Tangerine and watermelon swirls painted the sky above the waves as a few surfers caught the final light. It was 4:30 p.m. Two friends and I peeled off our wetsuits and booties and started cooking dinner. We were nearly a week into our off-road adventure camping and surfing along the rugged, remote Pacific coast of Mexico’s northern Baja California Peninsula.

Opening my truck’s tailgate, I clicked open my travel refrigerator — the powerful Dometic CFX 55IM Electric Cooler — and pulled out an avocado, cheese, eggs, tomatoes, lettuce, and radishes: Breakfast for dinner never gets old, especially when you have the luxury of fresh goods out in the middle of the desert with 70-foot tall cardón cacti and whimsical boojum trees.

Amenities, including grocery stores and ice, are certainly available in larger cities near the U.S.-Mexico border. But once you venture 5 hours or so into Baja Norte, the cellphone service, gas and water supply stations, restaurants, and grocers become sparse. After leaving the potholed two-lane highway, we off-roaded for nearly 2 hours to reach our beachfront campout in the surf zone we wanted to experience.

All to say, it’s pretty key to have a reliable refrigeration system when you’re that far out from civilization. Fortunately, this new top-of-the-line powered cooler from Dometic delivered.

In short: Launched in October 2024, the spacious and sleek 55L Dometic CFX 55IM Electric Cooler ($1,100) has superior cooling efficiency thanks to new vacuum-insulated panels, an upgraded self-adjusting compressor that maintains a steady temperature, and the ability to monitor and adjust cooler settings via the Dometic app and Bluetooth connectivity. Oh, the CFX 55 can also make ice. The CFX 55 lineup includes a 25L, 35L, or 45L size or a 75L dual-zone design — but the 55L is the only single-zone cooler with ice trays.

See how this electric cooler compares to other top picks in GearJunkie’s guide to The Best Electric Coolers. To compare other options, check out The Best Soft Coolers or The Best Backpack Coolers buyer’s guides.

Dometic CFX5 55IM Electric Cooler Review

Road-tripping Baja is like backpacking through a remote, rugged landscape with your rig. You need to carry basic necessities like fresh water, fuel, and food. For 2 weeks last November, my Toyota Tacoma powered the Dometic CFX5 55IM Electric Cooler while I ventured south and boondocked along the Pacific coast.

I tested the 55L capacity because I knew that grocery stores would be few and far between in southern Baja Norte, and I didn’t plan to leave the wilderness much. That size easily accommodated all of my fresh food for the entire trip.

I brought a second non-electric cooler for beverages, which I loaded with a bag of ice and kept in a well-shaded spot in my truck bed. Near the tailgate, the CFX 55IM lived in the front right corner of the bed next to the 120V/400W power outlet, from which the cooler drew power for a large portion of the trip.

As I continued south, the warmer and less windy the weather became. Throughout the trip, the daytime and overnight temps ranged from approximately 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit with a range of humidity, wind, gusts, cloud coverage, and direct sunlight.

I’ve tested dozens of coolers over the years as the inaugural writer, lead tester, and editor for GearJunkie’s Soft Coolers and Backpack Coolers guides, as well as a former cooler tester for Uncommon Path, the publication of REI Co-op, and for Gear Patrol. A few coolers outshine the rest, and the 55IM, to no surprise, sits at the top.

Fortunately, the Dometic CFX5 55IM was incredibly efficient and reliable throughout the off-roading trip and in these conditions.

Cooling: Powerful & Efficient

With this cooler, Dometic debuted a top-tier lineup called CFX5. Built on an upgraded cooling system, this cooler box is even more efficient, quiet, user-friendly, and powerful.

First, this cooler integrates the brand’s first-ever vacuum-insulated panels (VIP), allowing for reduced insulation foam, which streamlines the silhouette and cuts grams. VIP reduces the presence of gas molecules, which extremely limits convective heat loss and increases energy efficiency. Sandwiched around the VIP is a layer of polyurethane foam and an exterior made of high-density, durable polypropylene plastic.

Additionally, Dometic dialed up the compressor to the 3.5 VMSO (variable motor speed optimization), which automatically adjusts its energy output to maintain the cooler’s preset temperature, increasing consistency and efficiency.

Despite all the high-tech, this cooler box is very quiet, which I especially noticed while pre-cooling the CFX5 at home. The cooler temperature can go as low as -7 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. I kept the cooler set to Dometic’s recommended 41 degrees.

If you don’t need the high-end tech and are looking for a less pricey electric option, the brand still offers the CFX2 lineup with a baseline design.

High-Resolution Display & App Control

After plugging in the cooler for a pre-cool session, the high-resolution color display was a noticeable detail. The menu was intuitive and simple to navigate via soft buttons: Set temp, Battery protection, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Display, Temp units (C or F), and Zone control.

In the temperature setting, you can adjust the primary sole compartment. There’s also a shelf on the cooler’s left side, where two slender plastic ice trays sit side by side under a hatch. You can turn on that tidy ice maker zone, which naturally requires more energy from the cooler — and makes ice remarkably fast.

While I was on the road, I used my phone to quickly check and monitor the cooler’s temperature with the straightforward Dometic mobile app via Bluetooth, which worked even when I didn’t have cellphone coverage during the majority of my trip.

The app also provides alerts, such as if the lid is left open. I noticed if I closed out and reopened the app, I’d sometimes need to reconnect with the cooler (on the Devices menu) for updates. It’s not a huge deal, but be aware.

On the left side of the screen, there’s a 8W QC 3.0 USB port. The fast-charging port delivers a maximum output of 8 W, which is more than a standard USB port, and can adjust the output voltage on compatible devices. Given that I was trying to maximize energy for cooling food, I didn’t utilize the port, but I think it’s a great addition to streamline power between devices.

Big Volume & Removable Storage Baskets

When you don’t need to add ice to a 55L cooler, the portable refrigerator more than doubles in size. (Remember, the recommended ice ratio is 2/3 to 1/3 food.) While I could handle carrying the empty 45-pound cooler just fine, it was a lot more challenging to lift solo once it was packed with food for a 2-week-plus trip.

Dometic equates this volume with 85 12-ounce cans, or food and drinks for up to 3 adults for up to 4 days. While traveling solo, I was able to fit all of my perishables for a 2-week adventure and then some. As mentioned, I kept drinks in a separate portable non-electric cooler for better organization and to help preserve the food and cooler temps.

While this high-volume cooler is a bit less than 2.4 feet wide, the two carry handles are placed close to halfway down the cooler (approximately 1.6 feet high). Meaning, the wingspan is a significant reach, at least for someone my size (5’5″).

Thankfully, a friend helped bump the cooler to my truck bed after it was packed, making that step much easier. If you plan on lifting your cooler solo and that arm reach is a variable for you, consider a smaller volume option in the CFX5 lineup to make transport more manageable.

On the left-hand side, where the raised ice compartment is located, there’s a smaller, shallower wire basket to hold food. On the right-hand side is a large, deep wire basket for food storage, which occupies more than half of the box. A slide-in divider easily helps separate and organize perishables in that large zone.

You could also remove both of the wire baskets altogether, which is helpful for wiping out the interior walls and drain plug after a trip — especially if you have a liquid food spill like I did.

Sturdy Handles & Lid

After testing countless coolers, carry handles are one of the most important pieces, alongside cooling capacity. The CFX55 has two smooth, wide-reaching handles made of aluminum alloy. While the contemporary design lacks padding and articulation for added hand and carry comfort, they are fairly easy to grab and hold.

Each handle lies flat against the cooler’s side and rotates upward for use. When you release the loaded handle, it automatically folds down back into place, which can clap against the cooler. A stealthy bottle opener is located on the side of one handle, too.

The texturized, nonslip lid is sturdy, durable, and closes with a single clasp that you can feel click into place (make sure it does). Another detail that’s not new or fancy but important is that TPE gaskets line the lid to tighten the seal. I easily stacked loaded bins on top of the cooler in the bed.

Ice Maker & Interior Light

This model is denoted with an “IM” — ice maker — and is the only cooler in the CFX 55 lineup that does. I was excited to check out the icebox. I was surprised by how tidy and cute it was.

Two small, pliable ice trays sit side by side inside the compact optional freezer zone, which is enclosed by a hatch. Each tray has 25 cubes that are around a thumbnail size. Sometimes all you need is a touch of ice for luxury!

I noticed that if the cubes were partially melted, it was tough to peel off the lid without spillage, because the trays are soft versus firm. Inside, I loved the aid of the LED light, which reflected nicely off the interior white walls to help illuminate the goods.

Power Sources & AC or DC Input

The CFX 55 can be powered by AC (110-240V), DC (12/24V), or a portable battery, which can be recharged with solar panels. First, I pre-cooled the cooler using a standard AC outlet at home.

After loading the cooler into the truck bed corner of my 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport, I mostly kept the cooler plugged into the bed-mounted 120V/400W AC outlet. The truck’s battery provided the power supply, which was converted to 120V AC via an inverter.

After turning on the ignition (every time), I simply activated power to the outlet with a button on the dashboard near the steering wheel. This was a fantastic way to power the cooler while I drove.

It brought me peace of mind that the cooler has a three-stage dynamic battery protection system, which actively monitors inbound power — and prevents draining a vehicle battery. It supports deep draw on dual batteries. And it also withstands the vibration of going off-road, because the components are mounted are calibrated springs.

But in the middle of nowhere in another country, solo, I didn’t want to risk draining the battery when I was posted up.

For extended periods without driving, I’d plug the cooler into the Dometic PLB40 portable lithium battery, which was designed to power the CFX coolers. The bank claims to deliver up to 40 hours of cooling for a box on a single charge.

While the variables aren’t fixed from that in-house test to my field test — like ambient temperature, direct sunlight, temperature setting, and opening the lid — I used the battery for a portion of 6 days before the battery drained. I noticed that the power bank dropped from a 100% to 96% charge in the first 2 days of the road trip, even without use, so take note.

Once the battery is drained, it can be connected to a portable solar charging kit with a slender 45W panel that’s easy to move and open: the Dometic Zamp Solar Obsidian Series. The solar panel requires 16 hours of sunlight exposure to generate sufficient energy — so be sure to get that panel cooking before you are going to need to plug in the battery, especially if sunlight is limited. To connect the panel to the battery, there’s an included “ATP to PLB40” adaptor that’s easy to plug in.

Critiques

For a top-shelf, top-dollar electric cooler, I’d like to see Dometic put more attention on the two carry handles. Each handle could be constructed more ergonomically to support the hands, create comfort, and prevent fatigue. While sturdy and long-lasting handles are a great mission, it’d be great to see a supportive material and ergonomic shape that offers more comfort, cushion, grip, or all three.

While the lid is easy to open and close, the latch is subtle — it’s hard to hear and feel the lid fully close. While svelte is clearly the intent of this design, this might be a case where a more audible response could help users know if the lid is shut. As insurance, I routinely placed a flat palm on top of the cooler and gave it an extra press every time I shut the lid.

With a fully loaded 55L cooler, the wingspan and placement of the two handles are a challenge to hold solo for a moderately tall person at 5’5″. I appreciate the clean aesthetic and impact-resistant base, but I think this larger volume could be well-suited with wheels for easier transport.

I think the brand could be clearer about this cooler’s ice maker, including the volume of ice and size of the trays. We don’t want people thinking they’ll be making blended margaritas on a remote beach! But a tiny bit of ice goes a long way for a refreshing beverage when you’re car camping in a wild place.

Also, it’d be great if the included AC charging cord were longer, so that I could rotate the cooler 180 degrees (with the front facing the tailgate) while it’s plugged into the bed’s charging outlet.

Conclusion

The premium Dometic CFX5 55IM Electric Cooler is a king choice among all the electric coolers we’ve tested. With optimal efficiency and superior cooling capability, you really get what you pay for with this cooler box.

All of the fine details add up, too, including the internal LED light, simple yet efficient wire baskets and separator, as well as a streamlined shelf for two small ice trays. The vibrant display and app connectivity help make operating this electric cooler more simple and approachable. Without a doubt, the materials are stout and durable.

If you’re planning on camping for a couple of days with family a few times a year, and you don’t mind picking up ice and draining the melted ice afterward, then this cooler might be too built out for you.

Also, if you don’t want to deal with bearing the heavy load of a 55L cooler, or that’s simply too much space, dropping down to the 45L or 35L option would require even less power. (I don’t think it would be a huge sacrifice to give up the ice trays.)

For longer and more remote road trips, I’m hard-pressed to find a more efficient, powerful, and easy-to-use electric cooler on the market than this CFX5 55IM Electric Cooler.