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Best Electric Cooler
Say goodbye to soggy sandwiches and the never-ending quest for ice! Electric coolers are changing how we keep food and drinks cold on road trips, camping trips, and all sorts of outdoor adventures. These cool devices offer a reliable, ice-free solution for maintaining optimal temperatures, acting more like portable refrigerators than old-school ice chests.
We'll discuss what makes an electric cooler so great, and compare some of the best coolers on the market, including top picks from Anker, ICECO, and EcoFlow.
Key Takeaways
- Electric coolers eliminate the need for ice, offering more usable storage space and avoiding melted messes.
- Unlike traditional coolers, electric models allow you to set exact temperatures, functioning as portable refrigerators or freezers.
- Most electric coolers can run on 12V DC (car), AC power (wall outlet), and increasingly, solar or portable power stations.
- When choosing, prioritize capacity, weight, battery life, charging flexibility, dual-zone capabilities, and overall energy efficiency.
- Anker, ICECO, and EcoFlow offer excellent electric cooler options, each with unique strengths like long battery life (Anker), ruggedness (ICECO), or built-in ice makers (EcoFlow).
- While often a higher initial investment than traditional coolers, electric models offer superior convenience, food preservation, and consistent performance for any adventure.
Why Go Electric? The Benefits of Powered Coolers
Traditional ice coolers, like the popular Yeti Tundra or RTIC Cooler, have been mainstays for years. They're tough and often use roto-molded coolers designs with thick closed-cell foam for insulation, which helps prolong the ice run. But they come with drawbacks: you constantly need ice, there's a watery mess when it melts, and the internal temperature jumps around as the ice disappears.
Electric coolers fix these problems.
- No Ice Needed: This is probably the most important feature. You ditch the need to buy, carry, and drain ice, freeing up valuable internal storage space for fresh food and drinks.
- Precise Temperature Control: Unlike regular coolers where the temperature depends on melting ice, electric coolers let you set an exact temperature control, often down to a specific degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. This makes sure your items stay at ideal temperatures, whether you need them chilled or frozen.
- Consistent Cooling: A powerful compressor, much like what's in your home fridge, keeps a steady internal temperature no matter the ambient air temperature or summer heat. While thermoelectric coolers exist, they're simpler but offer less cooling power and are more affected by outside temps.
- Versatility: Many electric coolers offer dual cooling options, letting you set separate compartments for refrigeration and freezing. This design feature is super handy for longer trips when you need different temperatures for various items.
- Multiple Power Source Options: These units are built for portability. They usually run on a 12V socket (from a car battery or v socket), AC power from a wall outlet, and more and more, through a solar panel input or a portable power station. This wide range of charging options ensures your cooler stays powered, even during a power outage or deep in the wilderness.
What to Look for in the Best Electric Cooler
- Capacity and Size: The operational volume or storage capacity is crucial. Are you looking for a compact size for a small group or a larger size for a long weekend or an extended camping trip? Check both external product dimensions and internal dimensions.
- Weight and Portability: A light weight design is key, especially for models without wheels or a pull handle. Even with wheels, a heavy cooler can be challenging to move. Some smaller units even have shoulder straps for easier carrying.
- Battery Size and Life: For truly off-grid adventures, battery power is super important. Look at the battery size (Wh) and how long it runs on a single charge. Some electric coolers have a removable battery, giving you the flexibility to swap out dead ones.
- Charging Options: See how the cooler can be recharged. Standard ways include AC adapter, car cigarette lighter (12V/24V DC), and solar charging input. USB-C charging is becoming more common, offering another easy power source.
- Temperature Range and Dual Cooling: The temperature range (like -4°F to 68°F is common) tells you how cold the cooler can get. Dual-zone cooler functionality is a highly desired design feature, letting you freeze ice cream in one spot while keeping fresh food chilled in another.
- Energy Efficiency and Power Consumption: An efficient compressor cooler uses less power, making the battery life last longer. Look for figures like KWh/24H or average power consumption to get an idea of its energy efficiency. Pseudoscience tests in real-world conditions are often more telling than just lab results.
- Durability and Construction: For outdoor adventures, rugged construction is important. Look for tough materials that can handle bumps and drops.
- Extra Features: Modern electric coolers come with all sorts of additional features that make them easier to use. These include app connectivity (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) for remote temperature control and monitoring, built-in light bar, USB output ports for charging devices, and even ice makers (like the EcoFlow Glacier). A drain plug can also be a handy design feature for easy cleaning.
Diving into the Best Electric Coolers
Anker SOLIX EverFrost Electric Cooler
The Anker SOLIX EverFrost series stands out with its built-in battery and user-friendly features, making it a good choice for those who want an all-in-one cooler.
- Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 (40L & 58L): These models boast impressive battery life, with the 40L offering up to 104 hours with two batteries and the 58L up to 78 hours. They cool rapidly from 77°F to 32°F in just 15 minutes. The inclusion of a built-in light bar and app control adds significant convenience. Multiple charging options (solar panel, wall outlet, car cigarette, USB-C) ensure you're always powered up. The 58L offers dual-zone cooler capabilities.
ICECO Portable Freezers
ICECO is known for its strong build quality and using high-quality SECOP compressors, which are known for being reliable and efficient.
- ICECO VL75ProD & VL90ProD (Dual Zone): These large electric coolers (75L and 90L) are perfect for long haul trips or a larger size group. Their dual-zone cooler functionality allows for freezing and refrigerating at the same time. They power via DC 12/24V or AC 110V-240V, consuming minimal power. The rugged construction and flexible side-opening lids are practical design features.
- ICECO GO20 & GO20H (Dual Zone): These compact size coolers (20L) are perfect for shorter road trips or if you need a light weight option. Despite their small size, the GO20 features a dual-zone design with a detachable partition. Both models use a SECOP compressor and offer a wide range of temperatures. The GO20H model even heats things up, giving you even more options! They can be powered by DC 12/24V or AC 110V-120V.
EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Refrigerator
The EcoFlow Glacier is a high-tech portable refrigerator that pushes the limits of convenience and features, especially with its unique ice-making ability.
- EcoFlow GLACIER (38L Single Zone / 36L Dual Zone): This model offers versatile operational volume and an impressive temperature range of -13°F to 50°F. What truly makes it stand out is its ability to make ice in as little as 15 minutes, a feature not often found in other portable refrigerators. It supports a wide array of power source options, including AC, solar charging input, car charging input, and even USB-C battery pack power. The app control and relatively low noise level make for a premium experience.
| Capacity | 40L (42 qt) / 58L (61 qt) | 75L (79.2 qt) / 90L (95 qt) | 20L (21 qt) | 38L (40 qt) Single / 36L (38 qt) Dual |
| Net Weight | 50.71 lb (40L) / 63.71 lb (58L) | 67 lbs (VL75ProD) / 75.02 lbs (VL90ProD) | 27.5 lbs (GO20) / 23.9 lbs (GO20H) | 50.7 lbs |
| Temp. Range | -4℉ to 68℉ | 0°F - 50°F | -18°C to 10°C (-0.4°F to 50°F) / -18°C to 55°C (GO20H) | -25°C to 10°C (-13°F to 50°F) |
| Battery Life | 52 Hr (1 Battery) / 104 Hr (2 Batteries) (40L); 39 Hr / 78 Hr (58L) | External Power Source | External Power Source | 39 Hours (with optional battery pack) |
| Charging Options | AC, Car Cigarette, Solar Panel, USB-C | DC 12/24V, AC 110V-240V | DC 12/24V, AC 110V-240V | AC, Solar, Car, USB-C Battery Pack |
| Dual Zone | Yes (58L model) | Yes | Yes (with detachable partition) | Yes (36L model) |
| App Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unique Features | Built-In Light Bar, USB Output Ports, 15-min fast cooling | Rugged steel case, flexible side-opening lid, USB charge (VLProD) | Compact size, light weight, warmer function (GO20H), 40° Anti-Shake | Built-in Ice Maker (15 mins), USB-C output, IPX4 rating |
| Best For | Versatile use, extended battery life, tech-savvy users | Long trips, heavy-duty use, maximum capacity | Personal use, short trips, portability, warming (GO20H) | Ultimate convenience, ice on demand, premium features |
Beyond the Specs: Real-World Use
While all those specs are important, how an electric cooler performs in real-world conditions often tells the full story.
- Insulation: Good insulation, often with closed-cell foam, helps keep the internal temperature stable more efficiently, meaning the compressor runs less and you save battery life.
- Ambient Temperature: The cooler's performance can be affected by the ambient air temperature. While compressor cooler models are generally less impacted than thermoelectric models, keeping them out of direct sunlight can really boost energy efficiency.
- Battery Protection Feature: Look for coolers with a battery protection feature that stops them from draining your car battery.
- User Interface: A clear control panel and an easy-to-use app can make a huge difference in your experience.
Electric Coolers vs. Other Options
While we're focused on the best electric coolers, it's worth a quick mention of other choices:
- Thermoelectric Coolers: Brands like Coleman PowerChill offer thermoelectric coolers. These are usually cheaper but also less powerful, only cooling to a certain degree below the surrounding temperature. They're not true refrigerators and generally use much power for the cooling they provide.
- Soft Coolers: Brands like Yeti Roadie or other soft cooler options are great for portability and quick outings, but they rely on ice and don't actively cool.
- Hard Coolers (Traditional Ice Coolers): Roto-molded coolers like the Yeti Tundra or RTIC Cooler are excellent at keeping ice for a long time due to their superior insulation and rugged construction. However, they need ice, which adds weight and takes up space.
For anyone serious about keeping perishables truly cold or frozen, especially on long road trips or for remote outdoor adventures, a compressor-based electric cooler is the far superior choice.
Final Thoughts
Buying an electric cooler is a big step up for any outdoor enthusiast or traveler. The ease of an ice-free experience, precise temperature control, and flexible power source options make these appliances incredibly valuable. While the initial price range for high-end models like the EcoFlow Glacier or ICECO VL series might be more than a cheap cooler or even some traditional ice coolers, the long-term benefits in terms of convenience, food preservation, and avoiding ice runs provide excellent best value.
Whether you want light weight and compact size for quick trips, large capacity for a long haul, or cutting-edge features like an ice maker, there's an electric cooler out there for you. Our featured Anker, ICECO, and EcoFlow models are among the best electric coolers on the market, each bringing their own strengths. Choose wisely, and enjoy keeping your cool, no matter where your adventures take you!
Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of electric cooler?
Top brands like Anker, ICECO, and EcoFlow are highly rated for performance, durability, and features, making them excellent choices for electric coolers.
What cooler stays cold longest?
Electric coolers with powerful compressors and superior insulation maintain consistent cold temperatures indefinitely as long as they have a power source.
Do electric coolers use a lot of electricity?
Modern compressor electric coolers are energy efficient, using relatively less power compared to traditional appliances, especially in ECO mode.
How long do electric coolers stay cold?
On battery power, electric coolers can stay cold for hours to days (e.g., Anker EverFrost 2 up to 104 hours). When plugged in, they stay cold indefinitely.
Can I leave a cooler on overnight?
Yes, electric coolers are designed to run continuously, often with battery protection features to prevent draining your car battery.
How do I make my cooler stay cold longer?
To make your cooler stay cold longer, pre-chill it, minimize opening the lid, keep it out of direct sunlight, and ensure proper ventilation.
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