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Dometic CFX3 45 Review

This cooler is well worth its price when you need something rugged and reliable to join you on remote adventures or for regular use
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Dometic CFX3 45 Review (The CFX3 follows in the footsteps of the original CFX, but with some detailed improvements that make it even better...)
The CFX3 follows in the footsteps of the original CFX, but with some detailed improvements that make it even better than the last version.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
Price:  $950 List
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Manufacturer:   Dometic
By Maggie Nichols ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 16, 2021
79
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 8
  • Temperature Control - 25% 8.0
  • Insulation - 25% 9.0
  • Energy Consumption - 20% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 8.0
  • Portability - 10% 6.0
  • Features - 5% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Dometic CFX3 is a seriously impressive powered cooler, built to keep your perishables cold no matter where you roam. It can maintain sub-zero temperatures and this latest version has even more effective insulation than its predecessor, helping to keep energy consumption even lower. The CFX3 is built to be tough, handling inclines of up to 30 degrees as you off-road on your next adventure. Though it has a larger footprint than others of a similar capacity, the CFX3's lower shape is worth the trade-off, making it easier to locate small snacks in a full cooler. Designed to fit all kinds of common foods and drinks, when we need the best, this is the model we trust. Compare it to top competitors in our review of the best powered coolers.
REASONS TO BUY
Great temperature control
Quality insulation
Rugged and tough
Convenient to use
Good battery protection
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Relatively short cords

Compare to Similar Products

 
dometic cfx3 45
This Product
Dometic CFX3 45
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Powered Cooler
Top Pick Award
Best for Energy Efficiency
 Top Pick Award
Best for Cooling and Heating
 
Price Check Price at REI
Compare at 3 sellers
$1,150 List
$1,050 at Amazon
$270 List
$269.99 at Amazon
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$198.69 at Amazon
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74
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48
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Bottom Line Though expensive, when you truly need a cooler you can rely on no matter where you go, there's no other model we'd recommend moreSuper durable and energy efficient, though a bit loud and with no subzero tempsA less expensive model that's narrow and tall, with solid insulation but less impressive minimum temperaturesThe best temperature control from a thermoelectric coolerVery small and very quiet, an alright personal cooler with limitations
Rating Categories Dometic CFX3 45 Engel Platinum MT35 Alpicool CF45 Koolatron Portable 45 Cooluli Mini Fridge
Temperature Control (25%)
8.0
6.0
5.0
7.0
5.0
Insulation (25%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
4.0
2.0
Energy Consumption (20%)
7.0
9.0
7.0
4.0
6.0
Ease of Use (15%)
8.0
6.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
Portability (10%)
6.0
6.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
Features (5%)
8.0
6.0
6.0
4.0
6.0
Specs Dometic CFX3 45 Engel Platinum MT35 Alpicool CF45 Koolatron Portable 45 Cooluli Mini Fridge
Minimum Temperature Achieved (F) -7.6ºF 5.5ºF 6.4ºF 38.2ºF below ambient 32.4ºF below ambient
Temperature Increase in 36 Hours Unplugged (F) 17.6ºF 18.9ºF 14.9ºF 9.9ºF 26.6ºF
Power Draw in Watts (cooling) 50.7 W 31.7 W 52.9 W
38.6 W (eco)
62.3 W 33.9 W
Power Draw in Watts (steady) 1.0 W 1.1 W 0.8 W N/A N/A
Power Draw in Watts (heating) N/A N/A N/A 48.1 W 29.7 W
Voltage Use (cooling) 13.17 V 13.85 V 13.25 V 13.29 V 13.84 V
Amperage Use (cooling) 3.84 A 2.30 A 4.01 A 4.69 A 2.45 A
Hours to Cool (measured) 16 hrs 16 hrs 23 hrs >12 hrs 20.5 hrs
Maximum Temperature Achieved (F) N/A N/A N/A 130.8ºF 136.0ºF
Temperature Accuracy (diff btwn display and actual) +/- 2.4ºF +/- 2.5ºF +/- 3.4ºF N/A N/A
Weight 42.0 lb 47.8 lb 30.0 lb 14.2 lb 3.7 lb
Claimed Capacity (volume) 46 L
48.6 quarts
32 L
34 quarts
45L
48 quarts
43 L
45 quarts
4 L
4.2 quarts
Measured Capacity (volume) 46 L
48.6 quarts
27.5 L
29 quarts
45L
48 quarts
45.1 L
47.7 quarts
4 L
4.2 quarts
Capacity (cans) 68 cans 38 cans 62 cans 63 cans 6 cans
Method of Cooling 12V compressor 12V compressor 12V compressor Thermoelectric Thermoelectric
Advertised Achievable Temperature Range (F) -7ºF to 50ºF 0ºF to 50ºF -4ºF to 50ºF 40ºF below ambient and up to 135ºF 40ºF below ambient to 149ºF
Acceptable Ambient Temperature Range (F) 61ºF to 110ºF Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Exterior Dimensions (D x W x H) 27.5" x 15.75" x 18.5" 14.25" x 28" x 15.7" 27.5" x 13.5" x 17.8" 16" x 21" x 17.25" 10" x 7.25" x 10.5”
Interior Dimensions (D x W x H) 11.5" x 14.5"/7" x 12"/7.5" 15.25" x 10.75" x 10.25" 10.25" x 14.5"/8" x 12.5"/6.25" 12.25" x 15.5" x 14.5" 5.75" x 5.25" x 8"
DC Cord Length (feet) 6' 2" 9' 6.5" 7' 10" 8' 10" 6' 3.5"
AC Cord Length (feet) 6' 2" 5' 8" 6' 8" 6' 11" (AC adapter only)
15' 11" (DC and AC adapter)
5' 8"
Comes With AC cord, DC cord AC cord, DC cord, extra fuse AC cord, DC cord DC cord AC cord, DC cord, USB cord (3' 1")
Features Internal light, removable baskets and divider, C/F display, drain/plug, USB power cord, bluetooth enabled, wifi compatible, free app Removable lid, internal light, C/F display Internal light, removable baskets, C/F display Heating ability Top handle, heating ability, USB power cord

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Dometic CFX3 is a compressor model powered cooler. We tested the 45 version, with an advertised capacity of 46L. It's advertised to cool from 50°F down to -7°F, comes with both AC and DC power cords, is Bluetooth and WiFi enabled, and can also be controlled with a free app on your smartphone.

Performance Comparison


dometic cfx3 45 - bring things you'd normally leave at home on your next camping...
Bring things you'd normally leave at home on your next camping adventure or road trip.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Temperature Control


The CFX3 is meant to function at its best in conditions ranging from 61°F to 110°F. Filled with room temperature contents during our testing process, it took about 16 hours to reach the refrigeration temperature we set it to (34°F). Depending on the temperature of the foods you put in it, it may take more or less time than that. When we ran it empty, it reached the same refrigeration temperature in just over an hour. While Dometic claims this unit cools down to -7°F, the unit we tested maintained -7.6°F for hours.


Our only real complaint about the CFX3 when it comes to temperature control, is that it actually kept things several degrees cooler than we set it to. When we let it run for several days set to 34°F, it was actually keeping contents at just under 32°F. Nothing froze, but this 2.4°F difference between what we set it to and what it was actually running is worth noting. At the end of the day, we'd rather have things be a little cooler than we wanted than a little warmer. This directional skew is certainly safer when it comes to our health, though also requires more energy than keeping things warmer.

dometic cfx3 45 - we love being able to bring our favorite frozen treats and some farm...
We love being able to bring our favorite frozen treats and some farm fresh eggs on our weekend adventures.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Insulation


Anytime you're heading off the grid, you've got to have a plan for truly having no electricity. Knowing how well your powered cooler can insulate if you need to divert battery power elsewhere (or if you run out!), helps provide peace of mind. In temperate conditions, it may even let you power down your cooler overnight without worrying that any of its contents will spoil. Over the course of 36 hours left unplugged at room temperature, the CFX3 gained 17.6°F. This performance is just slightly better than previous versions of this cooler that we've tested, and is among the top performances in our lineup.


Adding further credibility to the capacity of the CFX3 to keep your goods fresh, this plastic-bodied beast is built tough. While most of the models we tested have plastic exteriors, Dometic's is reinforced with fender frames that rebuff much of the standard dings and bumps that accumulate with life on the road. The handles are aluminum alloy and retract to the sides of the unit when not in use. The hinge is robust and thick, lacking the flimsy moving parts of so many others, and designed to take some heavy use.

dometic cfx3 45 - thick insulation and a rubber gasket seal help the cfx3 keep your...
Thick insulation and a rubber gasket seal help the CFX3 keep your contents cooler for longer.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Energy Consumption


While cooling, the CFX3 draws around 50.7 Watts of power. For a full-powered cooler achieving these levels of temperatures, that's a reasonable figure, just on the low end of average. Once it has reached your desired temperature, this model draws about 1.0 Watt of energy to monitor internal temps. Right out of the box, the CFX3 comes with an abbreviated paper manual that cuts out all the text and numerical specifications sent along with most other coolers (and with previous versions of this cooler). Instead, it's an all-picture book just to get you started with the basics of operation. The full manual can still be found on Dometic's website.


Though several competitors offer “Eco” modes that run using less energy (typically 35-39 Watts), the CFX3 takes a different approach. Instead of cooling at a lower capacity, like an “Eco” setting, the CFX3 offers three battery modes. All three levels run using the same amount of energy while they're on but have different lengths of cooling cycles that protect your battery by running for shorter periods of time. Of course, if you need to use less wattage overall, this feature doesn't really help you. But if you can handle shorter bursts of this higher wattage draw, lowering your overall energy consumption in this way, without sacrificing performance, may be exactly what you need.

dometic cfx3 45 - both the ac and dc cords can be plugged in at the same time, if...
Both the AC and DC cords can be plugged in at the same time, if that's what you want.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Ease of Use


Another area where the CFX3 shines brightly is when it comes to actual usability. It has a larger footprint than most other coolers we tested with similar capacities, both because it's an overall larger unit and because it's built to be low and squat, helping you locate items more easily. Two levels of storage inside give you options for your goods, while removing all internal baskets turns it into one large space without barriers. We measured its internal capacity to be just as advertised — 46L. Getting crafty, we were able to fit 68 12 ounce cans inside.


While many other models also have baskets, we prefer the ones that come with the CFX3. Their wires are closer together, helping to stop smaller objects from falling through. You can actually fill it up on your kitchen counter and then simply slide the entire basket into the cooler. A divider adds options to your packing. Even in this more moderately-sized cooler, we had no issues fitting an overly tall bottle of wine upright and a carton of a dozen eggs across the body. The inside light faces toward the back (rather than shining in your eyes) and the CFX3 remains one of the quietest models we've tested, even when cooling. Both the on-unit controls and the free smartphone app are simplified and easy to use. They will also both alert you when the lid has been open for longer than 3 minutes!

dometic cfx3 45 - from start to finish and end to end, the dometic cfx3 is one of our...
From start to finish and end to end, the Dometic CFX3 is one of our favorite models to use.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Portability


Weighing in at just over 42 pounds empty, this latest version from Dometic has managed to shed a few pounds compared to its predecessor. It's by no means “lightweight”, but it is now on the lighter side of average for compressor model powered coolers we tested. That still doesn't make it particularly enjoyable to carry, but this moderately sized cooler isn't too bad to handle for one strong person or to team carry with a partner. The handles are strong, sturdy, and smooth, helping to cut down on pains during transport.


The handles retract tightly against the body of the cooler when not in use. On the back end, both the AC and DC plugs lay at an angle, allowing you to cut down on wasted space from dangling cords. Our main tester found that it doesn't quite fit in the back of her hatchback (2016 Subaru Crosstrek), but is very close. Not that we could feasibly run the CFX3 from the back of an unmodified vehicle anyway, as both cords are quite short — just 6'2" each. This is one of the things we liked least about the previous version of this line of Dometic coolers and one area in which it is outperformed by most other compressor coolers which come with cords closer to 8, with some nearly 10, feet long.

dometic cfx3 45 - sturdy, retractable handles add convenience to this large cooler.
Sturdy, retractable handles add convenience to this large cooler.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Features


The CFX3 comes with all of the features we want and none of the ones we don't want. Two removable baskets — one with an optional divider — give plenty of organizational options. A drain plug on the bottom allows for easier cleaning and a USB port on the front allows you to charge your device while you're out. The LCD screen has adjustable brightness levels and automatically turns off after a short time, helping it be a more pleasant sleeping companion if that's what your setup requires.


A slightly textured top adds a marginal amount of traction for items placed there but isn't something we'd trust with our open beverages over bumps or on the 30 degree inclines it's designed to handle. We tested the CFX3 45, which lacks some of the frills of larger models in the same line of Dometic coolers — like an ice maker zone, reversible lid, or separately zoned temperature control. However, this smaller model is still enabled with Bluetooth and is WiFi compatible, making it easy to control and monitor from your phone, even when you're out in the middle of nowhere.

dometic cfx3 45 - these beefy hinges glide easily and smoothly.
These beefy hinges glide easily and smoothly.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Value


With this latest version from Dometic, the CFX3 doesn't come with a lower price tag. It's a hefty investment for sure, but one that we think is well worth it if you need a powered cooler that can handle some serious travel. If you're not planning to use your powered cooler very often or just want it as a backup fridge in your garage, the CFX3 is overkill. But if you need the toughest, most reliable powered cooler we could find, we think the price is justified.

Conclusion


The Dometic CFX3 is a seriously impressive powered cooler. We were smitten by its predecessor and this latest version is even more excellent. It offers great temperature control, quality insulation, reasonable energy usage, a durable design, and is one of the easiest models to use. It's not cheap, but when we need only the best, the CFX3 is the model we bring along.

Maggie Nichols