What if there was a better way to keep supplies cold without worrying about the ice melting? Well, there is, and that’s using an electric car cooler. These handy devices have a lot in common with the cooler you’ve probably already packed with your camping gear.
The difference is that you can plug an electric cooler into your vehicle’s 12-volt power outlet and it will keep things inside cool without the help of ice. You can even use some of the more powerful electric coolers to make ice while traveling or camping.
Are you going on a trip and want to keep your drinks and food cool? Do you need an extra small cooler for your RV or RV, or are you looking for something for your car or camping?
Best Cooler For Car Travel
A cooler for car travel is a convenient way to transport food and drinks without the stress and mess of keeping everything on ice. They plug into the vehicle’s 12-volt accessory socket (aka the cigarette lighter) to keep everything cool. Some models also act as a food warmer, which can come in handy for lunches and picnics.
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Best Cooler For Car Travel | Comparison Table 2022
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman 3000005350 Cooler, 28 quart, Blue/White | Coleman | Check Price | |
| Igloo BMX 52 Quart Cooler with Cool Riser Technology, Fish Ruler, and Tie-Down Points - 16.34 Pounds - Carbonite Gray and Blue | Igloo | Check Price | |
| Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30 Can Zipperless Cooler, Blue | Arctic Zone | Check Price | |
| Rubbermaid DuraChill Wheeled 5-Day Cooler, 75 Quarts, Blue 1836574 | Rubbermaid | Check Price | |
| Igloo Quick and Cool 100 Qt. Cooler | Igloo | Check Price | |
| YETI Roadie 24 Cooler, Charcoal | YETI | Check Price | |
| Igloo 24 Can Legend Cooler, Red (32608) | Igloo | Check Price | |
| Lifewit Soft Cooler Bag 32-Can Lightweight Portable Cooler Tote Double Layer Grey | Lifewit | Check Price | |
| Koolatron D13 Soft-Sided Electric Travel Cooler, 14-Quart Capacity, 12V Car Outlet Plug, Holds Twenty 12-ounce Cans or 2L Bottles Upright, Soft Nylon Sides; Dark Grey | Koolatron | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Cooler For Car Travel | 2022 Products Overview
1. Coleman 3000005350 Cooler For Car Travel
- Xtreme technology uses more efficient insulation on walls and lid for longer ice retention Read more at: https://viatravelers.com/best-travel-cooler/
- Can keep your beverages cold for up to three days in temperatures up to 90F Read more at: https://viatravelers.com/best-travel-cooler/
- Keep your drinks close with two molded cup holders on the lid Read more at: https://viatravelers.com/best-travel-cooler/
- Coolers are often synonymous with the Coleman brand, so when it comes to classics, you can’t go wrong with this one. Read more at: https://viatravelers.com/best-travel-cooler/
- Large enough without being too cumbersome, the Coleman 28-Quart cooler has enough space for 48 cans with enough vertical height to hold 2-liter bottles upright. Read more at: https://viatravelers.com/best-travel-cooler/
- If you are lugging your cooler around, the comfort-grip bail handle puts less strain on your hands, so you can get to your destination comfortably. Read more at: https://viatravelers.com/best-travel-cooler/
2. Igloo BMX 52 Quart Best Cooler For Car Travel
- Heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection.
- Extremely durable yet lightweight with proven 4-5 day ice retention at 90°F
- UV inhibitors protect the cooler against sun damage for extended life. Capacity: 83 12-ounce cans, 52 quarts (49 liters)
- Rust-resistant, stainless-steel hinge rods and hardware provide extended performance.
- Rubberized T-grip latches keep lid secure. Threaded drain plug is garden hose compatible and features a non-slip, easy-grip stainless steel tethered cap
- MaxCold body with 20% thicker foam and insulated lid provide advanced cooling performance and up to 5-day ice retention.
- Cool Riser Technology molded base elevates the cooler away from hot surfaces and improves cooling performance.
- Swing-up comfort grip handles for easy two-handed carrying.
- Built-in tie-down loops for securing cooler during transport.
- Integrated ruler on lid easily estimates your catch.
3. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze
- Deep Freeze high performance insulation with radiant heat barrier reflects heat rather than absorbing it
- Patented, flip open Zipperless lid allows for quick access to food and drinks; Features FDA compliant HardBody liner with removable SmartShelf
- Features an Ultra Safe leak proof, easy clean interior lining; Includes insulated front pocket
- Rhino-Tech water and stain resistant, wipe clean exterior is abrasion and puncture resistant and will not crack over time
- Adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap with shoulder pad for convenience and usability; Interior liner dimensions: (L x W x H) 13.5 x 8.79 x 10.44
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4. Rubbermaid Dura Chill Wheeled
- This rolling cooler has extra thick insulation that keeps ice frozen up to 5 days even in temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Large size accommodates up to 130 cans plus ice; The rugged wheels make maneuvering this travel cooler over multiple surfaces easy
- Portable cooler is great for camping, picnics, tailgating, or any party
- Durable metal and plastic extended tow handle, drain for easy draining of liquids; Side swing handles with comfort grip to easily carry this cooler with wheels.
- Built-in cup holders fit both 12-ounce cans and 20-ounce bottles
5. Igloo Quick and Cool
- Price For: Each Body Color: White Cooler Design: Container Storage Item: Chest Cooler Lid Color: White Features: Lid Hatch, Drain Plug, Dual Snap-Lock and Childproof Safety Lid Latches Capacity: 100 qt. Exterior Length: 35-1/4 Exterior Width: 17-3/8 Exterior Height: 16-3/4 Country of Origin (subject to change): United States
- Quick access hatch to contents inside,Holds 2 Liter Bottle upright,Swing up handles with tie down loops,Holds 145 cans plus ice. Dual snap-fit lid
- Ultratherm insulation technology allows you to keep ice frozen for five days Read more at: https://viatravelers.com/best-travel-cooler/
- Quick-access hatch offers fast and easy access to your goodies Read more at: https://viatravelers.com/best-travel-cooler/
- Dual snap-fit latches keep your snacks and beverages secured even when the trip is rough Read more at: https://viatravelers.com/best-travel-cooler/
6. YETI Roadie 24 Cooler
- The Roadie 24 is 10% lighter in weight and holds 20% more than a Roadie 20, it even performs 30% better thermally
- Its got a taller build than its predecessor, so it now accommodates a standard bottle of wine (or 2 liter bottle) upright, and is a better fit behind the drivers or passengers seat of a car
- ROTOMOLDED CONSTRUCTION - Evolved to be thinner and lighter-weight for easier transport, while still incredibly tough
- QUICKLATCH - Flexible, simple, and built for quick, one-handed cooler access
- The Roadie 24 holds 18 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio or 24 lbs of just ice. It measures 16 1/2” L × 14 1/2”W × 17 1/2” H
- Taller build allows better fit behind the driver or passenger’s seat of the car Read more at: https://viatravelers.com/best-travel-cooler/
- Thin and lightweight for easy transport
- The handle is made from a flexible material, so it’s easy to carry and lug around. Tie-down points are also provided for easy securing at the back of a truck, boat, or raft.
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7. Igloo 24 Can Legend Cooler
- Ultratherm insulation keeps contents cold Lid reverses from flat surface to tray and cup holder Easy-clean, stain and odor resistant liner Easy-clean, stain and odor resistant liner Made in the USA
- Engineered to fit easily behind vehicle seats and under stadium seating. Built-in carrying handle folds flat for space-efficient storage
- Lid reverses from flat surface to tray and cup holder for convenient preparation and serving
- Best cooler for road trip look no further than this entry from Igloo. With its unique shape and size, the Igloo 24 Can Legend Cooler is the best travel cooler for families going on road trips or camping adventures.
- Able to hold 2-liter bottles upright
- The lid may be reversed to reveal a tray and cup holder
8. Lifewit Soft Cooler Bag
- Large Capacity: The cooler bag can hold up to 23 liters (6 gallons) by volume. You can take 32 cans of your favorite drinks plus ice. The overall dimensions are approximately 14.9 x 8.6 x 11 inch / 38 x 22 x 28 cm ( L x W x H ).
- High-density Lining: The exterior of the cooler bag is constructed out of oxford cloth which making it durable. Upgraded from traditional sewing construction, the lower section adopts hot pressing technology to connect the lining seamlessly.
- Longer Time Use: There are use 210D oxford cloth and EPE foam to store items make sure it long lasting use. It can be used for food delivery services and a great solution to haul food from the grocery store.
- Multiple Pocket: Equipped with 1 wide top pocket, 2 side pockets, and 2 front pockets, the multiple pockets can meet the needs of storing different items. It can be use for your personal duffel bag. Designed with a padded handle and a detachable shoulder strap that offers 3 carrying styles. You can choose to carry by hand or carry with a shoulder strap. You can also put this bag on your suitcase for travel as well.
- Versatile Use: This cooler bag can be packed with lunch and a few ice packs for camping, and it can be placed in the trunk of your SUV as well. When you take a travel by airplane, it can fold it flat and pack it in your suitcase.
9. Koolatron D13
- PRACTICAL TRAVEL SOLUTION Fabric exterior with dual handles, adjustable shoulder strap, and multiple pockets keeps this cooler lightweight and easy to carry
- 13 L / 14 QUART CAPACITY Portable 12 V DC / 110 V AC powered cooler with a compact footprint holds up to 20 standard 12 oz/355 mL cans
- EASY ORGANIZATION Multiple pockets on the exterior let you organize and store your belongings without taking up valuable cooler space
- ICELESS THERMOELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY CFC-free thermoelectric technology and brushless fan motor efficiently cools to 40°F (22°C) below surrounding temperature using less power than your vehicle’s tail light
- COLLAPSES FOR COMPACT STORAGE Empty cooler is collapsible with four hook and loop tabs to secure it for space-saving storage
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Cooler For Car Travel | Video Explanation
How to choose the Best Cooler For Car Travel?
With the many models that now exist on the market, choosing a cigarette lighter car cooler can be difficult. The trick to not getting lost is to check a few selection criteria.
The capacity
You have to choose the size of a cigarette lighter car cooler according to your needs. A capacity between 20 and 40 liters is particularly suitable for occasional use for a weekend, or for a day. It’s a small car fridge.
A cooler that can hold up to 60 liters is more dedicated to storing food during the summer. While for capacities over 60 liters, these models are intended for professional use.
The commodity
In addition to a suitable size, a car cooler must offer good ease of use. What features are built into the product to make it easier to wear and use in general? The handles and wheels are the first things to check, especially for heavy models
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The consumption
The very interest of a cigarette lighter car cooler being to minimize its energy consumption, it is also necessary to check the power of the product. The models that offer “eco” options are the most recommended, but it is always advisable to ask for the exact energy consumption of the cooler.
The level of insulation
Electric car cooler models must also have an excellent level of insulation to be effective. It is necessary to check in particular if there are insulation joints at the level of the opening, and if there is a well-sealed insulation foam integrated into the cooler. Some manufacturers also add other elements to strengthen the ability to maintain the cold.
The noise
Another point that should not be underestimated when choosing a car cooler is the noise emitted by the device during its operation. This noise can vary from brand to brand, but generally, compression coolers are the loudest.
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Why buy a cigarette lighter car cooler?
A cigarette lighter car cooler is an accessory more and more sought after by motorists for periods of high heat.
Convenient and easy to use
Those who want to have cool drinks close at hand can have them anywhere with a cigarette lighter car cooler. This type of cooler is very easy to use and can accompany travelers wherever they go. It’s a real car fridge.
Just plug it into the cigarette lighter in the car for it to work. As a bonus, manufacturers often design models that are easy to transport. The heaviest electric cooler models have wheels, in particular, to be easy to move.
Consumes less energy
Operating on a 12 V connection, the car cooler does not consume very much in terms of energy. Most models have an “eco” or “moderate” mode which makes it possible to minimize consumption and switch to ecological mode.
The operation of the electric car cooler does not require any gas or other chemicals. Manufacturers pride themselves on offering environmentally-friendly models.
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Multifunction
Although it is mainly dedicated to car use, this type of cooler is also suitable for other uses. It can be used at home and plugged into the mains, thanks to a 220 V transformer. Camping, travel, or even a barbecue party in the garden… the car fridge can practically be adapted to all circumstances.
Easy to maintain
A cigarette lighter car cooler also has the advantage of being easy to maintain. By virtue of their operating system, most car coolers require virtually no maintenance. You just need to clean them as needed, but nothing more.
More and more efficient
With the increasingly demanding demands of the market, car cooler manufacturers are constantly developing their products. The performance and features offered are now of a high level, with options such as keeping warm or even automatic shutdown in the event of a risk, at the level of the car battery.
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Frequent questions
What size do I need for the car cooler?
40 liter – 60-liter cans: 40-liter fridges, the most common or “standard” sizes, are perfect for two or three people for a long weekend. 50L – 72 cans: Suitable for a full week adventure for two or a long weekend for a family. 60–65L – 106 Cans: A good-sized cooler for a family of five or to provide sustenance for your sports team.
How long will my battery run my cooler?
A decent fridge of that size at an ambient temperature below 30 degrees shouldn’t use more than about 30 – 40 hours a day. Normal deep cycle batteries last around 1500 times, when only 30% of their capacity is used.
Are car coolers worth it?
If you are someone who is on the go for days, it is worth investing in a camping cooler. They are affordable and capable of cooling food for long periods and are unmatched by the alternatives.
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Verdict
Depending on the service you want these coolers to offer you, your budget, the space in your van if you travel by car, if you have an electrical system, and your travel style, you will choose a cooler or another.
In summary, choose a compressor cooler if you have an electrical system in your RV or an auxiliary cooler in your large volume or RV.
Hi, I am David Bailey a dedicated writer from Linden Bridge School with a degree in mechanical engineering and a degree in marketing. I strive to simplify complex subjects and like to explain complex and technical matters in an easy-to-understand manner. Read More Here
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