Coolboxes Buyer's Guide
Coolbags, coolboxes, coolers, portable fridges, camping fridges – there are lots of ways to describe the containers that we use to help keep our food and drink deliciously cool while we’re heading off on a camping trip, staycation or long car journey.
In this guide we’re going to explore what types of coolbox are available and how you can narrow down the options to find the right fit for you.
How to choose the right coolbox for you
Before selecting a coolbox, it’s a good idea to have a think about your requirements. Here are some questions that can help you to pin down exactly what size and type of coolbox you need.
- Purpose and destination: What do you want to use your coolbox for? Will you be taking your lunch to work, having a family picnic on the beach or heading out on a camping holiday to the south of France? And do you need freezing as well as cooling capabilities?
- Capacity: How many people will you be catering for? What sort of items do you want to store? Will you have drinks bottles that you might need to store upright?
- Frequency: How often are you likely to use your coolbox? This could help to determine how much you’d like to spend.
- Power source: Will you have access to a power source, such as an in-car 12V socket or mains electricity? Or perhaps a rechargeable battery would be the most useful option?
- Portability: Do you need to be able to transport the coolbox a significant distance and if so, would you prefer to carry it or wheel it?
- Features: Are there any specific features you’re looking for and how important are they?
With those answers in mind, here are the different types of coolbox that you can choose from here at Halfords.
Types of coolboxes
There are three main types of coolbox: passive, thermoelectric and compressor. Each comes with its own unique features and benefits, and here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect.
Passive coolbags and coolboxes
Passive coolbags and coolboxes are cost-effective insulated containers that are suitable for picnics or days out.
They come in a variety of styles, sizes and price points, and can be made from fabric or a harder plastic casing. While their cooling power is somewhat limited due to their reliance on ice packs, top-end models can still provide cooling for 2-3 days.
Here are a couple of our favourite passive coolbags and coolboxes.
Halfords Family Coolbag
- 20 litre capacity
- Adjustable shoulder strap and handles
- Keeps contents cool for up to 6 hours
The Halfords Family Coolbag is the perfect option for picnics, with its large, insulated food and drink compartment.
The PVC-free lining is food safe, while the bonded seams help to contain spills and make the bag easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. And when it’s not picnic season, you can simply fold the bag flat and store it away for next year.
Coleman 60QT Coolbox
- 56 litre capacity
- Telescopic steel handle and wheels
- Keeps contents cool for up to 3 days
At the other end of the scale is the Coleman 60QT Coolbox. Filled with foam insulation, this box can keep its contents cool for up to an impressive three days and comes with sturdy wheels and a telescopic handle for easy transportation.
Add in a lid with four drinks holders, a drain plug to remove ice melt and carrying handles on either side and you’ve got the ultimate passive coolbox.
Add in a lid with four drinks holders, a drain plug to remove ice melt and carrying handles on either side and you’ve got the ultimate passive coolbox.
Shop passive coolbags and coolboxes
Thermoelectric coolboxes
Thermoelectric coolboxes or camping fridges are a great mid-range choice and ideal for long car journeys, weekends away and camping trips. They run off electricity and our range includes models that are powered by a mixture of your vehicle’s 12V socket, your truck’s 24V socket and mains power.
They also come in a variety of sizes and price points, with each boasting a tough casing that’s been designed for maximum durability. They can cool up to 16 – 18°C below the ambient temperature outside the coolbox and some also include the ability to keep food warm or adjust the temperature as you desire.
Here are two thermoelectric coolboxes that we’d particularly recommend.
Halfords 8 Litre 12V In-Car Electric Coolbox
- 8 litre capacity
- Powered by 12V in-car slot
- Cools up to 18°C below ambient temperature
The Halfords 8 Litre 12V In-Car Electric Coolbox will help to keep your food and drink cool, no matter how long your journey may be.
The clever design means the box can be secured to the rear middle seat of your car by using the seat belt, and it even comes with two external drinks holders and a USB charger so that you can power your devices will enjoying a lovely, chilled soft drink.
Halfords 40 Litre Mains and 12V & 24V Electric Coolbox
- 40 litre capacity
- Powered by 230V mains, 12V in-car slot or 24V in-truck slot
- Cools up to 16°C below ambient temperature
If you’re looking for a little more space, then the Halfords 40 Litre Mains and 12V & 24V Electric Coolbox is the answer.
Not only do you get the capacity to store 56 standard 330ml cans and various handy ways to generate cooling power, but the box also boasts a temperature control dial that you can use when it’s connected to the mains.
All of which adds up to an ideal coolbox for long journeys, weekends away and camping trips.
Compressor coolboxes
Compressor coolboxes, coolers or portable fridges are the most high-end type on the market, offering a range of clever features and sophisticated functionality for those with a larger budget. They’re the perfect choice for longer staycations and for use in caravans or campervans.
Available in a variety of sizes and price points, our compressor coolboxes allow you to set a specific temperature and actively cool your food. They’re much quieter to run than thermoelectric coolboxes and also more economical, with the units automatically switching off when they’ve reached your chosen temperature (and back on again when required to regulate that temperature).
Compressor coolboxes can also double as freezers, which means you can bring a much wider variety of foods with you on your adventures.
Here are two compressor coolboxes that it’s definitely worth taking a closer look at.
Halfords Advanced 50 Litre Compressor Coolbox with Battery
- 50 litre capacity
- Comes with a rechargeable battery
- Can act as a fridge or freezer
The Halfords Advanced 50 Litre Compressor Coolbox with Battery is one of the most sophisticated and advanced coolboxes on the market.
The temperature can be set to between +10°C and -22°C, giving you both a fridge and freezer at your fingertips. Best of all, as well as being powered via the mains, a 12V in-car socket or a 24V in-truck socket, the Halfords Advanced 50 Litre comes with a rechargeable battery so that you can truly use it anywhere at any time. And to boost your time off the grid even further, we also sell spare batteries for this model.
Halfords Advanced 75L Dual Zone Compressor Coolbox
- 75 litre capacity including fridge (40L) and freezer (35L)
- Powered by 240V mains, 12V in-car slot or 24V in-truck slot
- Can act as a fridge and freezer at the same time
If you’ve got a campervan or caravan, you’re heading out on a long staycation or you’re planning an event, then the Halfords Advanced 75L Dual Zone Compressor could be the perfect choice.
This heavy-duty option boasts two independently temperature-controlled compartments, which gives you a fridge and a freezer in one neat package. So get ready to enjoy a whole new range of possibilities when it comes to what food and drink you can enjoy, whether you’re at home or out and about.
General cooling tips
Once you’re chosen a new coolbag, coolbox or cooler, here are some handy tips to help you get the most out of it:
- Pre-chill your food and drinks. The colder the items you put in your coolbox are, the longer they’ll remain cold.
- Keep your coolbox shut as much as possible. Every time you open the lid, it’ll let some of that cool air out so try not to keep it open for long periods. Filling your coolbox to the brim with food and drink can also help to reduce the amount of cool air that escapes.
- Add ice packs for extra cooling power. Ice packs are already a requirement for passive coolbags and coolboxes, but you can also add them to thermoelectric coolboxes to help keep the temperature down.