Anyone who spends a significant amount of time on the road knows the struggle of keeping drinks cold or food warm. I remember countless road trips where lukewarm sodas were the norm or having to stop frequently just to buy fresh provisions. Not having a reliable way to maintain temperature can ruin a good snack or meal, and frankly, it’s just inconvenient. Trying to balance a traditional cooler with ice that melts everywhere or relying solely on rest stop options adds unnecessary hassle to any journey. Having a portable solution is key to a more comfortable and enjoyable trip.
- [Portable and Small Car Cooler] The small size cooler is suitable for an outing. The 8-quart/liter car fridge is just a suitable size, and it can be taken everywhere as well as be bound on a vehicle....
- [Cooler and Warmer] The car cooler plug-in combines the cooler and warmer. The 12-volt refrigerator is suitable for all 4 seasons. You can keep refreshing beverages close at hand during hot weather,...
- [Multiple Interface] With the 120V AC and 12V DC adapters, the car coolers can be kept everywhere with you. You won't have any trouble going up and down stairs if you plug it in your bedroom. Cool or...
What to Think About Before Getting a Portable Car Cooler
If you’re considering a portable cooler for your vehicle, you’re likely tired of messy ice or limited options on the go. These devices are fantastic for solving the problem of keeping perishables at the right temperature while you travel. The ideal user is someone who takes frequent road trips, is a professional driver (like a trucker), enjoys car camping, commutes long distances, or perhaps needs to transport temperature-sensitive items like medications or pumped milk. Someone who *shouldn’t* buy one of these might be a large family needing to store a week’s worth of groceries, someone needing true freezing capabilities (these are typically coolers, not freezers), or someone planning extended off-grid camping without a power source.
Before you buy, consider a few things. How much capacity do you actually need? Are you looking for just a few drinks or enough for a picnic? What’s your primary use case – cooling, warming, or both? How will you power it? Most car coolers use a 12V DC car outlet, but some also offer 120V AC for home use, which is a big plus for versatility. Think about where it will sit in your car and its dimensions. Portability, noise level, and any extra features like cup holders or USB ports can also make a big difference in convenience. Knowing these factors will help you choose the right model for your needs.
- What You Get: The CR22 12V refrigerator comes with a 2-year Tech Support. If you have any questions about the product, please REACH OUT TO BougeRV, as we provide friendly Tech Support. Package...
- Package Inclusions & 2 Year Tech Support; EUHOMY electric cooler is equipped with 110/240V AC and 12/24V DC adapters and can be used at home or in the car for a variety of use scenarios. The portable...
- Package Inclusions & 2 Year Tech Support; EUHOMY electric cooler is equipped with 100/240V AC and 12/24V DC adapters and can be used at home or in the car for a variety of use scenarios. The car...
Meet the TREFAN 8 Liter Electric Cooler
So, let me introduce you to the TREFAN 8 Liter/Quart Electric Car Cooler & Warmer. This little unit promises to be your go-to companion for keeping things cool or warm on the road. It’s a compact, portable electric cooler designed specifically for use in cars, for camping, travel, or even just having nearby at home or in the office. When you purchase it, you get the main unit, plus both the 12V DC car adapter and the 120V AC home adapter, giving you flexibility right out of the box. Compared to some older, bulkier thermoelectric coolers I’ve seen, this TREFAN model feels a bit more refined and definitely more portable. While dedicated compressor fridges offer deep freezing (like larger, more expensive options), this TREFAN focuses on temperature maintenance, which is perfect for drinks and snacks. It’s really geared towards the individual or perhaps two people on shorter trips who value convenience and portability over massive storage or deep freezing. It’s probably not the best fit for a full family trip or situations where you need to store frozen goods.
Here’s a quick look at the good and the not-so-good:
Pros:
* Highly portable and lightweight design.
* Dual cooling and warming functions.
* Includes both AC and DC power adapters for versatile use.
* Handy extra features like built-in cup holders and USB charging ports.
* Operates with relatively low noise.
* Comes with a carrying strap for easy transport.
Cons:
* Limited 8-liter capacity (fits about 4-6 standard cans comfortably, maybe a few more if packed just right).
* Thermoelectric cooling is temperature-limited by the ambient temperature and does not freeze.
* Requires continuous power to maintain temperature, which can drain a car battery if the engine is off for long periods.
* Cooling down items from room temperature can take several hours to reach optimal coolness.
A Closer Look: Performance and Practicality
Having used the TREFAN 8 Liter/Quart Electric Car Cooler & Warmer for a good while now, I can share how its features translate into real-world use.
Portability and Size: This is where the TREFAN portable cooler really shines. At just 5.51 pounds and with dimensions of 7.89″D x 15.35″W x 11.56″H, it’s incredibly easy to move around. I’ve placed it on the floor of the passenger seat, in the back seat console area, and even behind the seat in my truck. It’s not cumbersome at all. The included carrying strap is a simple but effective addition; it makes hauling it from the house to the car, or from the car to a picnic spot, much less awkward, especially when it’s full. Its small footprint is perfect for smaller vehicles where space is a premium. While the 8-liter capacity sounds small, for a solo traveler or a couple on a day trip, it’s often just enough space for drinks and a few snacks. You can typically fit about 4-6 regular soda cans standing upright comfortably, or perhaps a couple of water bottles and a sandwich. Pre-chilling items at home beforehand, as the instructions suggest, is definitely the way to maximize the usable cold space from the get-go. It won’t fit a large jug of milk or a big watermelon, but that’s not what it’s designed for.
Cooling and Warming Functionality: This electric cooler utilizes thermoelectric technology, which means it cools items relative to the surrounding air temperature, rather than having a compressor that maintains a set, low temperature like a traditional refrigerator. The product claims it can cool down to about 15°C (roughly 59°F) below the ambient temperature. In my experience, this is fairly accurate. If it’s 75°F (24°C) in your car or room, you can expect the inside to get down to around 60°F (16°C) eventually. It’s effective for keeping already-cold drinks chilled or preventing sensitive items from getting too warm, but it’s crucial to understand it won’t make room-temperature items ice-cold quickly, and it absolutely will not freeze anything. The product description is clear about this, stating it’s a cooler, not a freezer, and the temperature won’t drop below 0°C (32°F). The cooling takes some time – the stated 30 minutes to drop significantly below ambient is a decent estimate for initial cooling, but getting items truly cold takes longer, sometimes several hours depending on the starting temperature. For the warming function, it maintains a temperature between 50-65°C (122-149°F), which is great for keeping takeout warm on the way home or having a warm drink ready on a cold day. The dual functionality is a major plus, making it useful year-round. It’s important to note that the cooling element is primarily in the bottom “blue section” of the interior, so arranging items strategically helps.
Power Options (AC/DC): Having both a 120V AC plug and a 12V DC car adapter is incredibly convenient. The included AC adapter means you can pre-cool or pre-warm items at home before you leave, plug it in at a hotel room, in your office, or anywhere there’s a standard wall outlet. The 12V DC adapter is what makes it a true car cooler. You just plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter or 12V power port. This versatility is key; I often plug it in at home to get things cold, then transfer it to the car and plug it in immediately for a trip. This constant power is necessary because, without it, the temperature will only hold for about an hour as per the product description. This brings up a notable point: this type of cooler requires constant power to function. While it’s designed to draw relatively low power, leaving it plugged into a car’s 12V outlet with the engine off for extended periods (like overnight camping) *will* drain your car battery. For car camping or stops longer than an hour, you’ll still need a plan to keep things cold (like ice in a traditional cooler) or have a separate power source like a portable power station.
Multifunctional Design (Cup holders, Anti-slip pad, USB ports): These extra features really add to the practicality of the TREFAN car cooler. The two cup holders molded into the top are surprisingly useful, especially when space is tight in the car. They’re deep enough to securely hold most standard-sized cups or bottles and prevent spills while driving, even on bumpy roads. The anti-slip pad on the top surface is another thoughtful touch; it prevents things you place on top (like your phone or keys) from sliding off while the car is in motion. The dual USB ports on the electrical panel are a great bonus. They allow you to charge your phone or other devices using the same power source as the cooler, which is super handy on long drives when car charging ports might be limited or needed for other things. It’s nice to have these extra functions built-in without needing separate adapters.
Quiet Operation: TREFAN mentions a brushless motor and low noise. In my experience, it is indeed very quiet. There’s a low hum when it’s running, which is the fan circulating air and cooling/warming the thermoelectric element, but it’s not loud or intrusive at all. You can easily have it in the back seat or even the front footwell without it being distracting, which is a definite improvement over some older models I’ve encountered.
Durability and Long-Term Use: After using this portable electric cooler for nearly a year now, it’s held up well. The plastic housing is sturdy enough for typical travel use, and the handle and strap points seem durable. The cooling/warming function still performs as it did on day one. It seems quite reliable for a thermoelectric unit in this price range, especially when compared to some cheaper alternatives or even some older, more recognized brands that haven’t lasted as long for me. The warranty is a nice safety net, but I haven’t had to use it.
What Others Are Saying: Real User Experiences
Looking around at other reviews, the general sentiment seems pretty positive for the TREFAN electric car cooler, echoing many of my own findings. Users appreciate its compact size and portability, mentioning it’s great for truckers or keeping drinks handy in a car. Many highlight how lightweight and quiet it is. People confirm that it works effectively as a cooler or warmer for its type, keeping already-cold items cool and getting things chilled over time, though some note the limitations compared to a full freezer or compressor fridge, and the need to pre-chill. The extra features like the cup holders and USB ports are frequently mentioned as convenient bonuses. While some users found the capacity smaller than anticipated based on product photos (which is a common complaint for mini-fridges), they generally agree it serves its purpose well for a single person or short trips.
Final Thoughts: Is the TREFAN Cooler Right for You?
If you’re someone who frequently travels by car, whether for work or leisure, the struggle of keeping food and drinks at the right temperature is real. Without a solution, you’re stuck with lukewarm options or expensive, inconvenient stops. The potential complication is spoiled food or just a less enjoyable journey. The TREFAN 8 Liter/Quart Electric Car Cooler & Warmer is a fantastic fit for solving this problem, particularly for individuals or couples on shorter trips. It’s incredibly portable, offers both cooling and warming, and comes with versatile power options for use in your car or anywhere with an outlet. Plus, the built-in cup holders and USB chargers are genuinely useful additions. For convenient, personal temperature control on the go, this little unit is a solid choice. If you’re ready to upgrade your travel experience and say goodbye to warm drinks on the road, Click here to check out the TREFAN 8 Liter/Quart Electric Car Cooler & Warmer .
Last update on 2025-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API