Dometic CFX Portable Electric Cooler and Freezer, Powered by AC/DC or Solar

This is a review of the Dometic CFX45. This is a quality cooler at a high price point. The build quality is excellent, the controls are simple, easy to use, and the cooler is whisper quiet. Because it uses compressor technology it’s on the heavy side, but the handles are robust making a loaded cooler an easy carry for two. The cooler functions well under both AC and DC power. There’s plenty of room for canned drinks and other food items such as fruit and veggies. I’ve owned several portable AC/DC coolers and the Dometic is by far the best in terms of quality and functionality,

I've owned six Dometic electric coolers and the keyword would have to be "reliable".They seem like the "Toyota" of electric coolers. Whether or not they have all of the features desired by any particular user, THEY WORK.I'm currently using three of these coolers (I've given three others away). One is a small CDF-11 model (now discontinued) offering just 11 liters of space, that I use in my car for transporting small grocery purchases.The other two are a CFX3 55IM and a CFX3 25 that I use in my house for supplementary refrigeration.The CFX3 55IM has been running continuously as a "deep freeze" unit for three years uninterrupted. No issues. (I don't use the ice-maker.)The CFX3 25 has been running for just over a month. I was previously using a CFX3 35 but downsized to save space.As at least one other reviewer has noted, the digital temperature controls on these units can be a bit finicky. On the Fahrenheit scale, you might plug in a certain setting and the unit might change it. I'm still trying to figure out the pattern.Also, I don't rely on the "current" temperature readings as displayed on the control panels. Inside each of my CFX3 units, I have two ACU-RITE temperature sensors placed near the center of the interior, to allow me to monitor current temperatures as well as histories (watching for any significant "excursions").The CFX3 55IM unit is set to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, and I get very consistent -2 to +2 degree readings from the two interior sensors. The CFX3 25 unit is set to 34 degrees Fahrenheit, and I get very consistent 39-43 degree readings from the two interior sensors.There does seem to be some temperature variation within the interior of the CFX3 units. Temperatures on/near the upper shelves seem a bit higher than in the centers of the units, which perhaps is not surprising since the shelves are higher (warmer air rises) and are above the compressors.I do use ballast to help moderate the temperature variations but more importantly to provide added protection during power outages. Specifically, I use various combinations of YETI ice and the newer YETI thin ice, which fit neatly along the walls of the coolers. It's true, some space is thereby sacrificed, but the tradoff seems worth it.Of note, these electric coolers don't seem particularly effective at actually cooling (or freezing) items, and it doesn't appear that they're intended to do that (maybe with the exception of the small ice-maker in the CFX3 55IM model). However, they do seem quite effective at keeping items cool (or frozen) that are already cool (or frozen).Lastly, these units will accumulate frost/ice with prolonged use, but it doesn't seem to be a major issue.

The Dometic CFX3 100 is an exceptional cooler and freezer that blends durability with superior functionality. Its generous 100-liter capacity is ideal for long journeys, while the VMSO3 variable motor speed optimization technology ensures effective cooling and freezing, even in harsh environments. I have adjusted the temperature from about -5F for freezing to the suggested 39F for standard food cooling. A standout feature is the Bluetooth app control which enables remote temperature monitoring and adjustment to about a distance of 30ft. That can come in handy while driving in the backcountry with the cooler in the back of a vehicle.The unit's sturdy construction makes it well-suited for outdoor activities. However, the cover, which must be purchased separately, is challenging to install on this cooler/freezer. The CFX3-100 is expensive, but its quality and warranty set it apart. The CFX3-100 remains a dependable and adaptable mobile refrigerator for any travel arrangement or emergency scenario. It works well on 120-volt home current or 12-24 volts with the cigarette lighter vehicle socket. It also functions well on various retail available lithium battery power stations.

Was ideal for me. A little bigger than planned but it's still easy to carry and move around for one person. Love the fact that I can take the basket out and carry out everything separately. Its cooling ability is great but if its an extra hot day(95 F) I suggest you bring the temperature cooler than normal so when it's open it maintains cool (used for a party and had people open it constantly). Its was also on sale when I purchased this so the value for money was perfect. It is well build and sturdy... I do suggest if you are going to the desert or really hot places you invest in the insulation cover. I do have a dual zone portable fridge for longer trips or if i take the whole family but this size is perfect for maybe 2-3 days worth of food for 1/2 people.

I tried two separate times, and neither unit worked properly. The first unit worked fine using AC power, but it blew out one of the zones immediately when I switched to using DC power. The replacement unit worked fine with DC power, but was DOA when I tried to use AC power. To add salt to the wound, I replaced it with a cheap, no-name Chinese knock off which, of course, works flawlessly. It’s frustrating when American companies make junk like this and charge a premium for it.

It chills to refrigerator or freezer temperatures quickly. The build quality is as good as it gets. The blue tooth connectivity is pretty handy for checking temperature and normal operations while it’s buried in the back with luggage.It does have one negative, in that the user interface is not intuitive. It has a user interface control lock to prevent accidental bumping. I think it’s not intuitive that controls are locked and how to get out of it. The default printed manual is pictograms which is barely helpful. Their website has an english version. I do think this one attribute contributes to the frustrated reviews that claim dead-on-arrival. I suspect they didn’t figure out how to turn it on, which is certainly understandable.