Halfords 24l 12V Electric Coolbox
- Price: Around £60
- Capacity: 24 litres
- Mains: No
- Rating: 3 stars
- Website: halfords.com
The Halfords twins are particularly well made, with their lids shutting with a satisfying clunk. Unlike most rivals, the 24l box is 12V only, with a power cable permanently connected and stored in a neat cubby in the lid.
There are two bottle spaces inside, but not quite enough height for a 2l PET bottle due to the box’s motor in the lid. We got the rest of the picnic inside, but oddly it was more of a squash than the same-capacity Streetwize. While it’s reasonably priced for the size, it needs to heat as well to be really competitive.
Dometic TropiCool TCX35
- Price: Around £250
- Capacity: 33 litres
- Mains: Yes (& 24V)
- Rating: 3 stars
- Website: dometic.com
We like the great build quality and damped lid, with its spring-loaded single-handed catch. Soft-touch controls give seven heating and cooling modes, spanning 0-65 degrees. Its heat gain of 42 degrees and cooling of 17 degrees were second best on test.
With the motor at the base, the 33-litre storage space is uncluttered and has a single divider that can be placed in two slots. We like the two dedicated 2l bottle positions, and our large picnic easily fitted inside. The compressor unit is an impressive performer, although of course, it adds to the Dometic’s price.
Igloo ICF18 Mains or 12-24 Volt Electric Cool Box
- Price: Around £300
- Capacity: 19 litres
- Mains: Yes (& 24V)
- Rating: 2.5 stars
- Website: igloocoolers.co.uk
The ICF18 is a portable fridge, with the compressor adding to the weight (around 10.5kg) and the price. But it served up a stunning cooling performance; well within an hour it had dropped to an electronically limited zero degrees, with the best insulation result of just five degrees.
We like the digital display and the selectable temperature feature. While it’s the joint smallest and priciest unit in this test, the Igloo still has a divider, enough height for two 2l bottles and took our smaller picnic. You wouldn’t buy it for the occasional run out, but it would be a must for the serious hot-climate traveller.
Verdict
Outwell’s Lite model is a great performer and combines this with a good capacity at the right price. The Streetwize twins are very good value and still work well in all modes.
- Outwell Ecocool Lite Dark Blue
- Streetwize 24l Thermoelectric Cooler & Warmer Box LWKB2
- Streetwize 32l Thermoelectric Cooler & Warmer Box LWKB3
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