3 best plug in coolers
Plug-in coolers, also known as electric coolers or portable electric refrigerators, are versatile appliances designed to keep food and beverages cold or at a desired temperature while on the go. They find applications in various settings, including camping trips, road trips, picnics, boating, and in some cases, as supplementary refrigeration options in commercial establishments. Here's what you need to know about plug-in coolers:
Design: Plug-in coolers are typically designed like traditional coolers but come equipped with an electric cooling system. They can be powered by plugging them into a standard electrical outlet or, in some cases, into a vehicle's 12-volt power outlet (cigarette lighter).
Cooling Mechanism: These coolers use thermoelectric or compressor-based cooling systems.Thermoelectric coolers rely on the Peltier effect, which creates a temperature difference between two conductive materials when an electric current is applied. Compressor-based models use a refrigeration cycle similar to that of a household refrigerator.
Temperature Control: Many plug-in coolers allow users to set and control the internal temperature, allowing them to keep items cool or even frozen. Some models have both cooling and heating functions, making them suitable for keeping food warm as well.
Portability: Plug-in coolers are designed to be portable and come in various sizes, ranging from small units that can hold a few cans or snacks to larger models that can accommodate full-sized bottles and food containers. Some have carrying handles or wheels for easy transport.
Power Sources: Most plug-in coolers can be powered by standard household electrical outlets (110-120V AC) or by 12-volt DC power sources, such as a vehicle's cigarette lighter. This flexibility makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Energy Efficiency: Thermoelectric coolers are generally more energy-efficient and quieter than compressor-based models. However, compressor-based models can typically achieve lower temperatures and cool more quickly.
Applications: Plug-in coolers are used in a variety of settings, including recreational activities like camping and tailgating, long road trips, and as supplementary storage for perishable goods in commercial kitchens or restaurants.
Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep plug-in coolers in good working condition. This includes cleaning the interior, checking the seals for air-tightness, and ensuring the cooling elements are free from obstructions.
Price Range: The cost of plug-in coolers varies depending on their size, features, and cooling capacity. Smaller thermoelectric models are generally more affordable, while larger compressor-based units with advanced features can be more expensive.
In summary, plug-in coolers are handy appliances that provide a convenient way to keep food and beverages at the desired temperature while on the move or as supplementary storage. Their versatility and portability make them a valuable addition to outdoor adventures and commercial food service establishments alike.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best plug in coolers on the marketProduct description
Igloo's 28QT Iceless cooler is the perfect addition to any camping trip or road trip when you don't want to deal with ice. Simply plug in the 12V DC receptacle, perfect to plug into your car for portable use. Igloo's Iceless cooler features a quiet brush less motor and convection cooling. Without the ice you are able to maximize the space and fill it to the brim with all of your favorite snacks, sandwiches, drinks and treats. Simply pack, plug and go!
From the Manufacturer
Igloo
- Plastic
- Made in the USA
- Swing-up bale handle with comfort grip for easy carrying. Liner Material: Polypropylene
- Molded-in side handles for two handed carrying or lifting. Capacity-32 12-oz cans; 26 quarts (24 liters)
- 8' long power cord plugs into any 12V DC receptacle (e.g. cigarette lighter) for portable use - good universal fit in 12V outlet
- uses your car's cigarette lighter to cool without ice, unlocking more room for food and drinks, as well as keeping all contents fresh and dry. Takes cooler temperature down to 36°F below surrounding air
- Material:Polyethylene
User questions & answers
Question: | From what I see in the reviews it seems that there is a problem with the cord getting to hot and the tip of it melting.Is there a better quality cord |
Answer: | I've had no issues with the cord attached to the cooler itself but I did have an issue with the Schumacher PC-6 120AC to 6A 12V DC Power Converter that I purchased for indoor use. It ran hot and in less than 6 months it died (Amazon graciously allowed me to return it and gave me a full refund). I replaced it with a Wagan 5 Amp AC to 12V DC Power Adapter. While it gets a little warm, it runs much cooler than with the Schumacher adapter. In fact, the Igloo runs quieter and appears to be more efficient with this adapter. That said I think the power source may be the root cause of the issues that others may have with overheating/melting. I run my cooler inside, all day, everyday as it serves as my office refrigerator and I've had it since last November. I love it and will buy another on the sad day planned obsolescence kicks in. |
Question: | Why is the larger unit cheaper than the smaller unit |
Answer: | Really don't know but I found out that the larger one keeps cooler much longer and at a lower degree. |
Question: | What is the power consumption in amps? I'm useing deep cycle batteries, and low amps is a must |
Answer: | Working current, battery consumption is between 3.5 to 4.8 Amps according to the owner's operating manual. The current draw is 6 amps maximum at 12-volt DC. I hope this is helpful. |
Question: | What is the inside height with the lid closed? Looking to keep some Smartwater bottles in there (they are 12" tall and 3" diameter). Thanks in advance |
Answer: | I have the same question except I'm wondering if the lid will close with 2-litre soda bottles standing inside. That 13 1/2" height measurment sounds rreeaalllly close to the height of a 2 litre bottle. Has anyone actually tried it? |
Product features
Good Times Always Happen Around a Cooler!
Igloo Iceless cooler is the perfect addition to any camping trip or road trip when you don't want to deal with ice. Simply plug in the 12V DC receptacle, perfect to plug into your car for portable use. Igloo's Iceless cooler features a quiet brush less motor and convection cooling. Without the ice you are able to maximize the space and fill it to the brim with all of your favorite snacks, sandwiches, drinks and treats. Simply pack, plug and go!
- LARGE CAPACITY - The SUPER DEAL Cooler is the ideal companion for a fishing trip, camping weekend or large backyard barbecue in the hot summer sun. With a 26L, 36 can capacity, tall enough to hold 2-liter bottles upright, there's plenty of room for refreshments for a whole group.
- TOUGH ROTOMOLDED CONSTRUCTION - The SUPER DEAL Cooler has plenty of room to store what you need to keep cold for up to 48 hours. The outside is made of heavy-duty polyester & the inside utilizes a high density insulation. Product-protecting properties are built into the lining to resist odor, making it easy to clean between uses.
- TIGHT BARRIER AGAINST THE HEAT - Insulation is pressure-injected commercial-grade polyurethane foam that delivers ultimate ice retention. This electric cooler doubles as a warmer, maintaining an interior temperature of 90°F. Go skiing or ice-skating and sip a soothing mug of hot cocoa or bowl of soup to take away the chill. FDA certificated.
- EASY TO CARRY - The compact and sleek design is ideal for taking with you when you're on the go. It maintains desired temperature for a long time, with its lockable lid, this cooler gives you one-handed access to an ice-cold one when you need it most. Whether you're headed on a camping trip, to a tailgate party, or your neighbor's backyard barbecue, the one-handle makes getting to your destination super easy.
- Load the 26 Liter cooler/warmer up and head out to the park or beach. With the ergonomic folding handle, carrying this cooler/warmer to the picnic site is a breeze. Ready to enjoy cross-country road trips and camping weekends!
User questions & answers
Question: | Can you keep items cold and warm at the same time? Or is it either/or |
Answer: | I haven’t used it yet but it appears to be either or. There is only one switch and it you have to decide between warm, cold, or off. |
Question: | Does the ac/dc cords come with the cooler |
Answer: | yes it does |
Question: | Would this fit between the front seats of kenworth t |
Answer: | Yes |
Question: | Do u need ice for this cooler |
Answer: | No, but it does help to start with it and your contents cold. I just plug it in a couple of hours before I’m going to use my cooler and start wth my drinks cold. It works great! |
Product features
Large Capacity
With 28 Quarts capacity, this refrigerator could hold can holds up to 33 cans of soda or 6 two liter bottles, allows storage for your road trip necessities. Moreover.
A removable divider creates 2 compartments for easier organizing and storing.
Energy-efficient Cooling System
Specially built with an Energy-efficient thermoelectric cooling system with no compressor, to minimize the vibration effect and noise,
Super quiet brushless motor and convection cooling with a fan to circulate cold air.
Reliable Car Friend
Can be low to 68℉ below ambient temperature,cools food in 30 minutes, drove for two hours, everything is kept cool after unplugging it, no melted ice mess to deal with. The ergonomic exterior design of the cooling and warming fridge will not affect any driving experience.
Cooler + Warmer
Insulation is pressure-injected commercial-grade polyurethane foam that delivers ultimate ice retention. This electric cooler doubles as a warmer, maintaining an interior temperature of 90°F.
Go skiing or ice-skating and sip a soothing mug of hot cocoa or bowl of soup to take away the chill.
28 Quart Storage Space
The outside is made of heavy-duty polyester & the inside utilizes a high density insulation. Product-protecting properties are built into the lining to resist odor, making it easy to clean between uses.
No need to worry about insufficient storage space,it can even meet the entire demand for the people in the SUV.
Flap Lock Handle
The top handle is locked towards the back and is open to the front. Keep the lid tightly sealed, no worries of falling over when you drive in the bumpy road.
Ideal companion for a fishing trip, camping weekend or large backyard barbecue in the hot summer sun.
- PORTABLE TRAVEL FRIDGE & HEATER: Whether you're travelling on the road or camping in an RV, camper or minivan, this large capacity storage container to heat & warm or cool & chill food & drink.
- PLUGS IN ANYWHERE: The cooler/warmer combo has 2 6 FT. Extra Long built in cords - one for standard wall outlets, and one for car power adapters. Both have storage compartments to be hidden when not in use.
- VAST STORAGE SPACE: This 48 quart cooler stores about 60 cans of soda or 6 two liter bottles and 15 cans of soda or beer. A removable divider creates 2 compartments for easier organizing and storing.
- CHILLS WITHOUT ICE: Forget ice packs that need constant refilling, take up precious space, and leave you with a watery mess when they melt. This cooler maintains a cool 40°F temp without any ice.
- DOUBLE HANDLES AND WHEELED: Two handles and wheels make it easy to carry or pull. A dual functioning handle allows you to carry your cooler in hand or pull it on the ground using the wheels.
User questions & answers
Question: | Do you think this is a better cooler than the Coleman cooler for a truck driver? I'm looking at this one or the Igloo one |
Answer: | Read my review of the Coleman Hot/Cold 40 Qt. Had a Coleman from 2000 that finally died due to a design flaw that allowed the fan to bind in the nacelle/ housing. Bought a new one that lasted 10 weeks. Finally got my refund 4 months later. Can't compare it to this one, but some of the other answers here are misleading. This product is not a portable refrigerator. Those have thermostats and use a compressor. Peltier devices are power hogs - about 5% efficient at transferring heat. So, 95% of the heat you feel on the exhaust of these is produced by the Peltier device, not from inside the cooler. Also, some heat is transferred through inefficient insulation. That's why it takes hours to remove heat from the interior of these coolers before you can start using them. |
Question: | Does this actually cool to 40 degrees or does it cool to 40 degrees below ambient temperature? That is a huge difference it gets to 100 where I live |
Answer: | We used it while traveling out west last August where temps were in the 100's and it kept everything really cold. |
Question: | ft cord is not long enough to reach the back of my minivan, will cooler work properly with a dc cord extension? Is it quiet enough to sleep next to |
Answer: | I believe it should work with a DC cord extension. We had the cool in our hotel rooms while traveling and had no problems with it being noisy. |
Question: | How long will it stay cold when not powered |
Answer: | If powered long enough to get to its maximum temperature of 38F and turned off it will stay cool for approximately 24 hours. By way of a couple of specific examples: (a) I’ve placed a bag of ice in this cooler when it was at its peak cool temp of 38F, turned the cooler in off, and had the ice stay frozen (without ANY liquid water forming) for 6-10 hours depending upon the outside temp, and (b) I’ve placed a bag |
Product features
K-Box- A Genius Solution to Meals On The Go
Often, carefully prepared meals for a planned outing meet their sorry fate in the overheated conditions of your vehicle’s trunk. The K-Box Electric Cooler is a traveler’s must-have. Food and beverages for a picnic, a barbeque, long road trips, wilderness adventures, or overnight camping trips can now remain heated or cooled throughout your trip. Consider the K-Box as a portable hybrid of a fridge and microwave in the convenience of your car.
Never Drink at Room Temperature Again
Drinks that are not cold, yet not hot, can throw the most enthusiastic traveller off kilter. The K-box Cooler enables you to keep a hot or cold beverage wherever you go, whenever you’d like. Super cool features, such as the simple hot and cold switch, wheels, and a pull-out handle pile even more convenience onto this traveler’s favorite.
Keep Perishable Items at the Perfect Temperature
If you’d like to keep your food or drinks chilled, move the switch to “cold” to attain the perfect temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. To warm up a meal, simply switch back to the “hot” option, and enjoy your warm meal minutes later.
Two Handles for Easy Lugging
Convenience is out middle name! Large cooling devices are heavy, especially when filled with mouthwatering meals and drinks. Large, square handles at the two ends of the K-box offer easy carrying for savvy vacationers.
A Word About the Wires
Two wires are included for both indoor and outdoor use. And when K-box needs to rest, roll the wires into the small sockets for mess-free tangle-free storage. Take the K-box with you wherever you go, and never go hungry again.
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