After searching for reviews, we found that only a few sites have really compared and tested electric coolers. We relied on the comparison from OutdoorGearLab to set our expectations, which is to say we realized that many buyers aren’t happy with these coolers. Dometic was the only manufacturer to include an AC 120-volt power adapter with their cooler. Cheap 5-amp adapters are easy to source, but it was a nice touch.
We specifically looked for an upgraded or higher-tier cooler to compare with mainstream models, and settled on the Dometic – TC35-DC-A because of its thermostat control. Dometic isn’t the only company selling a model like this, but they have a good reputation among RV and van enthusiasts. The Igloo is the only cooler that we tested which fits comfortably between the front seats of our tester’s minivan, but that’s not enough to make it a good buy. After thorough testing, we’d check out the small coolers from Wagan before we’d settle on the Igloo for this role.
This might not only destroy the food but may also make the ice chamber smell. If you power it from your car for more than two hours, you might want to turn the engine on for a few minutes. If the engine is turned off, do not leave this cooler plugged in for more than two hours as it could drain the battery. There are circumstances that are out of control (natural disasters, holidays, weather, etc) that may cause shipping postponements. While most packages will arrive on time, there may be circumstances and delays that our carriers may experience. For this reason, we do not guarantee the exact delivery time; the delivery issue is the responsibility of the shipping company.
While they have had several model changes and facelifts, their top two thermoelectric coolers (as far as we are concerned) are the Breeze 28 and the Powerchill 40. The Igloo Iceless 26-quart cooler is the ultimate solution for keeping your food and beverages cool for tailgating, camping, and other outdoor activities. Cool on lgloo Cooler the go without the mess and inconvenience of ice in your car, SUV, RV or big rig. Iceless cooling performance is powered by thermoelectric technology. This cooler cools down to 36 degrees Fahrenheit below the outside temperature. It plugs directly into any 12V DC outlet (cigarette lighter) for easy power while traveling.
The tray also has the option of being used as an oven pizza… This is great if you want to keep your food quite cold but don’t want to worry about accidentally igloo ice chest freezing it. It’s got slightly thinner walls than most other coolers on my list but still does a good job getting the temp down to an acceptable level.
The handle should be able to take the weight, and you should be able to carry it around easily. We would suggest looking for long handles which can be held by 2 people in case the box becomes very heavy. Iceboxes have often been used as a seat for kids when on a picnic. Be very careful as the entire mechanism can be destroyed even if some amount of weight is placed on the lid.
It’s the finest, most reliable and durable cooler of its kind, made in the U.S.A., with a superior ball bearing motor. And it’s the only thermoelectric cooler using the patented Z-Maz high-performance cooling chip from Tellurex. A removable lap tray is also a convenient eating or work surface. The automotive power cord has a multi-contact cigarette lighter plug to insure full contact. Plug in the blue side for cooling or the red side for heating! Igloo Kool Mate thermoelectric coolers are electric insulated coolers designed to cool like a refrigerator rather than with the use of ice packs.
It’s capable of lowering the internal temperature by 40 °F, allowing it to keep your food at a safe temperature in rooms with an ambient temp around 80 °F. You can use it either upright like a mini-fridge or as a traditional cooler/chest fridge. It can be powered via 110 V AC or 12 V DC and has a small fan to help speed up temperature drop internally. That performance was followed up with a flop, though, as the Igloo failed to get below 64 degrees on the following 97-degree day.
They make a range of DC powered refrigerators, including the TC35 thermoelectric cooler. If you plan on hiking, kayaking, biking, or any other activity that involves moving around a lot then an iceless cooler probably isn’t for you. The fact it requires being plugged in means that you will have to make sure that your power source follows you wherever you go. Electric coolers are disappointing if you want ice-cold temperatures, but the Koolatron is at least the coldest of the lineup we tested. If you don’t mind seeing 48 degrees instead of 39 on a hot day, this model will serve you well.
We earn a commission when you purchase items through our links. This Igloo product is warranted to be free from defects in material or workmanship under normal use and service for 1 year from the date of original purchase. For additional information, please visit the Warranty Service page under Customer Care.