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10 Best Plug In Coolers For Cars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.7 score

BougeRV Pink 23Quart Portable Refrigerator, 12 Volt Fridge 22L, Portable Freezer Compressor Cooler 12/24V DC 110~240 Volt AC for Truck Van RV Camper -7℉~50℉

The BougeRV Pink 23Quart Portable Refrigerator is a solid choice for those seeking a compact cooling solution for cars, RVs, and boats. With a capacity of 23 quarts, it offers ample space for food and drinks, making it ideal for road trips or camping. One of its major strengths is the fast cooling capability, reaching 32°F in just 15 minutes, which is impressive for a portable unit. The use of compressor refrigeration technology means there's no need for ice, keeping food fresh and saving space.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Cooling Performance
The BougeRV 12V refrigerator cools down to 32°F in less than 20 minutes and reacts quickly to temperature adjustments.
Power Source
Setting up the fridge with 12V car outlets is seamless, though proper wiring is crucial to avoid voltage drops.
Energy Efficiency
The low power consumption in ECO mode is impressive, drawing only 36 watts, making it ideal for use with portable power stations and solar panels.
Portability
Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to transport and place in small spaces like campers or car backseats.
Durability
Users appreciate the durable build and shock-proof design, which withstands bumpy roads without issues.
#2
9.4 score

Igloo Portable Electric Coolers, 12v Cooler, Iceless Plug in Cooler, Electrice Ice Chest, Powered Cooler Hot/Cold

The Igloo Portable Electric Cooler is a versatile plug-in cooler designed for car use, making it an ideal companion for camping trips or long drives. With a capacity of 26 liters (32 12-oz cans), it offers ample space for storing food and drinks. The cooler can lower the temperature up to 36°F below the ambient temperature, ensuring that your items stay fresh and cool without the need for ice. This function is achieved through a quiet brushless motor and convection cooling with a fan that circulates cold air effectively. It operates by plugging into a standard 12V DC outlet, like a car’s cigarette lighter, making it highly convenient for portable use with its 8-foot long power cord.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Capacity
The Igloo cooler is perfect for multi-day trips, fitting behind the front seat and keeping items cold without the need for ice.
Cooling Performance
The cooler maintains a temperature of 37 degrees, making it ideal for keeping food and drinks cool.
Power Source
Having the option to plug it into a regular outlet with a cigarette charger converter adds to its versatility.
Portability
It's incredibly convenient for road trips and hotel stays, especially when hotel fridges are too small or unreliable.
Durability
During an extended hospital stay, the cooler ran continuously for three weeks, proving its reliability and usefulness.
#3
9.2 score

EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator, 22QT(21L) 12V Cooler, Compressor Electric Cooler -4℉~68℉, 12V Fridge 12/24V DC 110-240V AC, Portable Freezer for Camping, Travel, Truck, Home

The EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator is a solid choice for those looking for a portable cooler that works well in cars and at home. With a capacity of 22 quarts (21 liters), it provides ample space for food and drinks during travel or camping trips. One of its standout features is the fast cooling capability, able to drop temperatures from 68°F to 32°F in just 15 minutes. This is especially helpful for those on the go. The dual power source—running on both 12/24V DC and 110-240V AC—adds to its versatility, making it easy to use in various settings.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Capacity
Even when packed to absolute capacity with frozen food, it maintained everything easily for days without thawing at all.
Cooling Performance
Even when packed to absolute capacity with frozen food, it maintained everything easily for days without thawing at all.
Power Source
This car refrigerator works great on both 12V in the car and when plugged in at home. It's a very nice piece of equipment to have for the road.
Energy Efficiency
The power cords don't get very warm even after hours of use, indicating good power efficiency.
Portability
Perfect for long road trips, deep enough to hold milk jugs and soda bottles standing up, yet small enough to fit where needed.

Top 10 Best Plug In Coolers For Cars 2025 in the United States

Igloo Portable Electric Coolers, 12v Cooler, Iceless Plug in Cooler, Electrice Ice Chest, Powered Cooler Hot/Cold

Capacity: 26 Liters
Cooling Performance: 36°F below ambient temperature
Power Source: 12V DC outlet
Portability: Swing-up handle, side handles
Durability: Metallic-fiber, polyethylene insulation
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Buying Guide for the Best Plug In Coolers For Cars

Choosing the right plug-in cooler for your car can make a big difference in your travel experience, especially on long trips or during hot weather. A plug-in cooler can keep your food and drinks at the perfect temperature, making your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a plug-in cooler for your car.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of space inside the cooler, usually measured in liters or quarts. This spec is important because it determines how much food and drink you can store. If you often travel with family or friends, a larger capacity cooler (30-50 liters) might be necessary. For solo travelers or short trips, a smaller capacity (10-20 liters) could be sufficient. Consider your typical usage and the number of people you need to accommodate when choosing the right capacity.
Cooling PerformanceCooling performance indicates how well the cooler can maintain a low temperature. This is usually measured in terms of how many degrees below the ambient temperature the cooler can achieve. High-performance coolers can cool down to 40-50°F below ambient temperature, which is ideal for keeping perishable items fresh. Moderate performance coolers might cool to 20-30°F below ambient temperature, suitable for drinks and snacks. If you need to store sensitive items like dairy or meat, opt for a cooler with higher cooling performance.
Power SourceThe power source for plug-in coolers is typically a 12V DC car outlet, but some models also offer an AC adapter for home use. This spec is important because it determines where and how you can use the cooler. If you plan to use the cooler primarily in your car, a 12V DC model will suffice. However, if you want the flexibility to use it at home or in other settings, look for a model that includes an AC adapter. Consider your usage scenarios to decide which power source options are best for you.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency refers to how much power the cooler consumes while operating. This is important because it affects your car's battery life and overall energy consumption. More energy-efficient models will draw less power, which is beneficial for long trips or when the car is not running. Look for coolers with energy-saving features like eco modes or automatic shut-off to preserve battery life. If you frequently take long trips or use the cooler for extended periods, prioritize energy efficiency.
PortabilityPortability encompasses the cooler's size, weight, and ease of transport. This spec is crucial if you need to move the cooler in and out of your car frequently. Lightweight and compact models are easier to handle and store, making them ideal for smaller vehicles or limited space. Larger, heavier models might offer more capacity but can be cumbersome to move. Consider how often you'll need to transport the cooler and the available space in your car when evaluating portability.
DurabilityDurability refers to the build quality and materials used in the cooler. This is important because a durable cooler will withstand the rigors of travel and last longer. Look for models made from high-quality plastics or metals, with sturdy handles and hinges. If you plan to use the cooler in rugged conditions or for outdoor activities, prioritize durability to ensure it can handle bumps and rough handling. Assess your typical usage environment to determine the level of durability you need.

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