Best 12-Volt Coolers: Like a Mini Fridge for Your Vehicle

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For the frequent camper, tailgater, or even picnicker, the ever-present Tetris challenge of organizing your cold food amidst wet, messy, and melting bags of ice gets old fast. Traditional coolers are a great option for short-term trips and excursions, but if you’re planning a multi-day camping trip, hike, road trip, or looking to add more chilled food storage to your RV, a 12-volt cooler can be a game-changer.

These high-tech coolers eliminate the reliance on ice and can greatly extend the length of time you can safely store cold food and drinks on board. From slim, affordable options for carrying cans to larger, more permanent fridge/freezer/ice maker combos, there’s something to suit every need. I’ve done the heavy lifting for you and chosen some top picks to make your selection easier. There’s also an informative buying guide to answer all your burning questions.

When it comes to choosing the best 12-volt coolers available, I wanted to provide you with a well-rounded list that features a solid variety of reputable manufacturers with a history of providing high-quality, long-lasting products. I wanted to include a wide range of price points to suit any budget and cooler sizes to suit any needs. Lastly, I wanted to include only those coolers that are constructed using the latest technological advancements and innovative materials for maximal function. For more info on our selection criteria, go to The Drive’s Gear About page, which explains our methodology further.

Can function as a refrigerator or freezer, or both

Multiple power options

Can be controlled via the handy app

Hefty price tag

Heavy and bulky, not very portable

The Dometic CFX3 35-Liter Portable Refrigerator is one of the most powerful coolers on the list, reaching a temperature of -7 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows it to be used not only as a refrigerator but as a freezer as well, giving you great long-term cooling options. With two separate compartments, you can also use it as a fridge and a freezer simultaneously. It can be powered by AC, DC, or solar, making it also one of the most