Leave the ice run behind.
We recommend the CFX5 45 for vehicle travelers who want an ice-free camp kitchen and have a plan to power it. Compressor cooling and AC/DC compatibility make it a useful part of an overlanding system. An insulated ice cooler is a simpler choice for short trips without reliable recharging.
What we like
- More useful food space
- AC and DC flexibility
- A system built around temperature control
Keep in mind
- It belongs in a powered setup
- Measure more than the fridge footprint
The details that matter.
Manufacturer specifications for the configuration reviewed.
- Product size class
- 45L
- Total volume (IEC)
- 46L
- Weight
- 40.26 lb
- Power supply
- 110 to 240V AC / 12 to 24V DC
- Cooling range
- Down to −7°F (brand specification)
- Compressor
- Variable speed
When a powered fridge is worth it
Longer vehicle trips change the cooler decision. Replacing ice takes time and consumes storage volume. A compressor fridge makes sense when you have a dependable charging routine and want food organized in a temperature-controlled compartment. We like the CFX5 45 for that role, especially in a vehicle where it can have a secure, accessible position.
Plan the power before choosing accessories
Start with the fridge instructions, the vehicle power supply, and your planned battery. Pre-cool food at home and avoid leaving the lid open unnecessarily. Those habits can help reduce the work the system has to do, but they are not a substitute for measuring consumption under your conditions. We would size a battery from actual watt-hours per day rather than assume a single constant compressor draw.
Think through the complete kitchen
Check lid clearance, ventilation, tie-down options, cable routing, and how you will access food when the rest of the vehicle is packed. Dometic describes the CFX5 45 as a 45L model and lists 46L total IEC volume. Keep the model name and technical volume distinct when comparing products.
Why we like it.
More useful food space
You do not need to allocate part of the compartment to loose ice. That makes packing groceries more predictable and avoids melting ice mixing with the contents.
AC and DC flexibility
The published AC and DC inputs let you plan for home pre-cooling and vehicle use. Check your vehicle socket, wiring, and battery protection settings before leaving it connected.
A system built around temperature control
Compressor cooling, insulation, and app control make this a more complete camp-kitchen component than a passive cooler. We would prioritize that control on longer journeys.
A few things to consider.
It belongs in a powered setup
A fridge needs energy throughout the trip. Its cycling varies with conditions, so a fixed runtime estimate without a measured load would be misleading.
Measure more than the fridge footprint
Allow room to open the lid, route the cables, and ventilate the compressor. The published 40.26 lb weight is before adding food and drinks.
Get the CFX5 45.
Vehicle travelers building a powered camp kitchen. Check the current price and configuration with Dometic.
A few good questions.
Is the CFX5 45 a fridge or a freezer?
The CFX5 45 is a compressor cooler with a temperature range that supports refrigeration or freezing. It is a single-zone model, so it does not provide two independently controlled zones.
Can the CFX5 45 run from a vehicle?
Dometic lists 12/24V DC compatibility. Follow the manual for wiring, ventilation, and battery protection, and confirm your vehicle supply is suitable.
How much power does it use per day?
Daily energy use depends on ambient temperature, setpoint, contents, and lid use. Measure your setup rather than rely on one universal runtime figure.
About this review
Manufacturer specifications and editorial assessment. Product details checked October 15, 2026 against the official Dometic product page. Images courtesy of the manufacturer. Our editorial standards.
