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

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.

Absolutely love it

With 2 different temperature zones you can have cold drinks and sandwiches in one area and ice cream in another. We use one section for drinks and the other for deep freeze. 4 months now and no problem on long travel days.

This is an incredibly versatile refrigerator! It will plug into the wall electric as well as the car's electric. It's a nice size for the volume. Acceptable by the health dept. for catering certification. Highly recommend this unit.

Bulky and a bit heavier than a as a similar cooler full of ice. Dependable, basically a nice small refrigerator wherever you go. I plug it in at home and drop it to Freezing, than raise it to 40* and pack my food, this helps it hold the temp much longer and not drain my EV battery for that initial pull. Recommend using the DC adapter if you have an EV vehicle. If you have any AC plug in your car the DC-to-AC converter draws extra energy. I have a setting to turn off the AC plugs in my EV, and recommend this.You do have to make sure the lid latches. The motor and fan takes up a third of the interior, but it is easier to Tetris and pack than a traditional ice cooler. Big wheels and a handle would be a welcome upgrade.

I love this fridge I use to have and ARB fridge and the material and insulation is very good.I pre cooled before my camping trip. When it was connected to the car I set the battery protection as high, I arrive to the camping site I set the temperature to 5C and after 5 hours using the original battery of a Audi Q7 didn’t reach the battery protection.

I bought this as a damaged item from Dometics Amazon page with a nice cost reduction. Had no idea how bad the damage was, (no pictures) but a $300 discount was worth checking out. Damage is cosmetic and on one side and no effect on operation. Not a big deal to me, since its likely to get bumps and bangs during use anyway. This is a great refrigerator/cooler in every way. As others have said, built like a tank. I used it in both A/C mode and DC 12v mode. Using my Yetti 3000, it was drawing 7 watts in standby and 80 watts with compressor running. But, in 12v DC mode, it drew zero in standby and only 55 watts with compressor running. I ran it for 24 hours and the draw was only 7% on the Yetti 3000. Really great news, just how long it will run without charging the Yetti. I also have solar, so this unit should run as long as I need. Note, that if your using a power supply (not vehicle) change the voltage setting to "low" otherwise you will get a yellow warning message saying low voltage. With setting at low using the Yetti there was no message. This unit is also very quiet, it was so quiet that I wasn't sure it was working when I first plugged it in. The temperature shown is about 2 degrees colder than what I have it set at. But, I would rather it be colder than warmer. I was not able to get the bluetooth to connect, but suspect its more of a phone issue and not a cooler issue. Plus don't think I will really need that and I have so many apps on my phone was happy to eliminate one. This is a great unit, just so happy with it.UPDATE 9-9-22 after using the Dometic on four trips. Works flawlessly, a bit heavy when fully loaded. On my last trip the Dometic 35 stopped working when on 12v but worked fine on 110v. Issue is not, let me repeat, is not the Dometic but rather the Yetti Goal Zero 3,000. Found out the cigarette lighter output on the Yetti Lithium 3,000 is not regulated and when battery reached 47%, the voltage dropped to 10.8v and the Dometic refrigerator will not run on that lower voltage. Yetti sells a cigarette lighter adapter that is regulated, but you have to spend another $48 for this on (w tax/shipping) very disappointing that the Yetti power supply will only work on 12v when battery is over 47%, unless you spend extra. The Yetti 3,000X doesn’t need this regulator, but the Yetti 3,000 lithium does. Important info for Yetti users. My Solar 100 briefcase supplies more than enough power to run the Dometic on full sun. Just love how cold the Dometic is for very little watts.