The Best Electric Cool Box: Our Top 6 Picks

1. Outwell Deep Cool 50L Coolbox With Compressor

Score 9.5 OUT OF 10

The “Out” in Outwell could not be a more accurate description for this product’. It truly is meant to be taken “Out.” This is probably the last cool box you’ll ever need.

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This appliance’s first and most apparent perk probably has to be its capacity. At a mouth-watering 50L, this cool box stands out wherever it goes. With this cooler, you have no excuse for not taking all the feeding supplies you could need for your outing.

Now, let’s talk about its build. This Outwell cool box has a rugged look with spring-loaded handles that enhance durability. The plastic casing and lid are as solid as they come, with the lid opening left or right. 

Its dimensions are 71cm x 48cm x 47cm with a considerable weight of 19kg, and that’s before you’ve fitted anything inside. You better start lifting weights before your big trip because this is a rigid cool box to lift, and it does not come with wheels to help with transportation.

On the inside, you will find a removable basket that can come in handy when you want to store items you don’t want freezing up or to separate two items that you don’t need to touch. Speaking of separate, below the removable basket is compartments to store items in different conditions.

It has an LED display and dial to monitor and adjust the temperature ranging from -18°C or 10°C. With this feature, you are in control of everything. This box is powered by a compressor, meaning you do not have to worry about ambient temperature affecting the fridge’s ability to work; it does so depending on the temperature you set. Yes, hotter temperatures will affect it, but that makes it work even harder to balance things out.

Using a standard main power supply, you can plug the cool box and compressor cooler into your car. However, the box only comes with an adapter and cords for EU/UK plugs. That means if you want to get a lower power supply and conserve your power, you’ll need to purchase a 12V DC plug.

Even though it’s a compressor fridge and does one heck of a job keeping your supplies cool or warm, it makes less noise than you might think. It comes with an effective sound reduction that allows you to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the great outdoors. The trees, animals, and even your fellow campers will thank you for using this fridge.

It should come as no surprise that such a powerful yet silent cool box has made its way onto this list. The Outwell Deep Cool 50L cool box is the perfect unit for storing plenty of items and keeping them cool for an extended period. This is a stellar device that is bound to meet all the requirements you could ever need from an electric cool box and is worth considering.

2. Amazon Basics Thermoelectric Cooler

Score 8.6 OUT OF 10

Amazon strikes again, and it’s a hit. This thermoelectric cooler is one of the best electric cool boxes money can buy. With so many spectacular features, you’re bound to set up that campfire or picnic with a huge smile on your face.

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For starters, this cool box comes with a 24-liter capacity. With this much space, you can store all the food and drinks you could need for your outdoor activity; heck, you could even fit an entire fridge in there and stay outdoors as long as you like.

It should come as a shock that despite the 24-liter capacity and dimensions of 42 x 30.5 x 43.2, this cool box comes in at a weight of 4.2kg. But don’t rejoice yet; you still have to fill it up with food and drinks. When the cooler is filled to the brim with groceries, you might be telling a different story.

When it comes to powering up this cooler, the choice is yours. You can choose to power it using the 12V cigarette lighter in your vehicle, or you can power it up with 230v mains power. This versatility allows for usage on the trip to your destination and when you get there.

The most impressive feature this cool box has to offer is its ability to heat and cool. Regardless of what treats you intend to store, this appliance has got you covered. Need a cold beverage on a sunny day? You got it. Need a plate of fish and chips to stay warm? You got it.

Using the thermometer Peltier technique, the Amazon Basics Thermoelectric Cooler can maintain temperatures as low as 18°C below external temperature, and more impressively, as high as 65°C. So, this box can keep your supplies chilly or your food toasty on a warm summer day.

If you’re planning a picnic or just a day out, this cool box can be powered on until it’s cool and then, with the help of ice packs, keep your drinks cool for several hours without power.

Remember that this cooler is not a fridge, nor is it a cooker. Don’t expect your drinks to be extra cold, and don’t think about using your cool box for cooking or heating your food. All this cool box does is preserve the initial temperate of the item placed inside it and possibly decrease or increase it by a few Celsius degrees.

This box is highly energy efficient for those eco-friendly enthusiasts with an A++ rating (58W max). You can set it to eco mode (8W) to lower consumption and possibly save your vehicle battery’s life.

Other neat features include the integrated cable storage in the lid, a locking carry handle to make carriage easier, and a hinged lid for you to quickly reach for that chill can of coke or warm plate of lasagne.

Ultimately, the Amazon Basics Thermoelectric Cooler is an excellent choice for large families that love convenience and versatility. You’re in good hands with this device, and you can be sure that you have purchased one of the best electric cool boxes there is.

3. HI-GEAR 20L Cooler

Score 9.5 OUT OF 10

Falling on the cheaper end of the price spectrum is the Hi-Gear 20L cooler. Presenting several solid features at a great price, this is an appliance worth every penny.

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Now, this isn’t the most spacious cooler on this list, but a 20-liter capacity is more than enough to store food for a night or two in the wilderness. Surrounding this 20L ice fortress is a high-quality grey plastic that doesn’t even look like plastic.

Unlike other products, this Hi-Gear cooler comes with a hole under the lid that lets you fit in a 2L bottle upright.

The integrated handle not only works as an easy way to carry this cooler around but also doubles as a stand to keep the lid in place when open.

A 12V cigarette lighter cable is needed to power this cooler, and you can conveniently store this cable in the lid. For another power source, you’ll need to purchase an adapter.

After powering up your brand new cooler, you’ll notice that it comes with an adjustable power switch. This power switch lets you control the cooler’s temperature from cold to hot and vice versa, with cooling able to reach about 10°C, which isn’t fantastic but impressive nonetheless.

This cool box encompasses features that challenge its more high-end counterparts and does all that at a fraction of the price. This might not be the best electric cool box on this list, but it does deserve some accolades for its features. You can purchase this cooler and be sure that you got a great deal.

4. Vonshef Electric Cool Box

Score 8.6 OUT OF 10

The Vonshef Electric Cool Box is a beauty that comes in a beautiful blue tint. Although, beauty isn’t all this mighty equipment has to offer. While this product cannot heat food like some other cool boxes, it makes up for it in different ways.

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Are you looking for more space to carry enough refreshments for multiple companions? Then this is the box for you. With a 22-liter capacity and sturdy build, you’re bound to have enough storage space to store all you need for an outing with friends or family. Ready to have your mind blown? This container is big enough to fit a 1.5L bottle upright. Cool, right?

Unfortunately, you can only power this cool box using a 12V DC plug connector (which you can store in the lid). This can pose a problem if you have a 240V mains power source, do not have a car around, or if you do and you’re trying to conserve its battery.

If you would prefer another option, you can purchase an adapter before your trip to use and power the box by connecting it to your mains setup.

This electric cool box can keep your food and drinks cool and safe from external heat by reaching temperature levels between 10°C to 12°C. All this is achieved using the thermoelectric effect. Although a lower temperature would have been preferable, this cool box can still get the job done.

Portability and long-lasting coolness is not a problem with this box. It is equipped with a strong carry handle (that can rest on either side of the lid). The handle also acts as a firm seal to keep items as cool as possible for the longest time, not to mention its dimensions of 40 x 24.1 x 40.5cm coupled with a lightweight 3.1kg.

If all these attention-grabbing features aren’t enough for you, what about a two-year warranty that comes with this appliance. So, if your cool box isn’t working right, you have two years to make things right.

The Vonshef Electric Cool Box is a dynamite cooler that can make you and your companions extremely happy when having a day or week out.

5. Berg Electric Cool Box

Score 9.2 OUT OF 10

Did you catch the pun in the name of the brand? Ice Berg, get it? A pretty clever name for a pretty outstanding product.

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Large enough to fit up to 72 330ml cans of pop at 45L capacity, you cannot go wrong buying this cool box. Sadly, its interior is a single compartment where you have to store all items. On the bright side, the singularity makes it an easy cool box to clean.

Its dimensions are 61cm x 51cm x 46cm, with a weight of 11.7kg. This isn’t so bad compared to other large-capacity cool boxes. If the weight has you worried, you shouldn’t be. This cool box comes with wheels and folding handles to make transportation easy. So, you can glide across any terrain to get to your destination with no struggle at all.

Is the size of the box still not enough to convince you of its greatness? What about its cooling capabilities of 16°C below ambient temperature and heating capabilities of 60-65°C. The cooling isn’t going to work wonders, but it gets the job done, and so does the heating, should you need it.

This Berg Electric Cool Box can be powered by either 240V mains or your in-car cigarette plug; the ball is in your court. It comes with the power cord for the car, another cord for a UK outlet (240V) and, a separate cord for a Europe outlet (220V). Does it get any better than that? You can store these cords in the lid to top it all off. For those all about power conservation, this cooler has an eco-mode setting.

6. Quest Arctic 3 Way Fridge

Score 8 OUT OF 10

The name “Arctic” is correct, and by the end of this review, you’ll agree with that premise. This is a magnificent appliance that works perfectly to keep your supplies cool.

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What can’t you fit in this 39L fridge? Definitely not a 2L bottle. This appliance has all the capacity you will need to go on a trip or host a mini party outside, and you wouldn’t even miss your fridge at home. 

The internal casing is similar to a deep freezer with a single open space to fill up with food and drinks. Its white interior seems to get stained easily, which you don’t want to see in a unit storing your edible materials.

This isn’t the most accessible cool box to log around. It has integrated side handles carved into the fridge’s casing, which can be hard on your fingers after a while of carrying it. It also does not sport wheels despite its weight of 18.5kg and dimensions of 47cm x 54cm x 47cm. You’ll have to tough it out and carry this box while hurting your fingers and your back.

This is where the Quest Arctic 3 Way Fridge gets interesting. It can be powered in 3 ways. First is the standard 12V plug, second is the 240V mains for UK outlets, and last but not least, bottled gas. 

Being able to be powered by gas is a feature exclusive to absorption fridges and is ideal if you’re going to a site without electricity. The recommended gases to use are 100% propane or butane, ignite using Piëzo ignition. Gas pressure for this fridge range from 28-37mbar, which is the standard.

The Quest fridge is energy-efficient and utilizes low wattage. When you power on this beast of a fridge with an AC power plug, it uses 82W, and with a DC power plug, it uses 75W. Don’t think its low and efficient use of electricity affects its overall productivity; this fridge can still cool your supplies to a whopping 25°C below ambient temperature.

Another magnificent feature of the Quest fridge is that its noiselessness. There is no buzzing or humming sound, so there are no chances of being disturbed while you sleep. However, be careful not to sleep too close to the fridge as the propane and butane can cause difficulty in breathing and hallucinations, respectively, in humans.

An absorption fridge needs to be on level ground to work correctly, and Quest built this product with that in mind. The Quest Arctic 3 Way Fridge has a built-in spirit level for easier leveling and maximum productivity of your appliance.

Do you now see that “Arctic” was rightly used to name this fridge? If so, you should have no reservations about buying an electric cool box this incredible.

Buying Guide

Buying an electric cool box isn’t just about swiping your card after seeing the first one that catches your attention. You have to consider particular features and conditions before taking that leap. You should examine whatever product you are considering and determine if it can do what you need.

Capacity

Are you going alone? With a friend? Or maybe your entire family? You need to think of how many mouths you have to feed and how long the outing will last. If it’s just you, a smaller size would be just right; however, with a group, you might need something a little bigger. Also, consider what items you want to put inside and if the cool box has designated sections to help you keep them separate.

Keep in mind that, just like your fridge a home, an electric cool box works best when it is as full as possible. This is because a full cool box can retain coolness better than an empty one when the lid is open.

Portability

Depending on the nature of your outing, you might need to log your cool box around for a while. With this in mind, you have to consider the functionality and size of the box. 

Your cool box being heavy might not be a problem with the appropriate handle and inclusion of wheels; all you would have to do is hold on to the handle and wheel the appliance to your destination. However, carrying a 10kg box on a 1km walk might not be the best idea if the box lacks a decent handle or wheels.

So, consider how far you might need to carry your cool box and how heavy it could get after including all your edibles.

Brand Reputation

Regardless of the market, there is always competition. Every brand will try to convince you by claiming they are the best in their field. Without proper verification, all their claims are hogwash. 

At the rate at which knock-offs and shoddy cool boxes are hitting the market, it is advisable you look out for a known and trusted brand.

To find the best electric cool box, you have to ensure that the brand you choose to patronize has products that work. You can do this by reading reviews and seeing what other customers had to say about the efficiency of the cool box and if the brand honors their warranty claim.

Power Source

There are two options for powering up most electric cool boxes. You can hook it up to your car using a 12V connector or power it up using an adapter connected to a mains power supply.

Maybe you’re being dropped off, and you don’t have a vehicle to power your box, or perhaps you do have a car but do not own a mains power supply. Either way, you have to select a product that can accommodate your needs.

Each brand has its own rules for the cords provided with the cool box. Some come with just the 12V connector, some with just the AC adapter, while others come with both.

While you could always purchase an adapter to attach to the 12V connector and use the main power supply, it’s a hassle, and it’s going to cost you more money. So, be sure to check and ensure the cool box you want to purchase has the means to be powered the way you want. 

Noise

When cooling your items, an electric cool box can create some unwanted noise, which can be disturbing. The noise level can be anywhere from non-existent to constant and will not bode well for you (especially if you’re a light sleeper) or your camping neighbors.

Some models are fantastic and do not make any noise; others automatically reduce their functions at night, creating less noise, while others constantly make one sort of sound or the other. 

You need to figure out the noise levels of all the cool boxes you are considering buying and look out for a level of noise you can withstand and which you cannot.

Efficiency

Some electric cool boxes are rated according to their efficiency against ambient temperatures, while others simply on their ability to cool regardless of the external temperature (although they still get affected by ambient temperature). Therefore, you have to consider where you’re going and what the temperature there would be. 

If it isn’t too warm, you could get an electric box that doesn’t necessarily reach low-temperature levels. However, if you’re going to a warmer region, you need to get one that can battle the heat.

Insulation

Insulation plays a huge part when it comes to cool boxes. Not all electric cool boxes can effectively keep drinks and food chill, and this might have to do with the fan or insulating material.

For someone using a 12V connector, if you keep having to power your cool box, you could kill your car battery and be left stranded. So be sure to pick a cool box with excellent insulation.

Polyurethane foam is an excellent insulator and works magic in keeping food items cool, so you should look out for it. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do electric cool boxes work?

Electric cool boxes do precisely what they were designed to do. They keep items cool or can keep food warm for your consumption. However, the efficiency of each electric cool box depends entirely on how well the brand made its product. 

2. How do electric cool boxes work?

There are different types of electric cool boxes, and each type has a different technology being used, but in the end, they all produce the required result.

The first type of cool box is the thermoelectric cool box. The Peltier effect and a fan transfer heat from inside to outside, keeping items cool. The cool box transfers heat from the outside to the inside of the box to keep things warm. 

The internal temperature of thermoelectric cool boxes relies entirely on how hot it is outside. This is why they are rated based on their ability to cool against ambient temperatures. A thermoelectric cool box can lower temperature between about 15°C – 25°C below ambient temperature.

The second type of cool box is the compressor fridge. This fridge works just like the one you have at home. It transfers heat out of the box by using a circulating refrigerant (electric-powered) which changes between a liquid and a gas phase. Compressor fridges consume low power, and some can even be operated with solar energy.

You can set a compressor fridge’s temperature using a thermostat; therefore, it can reach very low-temperature levels; it can even freeze the food items without getting severe effects from the sun. However, compressor fridges are heavier and make more noise than thermoelectric cool boxes.

The third type of cool box is the Absorption or Three-way fridge. This cool box works the same way as the compressor fridge; however, unlike the compressor fridge, it works silently. Another difference is that it can also be powered by gas (this is beneficial for people going to a place without electricity). It has the title “three-way” because it can be powered in 12V, mains, and gas.

Like the thermoelectric cool box, the absorption fridge’s performance changes according to ambient temperatures.

3. How long can an electric cool box stay cool?

Without power, an electric cool box can stay cool between 24-48 hours and probably longer for higher models. However, an electric cool box can remain cool as long as it stays on.

4. Can I refrigerate and freeze at the same time? 

Some cool boxes have freezer and fridge modes. To fully utilize these modes, sections are set in place; these sections have independent temperature zones meaning you can store several items at your preferred temperature in the same box.

5. Do electric cool boxes make too much noise?

Thermoelectric cool boxes make a fair amount of noise because of the constant movement of the fan. You shouldn’t be able to hear it from the comfort of your tent while you sleep, and neither should your neighbors (if you happen to have any).

Compressor fridges probably make the most noise of the three types because of the mechanical engine. It makes a humming sound as it goes on and off, trying to maintain the cool temperature.

Absorption fridges are silent. However, ensure to use them in a ventilated area when using gas to power them, and you shouldn’t sleep next to them.

6. What Is the difference between a cool bag, a passive cool box, and an electric cool box?

Cool bags are simple, inexpensive carriers that cool food and drinks for a short period. They are similar to regular bags. The only difference is their ability to keep feeding supplies cool. They do this using an ice pack, an internal insulating material (usually foil-like), and layers of a form of flexible foam. The exterior of cool bags vary from brand to brand, but it will be made from sturdy materials, and you can seal them using a zipper. Cool bags are portable and are great for hikes, picnics, concerts, and festivals.

Passive cool boxes are like the older siblings to cool bags. They are usually bigger and heavier than cool bags and have solid plastic walls on the exterior and interior for better insulation and longer-lasting coolness. Food and soft-packaged drinks are less likely to be compressed by external forces with their rugged exterior. Like cool bags, you keep your food items cool by using ice packs. However, with passive cool boxes, you can add a lot more, which will extend how cool your items stay. The only drawback to adding more ice packs is the addition to the overall weight of the cool box it will bring. Passive cool boxes are great for family picnics, camping, outdoor parties, and transporting food and drinks when traveling.  

Electric cool boxes are like the older siblings of cool bags and passive cool boxes that went to college. Electric cool boxes are, just like the name implies, electric. Moreover, the best electric boxes work like a fridge and use electricity or, sometimes, gas. They have more weight than their younger siblings due to their engines and outlets. They come in various types and are powered to keep food items as cool and sometimes as warm as possible. As long as you have a power source to give an electric cool box life, it will keep preserving your food and drinks. Electric cool boxes are perfect for any occasion, camping, picnic, festival; you name it.

7. Which type of electric cool box is the best?

There is no best when it comes to types of electric cool boxes. It all depends on the user and what they intend to do with it. For a thermoelectric cooler, you can use it for a day trip or a few days on a campsite. It will keep your food items cool and fresh, or maybe warm and delicious.

A compressor fridge is an extreme option that is not quite suitable for a day out. It is mostly for extended trips or a lengthy period at a campsite. It is also required when camping in a scorching region.

An absorption fridge is a fantastic option that doesn’t need electricity to run. This feature makes it an exceptional choice for camping in areas with no power. It is perfect for long trips with the family and camping in nature.

8. Are there any tips for using an electric cool box?

Try to fit as many ice packs as you can into your cool box; this will add an extra amount of cold to the content within, increasing the duration they will stay cold. If your cool box has a 12V connector, you can start the cooling process in your car before getting to your destination. 

To use your cool box to its fullest potential, you should try and chill (possibly freeze) all items before putting them in the cool box. This will give your cool box a head start, and the chilled items could act as additional ice packs. You could also try wrapping them in a newspaper, allowing for less coolness to escape. The newspaper could double as a means to light your campfire.

Ventilate your cooler while in your vehicle by not blocking the fan with any materials. If you keep your cooler in a small space, make sure there is a significant amount of airflow getting to it.

When you open your cool box to take out an item, remember to close it immediately and return the item as soon as you use it. Also, pay attention to the lid; sometimes, you might not close it properly or simply forget to close it.

Electric cool boxes can drain a car’s battery when connected and the engine is not running. So be careful how long you use your car to power it up. You should be able to power your cool box for one night using your powered-down car. But, things might not work out after that.

It would help if you also tried to fill up your cooler. The more items in the container, the less cold it will release when the lid is open.

Conclusion

All this talk about the best electric cool boxes, food, drinks, camping, hanging out with friends must really have you riled up, hasn’t it? You’re probably sitting on your couch planning your next trip or about to dial-up a buddy to start packing for one. Well, hold your horses; you still need to buy your electric cool box!

You’ve probably seen one that you like, and with all this article has to offer, you know or should at least have an idea of which one would be right for you. There are many options available on the market right now, so take your time to choose what you prefer.

With that in mind, have fun planning and executing your next trip with all your favorite food, drinks, and snacks chilled to perfection, or if you prefer, heated to excellence.