10 Best Portable Refrigerators For Cars 2025 in the United States

The Dometic CFX3 55-Liter Portable Refrigerator and Freezer is a solid choice for those needing reliable cooling on the go, especially for activities like camping, fishing, or picnics. Its 55-liter capacity offers ample space to store food and drinks for a small group. One standout feature is its ability to freeze items down to –7 °F without ice, thanks to a powerful compressor and a rapid freeze plate that also lets you make ice quickly. This means you won’t have to rely on adding ice packs, which is handy for longer trips.

Power flexibility is another strong point. You can run it using AC power from home or a vehicle, DC from a car battery, or even solar power, which is great if you’re off the grid. The built-in battery protection helps prevent draining your car battery, so you won’t be left stranded. It’s designed to be energy efficient, which helps conserve power during extended use.

In terms of portability, it’s fairly compact but does weigh 47 pounds, so it’s not the lightest option out there. However, its rugged construction with a sturdy ExoFrame and aluminum handles means it can handle rough conditions and is durable for outdoor adventures. The digital controls are easy to use, featuring a high-resolution color display and soft-touch buttons. Plus, the companion app lets you monitor and control temperature remotely via WiFi or Bluetooth, adding convenience. This portable refrigerator/freezer is ideal for users who want dependable cooling power, flexible energy options, and smart controls in a rugged, moderately portable design.

The Dometic CFX3 25-Liter Portable Refrigerator and Freezer is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable cooling solution on the go, especially for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, or picnics. Its 25-liter capacity is compact enough to fit easily in most vehicles while still holding a decent amount of food and drinks. One standout feature is its powerful compressor technology, which cools down to -7°F without needing ice, so it works well both as a refrigerator and a deep freezer. It’s powered flexibly through AC, DC, or solar energy, making it convenient for use in varied environments, and it includes a smart battery protection system to avoid draining your car battery.

This model also impresses with its rugged build—lightweight yet tough with heavy-duty handles and a durable frame—meaning it can handle rough conditions without damage. The size (about 22 x 13.5 x 16.5 inches) and weight (28 pounds) strike a good balance between portability and capacity, though it might be a bit heavy for frequent carrying by hand over long distances. The advanced tech features like app connectivity via WiFi or Bluetooth allow easy temperature control and monitoring, which is handy but might be a bit more than some users need.

Energy efficiency is strong thanks to the efficient compressor and insulation, helping keep power use low. One minor downside is that it uses R134a refrigerant, which is common but not the most eco-friendly option available today. If you want a dependable, versatile portable fridge/freezer with modern tech and solid durability, the Dometic CFX3 25 is a great fit, especially for outdoor enthusiasts who value convenience and performance.

The Dometic CFX3 35 is a solid choice if you're looking for a portable refrigerator/freezer for your car with a decent 36-liter capacity, enough to keep food and drinks fresh for a small group or a short trip. It stands out with its ability to cool down very low, reaching as cold as –7 °F, so it can act as a freezer or refrigerator without needing ice. You have flexible power options since it runs on AC, DC, or solar power, and it includes a smart battery protection system to help avoid draining your vehicle’s battery. The design is built tough with a rugged ExoFrame shell and aluminum handles, making it durable enough for outdoor use and travel.

It’s also fairly compact and portable, though it weighs 37 pounds, so it’s not ultra-light but still manageable. A modern touch is the smartphone app that lets you control temperatures wirelessly and check performance history, which can be handy but might be more than some users need. The high-resolution display and easy buttons make daily use straightforward. One unique feature is its dual-zone cooling, offering separate temperature controls for two compartments—great if you want to freeze some items while simply chilling others.

The main drawback is the size and weight might be a bit bulky for very limited car space or if you want something ultra-lightweight. Also, while energy-efficient compared to older models, running the powerful compressor might still use more power than simpler coolers, so consider your power source carefully. This product is well suited for campers, road trippers, or anyone needing reliable, versatile cooling on the go.