Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer Review - Best Car Fridge for Camping & Road Trips
The Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer is a versatile and efficient solution for keeping your food and beverages at the perfect temperature while on the go. Whether you're on a family road trip, camping, or simply spending a lot of time in your car, this 24-liter capacity cooler/warmer is designed to meet your needs. With the ability to cool items up to 36°F below ambient temperature and warm them up to 140°F, this portable fridge is a must-have for anyone who values convenience and practicality during their travels. Let's dive into the details of this innovative product.
Product Description
The Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer is a versatile and convenient appliance perfect for road trips, camping, or long drives. This portable fridge has a 24-liter capacity, allowing you to store up to 27 cans or four 2-liter bottles with ease. The internal dimensions of approximately 11 x 8 x 12 inches provide ample room for food and snacks.
One of the standout features of this cooler/warmer is its ability to cool items to 36°F / 20°C below the ambient temperature, ensuring your beverages and food stay refreshingly cold. Additionally, it can heat items up to 140°F, making it ideal for keeping food warm during winter outings.
Equipped with a 7.5-foot cord, this cooler/warmer can be easily placed in your vehicle's backseat for convenient access. The heavy-duty handle allows for effortless transport, making it a great companion for family trips or long commutes. The unit operates on 12v DC power, with an optional AC adapter available for home or office use.
With 2 temperature settings and indicator lights, this Wagan cooler/warmer offers versatility and convenience for on-the-go lifestyles. Its efficient cooling capabilities ensure your food and drinks are ready to enjoy within just 30 minutes, making it a must-have for anyone who loves to stay refreshed while traveling.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Spacious 24-Liter Capacity: The Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer offers a generous 24-liter capacity, providing ample space to store a variety of items such as drinks, snacks, and even medication while on the go.
Versatile Use: This portable electric fridge is ideal for a wide range of applications, including use in cars, RVs, camping trips, and even on service trucks. Its ability to cool or warm items makes it a versatile companion for various activities and environments.
Energy Efficient: With an Energy Star rating of 5 stars, this cooler/warmer is not only effective at keeping items at the desired temperature but also operates efficiently, helping to conserve energy and prolong the life of your vehicle's battery.
Cons:
Latch Issues: Some users have reported occasional issues with the latch of the cooler sticking, which can be a minor inconvenience when accessing items stored inside.
Limited Freezing Ability: While the cooler excels at keeping items cold, it is important to note that it is not a freezer. Users should manage their expectations regarding the cooling capacity of the unit.
Compatibility Concerns: A few buyers mentioned needing to purchase a separate converter to charge the cooler in their vehicles, as some car models only accept USB connections, posing a potential compatibility issue that may require an additional investment.
Customer Reviews
The Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Let's take a closer look at what some buyers had to say about their experience with this portable fridge:
- "My wife and I went on a 2+ week road trip through several southwest USA national parks and monuments... (5 stars)"
- "Purchased August 2019. Is not a freezer but keeps things cold... I keep it in my vehicle all year... (5 stars)"
- "I am happy with this cooler. The cooler does a good job of keeping the products cold without being loud... (4 stars)"
- "I had to wait a bit to leave a review for this product... I have only tested the cooling ability since then... (5 stars)"
- "Es buena - Es buena sin embargo tuvimos que comprar un convertidor para poderlo cargar en el carro... (5 stars)"
- "My service truck cooler - Size and very cold for me, perfect (5 stars)"
- "Excelente calidad del producto, llego en tiempo y forma... (5 stars)"
Overall, customers appreciate the cooling performance, portability, and quality of the Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer, making it a popular choice for road trips, camping, and everyday use.
Conclusion
The Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer is a versatile and efficient solution for keeping your food and beverages at the perfect temperature while on the go. With its 24-liter capacity, this cooler/warmer can hold an impressive amount of items, making it ideal for long road trips, camping adventures, or even just daily commutes.
The ability to switch between cooling and heating modes, along with the quick cooling and heating times, provides great convenience for users. The 7.5 feet long cord allows for flexible placement in your vehicle, ensuring easy access to your refreshments.
While the cooler/warmer performs admirably, some users may find the internal dimensions slightly limiting, especially when trying to fit larger items. Additionally, the need for an additional AC adapter for home use may be an inconvenience for some.
Overall, the Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer EL6224 is a reliable and practical choice for anyone in need of portable cooling or heating solutions on the road. Its functionality, capacity, and performance make it a worthwhile investment for both individuals and families who love to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer suitable for use in vehicles like cars and RVs?
- Yes, this cooler/warmer is specifically designed for use in vehicles. Its 12/24V DC power options make it ideal for road trips, camping, or even for everyday use in your car or RV.
Can the Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer keep items cold or warm effectively?
- Absolutely. This portable fridge has received high praise for its ability to keep items cold or warm depending on your needs. It is not a freezer but does an excellent job of maintaining the desired temperature.
Is the Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer noisy during operation?
- Users have reported that this cooler operates quietly, making it a great companion for long journeys or quiet evenings at the campsite. You can enjoy chilled beverages or snacks without any disruptive noise.
What is the capacity of the Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer?
- This cooler has a generous 24-liter capacity, providing ample space for storing drinks, snacks, medications, or any other items you need to keep cold or warm while on the go.
Does the Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer come with any special features?
- Yes, this portable fridge features a UL Listed design, ensuring safety and quality. Its portable nature allows you to easily transport it from your vehicle to your campsite or any other location.
Does the Wagan 12V Portable Thermoelectric Cooler/Warmer require any special installation?
- No, this cooler does not require any complex installation. Its portable design allows you to simply plug it into your vehicle's power source and start using it immediately.
