A detail that we found odd, as thermoelectric coolers work by pumping hot air from one side to the other and so, therefore, are easy to reverse the direction that hot air is flowing. Thermoelectric coolers are coolers that don’t utilize ice to keep their items cold. Instead, they are plugged into a power source and are kept cold thanks to the Peltier Effect (more on that below). This type of approach means that you can enjoy an extended cooling performance that a traditional cooler can’t match. Igloo is one of the top names in coolers and that name recognition extends to electric coolers.
Wagan is aiming at the budget price bracket, but they haven’t skimped on features. With wheels, divider shelves, and a drain, this is one of the better-designed coolers we tested. Compared to the behemoth compressor models in this review, the Igloo’s measly 16.2 pounds is nothing.
As you can see, thermoelectric coolers like the Igloo Iceless don’t perform very well in really hot climates. As I mentioned above, you shouldn’t expect a full-size refrigerator when looking at thermoelectric coolers. They can’t compare to the efficiency of propane or solar refrigerators in larger sizes. When a current is passed through the numerous connections it allows heat to be directly transferred from one plate to the other. Some thermoelectric coolers also have a fan that helps cool off the exterior heat sink. Modern thermoelectric coolers have many of these connectors that attach two different plates.
If there is an outlet, there is an ice-less way to keep your food cool. Whatever your next trip has in store, these plug-in coolers are ready for the journey. Thermoelectric coolers will chill your drinks or help keep your lunch cold while your AC is on while you’re driving, but they need a constant supply of power. That’s a pretty big detriment for anyone hoping to achieve USDA food-safe temperatures if it’s warmer than 76º F outside. That fairly major flaw notwithstanding, the Igloo does have a decently large capacity of 60 cans — and beers or sodas don’t need to be 40º F.
This cooler features a quiet, brushless motor and convention cooling. If it works, plug the cooler into the socket on the guard and the guard into your vehicle before using the cooler to prevent damage to the cooler when you turn off your vehicle. As you have seen from our lineup of reviews on various igloo cooler with wheels thermoelectric coolers, there are quite a few variables at play. Beyond this, there are notable differences that make thermoelectric coolers stand out from conventional coolers and even normal refrigerators and freezers. Below are some key considerations you need to make while shopping.
If you sit on this box, then the plastic of the vents will touch its fan, and that will immediately make it malfunction. On the other hand, for a larger family or a group of friends, the 28-quart one would be a great option. We took it as a personal cooling device on long trips, and it ensured that we had a chilled drink at all points in time.
But the swing-up handle and ergonomic curved design make it easy to carry the cooler in one hand. If it’s too heavy, the handle is long enough for two people to hold and lift. Thermoelectric coolers are lighter, drier, more efficient and easier to use than traditional ice-fill coolers or compressor-driven electric coolers like the Dometic. ◊Pricing, selection, and availability of store clearance items are determined by each store.