Thermoelectric coolers are an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts. They offer a unique blend of convenience, efficiency, and durability, making them a superior choice to traditional coolers. Whether planning a family outing, camping, or a long road trip, a thermoelectric cooler will surely enhance your experience.
6 Best Thermoelectric Coolers in 2023
The Coleman PowerChill Portable Thermoelectric Cooler
#1 Best Choice
The Coleman Insulated Portable Thermoelectric Cooler is a versatile cooler that comes in two colors: silver and grey. It has a capacity of 40 quarts, which is enough to hold 44 cans, making it an ideal choice for family outings or group camping trips.
- Capacity: 40 Quarts (Holds up to 44 cans)
- Cooling System: Thermoelectric
- Power: 12-volt plug and 120-volt power supply
- Temperature: Keeps contents up to 40°F colder than surrounding temperature
- Door: Can open from right or left side
- Weight: 18 lbs
- Dimensions: 23.5 x 15.3 x 17 inches
- Color: Gray
- Can Capacity: 44 Cans
The cooler is equipped with a 12V power cord that can be plugged into any vehicle, allowing it to keep your food and drinks cool while on the move. The cooler also has a door that can be opened from either the left or right side for convenience.
One of the key features of this cooler is its thermoelectric technology, which ensures it can keep its contents about 40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the surrounding temperature.
This technology eliminates the need for ice, freeing up more space for your food and drinks and making the cooler easier to clean. The cooler also features a quiet, long-lasting motor and a patented, adjustable door that can open on the right or left side.
Coleman Insulated Portable Thermoelectric Cooler is a reliable and durable cooler that can serve its intended purpose for many years.
Pros
- High cooling efficiency, can even freeze some items
- Portable and convenient for travel
- Large capacity (40 quarts, can fit up to 44 cans)
- Can be powered by a 12V vehicle outlet
- Door can be opened from either the right or left side
- Positive experiences with Coleman’s customer service
Cons
- The plug can get very hot, and in some cases, it has melted
- The cooler is noisy, which can be disruptive in quiet environments
- Continuously runs as there is no thermostat, which may lead to unnecessary power usage
Koolatron Portable Thermoelectric Iceless 12V Cooler Warmer
Most Value Value For Money
Koolatron, a popular and reliable brand, has been manufacturing industry-leading 12V coolers in North America for over 30 years. The Koolatron Portable Thermoelectric Iceless 12V Cooler Warmer is a versatile cooler with a generous 49-liter (52-quart) capacity, capable of holding up to 80 standard soft drink cans.
- Product Dimensions:
- 52 Quarts: 20.75″D x 15.75″W x 19.75″H
- 29 Quarts: 17.25″D x 15.25″W x 15.25″H
- Capacity: 52 Quarts, 29 Quarts
- Color: Grey-and-white color scheme
- Special Feature: Portable
- Installation Type: Freestanding
- Number of Doors: 1
- Defrost System: Manual
- Voltage: 12 Volts
- Finish Type: Matte
It features a two-way design, allowing it to be used either as a classic chest-style cooler or on its side as a portable mini-fridge.
The cooler is available in a grey-and-white color scheme, which adds to its aesthetic appeal. It can be powered by any 12V outlet, making it perfect for use in cars, trucks, or boats. Additionally, it is compatible with AC power for indoor use.
Pros
- Thermoelectric technology allows for cooling and warming.
- Large 36-quart capacity.
- No ice is required, providing more space for food and drinks.
- Plugs into a car’s 12V outlet, making it ideal for road trips.
- Comes with a removable shelf for organization.
- Frequently bought with the Koolatron AC Power Adaptor, suggesting it’s a useful accessory.
Cons
- Limited warranty.
- No other product variations.
Koolatron Thermoelectric Iceless 12V Cooler Bag
Best Soft Thermoelectric Iceless 12V Cooler Bag
The Koolatron Portable Thermoelectric Iceless 12V Cooler Warmer is a versatile cooler with a large capacity of 49 liters (52 quarts), capable of holding up to 80 standard soft drink cans. It comes in a sleek grey and white color scheme, adding a touch of style to its practicality.
- Color: Gray, White
- Capacity: 36 Quarts, 52 Quarts (49 L)
- Power Source: Electric
- Voltage: 12 Volts
- Material: Hard-Sided
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15.8 x 21 x 15.5 inches
- Item Weight: 15 Pounds
- Cooling Method: Thermoelectric
- Special Features: Portable, Trucking
- Temperature Range: Cools to 40°F (22°C) below ambient temperature; warms to 135°F (57°C)
This cooler/warmer is powered by a 12V DC adapter, making it perfect for your car, truck, or boat use. It also features a two-way design, allowing you to use it as a chest-style cooler or an upright mini-fridge. The cooler dimensions are 20.75 x 15.75 x 19.75 inches, weighing 14.98 lbs.
The Koolatron Cooler Warmer uses eco-friendly iceless technology to cool to 40°F (22°C) below the surrounding temperature or warm to 135°F (57°C).
This efficient operation uses less power than your vehicle’s tail light, making it an energy-efficient choice. Proudly Canadian, Koolatron has been manufacturing industry-leading 12V coolers in North America for over 30 years.
Pros
- Large Capacity: With a 36-quart capacity, it can hold a significant amount of food and beverages.
- Versatility: It can be used both as a cooler and a warmer.
- Portability: It is designed to be portable and is suitable for trucking.
- Thermoelectric Cooling: This method of cooling is generally more energy-efficient and quieter than traditional compressor systems.
- Large Size: Its dimensions allow it to store larger items that might not fit in smaller coolers.
Cons
- Limited to Electric: It does not have the option to run on batteries or gas, which could be a limitation in some situations.
- Power Source: As it is electric, it requires a power source to operate, which might not always be available during outdoor trips.
- Material: The hard-sided material, while durable, might not offer the same level of insulation as some other materials.
Igloo Thermoelectric Iceless 28-40 Qt Electric Plug-in 12V Coolers
Customers particularly love the convenience and efficiency of Thermoelectric Iceless Electric Plug-in 12V, which can be plugged into any 12V DC outlet, making them perfect for road trips, camping, and other outdoor adventures.
- list of features
- Color: Silver, White, Gray
- Capacity: Available in 26, 28, 35, and 40 quarts
- Cooling Method: Thermoelectric
- Cooling Capacity: Cools down to 36 degrees Fahrenheit below the surrounding temperature
- Power Source: 12V DC
- Power Cord Length: 8 feet
- Ideal For: Road trips, camping, tailgating
- Product Dimensions: 18.19 x 13.13 x 15.5 inches
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Country of Origin: USA
- Warranty: 1 year
- Additional Features:
- Quiet brushless motor
- Convection cooling
- Swing-up bale handle
- Molded side handle
The Igloo Thermoelectric Iceless Coolers come in various sizes, including 26, 28, 35, and 40 quarts, catering to different customer needs. They are available in a range of colors, including silver, white, and gray, allowing users to choose according to their preferences.
These coolers are designed with a quiet brushless motor and convection cooling, ensuring that your food and beverages stay chilled without the noise and inconvenience of traditional coolers. They also feature a state-of-the-art design with a swing-up bale handle for comfortable one-handed carrying and a molded side handle for easy lifting.
Pros
- No need for ice, which saves space for more food and drinks.
- Cools down to 36 degrees Fahrenheit below the surrounding temperature.
- Portable due to the 8-foot long power cord.
- Can be plugged into any 12V DC receptacle for portable use.
- Quiet, brushless motor and convection cooling.
- Holds up to 32 12-oz cans.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty.
Cons
- Power source limited to 12V DC.
- May not be as cold as traditional ice coolers.
Ivation Portable Thermoelectric Cooler & Warmer with Handle, 27 Quart (25 L)
This cooler stands out in the market with its unique 2-in-1 functionality, which allows it to maintain cold drinks at 40°F and hot food at 130°F, ensuring your refreshments stay at the perfect temperature.
- Design: Fridge Glass Door Black
- Interior Lighting: Soft interior lighting with on/off switch
- Built-in Fan: Yes
- Removable Racks: Yes
- Control Panel: Touch-sensitive control panel with LCD temperature display
- Dimensions: 9.9 x 17.7 x 31.2 inches
- Weight: 37.5 pounds
- Cooling System: Compressor cooling system
- Capacity: 12 bottles / 27 quarts
- Temperature Range: 41-64 degrees Fahrenheit
- Additional Features: With Lock
The Ivation Portable Thermoelectric Cooler & Warmer is a compact yet spacious device with a capacity of 27 quarts, enough to hold dozens of bottles, food trays, dishes, and even 2-L soda bottles. It comes in a vibrant blue color, adding a touch of style to its practical design.
The cooler and warmer are easy to clean and require no costly maintenance, making it a convenient choice for users. It includes built-in fans and a one-button hot/cold switch for effortless operation. The airtight and watertight lid cover also includes ergonomic grips for quick open/close access.
Pros
- Can hold up to 12 bottles
- Temperature control feature
- Lock for added security
- Soft interior lighting with on/off switch
- Built-in fan
- Removable racks
- Touch-sensitive control panel with LCD temperature display
- Sleek design
- High customer satisfaction
Cons
- No other variations or options available
- AC power cord is not long
Wagan EL6225 12V Personal Thermoelectric Cooler And Warmer, with 24 Liter Capacity
The Wagan EL6225 is a compact yet spacious cooler and warmer, boasting a 24-liter capacity that can comfortably hold up to 27 cans or four 2L water bottles.
- Brand: Ivation
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 12 Liters
- Weight: 7.9 Pounds
- Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 8 inches
- Power Source: AC/DC
Wagan EL6225 12V Personal Thermoelectric Cooler and Warmer offers a 2-in-1 solution for keeping your food and drinks at the perfect temperature during road trips, picnics, or outdoor activities.
Its user-friendly design features a removable lid for easy cleaning and a heavy-duty handle for convenient transport.
The cooler and warmer is available in a pleasing and timeless blue color, adding a touch of elegance to its practical design. It operates on a 12V DC power, making it perfect for use in your vehicle, and an optional AC adapter is available for home, office, or hotel use.
Pros
- Portable and compact design
- Versatile with both cooling and heating functions
- Comes with AC/DC power cords for versatile use
- Integrated handle for easy transport
Cons
- No specific warranty information provided
Conclusion: What Benefits Do Thermoelectric Coolers Have?
As we wrap up our exploration of thermoelectric coolers, it’s clear that these innovative devices are more than just a luxury – they’re a necessity for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. With their unique ability to keep food and drinks cool without the need for ice, they offer a level of convenience and efficiency that traditional coolers simply can’t match.
Thermoelectric coolers are important for several reasons.
Firstly, they eliminate the need for ice, freeing up more space for your food and drinks and making the cooler easier to clean. This is a significant advantage for outdoor enthusiasts who often struggle with the mess and inconvenience of melted ice.
Secondly, thermoelectric coolers are incredibly versatile. They can be powered by a 12V vehicle outlet, allowing you to keep your food and drinks cool while on the move. This makes them ideal for road trips, camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities.
Thirdly, thermoelectric coolers are energy-efficient. They use less power than traditional coolers, making them a more sustainable choice. This is particularly important in today’s world, where there is a growing emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
But the benefits of thermoelectric coolers don’t stop there. They also offer high cooling efficiency, with some models capable of keeping their contents about 40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the surrounding temperature. This ensures your food and drinks stay chilled, even in hot weather.
Moreover, thermoelectric coolers are durable and reliable. Brands like Coleman, Koolatron, and Igloo are known for their high-quality coolers that can serve their intended purpose for many years. This makes thermoelectric coolers a worthwhile investment for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities.
Investing in a thermoelectric cooler is a smart move for any outdoor enthusiast. They offer a unique blend of convenience, efficiency, and durability, making them a superior choice to traditional coolers. So why wait? Explore the world of thermoelectric coolers today and discover the difference for yourself!
