Can't find your car? Contact us here
Want to view an example car? View a Sample
The Best Plug In Coolers For Cars To Keep Your Drinks Ice-Cold
Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices.
When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.
Last Updated:
Cars are like a second home for a lot of people and you can do a lot of things in them that you would normally be able to do at home. You can work, sleep, and even watch movies and TV if you want. But there are some things that most cars cannot do, including the ability to cool drinks on demand. Plug in coolers change that!
Plug in coolers draw power from your car’s battery to cool any drinks or food that you put inside it. These handy appliances are basically a mini-fridge for cars. They can vary in design, shape, and size, but they’re great for keeping your favorite drinks cold and ready to go. In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we’ve put together some of the most useful plug in coolers for cars of 2023. Let’s take a look!
Buying Guide: Plug in Cooler for Cars
Plug in coolers are great for enjoying drinks in your car. This guide will cover what you need to know about plug in coolers for cars.
What Is a Plug in Cooler for Cars?
A plug in cooler is a device that plugs in directly to a power source and cools the contents inside it. The term usually refers to electric coolers and freezers that you can directly plug into a power source and that don’t require any ice. Because most cars don’t have a built-in fridge or freezer, plug in coolers are a popular purchase among many car owners and enthusiasts.
What Are the Types of Plug in Coolers?
Coolers
Coolers are the simplest type of device. All they do is cool the contents inside to a certain temperature. While these coolers are not strong enough to outright freeze the contents inside, they have enough strength to chill drinks and keep ice cream somewhat solid. Keep in mind that they may not be ideal for meat, but if you simply want a cold drink on demand in your car, a cooler will do the trick.
Freezers
Freezers are the more powerful alternative to coolers. These electric devices are great for getting items inside to freezing. Freezers require more power than coolers and are generally more expensive. If you find yourself needing to transport things such as ice cream and meat over long distances, freezers are a great choice.
Combination devices
These devices are a combination of warmers and coolers. They can function as either a warmer or a cooler depending on the currently activated mode. This versatility can be useful if you also have things that you want to heat, such as meals or water for tea or coffee. The only downside to this 2-in-1 design is that you have to remove items and put them back accordingly depending on what mode you want to use.
Things To Consider When Buying a Plug in Cooler for Cars
Location
Before buying the cooler, you’ll want to first consider where you want to place the cooler when you get it. Cars have limited space and if you frequently drive with other people this space is even more limited. Ideally, the cooler should be on the floor as it will be more secure there. If that’s too tight of an area you can place it on top of a seat, but you’ll need someone to supervise it at all times or strap it in securely so it doesn’t move around while you’re driving.
Size
There’s only so much you can fit inside a plug in cooler, and at some point you’ll run out of space. You should also consider how large you want your plug in cooler to be to accommodate any drinks or food you want to store inside. For those who only drink one or two bottles per trip, you won’t need a huge container. If you’re traveling with the family on a long road trip, you’ll likely need much more cooler space.
How Much Do Plug in Coolers for Cars Cost?
Plug in coolers typically cost around $120 to $170. There are some more premium options that go for almost $300, but the average cost is around $150.
