Portable car cooler review: Mobicool MCF32 with compressor

There are countless cool boxes on the market: small and large, different colors and shapes. However, one criterion is often ignored when buying a cool box: Does the cool box really get really cold?

Cool box: compressor for real cold

The problem: many coolers only work with an insulated cover and an integrated fan – so-called thermoelectric coolers. Although they keep cold drinks cold for longer, they do not cool them down any further.

For a cool box to really cool actively, a compressor must be integrated. In other words, the same component as in a large fridge or an air conditioner. Compressor coolers are significantly more expensive than normal coolers, but in my opinion the investment is worth it.

One of these compressor coolers is the Mobicool MCF32, which I tested in this article.

Mobicool cooler MCF32 in the test

The Mobicool MCF32 holds around 31 liters – but the model is also available with 38 and even 58 liters. The 32 is sufficient for around 20 cans or 5-10 bottles of water.

Cool box test Mobicool inside
31 liters fit in the cool box

1 liter bottles can be stored upright. I use the box in the trunk of my car on longer trips and find the size perfect.

Connection options

In the car, the cool box is supplied with power via the 12V connection (cigarette lighter). At home, it can also be connected to a normal socket, e.g. for pre-cooling. In the truck it can be operated with 24V.

Cool box test Carrying handles
Carrying handles for transportation

Many users have asked whether the car battery runs down very quickly. The answer: No, the cool box has an integrated battery monitor. As soon as the voltage drops, it switches itself off.

Cool box down to -10 degrees

The temperature can be set from -10 to +20 degrees using the control panel on the side: At -10 degrees the box acts as a freezer, I normally have it at 4 degrees for drinks – the perfect drinking temperature.

Mobicool cooler settings
Display and connections

One little thing that I particularly like: the cool box is illuminated from the inside with an LED, so you can quickly find the right cool drink even in a dark parking lot.

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