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10 Best Portable Refrigerators For Cars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dometic CFX3 75-Liter Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator and Freezer, Powered by AC/DC or Solar…

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,490
Temperature Range
Energy Efficiency
Durability

Most important from
711 reviews

Temperature Range
The digital temperature controls can be a bit finicky, with some users noting variations in displayed and actual temperatures.
Energy Efficiency
Amazing upgrade from ice and a cooler! The quality is outstanding and highly efficient with power.
Durability
The Dometic CFX3 100 is a blend of durability and superior functionality, making it perfect for long journeys with its effective cooling and freezing capabilities.
Additional Features
The Bluetooth app control is a standout feature, allowing remote temperature monitoring and adjustment, which is especially handy during backcountry drives.

The Dometic CFX3 75-Liter Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator and Freezer is a robust option for those in need of a large-capacity portable fridge for their car. It offers a substantial 75-liter capacity, making it ideal for long trips, camping, picnics, and fishing excursions. One of its standout features is the dual-zone cooling, which allows you to set different temperatures for two compartments, providing flexibility for refrigerating and freezing items simultaneously.

This product doesn't require ice, thanks to its powerful VMSO3 compressor cooling technology, which can cool down to –7 °F. This ensures your perishables stay fresh and your frozen items remain solid without the mess of melting ice. It offers multiple power options, including AC, DC, and solar power, making it versatile and convenient for various uses. Additionally, the ultra-low power consumption and built-in 3-stage dynamic battery protection prevent dead batteries, which is a significant plus for long travels.

The rugged construction, featuring an ExoFrame and aluminum alloy handles, enhances its durability, making it suitable for tough conditions. The Dometic CFX3 also integrates advanced technology with its CFX3 app, allowing you to control temperatures via WiFi or Bluetooth and track performance history. The high-resolution color display and soft-touch buttons facilitate easy control and monitoring. However, at 61.29 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might be a drawback for those looking for a more portable and lightweight option.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,490
Temperature Range
Energy Efficiency
Durability

Most important from
711 reviews

Temperature Range
The digital temperature controls can be a bit finicky, with some users noting variations in displayed and actual temperatures.
Energy Efficiency
Amazing upgrade from ice and a cooler! The quality is outstanding and highly efficient with power.
Durability
The Dometic CFX3 100 is a blend of durability and superior functionality, making it perfect for long journeys with its effective cooling and freezing capabilities.
Additional Features
The Bluetooth app control is a standout feature, allowing remote temperature monitoring and adjustment, which is especially handy during backcountry drives.
#2

Dometic CFX3 55-Liter Portable Refrigerator and Freezer with ICE Maker, Powered by AC/DC or Solar

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Power Source
Temperature Range

Most important from
711 reviews

Capacity
Offers ample space to comfortably store food and drinks for two people over a week, reducing food waste and saving money on ice.
Power Source
Runs efficiently on various power sources including vehicle batteries and portable power stations, making it versatile for off-grid use.
Temperature Range
Maintains drinks colder than typical convenience store coolers and quickly returns to set temperatures after the vehicle restarts.
Energy Efficiency
Delivers dependable cooling throughout long trips without draining the vehicle's battery, thanks to built-in battery saver features.
Size and Portability
The cooler's weight when fully loaded can be cumbersome, and the lack of wheels limits portability.
Durability
Built tough with secure handles and the ability to be safely strapped down, ensuring durability during rough outdoor adventures.
Additional Features
The integrated ice maker produces enough ice for multiple drinks in just a few hours, eliminating the hassle of using ice packs.

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.

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Power Source
Temperature Range

Most important from
711 reviews

Capacity
Offers ample space to comfortably store food and drinks for two people over a week, reducing food waste and saving money on ice.
Power Source
Runs efficiently on various power sources including vehicle batteries and portable power stations, making it versatile for off-grid use.
Temperature Range
Maintains drinks colder than typical convenience store coolers and quickly returns to set temperatures after the vehicle restarts.
Energy Efficiency
Delivers dependable cooling throughout long trips without draining the vehicle's battery, thanks to built-in battery saver features.
Size and Portability
The cooler's weight when fully loaded can be cumbersome, and the lack of wheels limits portability.
Durability
Built tough with secure handles and the ability to be safely strapped down, ensuring durability during rough outdoor adventures.
Additional Features
The integrated ice maker produces enough ice for multiple drinks in just a few hours, eliminating the hassle of using ice packs.
#3

Dometic CFX3 25-Liter Portable Refrigerator and Freezer, Powered by AC/DC or Solar

Rating
9.9
Durability
Temperature Range
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
711 reviews

Durability
The unit delivers dependable, long-term reliability, truly embodying the 'Toyota' standard of electric coolers that just work without fail.
Temperature Range
Temperature control is very stable with minimal fluctuations, though the digital panel can be a bit finicky and internal temperatures may vary slightly depending on shelf position.
Energy Efficiency
Power consumption is impressively low, making it highly efficient for extended use on AC, DC, or solar power sources.
Size and Portability
Its size and build quality make it a perfect fit for camper vans or boats, balancing portability with robust construction and multifunctional design.
Additional Features
The top surface doubles as a practical workspace or seat, adding convenience beyond just refrigeration.

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.

Rating
9.9
Durability
Temperature Range
Energy Efficiency

Most important from
711 reviews

Durability
The unit delivers dependable, long-term reliability, truly embodying the 'Toyota' standard of electric coolers that just work without fail.
Temperature Range
Temperature control is very stable with minimal fluctuations, though the digital panel can be a bit finicky and internal temperatures may vary slightly depending on shelf position.
Energy Efficiency
Power consumption is impressively low, making it highly efficient for extended use on AC, DC, or solar power sources.
Size and Portability
Its size and build quality make it a perfect fit for camper vans or boats, balancing portability with robust construction and multifunctional design.
Additional Features
The top surface doubles as a practical workspace or seat, adding convenience beyond just refrigeration.

Buying Guide for the Best Portable Refrigerators For Cars

Choosing the right portable refrigerator for your car can make a big difference in your travel experience, whether you're going on a road trip, camping, or just need to keep your groceries cool on the way home. The key is to understand the different specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting a portable refrigerator for your car.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of space inside the refrigerator, usually measured in liters or quarts. This is important because it determines how much food and drink you can store. Small capacity (up to 20 liters) is suitable for short trips or solo travelers. Medium capacity (20-40 liters) is good for couples or small families on weekend trips. Large capacity (over 40 liters) is ideal for longer trips or larger groups. Choose a capacity based on the duration of your trips and the number of people you need to cater to.
Power SourcePortable refrigerators can be powered by different sources, such as 12V car outlets, 110V home outlets, or even solar panels. This spec is crucial because it affects where and how you can use the refrigerator. A 12V option is essential for car use, while a dual power option (12V/110V) offers more flexibility for home and car use. Solar compatibility is great for off-grid adventures. Consider where you will be using the refrigerator most often and choose a power source that matches your needs.
Temperature RangeThe temperature range indicates how cold the refrigerator can get, which is important for preserving different types of food and drinks. Some models can only cool, while others can also freeze. A range that goes down to 0°F (-18°C) is ideal if you need to freeze items. For general cooling, a range of 32°F (0°C) to 50°F (10°C) is sufficient. Think about what you plan to store and choose a refrigerator with a temperature range that meets those requirements.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency refers to how much power the refrigerator uses to maintain its temperature. This is important for conserving your car's battery life and reducing energy consumption. Look for models with energy-saving features like eco mode or low power consumption ratings. If you plan to use the refrigerator for extended periods, an energy-efficient model will be more beneficial. Consider how long you will be running the refrigerator and choose one that balances performance with energy use.
Size and PortabilitySize and portability refer to the physical dimensions and weight of the refrigerator, which affect how easy it is to transport and fit in your car. This is important for ensuring the refrigerator fits in your vehicle and can be moved easily. Compact and lightweight models are ideal for smaller cars and frequent moving. Larger models may offer more capacity but can be harder to transport. Measure the available space in your car and consider how often you will need to move the refrigerator to choose the right size and portability.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the refrigerator can withstand rough conditions, such as bumpy roads or outdoor environments. This is important for ensuring the refrigerator lasts a long time and performs well in various conditions. Look for models with sturdy construction, reinforced corners, and high-quality materials. If you plan to use the refrigerator in rugged conditions, a more durable model will be necessary. Consider the environments you will be using the refrigerator in and choose one that can handle those conditions.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can include things like digital displays, adjustable shelves, USB ports, and built-in battery protection. These features can enhance convenience and usability. For example, a digital display can make it easier to monitor and adjust the temperature, while built-in battery protection can prevent your car battery from draining. Think about which features will make your experience more convenient and enjoyable, and choose a refrigerator that offers those extras.

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