Design
At first glance, the CFX5 exudes a rugged charm, ready to tackle the outback or a weekend camping trip with an outsized swagger. The durable exoframe construction, complete with reinforced corners and edges, ensures it can withstand the bumps and bruises of outdoor adventures. The self-folding aluminium alloy handles are a thoughtful addition, making it easier to haul the cooler from your vehicle around a campsite.
I tested this out on a recent road trip to Mudgee, but I imagine it’ll be especially popular for groups heading to camping music festivals like Splendour in the Grass and Subsonic.
The removable textured nonslip lid not only adds to its practicality but also speaks to Dometic’s attention to detail. Available in sizes ranging from 25 to 95 litres, the range is big and can speak just as well to a small group as it can an entire family. The inclusion of vacuum-insulated panels is a game-changer for the category, allowing for thinner walls without compromising on insulation, thus upping internal capacity while keeping the external dimensions manageable.
The CFX5 is packed with features that elevate it beyond a mere cooler. The high-resolution colour display with soft-touch buttons provides intuitive control, while the 18W QC 3.0 USB-C port allows for quick charging of any device.
The integrated bottle opener is a nod to convenience, ensuring you’re always ready to crack open a cold one. Internally, the removable wire divider and interior light add to its user-friendly design
As far as design goes, it doesn’t seem like you can get better than this. Which is probably why the price is a bit punchy. For reference, I tested the 45 litre option which comes in at a cool $1,449.
Performance
When it comes to keeping perishables chilled, the CFX5 doesn’t disappoint. Equipped with Dometic’s most powerful VMSO 3.5 compressor, it offers variable motor speed optimisation, adjusting constantly to maintain the set temperature. This means it can cool down to a frosty -22°C if needed, all while consuming less power than a 60W light bulb. That’s a big tick for sustainable design.
The extended evaporator on the inner walls ensures even distribution of cold air, preventing those dreaded warm spots that can spoil your food. Additionally, the internal components are mounted on calibrated springs, isolating noise and enduring sustained vibration.
I found the Bluetooth smartphone app to be incredibly intuitive and nicely designed. The main uses are controlling the cooler, tracking energy consumption and monitoring temperature from quite a distance. Although I didn’t exactly need to hike too far away from this thing, the connection is so strong that I imagine it’ll come in handy if you ever need to take a big walk away but still make sure you’ve got the perfect temp for those beers on return.
It can even alert you if the lid is left open, ensuring your stuff stays perfectly chilled to the desired temperature. The 3-stage dynamic battery protection system actively monitors inbound power, preventing vehicle battery drain and allowing for deep draw on dual batteries, making it a smart choice for extended off-grid adventures.
Granted, I wasn’t travelling with an entire kitchen’s worth of produce. I stacked the Dometic with some local beers, a ridiculous amount of cheese and some fresh fruit. But I could see more organised groups using this in the same way they would a high-end fridge if they were out. You could pack enough in this bad boy to open a pop-up restaurant in the bush.
Verdict & Value
Then we come to price. Paying just under $2,000 for a portable fridge is a hefty investment so this only really makes sense if you are regularly going on ambitious outdoor trips. Or you’re a music festival fiend. That said, if groups really want to rally behind such a fascinating offering, they can always split and make it far more manageable.
I know I wouldn’t mind forking out $500 each amongst a group of four if I wanted to dominate when it comes to camping out at every music festival. But that would be in my younger days when I went to every music festival.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: I don’t think you could get better design than this with a hard durable exterior, sustainable features and an incredible app
Lowlights: It can get quite heavy when it’s full (especially with beer)
Price: From $1,349
