Can an electric cooler change your life? These 5 have something to prove.

Ditch the ice.
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Table of Contents

There’s nothing worse than pulling up to the beach or backyard barbecue only to realize you forgot the ice for your cooler — lukewarm beers and snacks don’t exactly have the same appeal, you know? But that’s exactly where electric coolers come in. An electric cooler comes in a single unit that can keep several items cool at once without wasting your time or energy… or ice.

A good electric cooler should be efficient, easy to set up, and provide enough space for multiple items. If you’re hoping to find a decent one for your lifestyle needs you’ll want to read on. We’ve rounded up the best electric coolers below, according to Amazon reviews.

How do electric coolers work?

Unlike a regular cooler that depends on ice cubes or frozen ice packs to stay chilly, an electric cooler comes equipped with plug that can either go straight into a wall unit, portable power pack, or the cigarette lighter in your car. Some electric coolers can even work to keep food warm instead of cold — just adjust the thermostat to the appropriate temperature and you're good to go. (Did someone say tailgate season?)

How do I choose the best electric cooler?

Choosing the right electric cooler for your lifestyle depends on what you plan to use your cooler for. If you want something for occasional car trips, the Koolatron D13 Soft-Sided Electric Travel Cooler will do just fine. That said, if you’re looking for something to keep raw seafood or meat in good condition, you might want to opt for something with high quality freezing capacities like the ICECO JP42 Pro.

How much do electric coolers cost?

Electric coolers range greatly in price depending on the functionality and quality that you’re looking for. Most baseline coolers will cost anywhere from $80 to $150—but larger electric coolers that also freeze can run you more than $500.

The Good & The Bad

  • Includes a removable divider for easy organization
  • Features a built-in cord that plugs into the car power adapter
  • Great price for the quality
  • Some reviewers noted that this cooler takes a while to cool down after being plugged in

Why We Like It

This electric cooler is a great, versatile option for a variety of different applications and needs. It is adjustable for cooler and warmer temperatures, and it is designed to fit into tight spaces, which is great for both storage and transport.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Made entirely in the USA
  • Fits into a 12V auto plug adapter or 110V outlet
  • Very compact and easy to transport
  • Some reviewers mentioned that this cooler doesn’t seal perfectly shut

Why We Like It

Looking for something built to last for the long run? This thermoelectric portable cooler by Igloo was made to last. The high-quality cooler was built in the USA and features a quiet brushless motor and convection cooling fan to ensure your drinks and snacks stay chilled until you’re ready for them.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Includes two built-in cords
  • Can maintain a cool 40F temp without any ice
  • Built-in wheels make it easy to transport
  • This cooler is quite a bit more expensive than others on the list

Why We Like It

This electric cooler and warmer has a built-in thermostat. It also includes a top-mounted door for easy access—but we particularly like the large capacity and the rolling design. These two factors make it the perfect option for family days at the beach or heading out to backyard barbecues and picnics.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Very heavy duty design
  • Includes freezer function
  • Cool looking design and colorway options
  • Much more expensive than other cooler options

Why We Like It

This electric cooler will be particularly useful for those who need to transport frozen foods. The heavy duty design allows for freezing, cooling, and regular fridge capabilities in order to best suit your particular needs. It also features additional accessories, like built-in cup holders and storage baskets.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Great price for the quality
  • Very lightweight
  • Includes multiple built-in pockets for organization
  • Some reviewers mentioned that the soft sides cause it to fall over if not fully packed

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for something simple that’ll keep a couple drinks and maybe a couple of sandwiches cool for your next road trip—look no further than this soft-sided cooler by Koolatron. The electric cooler is super lightweight and easy to transport—but it works just as well at keeping your items cold for extended periods of time.

Details

Topics Gadgets


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