Most Technologically Advanced: Dometic Portable Refrigerator Review

Dometic has one of the most technologically advanced lines of portable refrigerators we’ve seen. They call these ‘powered boxes’ which look very much like a large cooler that has a refrigerator compressor built-in to run the unit off DC or AC power. Each of these refrigerators has a top-door opening and can be moved easily from one location to another.

Difference Between The Dometic Powered Box Series

There are currently 22 versions of Dometic powered boxes. This large number of refrigerators makes it overwhelming to decide which is best. When it comes down to it, the two series you should most likely be looking at is the CFX and the CF Series.

These two models share similar qualities. The main difference is that the CFX Series can really get a deep freeze down to -8ºF. The CFX is also a smart refrigerator. It comes with WiFi capabilities allowing you to adjust the temperature settings using the Dometic App. CFX refrigerators are a bit more expensive than the CF line to accommodate for these qualities.

• CFX Series: can get a deep freeze down to -8ºF
• CF Series: cools to 8 degrees Fahrenheit
• CDF Series: small 11Qt. product built to be portable with a shoulder strap
• Topicool: cools or heats interior up to 149º F or 86º F below outside temperatures
• CC Series: earlier version of the Dometic fridge

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Dometic CFX Series

The Dometic CFX Series can get a deep-freeze down to -8°F this means you can use it as either a refrigerator or a freezer. This is one of the most technologically advanced portable fridge options on the market. It comes with a wi-fi app to check battery and temperature status, interior lighting and a digital display. There is also a special deep-freeze function, which will drop the temperature down to the lowest level as fast as possible.

Dometic CFX Series	CFX35	CFX40	CFX50	CFX65
Height, Width, Depth (in.)	16.2 x 27.2 x 15.7	18.1 x 27.2 x 15.7	18.5 x 28.5 x 17.9	22 x 28.5 x 17.9
Weight (lbs.)	38.59	40.78	44.97	49.16
Capacity (12oz. cans)	47	60	72	106
Amp (12V)	0.72A	0.72A	0.79A	0.83A
WiFi App	✓	✓	✓	✓
Interior Light	✓	✓	✓	✓
Digital Display	✓	✓	✓	✓
Removable Basket	✓	✓	✓	✓
Availabillity	Amazon	Amazon	Amazon	Amazon

Dometic CF Series

The CF Series powered boxes can cool down to 8°F. They can be used as a refrigerator or a freezer but not both. This series is still highly advanced, but does not come with the deep freeze function or WiFi App capabilities of the CXF.

Dometic CF Series	CF35	CF40	CF50
Height, Width, Depth (in.)	15.16 x 14.17 x 22.83	17.52 x 14.17 x 22.83	18.90 x 14.17 x 24.80
Weight (lbs.)	34.18	37.93	39.69
Capacity (12oz. cans)	41	47	68
WiFi App
Interior Light	✓	✓	✓
Digital Display	✓	✓	✓
Removable Basket	✓	✓	✓
Availability	Amazon	Amazon	Amazon

Dual-zone temperature models

Larger versions of the Dometic refrigerators come with dual-zone models. A dual-zone fridge has a removable insulated separator that will allow you to set separate temperatures for a refrigerator and freezer area.

Each compartment of the Dometic fridge has its own removable wire basket. This keeps food dry even when condensation forms.

Dometic CFX Dual	CFX65	CFX75	CFX95
Height, Width, Depth (in.)	22 x 28.5 x 17.9	18.5 x 34.9 x 19.4	37.7 x 20.8 x 18.6
Weight (lbs.)	51	68.3	70.5
Capacity (12oz. cans)	106	113	133
WiFi App	✓	✓	✓
Interior Light	✓	✓	✓
Digital Display	✓	✓	✓
Removable Basket	✓	✓	✓
Fridge + Freezer	✓	✓	✓
Availability	Amazon	Amazon	Amazon

Features of the Dometic Portable Refrigerator

Technologically Advanced

The Dometic series of refrigerators is technologically advanced. Most models come with interior lighting, digital displays and extra USB ports for charging small electronics.

The digital display has a variety of power settings. Colored lights allow you to see when the refrigerator has reached a set temperature, when the compressor is running, and when it is off. The refrigerator also has battery protection settings that let you lower the power use and protect discharging the car battery.

Built to Last

Dometic refrigerators are built to last with click-to-close top door so you know there is not excess air escaping. It also has very durable handles that fold down taking up less space than some other models of refrigerators. All versions can run on 12V and 24V DC power as well as 110V AC power.

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Considerations when purchasing a Dometic Portable Refrigerator

Smaller versions can have very small interiors

It is important to look at the interior capacity of each refrigerator before purchase. Because many of the Dometic models have dual-one temperature areas or insulated separators, this reduces the amount of space on the inside.

Dometic refrigerators tend to stack high and are taller rather than wide compared to other portable refrigerators.

Repairs can be hard to come by

If a refrigerator does have issues or stop working it has been noted that many RV repair shops will not work on a van refrigerator that is so small. This can become a problem if you end up purchasing such an expensive refrigerator and cannot find a place to repair it if there are issues.

Although the product does come with a warranty, because of its size and weight it might be a struggle to get it repaired by the manufacturer.

Older versions of Dometic Refrigerators

As always, we recommend checking out a second-hand store or craigslist before purchasing a portable refrigerator. Dometic refrigerators use a DanFoss compressor which are highly rated and have been around for a long time as well. Before purchasing a used fridge, give it a test drive, make sure it has been properly maintained and kept clean of debris.