10 Best Plug In Coolers 2025 in the United States

The EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator is a versatile portable cooler, ideal for camping, travel, and home use. With a capacity of 48 quarts, it offers ample space for food and beverages, making it appealing for road trips or outdoor activities. One of its standout features is the fast cooling capability, which can lower temperatures from 68°F to 32°F in just 15 minutes, thanks to its advanced variable frequency compressor. This can be particularly useful when you're on the go and need quick access to chilled items.

The unit also supports both AC and DC power sources, allowing you to use it with a standard outlet at home or in your vehicle, which adds to its practicality. The two-zone design helps manage odors and provides a removable internal basket for easy access. Energy efficiency is another plus, as the cooler operates at a low average consumption of 45W and includes an ECO mode to save power.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the APP control for managing your cooler remotely is convenient, it may not be intuitive for everyone. Additionally, at 33 pounds, its weight might limit portability for some users, especially when fully loaded. The noise level, while generally acceptable, can be noticeable in quiet settings. Lastly, the price point might be higher compared to simpler models, which could be a drawback for casual users who only need basic cooling solutions.

The COSTWAY Car Refrigerator is a solid choice if you want a portable cooler that works well for camping, road trips, or truck use. It has a roomy 44-quart capacity, so you can store plenty of drinks and snacks for several people. Thanks to its compressor cooling technology, it cools quickly—dropping from warm to cold in about 30 minutes—which is handy when you want chilled drinks fast. The fridge also has an energy-saving ECO mode, which helps keep power use lower without sacrificing too much cooling. Running noise is kept under 45 decibels, which is quiet enough not to disturb your drive or rest. The built-in battery protection offers three levels of security against draining your car battery, giving peace of mind during use.

Its shockproof ABS construction adds durability, making it tough enough for bumpy roads and outdoor conditions. The compact size and handle make it easy to carry and fit inside vehicles without taking up too much space. The clear LCD display and digital temperature controls simplify adjusting settings to keep contents just how you want. On the downside, weighing 33 pounds means it’s not the lightest option if you plan to carry it far on foot. Also, while the cooling is fast, the compressor setup may use more power compared to simpler thermoelectric coolers, which could impact very long trips if you don’t have a strong power source.

The single-door design and wire shelves are practical but don’t offer as much organization flexibility as some larger or more expensive models. If you need a durable, efficient, and fairly quiet plug-in cooler with decent capacity for vehicle travel or outdoor fun, this model meets those needs well.

The Engel UC19 is a compact, 19-quart hard shell cooler designed to keep ice for up to two days, making it great for outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and picnics. With a capacity to hold up to 30 cans and a recommended 2:1 ice-to-cans ratio, it offers decent storage for its size. Its insulation uses high-grade molded polystyrene foam combined with a hard plastic outer shell, providing solid cooling performance without any electrical power source, so it’s energy efficient by default.

This cooler stands out for its durability. The stainless steel latches and industrial-strength hinges make it tough enough to withstand rough handling and harsh environments. It is also water-resistant and airtight thanks to its EVA gasket seal, which prevents leaks and keeps dust or contaminants out. This feature doubles the cooler as a dry box, handy for protecting sensitive items like electronics or camera gear. Portability is well thought-out—an included heavy-duty adjustable shoulder strap and a hanging accessory tray add convenience for carrying and organizing smaller items. Weighing 3.5 pounds, it strikes a balance between sturdy build and ease of transport. Noise level isn’t an issue here since it’s a passive cooler without any mechanical parts.

One limitation is that the Engel UC19 doesn’t plug in or offer active cooling, which means ice retention depends entirely on insulation quality and external conditions. Also, with a 19-quart capacity, it may be too small for larger groups or extended trips. While easy to clean and tough, its hard plastic exterior might add some bulk compared to soft coolers. The Engel UC19 is best suited for users needing reliable ice retention and robust protection in a portable, leak-proof design, rather than active cooling or very large capacity.