Dometic Electric Cooler Guide: CFX2 vs CFX3 vs CFX5
Which Dometic Electric Cooler Should You Get for Your Van or SUV?
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos by Michele and courtesy of Dometic
Where this cooler gets used most—quiet roads, long weekends, and fall trips.
I used a Dometic electric cooler in the back of my SUV long before I had a van. After years of road trips, camp weekends, and now van travel, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is this: choosing the right cooler has almost nothing to do with specs.
It comes down to how you travel and how much food you want to keep cold or frozen. This guide breaks down the three Dometic lines—CFX2, CFX3, and CFX5—in plain language, plus how to choose the right size for your setup.
Start With How You Travel
Before you look at models, think about how you actually use cold storage on the road.
Weekend SUV Camping
Short trips
Mostly drinks, snacks, simple meals
You don’t need a dual-zone fridge/freezer
Part-Time Van Trips
Longer weekends, road trips, seasonal travel
Real meals, prepped food, leftovers
You might want freezer capability
Full-Time Van Life or Big Road Trips
You rely on your cooler every day
Need consistent temps, low power draw, more capacity
Dual-zone becomes helpful
Do You Really Need a Freezer?
Yes, if you prep meals, store meat, or travel for an extended time
No, if you mostly keep drinks + produce cold
Knowing these pieces makes the model selection much easier.
The Three Dometic Lines in Plain Language
CFX2 — Simple Single-Zone Coolers
Single-zone means one compartment, one temperature. You choose a fridge or a freezer.
CFX2 model—simple single-zone coolers built for basic cold storage.
Best for:
Simple setups
SUV camping
Short trips
People who don’t need a freezer all the time
Why choose it: straightforward cold storage. No extra features you don’t need.
CFX3 — The Versatile Middle (My Line)
This is Dometic’s largest and most flexible family.
The updated black CFX3 model—cleaner looking than the older grey version I own.
Most size options (25L to 90L+)
Mostly single-zone, with some dual-zone models in larger sizes
Works for SUVs or vans
Great balance of size, features, and price
My CFX3 35 is in this line. I used it as a fridge in the SUV and now use it as a dedicated freezer in the van.
Best for: most people who want flexibility and don’t need the newest insulation.
CFX5 — Newer, More Insulated Line
The CFX5 updates the design with improved insulation and materials.
Inside the CFX5 set as a fridge—same cooling style as the CFX line I use.
Why that matters:
Holds temp better in heat
Uses less power over long periods
Easier on smaller electrical systems
Best for:
Main fridge/freezer in a van
Long trips, hot climates
Anyone who wants maximum efficiency
If you rely on your cooler full-time, a CFX5 can be worth the upgrade.
Choosing a Size (By How You Pack, Not Liters)
Think about how much food you bring and how far you travel, not the exact liter number.
Smaller (~25–30L)
Great for solo trips or weekends
Drinks + a few meals
Easy to move in and out of an SUV
Mid-Size (~35–45L)
My CFX3 35 lives here
Enough room for real food and prepped meals
Works for vans and SUVs without taking over your cargo space
Larger (50L+) and Dual-Zone
Best for families or long trips
Dual-zone gives you fridge + freezer in one unit
Takes more power but replaces two coolers
Single-Zone vs Dual-Zone
Single-Zone
One compartment, one temperature
Fridge or freezer
Simple and efficient
Dual-Zone
Two compartments, two temperatures
Fridge + freezer at the same time
Great for long trips or full-time setups
Who needs dual-zone: people who cook often, travel long-term, or want true separation.
Who doesn’t: weekend travelers, minimalists, or anyone fine running one cooler at a time.
How I Landed on My CFX3 35
I started in an SUV and didn’t need anything huge. The CFX3 35 made sense because:
My CFX3 35 in its usual spot in the van’s rear garage.
It was the right size for real food
It worked as a fridge or freezer, depending on the trip
It fits in both the SUV and the van
Now in the van, I use it as a dedicated freezer. It runs full-time on trips and stays off between them.
If you want the full review, I go deeper into how it fits into my van setup and what it does well.
Quick “If This Is You, Start Here” Guide
Weekend SUV camping (drinks + snacks):
→ CFX2 small or CFX3 smallPart-time van trips with real meals:
→ Mid-size CFX3 (35–45L)Full-time van or one main fridge/freezer:
→ Large dual-zone CFX3 or CFX5Hot climates or small electrical systems:
→ CFX5 for better insulation + lower power draw
Final Thoughts
Choosing a Dometic electric cooler is really about matching the cooler to the kind of travel you do—not chasing features. All three lines cool the same way. What changes is how much space you need, how you pack, and how long you’re off-grid.
Once you know how you travel, the right model becomes clear.
Michele Underwood writes Overland Girl, where she shares gear she uses on real trips—from the Northwoods of Wisconsin to the Ozarks. She values quality and craftsmanship in everything she buys—from outdoor gear to everyday clothes and furniture. Her choices may seem expensive to some, but she believes in buying less and buying better. Longevity matters, both in terms of function and style. Her couch is five years old and still sold at Design Within Reach—that's the kind of timelessness she looks for. Some of the links in this review are affiliate links, which means she may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support her work. She only recommends gear she’d bring herself.
