Tested: The Best Portable Electric Car Coolers for 2023

Managing the temptation to test these coolers by drinking beer around the fire was our biggest challenge during this test. But to maintain our quest for objective data for your purchasing needs, we opted for thermometers, a Kia Sorento, and some same-size beverage cans (unopened).

When considering the parameters for our cooler test, we used the following parameters:

• Cooling efficiency/time
• Insulation: How well does it keep the temperature
• Space: Where does it fit in the car?
• Capacity: How many cans fit in the cooler?
• Design: What features add to or subtract from the cooler?

Using the Govee Home Thermometer System, we ran our first test on cooling and efficiency. Assigning each cooler a thermometer, we started each at 71 degrees and turned each to its lowest setting, measuring the time it took to get there. The Govee app provides exportable data, demonstrating both the cooling and insulation properties of each unit, allowing us to build this handy graph.

To determine the baseline behavior, we measured cooling and insulation while empty. As a note, all of these manufacturers suggest priming the cooler—cooling them the night before any big road trip with a 120-volt AC power cord (if you need one, such as with the Igloo, you can buy an adapter here), then maintaining the cold with your car's 12-volt DC car plug.

Next, we pulled out Car and Driver's Kia Sorento to investigate the size and storage for each unit. Starting with the trunk and moving forward, we checked each row of seats and the cargo hold for possible easy-access storage space. Lastly, we verified the manufacturer's capacity claim, testing just how many standard 12-ounce soda cans fit into each cooler.

During our tests, our team moved these coolers around . . . a lot—giving us a great idea of just how these coolers adapt in real-life situations. Finally, we took notes on design features like portability, the handles, the wheels, interior baskets or accessories, and whether or not each was cumbersome to haul.

Capacity: Consider the size of your electric cooler. You'll want to ensure that your selection can adequately fit the amount of food and beverages you need for your trip.

Power Source: Electric coolers typically operate on AC power, DC power, and/or an external source like a power pack. Sometimes all three! Consider what your trip will look like and the power sources you have available.

Portability: Look for features like carrying handles, low weight, wheels, and a compact design, making your cooler easy to transport.

Thermoelectric vs. Compressor: Compressor coolers work in any outside temperature, but thermoelectrics are severely affected by it. The hotter the ambient temp, the worse the performance. This is why most thermoelectric cooler manufacturers don't provide a maximum cooling temp—it's defined by the ambient temperature. If you want your thermoelectric cooler to work the best, make sure it's operating away from any ambient heat.

To that end, if you live in a hot, arid environment, or are driving through one on your road trip, avoid thermoelectric coolers altogether—unless you plan on using yours within the vehicle cabin and not in the trunk or truck bed.

Temperature Control: Many electric coolers have built-in temperature-control features allowing you to adjust and maintain desired cooling levels. Some coolers (usually thermoelectric models) have a single cold setting that keeps items cool, but not at a customizable temperature setting.

Additional features: Some coolers offer additional features that can enhance convenience such as removable dividers, built-in lights, and integrated USB ports for charging devices. Consider these extra features based on your specific needs.

What is a portable electric cooler?

A portable electric cooler is a smaller appliance that keeps food and drinks cold (and sometimes warm). They can be plugged into a 120-volt AC wall outlet, the 12-volt cigarette lighter outlet in your car, and/or to a portable power source. Each model will have different power sources, so research your needs and pick up an adapter or power inverter if you need to.

How do I use a portable electric cooler?

To get the best out of your electric cooler, you should prime it the night before your trip. Plug it into your 120-volt wall outlet and begin the cooling process. Once it's down to your desired temperature, transfer refrigerated items into the cooler. This way, your portable cooler is maintaining a cold temperature, which is far more efficient and uses less power than cooling down items.

What are some differences between thermoelectric coolers and compressor coolers?

Compressor coolers use the same technology as your home refrigerator, cooling through a series of compressed air and refrigerants. They are definitely more effective in cooling and are ideal for drivers who need to keep items at a consistent temperature.

Thermoelectric coolers use "solid-state cooling," meaning there is no compressor or refrigerants. It uses the transfer of heat or cold through solid metal to run the device. Thermoelectric cooling is incredibly effective, but it does depend on the ambient temperature in which the cooler is operating. For example, if you are trying to run your cooler in the middle of the desert sun, the solid metal plate may have a hard time cooling since the original transfer begins at such a high temperature.

Are electric coolers noisy?

Not really. Some electric coolers can produce a low humming sound when in use.

Can electric coolers be used while driving?

Yes, a 12-volt DC power outlet can power most electric coolers—but be sure to check what the product offers.

Can I use an electric cooler while the car is off?

Yes, but be mindful that the cooler is powered by your car's battery. Run it too long, and the car's battery might drain completely. Luckily, many electric coolers produce a "low voltage" alert, which lets you know when the vehicle's battery is getting dangerously low.

How long do electric coolers stay cold?

This is dependent on many factors, such as ambient temp, insulation, and contents. In general, as long as your cooler is plugged in, it will remain cool. An unplugged cooler, however, will lose temperature at different rates.

Can electric coolers freeze food and drinks?

Some electric coolers have a freeze function that can lower the temperature inside the cooler below the freezing point.

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