A Better Electric Cooler: Dometic Introduces CFX5 Series

From one line to two. Dometic has expanded its CFX line of electric coolers. Instead of just one solid product line, it now offers an entry-level line and top-spec line.

The CFX3 line is going away, the CFX2 entry-level line was introduced earlier this year, and the new high-end model line is being introduced now, the CFX5.

“The pinnacle of electric coolers is here,” says Josh Militello, President of Segment Mobile Cooling Solutions at Dometic. “With the CFX5, we’re redefining outdoor experiences — for those who want to explore more, without compromising on the finer things. The CFX5’s rugged build is road-ready with every detail considered, like an alert when the lid is left open and a convenient built-in bottle opener.”

Top Dog: Dometic CFX5

I’ve had extensive first-hand experience with the CFX3 line of electric coolers, and can attest to how good they are. For the price, they are hard to beat — even being our pick for 2024 Best Overall Electric Cooler.

How can this cooler get better, you ask? Well, Dometic has made it more efficient in a number of meaningful ways, given it a better screen, and upgraded the USB port.

Vacuum-Insulated Panels

The big upgrade to the CFX5 line over the CFX2 and CFX3 is Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIP), a first for Dometic electric coolers. VIP insulation saves energy and reduces weight.

Dometic explains VIP like this: “Gas molecules transfer heat, creating convective heat loss. In a vacuum, there are no gas molecules. No molecules mean convective heat loss is reduced by a lot. This saves energy, keeps your CFX5’s weight and bulk to a minimum, and — most importantly — your food and drinks stay cold.”

The use of the VIPs allows for thinner insulation foam, which reduces the weight and keeps the cooler size compact. It also ensures stable temperatures while being super energy-efficient.

The CFX5 electric coolers have an outer poly panel (stainless steel on the DZ sizes) for durability, and then a layer of VIP and a layer of insulating foam. This three-layer setup is said to be much more efficient than the poly and foam used on the other CFX coolers.

A Better Compressor

Another substantial upgrade is the compressor. The CFX5 uses a VMSO 3.5 compressor, which Dometic says is its most powerful yet.

It offers variable motor speed optimization (VMSO), which automatically adjusts its speed to maintain the set temperature in the cooler. When the cooler is close to the target temperature, the compressor slows down, and when it needs more cooling power, it speeds up. This system is better than a constant-rate compressor because it offers more consistent temperature control and improved electrical efficiency.

It can also get the cooler down to -7 F, if you ever needed to do such a thing.

Color Display With USB 3.0

The CFX2 offers a four-digit LED display with a USB port. The CFX3 uses the same setup, but in color. For the CFX5, you get a high-resolution color display and an 18W QC 3.0 USB port.

Dometic CFX5: Availability & Pricing

The Dometic CFX5 launches today, with exclusive introductory availability at REI. It will become available on Dometic’s website on October 22, and likely other retailers soon after.

It is offered in five sizes, with prices ranging from $800 to $1,400.

Dometic CFX5

• 25L: $800
• 35L: $875
• 45L: $950
• 55IM: $1,075
• 75DZ: $1,250
• 95DZ: $1,400