Dometic CFX3 35 Review (2025): Why I Use It as a Backup Freezer in My Van
How I use the CFX3 35
as a backup freezer in my van.
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos by Michele and courtesy of Dometic
My CFX3 35 lives in the rear garage area of the van—easy to reach, out of the way, and wired into the 12V system.
I had my Dometic electric cooler before I ever owned a van. It lived in the back of my SUV on camping trips and did the simple, important job of keeping food cold without having to chase ice or food waste.
Having a mobile electric cooler is very convenient. It lets you bring the foods you really want to eat on trips—things that need to stay cold or frozen. Without one, you’re more limited in what you can pack and how long it lasts.
When I got the van, the role of the cooler shifted. The Dometic moved from the SUV into the van and now works as a freezer. I use it for meals I make in advance of trips and anything else that needs to stay solid. My main fridge handles daily food and drinks; the Dometic steps in when I need extra freezer space.
In this review, I’m discussing how an electric cooler works in my setup, using this Dometic as an example. The exact model you choose mostly comes down to your own preferences for size and how much space you have.
The specific model I own is the Dometic CFX3 35, which I bought in 2024.
Dometic Electric Cooler Options
Choosing a Dometic electric cooler comes down to how you plan to use it. All three lines cool the same way and run on both 12V and AC power. The real differences are in the model family you choose, the size that fits your vehicle, and how you like to pack food.
Here’s the simple breakdown.
CFX2 — Basic Single-Zone Coolers
(Single-zone means the cooler has one compartment with a single temperature. You set it as either a fridge or a freezer, and the whole interior stays at that temperature.)
The CFX2 line—simple, single-zone electric coolers in a newer, cleaner exterior.
Straightforward, single-zone electric coolers
Can run as a fridge or a freezer
Good if you want a simple, reliable cold-storage setup
Works well for SUV camping or a basic van layout
This is the no-frills line—good if you want one cooler to do a simple job without extra features.
CFX3 — The Versatile Middle of the Range
(Most CFX3 models, including mine, are also single-zone. You choose a fridge or a freezer, not both at once.)
The updated black model of the CFX3 series—cleaner looking than my older grey version.
The most size options across the Dometic lineup
Runs from small 25L coolers up to large 90L+ units
Includes both single-zone and dual-zone options in the bigger models
The line my cooler belongs to
My CFX3 35 is a single-zone cooler in this family, which is why I now use it as a dedicated freezer in the van.
CFX5 — Newer, More Insulated Line
A look inside the CFX5 used as a fridge—same cooling style as the CFX line I use, just set to a different temp.
Updated insulation and materials
Single-zone and dual-zone models
Designed to be more efficient
A good fit if this will be your main fridge/freezer in a van
If you’re building a long-term setup and want one main cooler to do a lot of work, the CFX5 is at the higher end of the range.
Then You Choose the Size
Once you know which line fits your needs (CFX2, CFX3, or CFX5), size is the next decision:
25–30L: compact, portable, great for SUVs or solo weekend trips
35–45L: the mid-size range (where my CFX3 35 falls) — enough room for real meals without taking over the entire van
50L and up: better for families or long trips where the cooler is your main fridge
Dual-zone sizes: useful if you want a fridge and a freezer in one unit instead of running a second cooler
Size is the thing you feel every day—how much it holds, how heavy it is, and where it fits in your vehicle.
How I Use My CFX3 35 as a Backup Freezer
A closer look at the CFX3 35 in its usual spot. This is where it runs full-time as a freezer on trips.
I owned this cooler before I had a van, which is why it moved naturally from SUV camping into my van setup. When it lived in the SUV, it kept food cold. In the van, its job is different. Now it’s a freezer. The newer model comes in black—much better looking than the grey I own.
Here’s what that looks like:
It holds frozen meals I prep before a trip
It carries extra protein and items that need to stay frozen
It keeps freezer items separate from everyday fridge food
On trips, it runs full-time as a freezer in the van
Between trips, it’s usually turned off until I load it again
It sits in the rear “garage” area of the van
On the road, it’s running around the clock to keep everything frozen. In the bigger picture, it’s still a backup appliance—part of my system for specific trips, not the main fridge that lives on all season. That’s where a mid-size, single-zone electric cooler fits well in my setup.
Pro Tip: When not using, unplug as these suck up a lot of your power if you are off grid and not plugged into a source.
Why It Earns a Spot in My Setup
Consistent temperature
Once it’s down to temp, it stays there without fuss.
Flexible to use
I can set it up as a fridge or a freezer, depending on the trip.
Fits both SUV and van life
It has worked in two completely different vehicle setups.
The size makes sense
Mid-size gives me enough room without taking over the van.
Easy to organize and clean
The simple interior and drain plug keep maintenance low.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
Not ideal as a single fridge for big trips
It’s better as a second cold zone or a freezer, not the only cooler for a larger group.
Freezer mode pulls more power
Running it full-time as a freezer works best if your electrical system can support it.
Heavy when loaded
Once it’s full, moving it is a two-handed job. Placement matters.
Price vs. use
It makes more sense if you travel and camp often. It’s harder to justify for once-a-year trips.
Who a Dometic Electric Cooler Like This Fits
Based on how I use mine, this type of cooler fits people who:
Want reliable cold storage without dealing with ice
Travel in a van or SUV with some gear organization
Need a fridge or a freezer depending on the trip
Prep meals at home and want them to stay cold or frozen
Have (or plan to build) a power system that supports an electric cooler
Prefer a dedicated, temperature-controlled zone instead of a traditional ice cooler
Whether you run it as a fridge or a freezer, a Dometic electric cooler in this size range fits easily into most van or SUV setups.
How It Sits in My Overall Kit
My main fridge handles everyday food and drinks
The Dometic CFX3 35 is my backup freezer for trips that need it
It lives in the back of the van with my storage bins and kitchen gear
It followed me from the back of an SUV into a van, and its purpose stayed the same: keep food cold or frozen so the rest of the trip is easier.
Where to Find Dometic Electric Coolers
To see the current models I mention in this review, head over to Dometic’s electric cooler lineup and find the size that fits your vehicle and your travel style.
Be sure to check out my other article, Dometic Electric Cooler Guide: CFX2 vs CFX3 vs CFX5.
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.
