A 45-liter single-zone compressor cooler that OutdoorGearLab ranked first of the 11 powered coolers it tested, with an overall score of 86. In that test it held 34.7°F against a 35°F setpoint, chilled warm cans to 35°F in half an hour and used 41 watt-hours over six hours. Dometic lists it at $1,049.99.
Full review
Temperature control in OutdoorGearLab's test
OutdoorGearLab gave the CFX5 45 an overall score of 86 and ranked it first of 11 powered coolers, with 9.1 out of 10 for temperature control, the most heavily weighted part of its rating. With the controls set to 35°F, the reviewers measured 34.7°F inside, which they call highly accurate and useful for not freezing food that is only meant to be cold.
At its minimum setting the cooler reached -2.2°F in that test. The controls go down to -7°F, the same floor Dometic states, but OutdoorGearLab reports the interior never got that cold.
Cooling speed and power use
Filled with warm cans, the CFX5 45 brought them to 35°F in half an hour, which OutdoorGearLab describes as faster than most models it tested though not the fastest.
The site measured an average of 41 watt-hours over six hours and a steady-state DC draw of 6.8 watts. Its reviewers estimate that a 500-watt-hour power station covers a weekend. The cooler has no selectable power modes, which OutdoorGearLab says it did not miss, and it has built-in battery protection so it will not drain a vehicle battery with the engine off.
Controls, baskets and cleaning
OutdoorGearLab calls the color display one of its favorite screens and prefers its tactile buttons to the touch panels on other coolers. The Bluetooth app is described as straightforward, and every setting can also be changed on the cooler itself.
Removable wire baskets organize the interior and lift out for cleaning, and a drain plug lets the cabinet be rinsed without tipping it. A bottle opener is built in. The lid latch is the one usability complaint: OutdoorGearLab lists it as finicky.
Weight, durability and warranty
OutdoorGearLab weighed the cooler at 36.2 pounds empty; Dometic's specification sheet gives a net weight of 40.26 pounds. The reviewers say most adults can carry it alone when empty but that it may take two people when full. The spring-loaded handles felt too stiff at first and loosened with use.
The site rates it one of the most durable models in its test, citing the metal fender frames and spring-mounted components, and reports no major dings or dents after testing. On warranty the two sources differ: OutdoorGearLab says the cooler comes with five years of coverage, while Dometic's US product page currently shows a 3 Year Warranty.
Who it suits
OutdoorGearLab recommends the CFX5 45 for people who will use a powered cooler regularly, from weekend trips to full-time van living, and calls it a good value despite the price because of its build and ease of use. Its listed reasons to avoid it are the cost and the latch.
Strengths
- +OutdoorGearLab measured 34.7°F inside with the controls set to 35°F
- +Brought warm cans down to 35°F in half an hour in OutdoorGearLab's test
- +Drew 41 watt-hours over six hours, per OutdoorGearLab
- +Color display with physical buttons plus a Bluetooth app
- +Drain plug and removable wire baskets make cleaning easier
Watch-outs
- −OutdoorGearLab found the lid latch finicky
- −Not the most portable model in OutdoorGearLab's test: 36.2 lb empty on its scale, and it may take two people to carry when full
- −Single zone only, so it cannot hold frozen and chilled food at the same time
How it compares
The Dometic CFX5 45 is a single-zone cooler like the Goal Zero Alta 50 and the Whynter FM-45G, where the Dometic CFX3 75DZ has two independent zones. At 40.26 lbs by Dometic's figure it is lighter than the Alta 50 at 49.4 lbs and the Whynter at 54.6 lbs. It costs more than the Alta 50 or the Whynter and less than the CFX3 75DZ.
Rating sources
Our 4.8 score is the average of these published ratings, each adjusted for how strictly its publisher scores. More about methodology.
