Dometic Electric Cooler Guide: CFX2 vs CFX3 vs CFX5
How Dometic’s CFX2, CFX3, and CFX5 compare—and what I’ve learned from using a CFX3 35 in my van.
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos by Michele and courtesy of Dometic
Where this cooler gets used most—quiet roads, long weekends, and fall trips.
Why I Use a Dometic Electric Cooler
I use a Dometic CFX3 35 in my van as a backup freezer. My van already has refrigeration, so I don't rely on the CFX3 as my primary fridge. Instead, it gives me extra frozen storage when I'm traveling and lets me carry more food without taking up space in the refrigerator.
That's also given me a different perspective on choosing between the CFX models. I don't necessarily need the newest or largest cooler. The better question is what you need it to do, how much space you have, and whether the newer models' extra features are worth paying for.
I also have a full Dometic CFX3 35 review if you want to see exactly how I use mine in the van. Read the review →
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.
What’s the Difference Between the Dometic CFX2, CFX3, and CFX5?
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. Read my Dometic CFX3 35 Review →
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Dometic CFX2, CFX3, and CFX5? The CFX2 is the simpler line for straightforward cold storage; the CFX3 offers more sizes and configurations; and the CFX5 is the newer premium line with updated insulation and efficiency. I use a CFX3 35 because its size and flexibility work well for my van.
Is the Dometic CFX3 still worth buying? I think so. I still use my CFX3 35 as a dedicated freezer in my van, and I wouldn't replace it simply because the CFX5 is newer. If the size, features, and price work for your setup, the CFX3 is still worth considering.
Can a Dometic CFX be used as a freezer? Yes. I originally used my CFX3 35 as a refrigerator in my SUV and now use it as a dedicated freezer in my van.
Do I need a dual-zone Dometic cooler? Not necessarily. A dual-zone model makes sense if you want a refrigerator and freezer running at different temperatures at the same time. I use a single-zone CFX3 35 as a freezer because my van already has a separate refrigerator.
Which Dometic CFX is best for van life? It depends on your setup. I'd look at a CFX3 if you want plenty of size and configuration choices, or a CFX5 if the cooler will be your primary fridge/freezer and efficiency is especially important. I use a CFX3 35 because I only need additional freezer space.
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.
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.