Koolatron 34L Grey Thermoelectric Iceless 12V Cooler or Warmer, Portable Travel Fridge

I would suggest pre cooling this fridge, it took almost 24 hours for my drinks to get cold. It fits perfectly in my front seat. Couldn't pass this up for the price. Very happy with this fridge.

Amazing product!

We purchased one of these about 15 years ago. We travel with it extensively and use it for extra refrigeration space on trips and at home (e.g. Christmas turkey, etc.). As for durability, we recently had it running continuously at a Florida vacation home in Florida for six weeks.It keeps items very cold (can even partially freeze things, given enough time). It also keeps them cold for an extended period without power. while using very little power. We have left it running in our truck (admittedly a diesel model with twin batteries) when taking a seven-hour ferry crossing and the truck started without hesitation.I know that my observations lack precise measurements of time and temperature. But they are honest and provided with true admiration for the product.

Consider investing in alternative product

I purchased this product in 2006 and had it for 14 fantastic years of consistent and wonderful use . When the fan gave out on the 2006 model, I did not hesitate to replace with same model. After 4 months of intermittent use the fan on the new one gave out - okay it happens. I replaced the 4 month old one and began using cooler number 3. After less than 48 hours of cooling, the fan died. Clearly this product is not what it used to be. I didn't have a bad thing to say about the 2006 version and I don't have a good thing to say about the 2020 version. I didn't abuse the 2020 versions, I just filled them half full and tried to use. CT was great about refunding my original purchase price but I was frustrated by 2 failed efforts to get a reliable cooling/heating product

Excellent in the long run.

I've had this unit for around 14 years now, and it's still going strong.I initially bought it when I was working as a long-haul trucker, to serve as my refrigerator when I switched to a rig that didn't have one, and at this time was using it in the vertical orientation, with the shelf installed. It worked very well. It kept my food and beverages cold, and didn't cause any noticeable stress to the electrical system when I was shut down (need to keep my food cold, even with the engine off).In recent years, I've used it more as a traditional chest-style cooler, for keeping extra beverages cold at home, when traveling, or even when camping at a site with electrical service. Even in this orientation, I often use the shelf to separate heavy items like beverages, from ... MoreI've had this unit for around 14 years now, and it's still going strong.I initially bought it when I was working as a long-haul trucker, to serve as my refrigerator when I switched to a rig that didn't have one, and at this time was using it in the vertical orientation, with the shelf installed. It worked very well. It kept my food and beverages cold, and didn't cause any noticeable stress to the electrical system when I was shut down (need to keep my food cold, even with the engine off).In recent years, I've used it more as a traditional chest-style cooler, for keeping extra beverages cold at home, when traveling, or even when camping at a site with electrical service. Even in this orientation, I often use the shelf to separate heavy items like beverages, from softer items like eggs, as it slides very firmly into one of several available slots.When first starting it up, I try to load it already chilled items, as, due in part to its large volume, it takes a while to really cool down if started with a load of warm bottles or cans, but it will still do the job if given time. When already running, adding a few warm items to the chilled load already inside will not be as much of an issue.During long-term cooling use (several weeks), frost will occasionally begin to build up on the internal fins, which along with the fan are protected by a plastic cover, and it will need to be occasionally defrosted, but that also attests to how well it cools. I've had to clean dust from the exterior fins a few times over the years, which are also behind a cover, but this is easily done.I was initially concerned about the durability of the "hinge" on the lid, as it's only a strip of flexible plastic material, but after almost a decade and a half of use, it's still holding up.My one and only complaint is that the lid will not stay open by itself when used in chest orientation, but this also helps to keep the cold in.

Great cooler, fits in closet of older Peterbilt

Great little machine, not quite as cold as I thought it would be but again it is not a refrigerator; the heat side will blow you out of there. Plugged it in incorrectly and just about cooked the meat in the bottom of the cooler as I thought it was on cool and it was heat. We were really happy with it worked perfect in our Pete, and fits in the closet area perfectly.

Nice cooler, glad I bought it after researching.

Worked perfect out of the box. using it it transport food after shopping. living remotely we have a 60 to 90 mile trip to the store. great to put the frozen/cold items in. Peltier cooler has large finned heat sink for heat transfer in the cooling mode, puts out heat well. Power cord and plug show no signs of getting hot running for 4 hours. Like the manual states, it needs ventilation so you down overheat it. I'm using it in the covered bed of my truck, so I'll have to monitor it on hot days.

No more messy ice!

I've had my Koolatron for almost a month and I've run it pretty much constantly. This is the hottest time of the year here and it's nice to have cold drinks and a place to preserve perishables. This cooler holds quite a bit. I have a gallon of milk, a couple 2 liter bottles if soda, orange juice, small yogurts and other things and there's still plenty of room for more. It's perfect for travel and camping. It will, however, drain your battery if run for too long without your engine running. At least 4 hours until you lose charge on a good battery. When I go camping I will set it up on my solar powered system. I'm glad I bought the Koolatron, it's already paid for itself by the money I saved from not having to buy ice. Also no heavy and messy water to deal with. ... MoreI've had my Koolatron for almost a month and I've run it pretty much constantly. This is the hottest time of the year here and it's nice to have cold drinks and a place to preserve perishables. This cooler holds quite a bit. I have a gallon of milk, a couple 2 liter bottles if soda, orange juice, small yogurts and other things and there's still plenty of room for more. It's perfect for travel and camping. It will, however, drain your battery if run for too long without your engine running. At least 4 hours until you lose charge on a good battery. When I go camping I will set it up on my solar powered system. I'm glad I bought the Koolatron, it's already paid for itself by the money I saved from not having to buy ice. Also no heavy and messy water to deal with. Eventually I will purchase a smaller one for times I don't need as much space for food. I have not tried the heating aspect as of yet. It heats up to 135F but shouldn't be run for more than an hour for risk of cracking or deforming. I will be using the heat this winter, intermittently, just enough to prevent my stuff from freezing. If you want a good sized cooler to keep things cold, I would recommend this one. This is slow to cool initially if you put warm items in. It can take 10 to 12 hours to cool it all down but oncecooled it's pretty efficient. I can't say enough, if you're in need of something like this, it's totally worth it!

Not what I expected. Yellow

Not what I expected. Yellow color inside like old used cooler. Insulation foam showed at seams. Plugged in my car to try and was colder on outside than inside. Returned June 2nd and haven’t seen refund. It’s July 1st

Plastic splitting two months in

I bought this cooler for a sailboat liveaboard situation. It seemed to work fine and kept things relatively cold, and I was excited because it was one of the few coolers I could find that fit into the space I had for a fridge. However, two months after receiving it, the top part of the cooler started splitting apart, and the door no longer stayed put. Luckily, Walmart was really good with the return, but now I have to go find another one that will work. Spend a few more dollars and get one that won't fall apart; it's worth it.

good electric cooler

This is the second Mobi cooler we have bought. It is a bit larger than the first and it says you can use it chest style or upright. The box says you can do both but the instructions don't mention it at all. Both ends are rounded so we can't see how it could possibly stand upright. Last night it was outside (about +12) and we should have unpluged it. Many of the food items froze. A thermostat or someway of having it cut out before it freezes would be an improvement. Also, be careful: we bought the model that only works on 12 volt and the one that also has an AC adaptor is much more versatile for just a few more dollars. We returned the 12 volt as soon as we discovered our mistake. No hassle. Bought on sale & saved $70. Ya gotta luv that!