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Best Cooler For Car Travel (2024 Updated)

If you're looking for an easy way to keep your drinks and snacks cool during a long car trip, a cooler for car travel might be the perfect solution for you. But before making a purchase, there are a few factors you should consider to ensure that you're getting the right cooler for your needs.

First of all, think about how much space you have in your car. Some coolers are quite large and may not fit well in smaller vehicles. Additionally, consider how many people will be traveling with you and how much food and drinks you'll need to keep cool. This will help you determine what size cooler is best for you.

Another important factor is the type of cooling system the cooler uses. Some coolers rely on ice packs or blocks, while others have a built-in electric cooling system. Think about how often you'll be able to refill ice, as well as whether you'll have access to an electrical outlet while traveling.

If you're still unsure whether a cooler for car travel is right for you, ask yourself some questions. Do you enjoy road trips or camping trips where having cold drinks and food is essential? Are you tired of stopping at gas stations to grab drinks or snacks? Would you like to save money by packing your own food for travel? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a cooler for car travel could be a wise investment for you.

10 Best Cooler For Car Travel

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for keeping food and drinks cool while on the go, whether traveling by car, RV, truck, or boat.
2
Ideal for cooling food and drinks on-the-go using electric plug-in power source.
3
Ideal for outdoor activities, camping, travel, and vehicles as a portable freezer/fridge with dual-zone WiFi app control.
4
The product (YETI Roadie 24 Cooler, Nordic Blue) is ideal for keeping food and drinks cold while on outdoor adventures.
5
The product is ideal for keeping food cool/warm during travel, as a collapsible shopping carry basket, and for outdoor picnics/camping.
6
Ideal for keeping food and drinks cold while on-the-go, from picnics to camping trips.
7
Ideal for keeping food and drinks cold while on the go, perfect for picnics, beach trips, work or travel.
8
This product is ideal for keeping food and drinks cold or frozen while on the go, whether traveling in a car or camping.
9
Ideal for keeping food and drinks cold or frozen while on-the-go with its portable, electric cooler design and rugged wheels.
10
The product is an ideal cooler for keeping food and beverages cool while on the go or during outdoor activities.
The product is ideal for keeping food and drinks cool while on the go, whether traveling by car, RV, truck, or boat.
Ideal for cooling food and drinks on-the-go using electric plug-in power source.
Ideal for outdoor activities, camping, travel, and vehicles as a portable freezer/fridge with dual-zone WiFi app control.
The product (YETI Roadie 24 Cooler, Nordic Blue) is ideal for keeping food and drinks cold while on outdoor adventures.
The product is ideal for keeping food cool/warm during travel, as a collapsible shopping carry basket, and for outdoor picnics/camping.
Ideal for keeping food and drinks cold while on-the-go, from picnics to camping trips.
Ideal for keeping food and drinks cold while on the go, perfect for picnics, beach trips, work or travel.
This product is ideal for keeping food and drinks cold or frozen while on the go, whether traveling in a car or camping.
Ideal for keeping food and drinks cold or frozen while on-the-go with its portable, electric cooler design and rugged wheels.
The product is an ideal cooler for keeping food and beverages cool while on the go or during outdoor activities.

1. Astroai Car Cooler: Portable Iceless Refrigerator Combo.

The 24-liter electric cooler is perfect for family road trips or anyone who spends a lot of time in their vehicle. It can cool up to 32-40°F (18-22°C) below ambient temperature, ensuring your food and drinks stay fresh and cool. The cooler's inner dimensions are 12.8” x 8.8” x 13.1”, with a removable divider that makes it easy to separate small items like beverages, beers, wines, food, or fruits.

This car cooler connects to 12V cigarette lighters in vehicles with the DC adapter. Note that you should keep the divider 0.4" away from the bottom to avoid deformation. The flip-up handle is locked towards the back and is open to the front, keeping the lid tightly sealed, so you don't have to worry about it falling over when driving on bumpy roads.

The cooler is environmentally friendly, with a semiconductor refrigeration chip that is freon-free. It is also perfect for carrying to the park or beach with the ergonomic folding handle.

Pros

  • Large 24-liter capacity perfect for family road trips
  • Can cool up to 32-40°F (18-22°C) below ambient temperature
  • Removable divider makes it easy to separate small items
  • Ergonomic folding handle makes it easy to carry

Cons

  • – Can only be powered by a 12V cigarette lighter in a vehicle

2. Igloo Thermoelectric Iceless 28-40 Qt Electric Plug-In 12v Coolers, 28qt Iceless Gray

Introducing a cooler that keeps your food and drinks cold without the need for ice, giving you more space to store your essentials! The cooler has a 32 12-oz cans or 26 quarts (24 liters) capacity, making it perfect for picnics, road trips, or any outdoor adventure. The ergonomic design features a swing-up bale handle with a comfort grip and molded-in side handles, making it easy to carry with one or two hands.

The cooler has a quiet brushless motor and convection cooling, which uses a fan to circulate cold air, making it a perfect choice for those who want to keep their drinks and food fresh and cool. With an 8-foot long power cord that plugs into any 12V DC receptacle (e.g. cigarette lighter), the cooler can be used while on the go. The cord provides a good universal fit in a 12V outlet, ensuring that you can use it in any car.

Measuring at 18 1/4 inches by 12 3/4 inches by 17 1/4 inches, the cooler is compact and easy to store in your car trunk. It cools without ice and takes the cooler temperature down to 36F below the surrounding air temperature. The cooler is perfect for those who value convenience, space, and efficiency, and it is sure to be a great addition to your outdoor gear!

Pros

  • Cools without ice, giving you more space to store your essentials
  • Quiet brushless motor and convection cooling with a fan to circulate cold air
  • Ergonomic design with a swing-up bale handle with a comfort grip and molded-in side handles, making it easy to carry with one or two hands
  • The 8-foot long power cord plugs into any 12V DC receptacle (e.g. cigarette lighter), making it perfect for on-the-go use

Cons

  • – Only works with a 12V DC receptacle (e.g. cigarette lighter), limiting its use to cars

3. Bodega Dual-Zone Car Cooler: Travel In Style

The BODEGA 12v car refrigerator is an extra-large real dual-zone fridge that comes with two compartments that can be controlled independently. The left zone has a capacity of 60 quarts, while the right zone has a capacity of 40 quarts, making a total of 95L (100 Quart). This fridge can function as both a refrigerator and a freezer simultaneously, and you can use it as a fridge/fridge, fridge/freezer, or freezer/freezer to cool drinks and chill meat, among other things.

The upgraded WiFi connection car refrigerator is designed with an app control feature that lets you control the freezer from a distance or in the car. It has an intelligent temperature control function that meets the required temperature of various ingredients. The fridge also comes with H/M/L 3-level low-voltage protection that prevents the compressor from running when the measured DC voltage falls below the cut-off value to prevent the vehicle from running out of power.

The portable fridge has a detachable handle design that makes it easier to move and portable. The car refrigerator door is detachable and can be installed according to your applicable direction for flexible application. It is also equipped with a multi-functional non-slip base that significantly reduces lateral displacement. The car fridge can still run stably even when your car is climbing at an inclination angle of 30 degrees.

The BODEGA car refrigerator is a value pack and friendly design. It comes with car refrigerator * 1, soft cooler bag* 1, cigarette lighter connector * 1, wall plug * 1, wall plug adapter * 1, user manual * 1, dual zone basket * 1, USB socket * 1, bottle opener * 1. The refrigerator has wheels, a retractable handle, an inside LED light, USB socket, and bottle opener, making it very convenient for your daily use. The car refrigerator is compatible with various power sources to meet your life needs.

BODEGA car fridge 12v comes with a 5-year life span on the compressor and 1-year warranty on all other parts. The manufacturer has a professional technical support team that is responsible for the portable car freezer. If you have any problems, please feel free to contact them via Amazon. They will respond to you within 24 hours and ensure that you have a wonderful experience. The RV freezer line length is about 2.6m.

Pros

  • Extra-large dual-zone fridge with independent temperature control
  • Upgraded WiFi connection with app control feature
  • Intelligent temperature control function to meet the required temperature of various ingredients
  • H/M/L 3-level low-voltage protection to prevent the vehicle from running out of power
  • Detachable handle design makes the fridge more portable
  • Multi-functional non-slip base reduces lateral displacement
  • Value pack and friendly design with various accessories
  • Compatible with various power sources
  • 5-year life span on the compressor and 1-year warranty on all other parts
  • Professional technical support team responsible for the portable car freezer

Cons

  • – None

4. Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler, Nordic Blue

The Roadie 24 is an improved version of the Roadie 20, with a 10% lighter weight and 20% more storage capacity. It's also 30% more thermally efficient, keeping your drinks and food cool for longer. With a taller build, it can now fit a standard wine bottle or 2-liter bottle upright, making it a great cooler for any occasion. The rotomolded construction is lighter and thinner than before, making it easier to transport without sacrificing its toughness. The QuickLatch system makes opening and closing the cooler simple and easy with just one hand. The Roadie 24 can hold up to 18 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio or 24 lbs of ice. It measures 16 1/2” L × 14 1/2”W × 17 1/2” H, making it the perfect size for various outdoor activities or traveling by car.

The Roadie 24 is a great cooler with improved features, making it lighter, more spacious, and more thermally efficient than its predecessor. The taller design accommodates larger bottles, making it a versatile cooler for different occasions. The rotomolded construction makes it tough enough for any adventure, while the QuickLatch system makes accessing your drinks and food quick and easy.

If you're looking for a durable and efficient cooler for your outdoor activities or traveling, the Roadie 24 is an excellent choice. With a lightweight design and improved thermal performance, it's perfect for keeping your drinks and food cool for longer periods of time. The QuickLatch system and taller build make it easy to access and store your items, while the rotomolded construction ensures it can withstand any adventure.

Pros

  • Lighter weight than Roadie 20
  • 20% more storage capacity than Roadie 20
  • 30% more thermally efficient
  • Taller design accommodates larger bottles
  • Rotomolded construction is tough yet lightweight
  • QuickLatch system for easy one-handed access

5. Lebogner's Car Console Cooler: Ultimate Travel Companion.

If you are looking for a way to keep your car organized and clutter-free, this Insulated Car Console Organizer is a must-have for you. Measuring 16” long, 12” wide, and 12” high, this organizer is designed to fit perfectly in your car's console. It features both side carry handles that make it easy and convenient to use.

This car organizer is made to a very high standard, which gives it an attractive look and a super long life. When not in use, the organizer will fold flat for easy storage. With its heavy insulated walls, this cooler tote allows you to keep your freezer and cooler items cold for hours. It has an easy-to-clean lining and a big storage section to keep your food cold or warm during your trip. It also has three outside mesh pockets to store smaller items. The organizer comes with a top zippered cover to ensure that stuff stays cold or warm.

This car console organizer is versatile and can be used anywhere in the car, making it perfect for outdoor vacations, picnics, and grocery shopping. It is great for the front of the car to store your driving necessities or bring it to the back seat to store your children's toys, food, and snacks within easy reach. It can also be a great trunk organizer.

Buy this top-quality car console organizer now with confidence. It will keep your car organized 100%, and the seller guarantees satisfaction with a 100% lifetime money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Features both side carry handles that make it easy and convenient to use
  • Made to a very high standard, which gives it an attractive look and a super long life
  • Heavy insulated walls allow you to keep your freezer and cooler items cold for hours
  • Easy-to-clean lining and a big storage section to keep your food cold or warm during your trip
  • Three outside mesh pockets to store smaller items
  • Versatile and can be used anywhere in the car, making it perfect for outdoor vacations, picnics, and grocery shopping
  • 100% lifetime money-back guarantee

6. Rtic Portable 30 Can Cooler – Blue/grey

The RTIC soft insulated cooler is the perfect companion for a day out, ensuring that your food and drinks stay cool for up to 24 hours. Its heavy-duty nylon shell makes it lightweight, yet durable enough to withstand any terrain. Measuring 15.5 x 11.5 x 12.75 inches, this portable cooler is easy to carry around.

With 2 inches of closed-cell foam, this cooler is ideal for multiple uses like camping, travel, beach, and even for a day at the pool or lake. It can hold up to 12, 20, 30 or 40 cans depending on the size. What's more, it's a floating cooler, so you can take it on the water without worrying about it sinking.

This outdoor cooler is designed to be 100% leak-proof, thanks to its durable zipper that prevents spills and leaks. You can use it as an ice cooler, drink cooler, beer cooler, and even a lunch cooler. With its versatility and durability, the RTIC soft insulated cooler is a must-have for any outdoor adventure.

Pros

  • Can keep food and drinks cool for up to 24 hours
  • Lightweight and durable with a heavy-duty nylon shell
  • Ideal for various outdoor activities like camping, beach, and pool
  • Comes in four different sizes to accommodate up to 40 cans
  • 100% leak-proof with a durable zipper to prevent spills and leaks

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for longer trips that require more storage space

7. Lifewit Portable Double-Layered Cooler Bag

Looking for a cooler lunch box that can hold all your food and drinks? Look no further than this large capacity cooler bag, which can hold up to 23 liters or 6 gallons of your favorite beverages and snacks. With the ability to carry 32 cans (330ml) plus ice, you'll never run out of room.

Constructed with 600D oxford cloth, the exterior of the cooler is made to withstand the elements. The lining is made of PEVA foil and insulation material which can keep food and drink cool or warm for more than 5 hours. Plus, the built-in 6mm EPE foam provides great protection to your containers, food, and drinks.

Equipped with multiple pockets, including 1 wide top pocket, 2 side pockets, and 2 front pockets, this cooler bag has plenty of space to store all your items. It can also be used as your personal duffel bag, with a padded handle and detachable shoulder strap that offers 3 carrying styles. You can even put it on your suitcase for travel.

Not only is this cooler leakproof, but it's also waterproof. The lower section uses hot pressing technology to connect the lining seamlessly, making it easy to clean with just a damp cloth or napkin. Perfect for camping, picnics, the beach, and even travel, this versatile cooler is a must-have for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Overall dimensions are approximately 14.9" (38cm) x 8.6" (22cm) x 11" (28cm).

Pros

  • Large capacity holds up to 23 liters (6 gallons) of food and drinks
  • Thermal insulation keeps food and drinks cool or warm for more than 5 hours
  • Multiple pockets provide ample storage space
  • Padded handle and detachable shoulder strap offer 3 carrying styles
  • Leakproof and waterproof for easy cleaning

8. Truma C60: Portable 60l Fridge/freezer For Travel

The Truma compressor cooler is a reliable and long-lasting product that is perfect for camping, traveling, and barbecuing with friends. With its powerful cooling performance, it can cool or freeze down to -8ºF(-22°C), even at high outside temperatures. It has a 16 Gallons/60 Liters of usable volume and can accommodate upright standing bottles. The cooler also includes a versatile removable basket insert to adjust contents. The compressor coolers are available in 8 different sizes, ranging from 8-28 Gal/30-104 Ltr usable volume.

The Truma cooler runs with a low-noise operation over long time periods and can be powered via car battery, solar power, portable charger, mains power, or a Truma Battery Pack. It has an easy-to-use digital display and app that allows for accurate temperature control and adjustment. From 50ºF to -8ºF degrees, any temperature is possible. The excellent insulation ensures that the Truma cooler remains chilled for a long time, even without a power supply nearby.

The stylish, robust, stable, and durable design of the Truma cooler is perfect for outdoor use. It has an LED interior light, space-saving flat carry and tie-down handles, integrated bottle openers on both sides, and a USB port for charging smartphones or tablets. The built-in drain feature makes cleaning easy.

For better energy efficiency and reduced power consumption, you can purchase the Truma Cooler insulated cover. If you want to cool without mains electricity, the Truma Battery Pack is also available.

Pros

  • Powerful cooling performance that can cool or freeze down to -8ºF(-22°C), even at high outside temperatures
  • 16 Gallons/60 Liters of usable volume and accommodates upright standing bottles
  • Low-noise operation over long time periods and can be powered via various sources
  • Easy-to-use digital display and app for accurate temperature control and adjustment
  • Stylish, robust, stable, and durable design with various useful features
  • Truma Cooler insulated cover and Truma Battery Pack available for better energy efficiency and cooling without mains electricity

9. 12v Solar Cooler: Perfect For Camping And Travel

The electric cooler with off-road wheels is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who love to go on adventures. Its tough exterior and retractable handle make it a reliable option for all kinds of outdoor activities. With a 115-quart capacity, this car and camping cooler has ample space for all your provisions.

It comes with three battery protection modes that ensure complete peace of mind. You can plug it into your car or use a solar panel and battery for off-the-grid camping. The durable LG compressor works silently to power your electric cooler in the backcountry.

The cooler has next-level design features that make it stand out from the rest. The door-activated LED light eliminates the need for a flashlight, making it easy to find what you need. There are two wire baskets for organizing, a built-in bottle opener and cutting board, and reversible doors that fit your vehicle, van, or semi-truck perfectly. The fridge and freezer zones ensure you get an iceless cooler with ample storage space for all your provisions.

The retractable handle and off-road wheels make it easy to use this 12v/24v car fridge anywhere. It is perfect for camping and outdoor activities, where you need to keep your provisions cool and fresh. With its tough exterior and ample storage space, you can enjoy ice cream in the backcountry and have everything you need for your adventure.

Pros

  • Tough exterior and retractable handle make it fit for any outdoor adventure
  • Comes with three battery protection modes for total peace of mind
  • Door-activated LED light makes it easy to find what you need
  • Two wire baskets, built-in bottle opener and cutting board, and reversible doors for added convenience
  • Fridge and freezer zones ensure you get an iceless cooler with ample storage space

Cons

  • – May be too bulky and heavy for some users

10. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 16 Can Zipperless Cooler, Blue

The Deep Freeze high-performance insulation cooler is perfect for keeping food and drinks cool on hot summer days. The radiant heat barrier reflects heat instead of absorbing it, which keeps the contents inside the cooler at a consistent temperature. The insulated front pocket is also perfect for storing items that need to be kept cool.

The patented zipperless lid opens easily and quickly, providing easy access to the contents of the cooler. The FDA compliant HardBody liner with removable SmartShelf keeps the contents of the cooler organized, and the Ultra Safe leak-proof lining with Microban helps prevent bacterial odors and stains. The Rhino-Tech water and stain-resistant exterior is abrasion and puncture-resistant, ensuring that the cooler will look like new for years to come.

The cooler is also designed with convenience in mind. It features an adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap with a shoulder pad, making it easy to carry even when fully loaded. The interior liner dimensions are (L x W x H) 11.20" x 6" x 10.25", providing ample space for food and drinks.

Overall, the Deep Freeze high-performance insulation cooler is a great choice for anyone who wants to keep their food and drinks cool on the go. With its innovative design and high-quality construction, it is sure to provide years of reliable use.

Pros

  • Radiant heat barrier reflects heat instead of absorbing it
  • Insulated front pocket
  • Patented zipperless lid for easy access
  • FDA compliant HardBody liner with removable SmartShelf
  • Ultra Safe leak-proof lining with Microban
  • Rhino-Tech water and stain-resistant exterior
  • Adjustable Backsaver shoulder strap with shoulder pad
  • Interior liner dimensions: (L x W x H) 11.20" x 6" x 10.25"

Best Cooler For Car Travel FAQs

Are there any coolers that can be powered by a car's cigarette lighter?

Yes, there are several coolers available in the market that can be powered by a car's cigarette lighter. These coolers are designed to keep your food and drinks cold while you're on the road. They are perfect for long road trips, camping, and picnics. Some of the popular brands that offer such coolers include Coleman, Igloo, and Koolatron. These coolers come in different sizes and capacities, and you can choose one that best suits your needs. Some of them also come with additional features such as adjustable temperature control, built-in cup holders, and easy-to-carry handles. With a car-powered cooler, you don't have to worry about stopping at gas stations or convenience stores to buy cold drinks or ice. You can enjoy the convenience of having chilled beverages and snacks whenever and wherever you want.

How long does a car cooler typically stay cold?

The duration for which a car cooler stays cold depends on a variety of factors. The insulation quality, the ambient temperature, and the amount of ice or coolant used, all play a crucial role in determining the cooling duration. Typically, a car cooler can stay cold for anywhere between 12 to 48 hours. However, this estimation may vary based on the aforementioned factors. For instance, if the cooler is well-insulated and filled with ample ice or coolant, it may stay cold for a longer duration. On the other hand, if the ambient temperature is high, the cooling duration may decrease. Additionally, the duration may also vary based on the type of cooler used. Some coolers come with advanced features such as temperature control, which can help maintain the cold temperature for a longer time. In summary, the cooling duration of a car cooler primarily depends on the quality of insulation, ambient temperature, and the amount of ice or coolant used.

What features should I look for when choosing a car cooler?

When choosing a car cooler, there are several features that you should consider to ensure that you select the right one for your needs. One of the most important features to consider is the size of the cooler. You want to make sure that it is large enough to hold all of the items that you need to keep cool while on the road. Additionally, you should look for a cooler that is easy to install and use. A cooler with a simple design and user-friendly controls will make it much easier to keep your drinks and snacks cool while driving. You should also consider the power source for the cooler. Some models can be plugged into the car's cigarette lighter, while others require a separate power source. Finally, you may want to look for a cooler that has additional features such as a built-in bottle opener, removable shelves, or a built-in thermometer to monitor the temperature of your items. By considering these features, you can select a car cooler that will meet your needs and make your road trips more enjoyable.

What is the best type of cooler for car travel?

When it comes to selecting the best cooler for car travel, there are a few factors that you should consider. The first and foremost is portability. The cooler you choose should be lightweight and easy to carry. It should also be compact enough to fit in your car without taking up too much space.

Another important factor is insulation. The cooler you choose should be well-insulated to keep your food and drinks cold for an extended period. A quality cooler should be able to keep ice frozen for several days.

Durability is also important. Your cooler should be able to withstand the rigors of car travel, including bumps and jolts.

Lastly, consider the size of the cooler. If you're traveling alone or with a small group, a small to medium-sized cooler should suffice. However, if you're traveling with a large group, you may need a larger cooler to accommodate all your food and drinks.

Overall, the best type of cooler for car travel is one that is portable, well-insulated, durable, and appropriately sized for your needs.

What size cooler is best for a road trip?

When it comes to selecting the best cooler size for a road trip, there are several factors to consider. The first thing to consider is the number of people traveling, the duration of the trip, and how much food and drinks you plan to bring. If you are traveling with a large group or for an extended period, you may need a larger cooler to accommodate all your food and drinks. However, if you are traveling solo or as a couple, a smaller cooler may be sufficient.

Another factor to consider is the size of your vehicle. If you have limited space in your car or truck, you may want to opt for a smaller cooler that can fit easily in the trunk or backseat. On the other hand, if you have ample space, you may want to consider a larger cooler that can hold more items.

Lastly, the type of cooler you choose can also impact the size you need. Hard-sided coolers tend to offer more storage space compared to soft-sided coolers, but they can also be bulkier and more challenging to store in your vehicle. Ultimately, the best cooler size for a road trip depends on your specific needs and preferences.

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