Storing your food is a challenge when living off-grid. The best cooler for off-grid living will allow you to maintain the temperature and store food for a certain period.
You can’t buy a refrigerator because that consumes high energy. You are living off-grid, and power management is a crucial part.
An energy-efficient cooler will enable you to get the desired temperature and save energy. You can maintain the energy production and consumption rate with a good cooler.
Depending on the types, wattage, and energy source, you will find several types of coolers. You have to select the most efficient one that comes with the value of the money.
In this writing, we present the best coolers for off-grid living and a complete buyer’s guide. Besides, we answer some significant FAQs about off-grid coolers. Let’s get started.
Contents
Why Do You Need Cooler For Off-Grid Living?
A cooler is an essential home appliance that will enable you to store food in off-grid life. Generally, people live off-grid in natural places, however, hot weather can destroy the moment.
An energy-efficient cooler will reduce the temperature and offer a good storage option. You need a cooler to protect frozen items or drinks if you live in a remote place far from the city.
Besides, a cooler consumes less energy than a refrigerator. It is less effective for the environment. You will get the feel of a natural cooling system while using it at your off-grid house and remote places.
A cooler will keep your food safe and you don’t need to purchase a refrigerator. Similarly, the portability of a cooler enables you to carry and use it conveniently.
Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For In A Good Cooler For Your Off The Grid Life
A buyer’s guide will help you to find the best product with significant features. It will enable you to compare the specification, output, and purchase a device with the value of the money.
In this section, we present the significant key features of the best cooler for off-grid living. We include these features comparing different options and issues. Let’s explore!
Temperature Control
A good cooler contains temperature control and it will enable you to maintain the desired temperature. You can set the most comfortable output from the device.
Capacity
You have to consider the number of members of the house and the capacity of the cooler to find the best device. A quality off-grid cooler comes with a high-efficiency cooling system.
Portability
The design and user experience are important for a cooling device. It is better to purchase a portable cooler that will be easy to carry and is lightweight.
Draining ability
A high-quality cooler should have an effective drainage system for extra water and air. You have to consider this feature to avoid unwanted errors.
Cooler For Off-Grid Living & Their Reviews
| Temperature Control | Capacity | |
| Gosun Chill | Convection Cooling | 40 Liters |
| Igloo 26-quart co | Convection Cooling | 26 Liters |
| Koolatron Travel Saver P95 | Hot and Cool | 42 Liters |
Gosun Chill
First, we have a solar powered cooler that runs without ice and comes with an organized design. It has a touch screen dashboard for an easy and convenient user experience.
Overview:
- Solar Powered
- Temperature Control
- Touch Screen
- 40 Liters
- 14-Hour Cooling Time
- Plug and Play
- 230 Watts
- ABS Shell Material
- Power Bank
- LED Light
- DC Power Cord
This is an excellent solar-powered cooler that has unique features. It will be your best companion for camping, outings, traveling, off-grid living, and more.
The cooler contains ABS shell material for long-term operation and durability. You can store large amounts of food and drinks in this cooler.
It is portable, plus, the plug-and-play option enables you to use it on the go. The solar table of this device can produce energy anywhere under the sun, literally.
With the additional power bank, you can charge 3 USB devices at a time. Plus, the car plug socket will allow you to connect DC-powered devices.
It is a good cooler with ample space and features. You can utilize the device for a better experience outdoors.
Gosun Chill Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| No Ice Needed Easy to Use | Low Night Power |
YETI Tundra 45
Next, we have the YETI Tundra 45 that comes with an ABS plastic material design and interlock lid system.
The cooler is designed for serious outdoor enthusiasts for a unique experience.
YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
- The YETI Tundra 45 combines versatility with durability with a capacity of up to 26 cans with a recommended 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio
- Ice stays ice thanks to up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and an extra thick FatWall design is certified Bear-Resistant
- The Rotomolded Construction makes the Tundra armored to the core and virtually indestructible so wherever you decide to take it, this portable cooler’s sturdy construction will stand up to the rigors of the journey
Overview:
- 45 Quarts
- ABS Plastic Material
- 0.06 Pounds
- Polyurethane Foam
- 25.75 x 16.13 x 15.38 Inches
- Fatwall Design
- 26 x 16 x 16.75 Inch
- 27.5 Pounds
- Drainage System
- Interlock Lid
- Durable Handle
This cooler has extra thick walls to hold two inches of ice for better performance. The permafrost insulation system maintains the pressure and you will get commercial-grade service.
It has a heavy-duty T-REX Lid with an interlock system. The device can create a strong barrier against heat.
Besides, the cooler has a freezer quality gasket that blocks air and heat for an effective cooling system.
It is very convenient to carry, and the lightweight design enables you to use it anyplace under the sun.
YETI Tundra 45 Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable Design Extension Cooling Period | Expensive |
- The YETI Tundra 45 combines versatility with durability with a capacity of up to 26 cans with a recommended 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio
- Ice stays ice thanks to up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and an extra thick FatWall design is certified Bear-Resistant
- The Rotomolded Construction makes the Tundra armored to the core and virtually indestructible so wherever you decide to take it, this portable cooler’s sturdy construction will stand up to the rigors of the journey
Igloo 26-Quart Cooler
If you want an ice-free cooler for outdoor activities, the Igloo 26-Quart Cooler is an ideal device. It has a brushless motor and convection cooling system.
Your foods and drink items will be preserved safely when you are away from home.
Igloo 28 Quart Iceless Thermoelectric 12 Volt Portable Ice Chest Beverage Cooler
- Swing-up bale handle with comfort grip for easy carrying
- Molded-in side handles for two handed carrying or lifting. Capacity-32 12-oz cans; 26 quarts (24 liters)
- 8' long power cord plugs into any 12V DC receptacle (e.g. cigarette lighter) for portable use - good universal fit in 12V outlet
Overview:
- Metallic Fiber Material
- 12.87 x 16.65 x 18.23 Inches
- 26 Liters
- Side Handle Bars
- Two Handles for Carrying
- Cools Without Ice
- Brushless Motor
- Plug and Play
- 1000-Volt Outlet
- 8-Foot Power Cable
This small and compact cooler is perfect for hangouts, long drives, off-grid living, camping, fishing, and more. It will support you when you need more room for food and drinks outdoors.
The plug-and-play system saves time and enhances the performance wherever you go. It cools items without ice. Therefore, there is no risk of water drainage.
Besides, it is easy to carry, and it comes with two handlebars. You can take this cooler with you without labor.
The brushless motor and convection cooling system enables you to get a fast cooling system.
You will get an 8-foot long cable and you can connect it conveniently to any electric or solar socket. It is also compatible with car plugs.
Igloo 26-Quart Cooler Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Plug-and-Play Portable Durable | Cannot Sit on It |
- Swing-up bale handle with comfort grip for easy carrying
- Molded-in side handles for two handed carrying or lifting. Capacity-32 12-oz cans; 26 quarts (24 liters)
- 8' long power cord plugs into any 12V DC receptacle (e.g. cigarette lighter) for portable use - good universal fit in 12V outlet
Igloo 40-Quart Cooler
If you are not satisfied with the size of the previous one, you can get this large one from the same manufacturer.
It has a 40-quart space, an inside space divider, and a carrying handle.
Igloo Iceless 40 Qt Thermoelectric Cooler
- Powered by 12V DC auto plug adapter
- Cools to 38 DegreeF below ambient temperature
- ThermoElectric- fan circulates cold air, allows plastic bottles to cool as much and as quickly as cans
Overview:
- Polypropylene Material
- 21.87 x 15.25 x 16.75 Inches
- 40 Quarts
- 18.75 Pounds
- Auto-Plug Adapter
- Convection Cooling
- 12-Volt DC Output
- Adjustable Food Shelf
- Inside Space Divider
- Carrying Handle
This commercial grade cooler is designed for frequent travelers and people living far away from the city. If you are a truck driver or a man who loves long drives, this cooler is ideal for you.
The convenient operating option and durable design will enable you to run it in any weather condition. It has a plug-and-play option and you can connect it directly with the car’s DC output.
This cooler has an adjustable food shelf and carrying handle. You can utilize the inside space and carry the cooler easily.
Besides, the convection cooling system offers the best temperature control without ice.
One thing you might not like is that it is not as durable as other models.
Igloo 40-quart cooler Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Faster Cooling Ice-Free Cooling System | Less Durable than ABS Plastic |
- Powered by 12V DC auto plug adapter
- Cools to 38 DegreeF below ambient temperature
- ThermoElectric- fan circulates cold air, allows plastic bottles to cool as much and as quickly as cans
Knox Electric Cooler and Warmer
This is a dual-power cooler and warmer that runs with electric and DC power sources. You will get a reliable device for hot and cool weather. It will protect your food and drinks from being rotten at a standard temperature.
Electric Cooler and Warmer for Car and Home with Wheels
- Durable and Portable: Tough hard shell coolers for unmatched insulation power. Whether you're travelling on the road or camping in an RV, camper or minivan, this large capacity storage container to heat and warm or cool and chill food and drink.
- Plugs in Anywhere: The cooler/warmer combo has 2 built in cords - one for standard wall outlets, and one for car power adapters. Both have storage compartments to be hidden when not in use.
- Vast Storage Space: This 48-quart large compact cooler stores about 60 cans of soda or 6 large 2-liter bottle with plenty of space for food & snacks. Portable and spacious.
Overview:
- 45 Liters
- DC Car Plug
- 16.3 x 23.1 x 18 Inches
- Inside Divider
- Carry Handle
- Hot and Cold Settings
- Plug Storage Compartment
- Transport Wheels
- 16.61 Pounds
- Built-in Cord
- Plug-and-play
This cooler and warmer is ideal for RV, camping, off-grid houses, beach picnics, and long drives. The easy locking mechanism and the sealed lid will control the internal temperature perfectly.
Whether you are traveling outdoors on hot summer days or camping in the middle of the winter, this gear and warmer will be your best travel partner.
It is designed to provide you with an easy food preserving option for the whole year. This hot and cool device has more space inside.
An inside divider will help you store your food and drinks.
Besides, it has a user-friendly operating option with a built-in power cord. The cooler comes with durable material and a lightweight design. You can easily carry it from the sea beach to the top of the mountain.
There is one thing that is not compatible with this cooler that is its noisy fan. However, it is not a serious issue.
Knox Electric Cooler and Warmer Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Glossy Finish Heavy-Duty Portable Lightweight | Noisier Fan |
- Durable and Portable: Tough hard shell coolers for unmatched insulation power. Whether you're travelling on the road or camping in an RV, camper or minivan, this large capacity storage container to heat and warm or cool and chill food and drink.
- Plugs in Anywhere: The cooler/warmer combo has 2 built in cords - one for standard wall outlets, and one for car power adapters. Both have storage compartments to be hidden when not in use.
- Vast Storage Space: This 48-quart large compact cooler stores about 60 cans of soda or 6 large 2-liter bottle with plenty of space for food & snacks. Portable and spacious.
Koolatron Travel Saver P95
Next, we have a cooler with a durable injection-molded exterior and a brushless fan motor. It will be your great and unique choice to keep your groceries cold.
Koolatron Travel Saver P95 Thermoelectric Iceless Electric 12V Cooler Warmer
- 42 L (45 qt) Capacity with Domed Lid: With a 42 liter (45 quart) capacity and a unique domed lid to accommodate taller items, this 12V portable cooler holds up to 57 standard soft drink cans
- Plugs Into Any 12V Outlet: Thermoelectric cooler/warmer comes with a 12V DC adapter for use in your car, truck, or boat; also compatible with AC power (110V adapter sold separately) for indoors
- Versatile Two-Way Design: This unique cooler's secure magnetic door seal and removable shelves let you position it either as a classic chest-style cooler or on its side as a front-opening mini-fridge
Overview:
- Iceless
- 12-Volt
- Cooler and Warmer
- 42 Liters
- Removable Compartment
- Magnetic Lock
- Sealed Door
- 6.49 Kilograms
- 20.75 x 15 x 17.25 Inches
This high-efficient cooler is suitable for satellite to SUVs. You will get a plug-and-play option for a conventional cooling system. Just load the inner part of the cooler with your favorite food and drinks.
It is designed to use for several purposes and the cooler offers multiple benefits while traveling. The cooler will enable you to hold your energy with nutritious food during long and overnight journeys.
It has all the modern features, including a sealed door and magnetic lock.
There will be no risk for dripping and drainage of water because of its ice-free technology. It will be your best storage option while living off-grid.
You can connect it directly to the car plug or a 12-volt battery. So, it will serve you anytime at any place.
Koolatron Travel Saver P95 Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide Number of Practical Uses No Gas No Compressor | Takes Time to Start Cooling Initially |
- 42 L (45 qt) Capacity with Domed Lid: With a 42 liter (45 quart) capacity and a unique domed lid to accommodate taller items, this 12V portable cooler holds up to 57 standard soft drink cans
- Plugs Into Any 12V Outlet: Thermoelectric cooler/warmer comes with a 12V DC adapter for use in your car, truck, or boat; also compatible with AC power (110V adapter sold separately) for indoors
- Versatile Two-Way Design: This unique cooler's secure magnetic door seal and removable shelves let you position it either as a classic chest-style cooler or on its side as a front-opening mini-fridge
Koolatron P-27 Voyager
Finally, we have an efficient cooler for off-grid living that comes with a 27-liter large capacity and is suitable for a family tour.
It has a removable compartment that allows you to use the space for maximum storage capacity.
Koolatron Voyager P27 Thermoelectric Iceless 12V Cooler Warmer
- Fits 48 standard cans: 27 liter (29 quart) capacity 12V cooler can hold all the food and drinks you need for a day trip with the family or an afternoon on the water.
- Use chest-style or upright: Two-way design with secure sliding latch and removable shelf/divider allows this versatile cooler to be used both as a classic chest and a front-opening mini-fridge.
- 12 volt power cord included: Plug the 12V DC (5 Amps/60 Watts) cord into any 12V outlet for reliable cooling & warming on the go. Add Koolatron's 110V AC adapter (sold separately) to seamlessly transfer from your vehicle to indoors.
Overview:
- 27.5 Liters
- 12-Volt
- Iceless
- Removable Compartment
- Easy Carrying Handle
- ABS Plastic Material
- 17.25 x 15.25 x 15.25 Inches
- 11.1 Pounds
This cooler is ideal for camping, traveling, truck driving, and SUVs, and living off-grid. It has an iceless operation with a thermoelectric cooling system.
The outer and inner part of this cooler is designed with professional-grade materials. You don’t need ice to keep your things cool.
You will get a removable compartment for easy access and space utilization. Besides, the easy carrying handle enables you to move the cooler conveniently.
It contains a high-quality slide lock that keeps your food and drinks safe when living in a remote place.
Koolatron P-27 Voyager Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Basket-Type Lock Easy Lock and Safety Durable Material | No Issues Found |
- Fits 48 standard cans: 27 liter (29 quart) capacity 12V cooler can hold all the food and drinks you need for a day trip with the family or an afternoon on the water.
- Use chest-style or upright: Two-way design with secure sliding latch and removable shelf/divider allows this versatile cooler to be used both as a classic chest and a front-opening mini-fridge.
- 12 volt power cord included: Plug the 12V DC (5 Amps/60 Watts) cord into any 12V outlet for reliable cooling & warming on the go. Add Koolatron's 110V AC adapter (sold separately) to seamlessly transfer from your vehicle to indoors.
Other options For Off-grid refrigeration
There are several options available for off-grid refrigeration. You can use zeer pot, icebox, ice house, root cellar, propane powered refrigerators, solar powered refrigerators.
These options are also effective for off-grid preservation. You can select an option that is suitable for your place and house. Don’t go for an expensive one that is not compatible with your needs. You can explore 8 Easy Ways To Refrigerate Food Without Electricity. Best Cooler
FAQs
How do you keep food cold off the grid?
You can use natural processes and a cooler to keep your food cold. Off-grid coolers are the best device that requires low maintenance and costs.
What refrigerator uses the least electricity?
Energy Star refrigerator is the most energy-efficient device. You can use it for off-grid, commercial, and home food storage.
What is the best refrigerator for solar power?
Sundanzer Solar-Powered Refrigerator refrigerator is the best energy-efficient solar refrigerator. This device will provide you with a maximum cooling system and consume low energy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that a cooler is the best alternative storage when you don’t have refrigerator access. This small and portable device will enable you to store food during traveling, camping, and outings.
If you don’t have prior experience with off-grid coolers, you can follow our suggestions. We recommend the best device with the value of the money.
The Koolatron Travel Saver P95 is the best device with a removable compartment and an easy carrying option.
On the contrary, the Gosun Chill comes with solar power and a highly efficient cooling system. Before selecting any device, you have to consider your needs. You can select any other high-quality device from the list.