A detail that we found odd, as thermoelectric coolers work by pumping hot air from one side to the other and so, therefore, are easy to reverse the direction that hot air is flowing. Thermoelectric coolers are coolers that don’t utilize ice to keep their items cold. Instead, they are plugged into a power source and are kept cold thanks to the Peltier Effect (more on that below). This type of approach means that you can enjoy an extended cooling performance that a traditional cooler can’t match. Igloo is one of the top names in coolers and that name recognition extends to electric coolers.
Wagan is aiming at the budget price bracket, but they haven’t skimped on features. With wheels, divider shelves, and a drain, this is one of the better-designed coolers we tested. Compared to the behemoth compressor models in this review, the Igloo’s measly 16.2 pounds is nothing.
If you sit on this box, then the plastic of the vents will touch its fan, and that will immediately make it malfunction. On the other hand, for a larger family or a group of friends, the 28-quart one would be a great option. We took it as a personal cooling device on long trips, and it ensured that we had a chilled drink at all points in time.
It offers 40 quart (38L) capacity and is a great option for those living off-grid in very compact spaces. That being said, performance isn’t quite as good as some of the other models we have looked at. While things can get pretty chilly with a maximum cold of around 30 degrees, Cooluli states that the maximum heat is capped at around 120F. The largest size, the 46 Quart, is rather mobile despite its lofty dimensions thanks to wheels and a center carrying handle.
If you already have a solar power system installed you need to find out how much power you can spare for a fridge. Most reasonably sized thermoelectric coolers will draw between 50 and 150 W per hour. One of the coolest features of thermoelectric igloo cooler with wheels coolers is how precise they can be. Depending on the model we’re talking about you can set your cooler’s temp down to a single degree and reliably keep it there. Electric coolers don’t need ice and won’t ever make your sandwich soggy again.
However, a lot of this range will depend on the ambient temperature you are working with. Typically, you can expect maximum temperatures of 135 igloo ice chest to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to remember, however, that there is no thermostat on these and you simply plug them in and they run.
When we looked at the temperatures from the two data-log thermometers, it was clear that the insulation and cooling power of these coolers is insufficient for use outside on a hot day. As soon as the sun hit the spot they were sitting at around 10 a.m., the temperature would climb above 50 in a better cooler or all the way up to 70 in a cheaper cooler. Things only dropped again when outside temperatures fell below 70 overnight. If you need to keep food (or anything else) below 40 degrees, you’d be better off using ice. When surrounded with ice, perishables are protected from heat for two or three days. So long as your food is in a waterproof container, even melted ice will typically keep food at safe temperatures for another day or so.
Don’t set anything heavy on the lid, though, or the head-dissipating fan inside will start to rub on the plastic shroud. Unlike the P27, though, the P95 had terrible cooling performance. Given that it’s probably the same components in a larger box that shouldn’t be too surprising, but the other large coolers performed better. That said, a nice-looking cooler that doesn’t keep your egg salad sandwich from spoiling on a hot day isn’t where we’d recommend spending extra money.
The lid opens in two sections, and you also get a set of wheels and an expanding handle to help cart all your drinks around. It has two separate compartments for cooling and freezing, and it comes with a connection cable for 12-volt connection. Although this cooler is more expensive, it has a quick chill capability so there is no need to pre-cool your food. Check if the leakage is from the bottom of the unit and if plug is in drain (if applicable)
Check with the temperature on the freezer settings (cold enough). Instead of installing the on/off switch on the same wire as the main device, it is installed on a separate circuit. This circuit doesn’t draw much current, so it can be as long as you need.
As you can see, thermoelectric coolers like the Igloo Iceless don’t perform very well in really hot climates. As I mentioned above, you shouldn’t expect a full-size refrigerator when looking at thermoelectric coolers. They can’t compare to the efficiency of propane or solar refrigerators in larger sizes. When a current is passed through the numerous connections it allows heat to be directly transferred from one plate to the other. Some thermoelectric coolers also have a fan that helps cool off the exterior heat sink. Modern thermoelectric coolers have many of these connectors that attach two different plates.