How to Choose the Best Electric Cooler
Size and Capacity
Electric coolers are available in a wide range of sizes. For the most part, the bigger the size, the more capacity the cooler will have. However, bigger is not necessarily better. More size will also increase its weight and footprint in your car.
On average, electric coolers weigh about a pound per litre of storage capacity. Keep this in mind as you compare coolers to see which has the best compromise of portability to capacity.
When choosing the right size for your electric cooler, consider your average trip length and the number of people in your group. For quick weekend getaways, you might choose a smaller cooler. If you have a large family, even a short trip could require a bigger cooler with a lot of storage space.
Number of Temperature Zones
Multiple temperature zones add versatility to your cooler, but they tend to add cost. If you plan to bring both refrigerated and frozen foods, you’ll need an electric cooler with dual zones.
Dual zones could also be necessary for people who travel with medications that need to be refrigerated. This allows storing prescriptions at the correct temperature no matter what else is in the cooler. Both zones have the same temperature range, so you can use either side as a fridge or freezer, depending on your needs.
Weight and Portability
For many electric coolers, size goes hand-in-hand with portability. Smaller units are easier to carry or store (like between the bucket seats of a van, so your kids can access snacks during a road trip), whereas larger electric coolers would need to go in the trunk.
As you read the weights listed in these product specs, keep in mind these are the weights of the coolers when empty. If it seems like a lot, it is. These miniature portable refrigerators have more mechanical parts than simple ice coolers, and they can add up to a lot of weight.
Once you include beverages and food, you can easily increase the weight listed to something difficult to carry. So consider how you will load it, and whether you need to regularly remove your fridge from the vehicle while in use.
Shelves and Organization
Some electric coolers have different areas separated by shelving and baskets. This can be helpful for keeping your food and drinks organized so you always know where everything is. Even in an electric cooler that does not have multiple zones, baskets and shelves are vital to food organization.
Temperature Control
While it may not be necessary to keep your electric cooler at a specific temperature down to the degree, you’ll want the precision of setting it within a couple of degrees. For wine, ice cream, or medication, having decent temperature control is an important factor in your decision of which electric cooler to purchase. That said, keep in mind the temperature may vary within the cooler by a couple of degrees, depending on where the cooling mechanism and thermostat are located.