Do you want to buy a car cooler – but you’re not sure which one to buy? Here are 10 questions (and answers) about electric coolers for cars that will help you decide what’s best for you.
1. What are the Benefits of Electric Car Coolers?
- Convenience of not having to buy ice, dispose of melted ice and constantly replenish ice.
- Ability maintain a consistent temperature for food safety and freshness.
- Capacity to cool or freeze items, allowing more versatility in food items.
- Many popular models have better energy efficiency, so they don’t cost a lot to operate.
- Larger coolers typically have lights, so you can see inside the cooler at night.
- You can use them in multiple ways, like camping, tailgaters, the office, job sites, off-roading and even at home.
- You can plug them into a solar generator or power station during an emergency power outage.
2. Can I Use an Electric Cooler as a Freezer?
Some portable refrigerators feature two separate compartments which allow you to use one as a fridge and one as a freezer. These models give you more versatility, but they typically cost more.
Other models give you the option to use your cooler as a fridge or freezer, depending on which temperature setting you use. This can be convenient if you like having some versatility but prefer having one large compartment.
Plus, some car coolers only work at fridge cooling temperature. However, they generally cost less and can save you some money.
3. How Do You Figure Out the Best Cooler for You?
1. Determine Your Needs: Look at (1) the amount of food/drinks you want to store (2) average trip duration and (3) space available in your vehicle. As you can see, bigger is not always better if you don’t have the space.
2. Cooler or Fridge-Freezer? As we talked about above, you can get a cooler or a fridge-freezer combo. If you want both options, they can be convenient for items like ice packs, ice cream, etc.. However, they cost more and tend to be larger in size.
3. Portability: Yes, all car coolers are portable. However, some models have wheels and long handles that let you roll them around instead of carrying them.
4. Energy Efficiency: Some electric coolers use less energy than others because they have better insulation or have a more efficient cooling system. This feature can save you money in the long run.
5. Durability: If you go off-roading, work at a jobs site or use your cooler frequently, you may want to invest in a more durable unit that can get banged around a little without being damaged. ARB Makes a heavy-duty weatherproof cooler designed just for activities like this.
6. Price: Generally, you get what you pay for, but I have found several no-name brands like Alpicool that deliver quality and reliability. Plus, end-of-season and holiday sales can save you a bunch of money too.
7. Additional Features: Some newer electric coolers feature wifi connectivity for temperature control, etc.. And some car coolers are more compact and designed more for day trips, but they offer a heating function in addition to cooling.
8. Warranty: It’s a good idea to check the warranty. That said, I’ve found that most of these electric coolers come with a 1 year warranty.
9. Reviews: Check out customer reviews, especially ones about complaints or problems with the product. These days, I take reviews with a grain of salt, but they can still provide valuable insight as far as drawbacks or concerns.
4. How Can I Maximize the Efficiency of My Car Cooler?
1. First of all, pre-chill your car cooler by placing ice packs inside for a short period. Alternatively, you can chill your food and drinks before placing them in the cooler. Consequently, your cooler won’t have to work as hard to cool down the items.
2. Second, don’t “over-chill” your cooler. In other words, use a lower cooling setting if possible to reduce the power consumption. Even a few degrees can help.
3. Third, reduce the number of times you open and close the unit to get food out. In other words, the more you let warm air in, the more power the fridge needs to bring down the interior temperature.
4. Fourth, use an insulating jacket for your cooler. Some models sell these as an accessory, and they custom-fit the cooler make and model.
5. Can I Use an Electric Cooler Without Electricity?
No, plug-n car coolers required a power source to function. That said, you can plug them into a portable power station or solar generator if you don’t have a vehicle nearby.
6. Can I Charge an Electric Cooler with My Car’s 12V Outlet?
Yes, most electric car coolers come with a 12V adapter that you can plug into a cigarette lighter socket. Also, all cigarette lighter outlets are also 12 volt outlets.
7. What’s the Best Way to Clean a Car Cooler?
Clean the interior and exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Also, avoid using abrasive cleaners or sponges that could scratch the surface.
8. How Long do Electric Coolers Last?
On average, electric car coolers last from 2 to 5 years or more, with higher-end models tending to last longer. In addition, you want to maintain your cooler and don’t expose the unit to extreme temperatures, and you can extend it’s lifespan. Also, coolers that don’t get used as frequently may last longer too.
9. What is the Difference Between Thermoelectric and Compressor Coolers?
First, thermoelectric coolers use a solid-state heat pump to transfer heat from the inside to the outside of the cooler. On the other hand, compressor-based electric coolers use a refrigeration system similar to traditional household refrigerators.
