During the December break, we got to test Dometic’s CFX3 25 Cooler/Freezer. Right off the bat, I will tell you that this is one of those products that I didn’t realise I needed in my life until I experienced it on a 10-day, 2500km trip to the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
The CFX3 has 25 litres of usable storage space. I say ‘usable’ because not needing to add any ice means that none of the space is wasted. Although compact and lightweight, the CFX3 is built tough, with impact-resistant edges and aluminium spring-loaded grab handles that give the product a premium touch. Not only do they make carrying the cooler a doddle, but they are also handy for tying down the fridge. We used them to fasten the seatbelt through on the backseat so that we could get access to the cooler whilst on the go. We also had the Protective Cover fitted for extra protection.
The CFX3 can be used as both a fridge or freezer, with a powerful compressor cooling technology that efficiently refrigerates and deep-freezes to as low as -22°C. There’s even an App that allows you to control the temperature on the fly from your smartphone device. However, we didn’t find the need for this as we only used it for keeping our drinks and snacks cool. Therefore, using the very intuitive, high-resolution colour display, we set the fridge at -2°C for the duration of our trip—which was perfect for our intended use.
Being able to reach for a cold drink when out on a day’s adventuring was very convenient, and something that I certainly could get used to having with me on future trips. Compared to a traditional cooler box, not having ice melting with your stuff floating around at the end of a hot day is a real game-changer for me.
What also stood out, was that the cooler can be powered by both AC/DC, and comes with both cables. We found this to be particularly handy whilst driving, as the fridge would be powered via DC. Then at our accommodation, using the AC cable, we could keep things cold overnight.
One particular night whilst glamping in Hogsback, our Teepee was very basic and the shared kitchen we had access to was a short walk away. So, plugging in the cooler by our tent, we were able to enjoy our New Year’s Eve celebrations without having to keep on walking to and from the kitchen area.
Other features include an internal basket to keep your items organised and an LED light to keep things lit up under low-light conditions. There’s even a USB port to charge your mobile devices whilst out in the field—making the CFX3 Fridge extremely practical as an all-round travel companion.
For more information on Dometic portable fridges, visit: www.frontrunneroutfitters.com
