Electric coolers are revolutionizing the way we stay refreshed on road trips, camping adventures, and even during power outages. As someone passionate about preparedness and self-reliance, I recently dove into this world after spotting an electric cooler at Costco. Over the last few months, I’ve tested multiple models with my buddy Rick, and we’re here to share the ultimate buyer’s guide to help you decide which electric cooler fits your needs.
⚡ What Is an Electric Cooler?
Simply put, an electric cooler is a cooler that runs on electricity instead of relying on ice alone. While electric coolers have been a staple in RVing for years, they’re now gaining popularity among campers, road trippers, and home preppers alike. These coolers can be powered via your vehicle’s cigarette lighter (DC power), a standard AC outlet, or even through built-in batteries, depending on the model.
Why consider an electric cooler? For me, it’s the convenience on road trips and the peace of mind during power outages. They use less power than a full fridge and can be powered by portable solar batteries like the Jackery, making them a smart investment for preparedness.
🧊 Igloo 80DZ Dual-Zone Electric Cooler
The first cooler I picked up was the Igloo 80DZ, a dual-zone electric cooler available at Costco for around $750 (a steal compared to its usual price). This cooler is a powerhouse with dual compartments that can be independently set as refrigerator or freezer zones, allowing you to customize temperatures on each side.
I took this cooler on a recent road trip while helping a friend move on a warm day. It worked fantastically — I kept drinks chilled on one side and fun Otter Pops for a refreshing treat on the other. The dual-zone feature is perfect for families or anyone needing both frozen and refrigerated items simultaneously.
It runs on both DC power (via cigarette lighter adapter) and AC power, but only while plugged in. In a test, I set it to zero degrees inside, and a thermometer showed it actually dropped to -10°F, proving its impressive cooling capability.
🧳 Euhomy 53-Quart Electric Cooler
My buddy chose the Euhomy 53Qt electric cooler for his family road trips. It’s a bit smaller than the Igloo but still spacious with two compartments separated by a removable divider that doubles as a cutting board. Unlike the Igloo, it’s a single-zone cooler, meaning the entire interior maintains one temperature.
This model is great for families who want a balance of size and portability. It was highly efficient and easy to use on their trips, providing enough room for snacks, drinks, and frozen treats.
🔋 Euhomy 24-Quart Electric Cooler with Built-In Battery
For my personal needs, I opted for the Euhomy 24Qt electric cooler, which is about half the size of the 53Qt model. This smaller cooler is highly efficient, perfect for shorter outings or solo trips where conserving power is key.
What makes this cooler stand out is its third power option: it has a built-in battery that can run the cooler for up to six hours unplugged. This is a game-changer for road trips where you might stop for fuel or hikes without access to power. While six hours isn’t quite overnight, in cooler climates like Idaho where nighttime temps drop, the cooler’s power use drops too, stretching its battery life.
During testing with a 600-watt solar battery and 100-watt solar panel setup, I ran this cooler for three consecutive days in triple-digit heat, and the solar panels generated enough power to keep it running even overnight. This kind of efficiency is perfect for off-grid camping and preparedness.
📦 Size, Capacity, and Usability
My family has typically used a 55-quart Coleman cooler for our road trips, so I expected the Euhomy 53Qt to be similar in size. It’s slightly bigger and taller due to the compressor, but because you don’t need to fill it with ice, you actually get more usable space inside.
Unlike traditional coolers that rely on ice chips which melt and create water puddles, I recommend using frozen water bottles. These last longer, don’t weigh as much as ice, and don’t create messy pools of water in your cooler. Plus, they’re easy to rotate — freeze at your stops and keep your cooler chilled without constantly buying ice.
We also found a clever way to use the electric cooler as a freezer while camping. For example, you can freeze water bottles in the electric cooler and transfer them to a traditional cooler to keep it cold throughout your trip, rotating the bottles back for refreezing. This system is great for keeping fish fresh or storing frozen treats like popsicles and Otter Pops.
🚚 Mobility and Portability
Portability is a major consideration. The Igloo 80DZ, when fully loaded with water bottles, is heavy and not easy to move for one person. It lacks wheels and requires two people to carry comfortably, especially over distance or uphill.
In contrast, the Euhomy 53Qt has wheels and a sturdy handle, making it much easier to roll around, even when heavy. The smaller Euhomy 24Qt is light enough to be carried on one shoulder, perfect for hiking or beach trips where wheels might not work well on sand.
So, if mobility is a priority, the Euhomy models offer clear advantages.
🔍 Which Electric Cooler Should You Choose?
All three coolers we tested performed exceptionally well. They cooled quickly, consumed reasonable power relative to their size, and brought unique features tailored to different needs.
Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
- Igloo 80DZ: Best for those who want maximum capacity and dual-zone flexibility for freezer and fridge settings. Ideal for larger families or long trips where size matters over portability.
- Euhomy 53Qt: A great middle ground with a good balance of size, portability (thanks to wheels), and efficiency. Perfect for family road trips and camping.
- Euhomy 24Qt: The most portable and energy-efficient option with a built-in battery for short unplugged use. Excellent choice for solo travelers, day trips, or those prioritizing power conservation.
Additionally, Euhomy offers models with unique features like built-in ice makers, which could be a fun option for beach outings or mixing drinks on the go.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your specific needs — size, features, portability, and budget. I hope this guide helps you pick the perfect electric cooler without having to buy three like I did!
🔗 Useful Links to Products Mentioned
- Igloo 80DZ Dual Zone Electric Cooler
- Euhomy 53-Quart Electric Cooler
- Euhomy 24-Quart Electric Cooler
- Battery for Euhomy 24-Quart Cooler
🎯 Final Thoughts
If you’re into preparedness, camping, or just love the convenience of chilled drinks and frozen treats on the go, electric coolers are a game changer. They combine the best of refrigeration technology with portability and energy efficiency. Whether you want the large capacity and dual-zone control of the Igloo, the family-friendly Euhomy 53Qt with wheels, or the ultra-portable Euhomy 24Qt with built-in battery, there’s something for everyone.
Thanks for reading, and here’s to staying cool and prepared wherever your adventures take you!
