Last Updated on February 26, 2023 by Mosabbir
Electric coolers have come a long way in recent years, and are now a popular option for campers who want to enjoy cold drinks and food while away from home.
If you’re thinking about buying electric coolers for camping for your next trip, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most important factors to consider when choosing an electric cooler.
The Different Types Of Electric Coolers And Which One Is Right For You
Soft Coolers
Soft coolers are usually made from nylon or another type of synthetic fabric. They usually have removable Hard liner coolers that can be taken out and washed. Most soft-sided coolers have zippered closures, but some have Velcro closures or even roll tops.
The advantage of soft coolers is that they’re lightweight and easy to carry. They’re also more versatile than hard-sided coolers because we can collapse them when not in use. However, soft coolers don’t tend to keep things as cold as hard-sided coolers.
Hard Coolers
Hard coolers are made from plastic, aluminium, or stainless steel. They usually have foam insulation between the inner and outer walls to help keep things cold. Hard coolers come in a variety of sizes, from small personal-size coolers to large ones that can hold multiple days’ worth of food and drinks.
Hard coolers are more durable than soft-sided coolers and can withstand being dropped or banged around. They’re also better at keeping things cold since they don’t allow as much heat to enter the cooler as soft-sided coolers do. However, hard-sided coolers are heavier than soft-sided ones and can be more difficult to carry.
Read More: How To Dry Wet Clothes When Camping
Powered Cooler
Powered coolers are similar to hard-sided coolers, but they have an electric cord that plugs into a 12V outlet (usually in your car). Powered coolers use this electrical power to run a small fan that circulates air around the cooler and helps keep things inside colder for longer periods.
Powered coolers are more expensive than regular hard-sided coolers, but they’re also more effective at keeping things cold—some models can even keep things frozen for days at a time. However, powered coolers require access to an electrical outlet, so they may not be practical for all camping situations.
3 Types Of Powered Coolers
- 12V Compressor Models
The first type of electric cooler is the 12V compressor model. These coolers work by using a compressor to circulate coolant around the interior of the cooler.
The main advantage of these types of coolers is that they can achieve very low temperatures, making them ideal for storing perishable items. However, they are also quite expensive and tend to be noisy, which can be a drawback if you’re trying to enjoy a peaceful camping trip.
- Thermoelectric Models
The second type of electric cooler is the thermoelectric model. These coolers use a Peltier effect cooling system to generate a cooling effect. The main advantage of these coolers is that they are much quieter than compressor-based models.
However, they are not as effective at achieving low temperatures, so they are not ideal for storing perishable items.
- Three-Way Absorption Models
The third type of electric cooler is the three-way absorption model. These coolers use chemical absorption refrigeration to generate a cooling effect. The main advantage of these coolers is that they are very quiet and very efficient.
However, they are not as effective at achieving low temperatures as compressor-based models and can be quite expensive.
Read More: Best Ways to Wash Clothes While Camping
Things To Consider Before You Purchase An Electric Cooler For Camping
Size And Capacity
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing an electric cooler is size. You’ll want to make sure that the cooler is large enough to accommodate all the food and drinks you’ll need for your trip. However, you also don’t want it to be so large that it’s difficult to transport or takes up too much space in your campsite.
It’s also important to consider the capacity of the cooler. Most electric coolers have a capacity of around 30 quarts, which suffices for storing several days’ worth of food and drinks for a small group. If you’re planning on going camping with a larger group or will be gone for an extended period, consider a cooler with a higher capacity.
Power Source
Another important thing to keep in mind is how the cooler will be powered. Most electric coolers require either AC power or batteries. If you’re planning on using the cooler at home or a campsite with power hookups, then an AC-powered cooler will probably suffice.
However, if you’re going to be doing any off-grid camping, then you’ll need to make sure that the cooler you select is battery-powered. Battery-powered coolers typically come with a 12V adapter that can be plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter socket.
Some higher-end coolers also come with solar panels that can be used to recharge the batteries while camping. Solar-powered coolers can be more expensive, but they’re worth considering if you do a lot of off-grid camping.
Portability
Another important factor to consider when choosing an electric cooler is portability. If you’re planning on doing a lot of hikes or backpacking, you’ll need a lighter, more portable cooler. However, if you’re mostly planning on staying in one place, such as at a campsite, the weight won’t be as much of an issue.
Read More: Motorhome Cooking Tips- How Easy It Is To Cook In a Campervan?
Price
Of course, price is always an important consideration when making any purchase. Electric coolers can range in price from around $100 to $300 or more, depending on the features and size.
It’s important to find a cooler that’s within your budget, but also has the features that are most important to you. If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of affordable options available. Just remember that cheaper coolers might not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive ones.
Keep in mind that electric coolers are a long-term investment. The better quality cooler you buy now will last longer and save you money in the long run.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a cooler to take on your camping trips, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Electric coolers can be a great option for keeping food and drinks cold while you are away from home, but there are some important factors to consider before making your purchase. By understanding the different features available and what to look for when choosing a cooler, you can find the perfect model for your needs.
Doing your research ahead of time and knowing what to look for will help ensure that you get a cooler that is perfect for your needs. And, as always, if you have any questions or need additional advice, our team is here to help. Have a great camping trip!
