BEST 12V Cooler For The Car
The Koolatron P-20’s ultra-compact design is perfect for small cars.
It has a unique narrow and tall shape that fits perfectly behind the passenger or driver’s seat. You can also snuggle it on the floor under the glove box.
The cooler uses thermoelectric technology that maintains the inside at around 40 degrees Fahrenheit below the outside temperature.
It’s not as efficient or powerful as a mini-fridge, but it will do for road trips, RVs, boats, and camping.
The main complaint from users is that it is a bit fiddly to use.
You have to be careful to organize your drinks and foods in such a way that cold air can still flow freely inside. Some users left their drinks for hours only to find it still tepid.
This is most likely because the fan is located at the bottom where it can be easily blocked by items.
Read on for our full review of the Koolatron P-20 thermoelectric cooler and warmer.
If you are looking for a slightly larger cooler, see our reviews of the best compact 12V coolers for recommendations.
Pros
- Ultra-compact design – great for small cars.
- Hardy, durable and low-maintenance.
- Noiseless operation.
- Includes swing-up carrying handle for easy portability.
- Dual function – cools and warms.
Cons
- Pricey considering it has lower capacity than comparable coolers.
- Takes time to learn how to use it properly.
- Relatively small capacity – not ideal for families or large groups.
Product Specifications
Specs
Cooling technology: Thermoelectric
Warming function: Yes
Dimensions: 17.8 x 9 x 16.5 inches
Weight: 5lbs
Capacity: 18 quarts (17 liters)
Power: Plugs into your car’s charger or any 12V outletKey Features
1. Thermoelectric Cooler and Warmer
If you are tired of constantly adding ice to your ice chest and draining water – not to mention frequently finding a soggy mess inside – a thermoelectric cooler is perfect for you.
The Koolatron P-20 doesn’t need any ice and no maintenance is required other than occasionally wiping the inside and outside.
Like most thermoelectric coolers, the P-20 has dual functions.
You can use it to keep your food and drinks cool and you can also use it to warm food to 135 degrees.
The warming function is handy when you are out camping, on picnics or when you need to warm baby food/milk while on the road.
2. Good Cooling Performance
Before you buy the Koolatron cooler, or any thermoelectric cooler, understand that it’s far from a refrigerated cooler.
It will not freeze your drinks or food if you put them in unfrozen. While it can cool down stuff, it takes hours.
Yeah, thermoelectric technology is not the most efficient cooling method. But for on-the-go cooling, it is perfect.
To get the best out of the Koolatron cooler, only put in cold or frozen stuff. Plan your trip and freeze or chill your drinks the day before.
Then put them in the cooler. They will stay cold or frozen for days as long as the cooler is plugged in (you can unplug it for a few hours and it will stay cold).
You can also buy cold drinks on the way and keep them cool inside the cooler.
The cooler keeps the interior at 40F below ambient temperature. Even if you are traveling to a hot place, it can stay cold.
Just make sure you don’t block the fan at the bottom of the cooler as that will keep it from going cold.
3. Compact Design
Don’t worry about having enough trunk space to fit the cooler. It conveniently fits between on the floor of the car between the front and back seats.
If you are driving solo, you can place it on the floor under the glove box.
Being able to store it in the car rather than the trunk makes it easy to get drinks or food from the cooler without having to stop and open the trunk.
4.12V and AC Power Options
The Koolatron P-20 plugs into your car’s 12V socket. If you have a solar generator, you can also power it using the 12V DC outlet.
If you want to keep the cooler powered in a hotel room or at home, you’ll have to buy an AC adapter separately.This cooler is perfect for you if…
Avoid buying this one if…
Where to buy one?
The best place to buy Koolatron P-20 Thermo-Electric 18 Quart Compact Cooler/Warmer is on Amazon, where you'll often find the best deal.
