Electric-powered coolers, also known as portable refrigerators, are a great way to maintain food and beverage temperatures without the hassle of using ice. They plug into car batteries, power packs, solar panels and other mobile power sources, making them ideal for road trips, camping and off-grid living. But the energy efficiency, capacity and cost of powered coolers varies.
Dometic’s CFX3 line-up is one of the best on the powered cooler market. There are seven different sizes available ranging from 25 liters to 99 liters, including a 75-liter and 95-liter dual-zone version. These powered coolers draw 50.7 watts of power while cooling—even to sub-zero temperatures—which is less power than a typical 60-watt household light bulb. To top it off, the CFX3 offers better temperature control and insulation quality than other powered coolers in its class.
PROS:
- Rugged construction and efficient insulation
- Great temperature control
- Pairs to a free app
CONS:
- Expensive
- Included AC and DC cords are too short for most applications
- No “Eco” mode
The Dometic CFX3 is a 12-volt compressor-model powered cooler that functions best in temperatures between 61 degrees Fahrenheit and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s capable of cooling food and beverages down to -7 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much lower than other leading brands. When stocked with food and beverages, it takes about 16 hours for the CFX3 to reach a pre-set temperature. When empty, this time shortens to an hour. Although this is average compared to comparable alternatives, it’s the CFX3’s temperature accuracy that sets it apart.
We tested the Dometic CFX3 45 in extreme temperatures and rugged outdoor environments in Colorado and across the Southwest. While testing, the measured inside temperature was never more than 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit different from what the display read—and always on the cooler side.
The quality of its insulation is another category in which the CFX3 excels. When electricity is unavailable, the best powered coolers keep contents from spoiling for a length of time. We left the CFX3 unplugged for 24 hours in 50- to 60-degree outside temperatures and its internal temperature rose less than 10 degrees.
Over a six-month testing period, the Dometic CFX3 45 has proven to be rugged, reliable and energy efficient. Price is its main downside. Looking at long-term application, it’s worth the steep initial investment.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the product scores in our evaluations:
Is the Dometic CFX3 45 a Good Value?
At $1,050, the CFX3 45 costs twice as much as similar alternatives, but it’s not the most expensive. While its high cost lowered its overall score, it outperforms competitors in nearly every other category.
How Energy Efficient is this Product?
The Dometic CFX3 features three different battery levels that dictate how long the cooling cycle runs. Although it lacks an “eco” mode sported by many competitors, its energy consumption is on the low end of the spectrum.
While cooling, it draws about 50.7 Watts of power, which is impressive given its ability to reach sub-zero temperatures. Once cooled to the desired temperature, the CFX3 draws just one watt to maintain that temperature. Combined with its superior insulating ability, the CFX3 ranks above average in this category.
Is it Practical and Easy to Transport?
Weighing in empty at 42 pounds, the CFX3 45 is on the lighter end of compressor models. It has the same footprint as the CFX3 35 but measures 2.75 inches taller and offers 10 more liters of storage capacity. Sturdy, aluminum alloy handles make the unit easy to lift and carry. When not in use, the handles retract tightly against the sides of the cooler, minimizing wasted space.
How User-Friendly is the CFX3?
In the category of user-friendliness, the CFX3 model blows away the competition. It has two levels of inside storage and intelligently designed internal baskets that prevent smaller objects from falling through. The two baskets are removable, making for easy transformation into one large space. One basket comes with a divider, further enhancing organizational options.
Other notable physical features include a drain plug that makes for easier cleaning, a backwards-facing internal light, USB port for charging devices and a sleek, high-resolution display with adjustable brightness levels. It’s also worth mentioning that the CFX3 is notably quieter than other compressor models, even while cooling.
In addition to its suite of useful physical features, the CFX3 powered cooler line-up is Bluetooth-enabled and app-compatible. Unlike other leading brands, Dometic’s CFX3 phone app lets you monitor and control temperature and energy consumption from a distance. It even includes an energy-saving feature that alerts you if the lid if left open longer than three minutes.
The cooler features plug-and-play operation via included AC and DC cords. The plugs are situated at an angle on the backside of the cooler to reduce wasted space. One of the biggest downsides of the CFX3 45 is that the cords are too short for most applications and much shorter than the cords provided by other leading brands. Measuring six feet, two inches in length, they’re not long enough to run from the CFX3 situated in the back of a vehicle to a standard car’s 12-volt outlet.
Is this a Quality Product?
The Dometic CFX3 45 is built to excel in remote outdoor environments. While most comparable models are constructed from plastic, the CFX3 has reinforcing fender frames making it extremely resistant to wear and tear.
Capable of handling inclines up to 30 degrees, the CFX3 is a great choice for serious off-roaders. Despite constant exposure to dust and sand on a month-long road trip across the Southwest, the compressor never faltered, attesting to its ruggedness.
Our Verdict:
Dometic’s CFX3 45 comes with a hefty price tag, but it’s well worth that price for everyday use or remote, off-road adventures. An impressive blend of reliability, durability, energy efficiency and usability, the CFX3 45 is a top recommendation for a powered cooler.
Methodology:
Though we’re only evaluating one product here, we evaluate all plug-in electric coolers based on these weighted metrics:
- Cooling performance (30%)
- Energy efficiency (30%)
- Construction and durability (20%)
- Price (15%)
- Temperature accuracy (5%)