, reaching 0℃ in just 15 minutes, and the insulation materials keep the contents chilled for several hours even after disconnecting from a power source. This feature ensures reliable cooling performance, which is critical for any trip outdoors. The cooler operates on a 12/24V power source, adding versatility for use in different vehicles and settings.

Portability is enhanced by the inclusion of wheels and a magnetic foldable handle, making it easy to move the cooler even on rough terrains. Additionally, the detachable sensor divider allows you to create dual temperature zones, which can be useful for storing different types of items requiring varying temperatures. Energy efficiency isn't explicitly detailed, but the cooling performance and power source flexibility indicate a well-thought-out design to manage energy use effectively.

Durability is another strong point, with sturdy construction designed to handle bumpy rides. However, the cooler may be relatively heavy at 17.9 kg, which could be a drawback for some users who need a lighter option. The guaranteed after-sale service with a 1-year warranty and professional technical support within 24 hours is a reassuring factor for long-term use. The Alpicool T50 is a robust and versatile electric cooler that meets multiple user needs, though its weight could be a limiting factor for some.

Rating
9.1
Capacity
Cooling Performance
Power Source
Capacity
Despite being larger and heavier, the 50-liter version offers ample space for a week's worth of supplies, making it ideal for longer trips.
Cooling Performance
The dual-zone feature is extremely useful, efficiently maintaining frozen foods at -15°C and drinks at +3°C, even in ambient temperatures up to 30°C.
Power Source
The cooler operates almost silently, especially in a truck, which ensures undisturbed sleep even when parked with the engine off.
Portability
The build quality is robust, capable of handling bumpy rides, and the wheels make transport between vehicles convenient.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a standout, with minimal impact on power usage, perfect for long trips where battery life is crucial.

Buying Guide for the Best Electric Coolers

When choosing an electric cooler, it's important to consider how you plan to use it, whether for camping, road trips, or simply keeping drinks cold at a picnic. Electric coolers are a convenient alternative to traditional ice chests, as they can maintain a consistent temperature without the need for ice. Understanding the key specifications will help you select a cooler that best fits your needs, ensuring your food and beverages stay fresh and cool.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of space available inside the cooler, usually measured in liters or quarts. This is important because it determines how much food and drink you can store. Smaller coolers, around 20-30 liters, are suitable for short trips or personal use, while larger coolers, 40 liters and above, are better for family outings or longer trips. Consider how much you typically need to store and choose a capacity that matches your requirements.
Cooling PerformanceCooling performance indicates how well the cooler can maintain a low temperature. This is crucial for keeping your items fresh and safe to consume. Electric coolers often specify their cooling ability in terms of degrees below ambient temperature. Basic models might cool to 20-30 degrees below ambient, suitable for mild climates, while more advanced models can go 40 degrees or more below, ideal for hotter environments. Consider the typical climate you'll be using the cooler in to determine the necessary cooling performance.
Power SourceThe power source for an electric cooler is what allows it to function, typically through a 12V car outlet or a standard 110V/220V wall outlet. Some models offer dual power options, which is useful for versatility between car trips and home use. If you plan to use the cooler primarily in a vehicle, ensure it has a 12V adapter. For home use or when camping with access to electricity, a model with a standard plug is beneficial. Choose based on where you'll most frequently use the cooler.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the cooler around. This is important if you plan to transport it frequently. Features like wheels, handles, and weight all contribute to portability. Lightweight models with sturdy handles or wheels are ideal for those who need to move the cooler often, such as campers or tailgaters. If the cooler will mostly stay in one place, portability might be less of a concern.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency measures how much power the cooler uses to maintain its temperature. This is important for minimizing energy consumption, especially on long trips or when using a vehicle's battery. Look for models with energy-saving features or those that are rated for low power consumption. If you plan to use the cooler for extended periods, an energy-efficient model will help conserve power and reduce the risk of draining your vehicle's battery.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the cooler can withstand wear and tear. This is important for ensuring a long lifespan, especially if you plan to use it in rugged environments. Look for coolers made from high-quality materials with robust construction. If you expect to use the cooler frequently or in challenging conditions, prioritize models known for their durability. For occasional use in gentle conditions, durability might be less critical.