Electric coolers have been becoming increasingly popular as more and more people learn about the benefits they offer. But are they actually worth the price? Or would you be better off investing in another type of appliance for your next adventure?
We created this article to answer those questions. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of electric coolers so that you can decide whether they’re worth purchasing for your goals and preferences.
What Are Electric Coolers?
Electric coolers are sort of like smaller refrigerators. They’re compact devices designed to keep beverages and perishable food items cool. They feature an internal fan and some electronics to cool down the air inside and then circulate it.
There are several different types of electric coolers worth looking into. For example, thermoelectric coolers are the most common option. They’re lightweight and efficient but aren’t as good at freezing as they are at cooling.
Compressor coolers work very similarly to regular refrigerators. They feature a compressor and refrigerant to create a cooling effect. They’re better at reaching and maintaining lower temperatures but also tend to be heavier and require more power.
The best option for you will depend on your goals and preferences. If you want something highly portable, then a thermoelectric cooler will be a better fit. But if you also want to be able to freeze things, a compressor cooler could be the better option.
How Many Watts Does An Electric Cooler Use?
Electric coolers tend to have an average wattage consumption of about 40 to 100 watts. The exact amount of watts that your electric cooler uses will depend on the brand, size, and cooling type, among other factors.
For example, thermoelectric coolers tend to use about 40 to 60 watts of power when running. But compressor coolers tend to consume around 50 to 100 watts. Using either type of cooler in a well-insulated environment may help it become more energy efficient.
Are Electric Coolers Worth It?
The answer to whether electric coolers are worth purchasing will depend on how you feel about the different pros and cons offered by this class of appliance. We cover the major ones below to help you decide.
Advantages Of Electric Coolers
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No Need For Ice Or Ice Packs
One major advantage of purchasing an electric cooler is that you don’t need to buy any ice packs to keep your food and drinks cool. This isn’t just more convenient, but it may also save you money if you’re someone who needs a portable cooling solution often.
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Energy-efficient
Electric coolers are also highly energy efficient for the cooling they offer. They have significantly lower power consumption than traditional coolers and you can power one with a portable power station that’s charged by the sun.
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Portable And Covinient
Another advantage offered by electric coolers is their portability. They’re perfect to bring with you on road trips, picnics, and camping, among other adventures. BougeRV’s portable 12V refrigerators are lightweight and compact enough to go anywhere you do.
Plus, they can be charged with your car’s cigarette lighter so you can even use them while you’re driving to keep your drinks cool on long road trips.
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Versatile
Electric coolers are highly versatile. You can use them to both cool and warm a wide variety of foods, drinks, and other items. You can also use them at home, on the go, in your car, and just about anywhere else you may need a cooling solution.
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Durable
When you shop with the right brand, electric coolers are also highly durable. They can last for years without needing repairs or maintenance. This ensures that you get as much value back for your purchase price as possible.
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Easy To Clean And Maintain
Finally, electric coolers are very easy to take care of. You can clean them with basic cleaning spray and a paper towel in seconds. And there are no routine maintenance tasks you need to worry about.
Disadvantages of Electric Coolers
Clearly, electric coolers have many advantages. But there are also a few disadvantages that you should know about before purchasing one.
For example, they may not reach the same low temperatures as traditional refrigerators. But you can power them with a detachable battery to save on energy costs and improve portability.
Also, they cost a bit more than regular coolers upfront. This means that if you’re going to buy an electric cooler, you have to pay more right away. In turn, you’ll save more cash over the long run by owning a durable and long-lasting electric cooler that can be charged by solar energy, but it’s something to keep in mind as you shop.
Electric Coolers VS. Traditional Coolers
You may be deciding between purchasing an electric cooler or a traditional one. There are situations where either will make more sense than the other, so it’ll come down to your preference.
For example, traditional coolers require ice packs to keep things cool, while electric coolers don’t. If you don’t want to have to worry about constantly purchasing ice packs, an electric cooler could make more sense.
On the other hand, without considering the long-term cost, traditional coolers tend to be more affordable than electric coolers. So if you want to spend as little as possible right away, then a traditional cooler may be a better fit. It ultimately comes down to what matters most to you in your purchasing decision.
BougeRV’s Electric Cooler, Who Should Buy?
BougeRV was founded on the principles of going farther, staying longer, and living better. Our electric coolers are designed with these concepts in mind. They make it possible to go farther, stay longer and get more enjoyment out of your adventures by offering a compact, energy-efficient cooling solution.
Whether you go on long road trips a lot, enjoy camping, or like to spend long days out on a boat, truck, or overlanding, one of our electric coolers can help you do it better. Our coolers are durable, affordable, and can be completely powered by a portable power station so you never have to cut your trip short again.
The bottom line is if you want an affordable, convenient way to keep your drinks and food cold while on the go, our electric coolers are a perfect fit. The only reason they wouldn’t work for you is if you are looking for a traditional cooling solution instead.
What To Consider Before Buying an Electric Cooler?
As you begin shopping for electric coolers, there are a variety of factors you will want to keep in mind before making a purchasing decision. For example, you’ll want to consider:
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How you plan on using the cooler: If you need to freeze items, a compressor electric cooler will work better than a thermoelectric model. If you plan on bringing it with you while camping, look for more a durable model.
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The size and capacity that you want: We recommend a 50 - 60 quart cooler for weekend camping trips with 2-3 people. Besides, for day trips, choose our electric coolers smaller than 40qts.
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How you plan on powering the cooler: If you want to be able to use your cooler in the car, make sure it’s compatible with your car’s cigarette lighter. Or, if you want to keep it running while camping, consider looking for a model that’s compatible with your portable power station.
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Your budget and long-term saving goals: Electric coolers are a great long-term investment, but they cost more than traditional coolers upfront. Your budget and usage goals can impact which one is right for you.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that electric coolers can absolutely be worth purchasing – especially if you want an affordable, convenient way to cool foods, drinks, and medications while on the go. But if you’re looking to spend as little as possible upfront on a cooling solution, a traditional cooler could still make sense.
BougeRV provides a variety of electric coolers that you can use to make your next adventure better. So why wait? Take a look at our online shop to learn more about how these durable, affordable cooling devices can help enhance your life.
FAQs
1. How long does an electric cooler last?
Electric coolers should last for years of continuous use as long as you take care of yours. However, there are some differences between brands and models worth considering before you make a purchasing decision.
2. Will an electric cooler keep things frozen?
Some electric coolers can keep things frozen, but others can’t. For example, compressor fridges are often able to reach low, freezing temperatures. But thermoelectric coolers generally can’t.
3. How much electricity does a cooler use
Most electric coolers use between 30 and 60 watts of energy. But it depends on the brand that you purchase and the type of cooling that it uses. For example, compressor coolers tend to use more energy than thermoelectric coolers.
4. How long do electric coolers stay cold?
An electric cooler like a BougeRV cooler will keep food cold indefinitely if you keep it charged. In the case of RVs and trucks, that means if you're driving most days, you can keep the coolers charged for weeks on end.
5. Do You Need To Plug Electric Cooler in?
Yes, you typically need to plug your electric cooler in. But that doesn’t necessarily mean plugging it into a wall outlet. For example, BougeRV’s electric coolers allow can be powered with a portable power station or even by your car’s cigarette lighter.