Dometic CFX3 55 Powered Portable Fridge/Freezer
Compressor fridges changed the way Australians travel off-grid, and the CFX3 range is Dometic's current flagship expression of that — a 53-litre compressor fridge/freezer built to run efficiently on 12V for days at a time, rather than the icebox-with-a-plug feel of older 12V coolers.
Key features
- 53-litre (approximately 83-can) capacity
- Cools to freezer temperatures — down to around -7°C — without needing ice
- Runs on 12/24V DC or 100–240V AC, and is solar-compatible
- Dimensions of roughly 720×480×455mm
- Bluetooth/app connectivity standard across the CFX3 range for remote temperature monitoring
RV use case
This is the fridge for owners doing genuine multi-day off-grid trips where reliable food storage matters more than upfront cost. Because it's a compressor unit rather than a thermoelectric cooler, it holds temperature properly in Australian summer heat, and being able to run it from solar during the day takes real pressure off the house battery. Actual power draw varies with ambient temperature and your set point, so it's worth sizing your battery and solar around worst-case summer conditions rather than a mild day.
Pros
- Genuine freezer capability, not just a cooler — useful for longer trips
- Solid capacity for the footprint, suiting a small family or extended touring couple
- App monitoring means you can check and adjust temperature without opening the lid
Cons
- Power draw increases meaningfully in hot conditions — plan battery capacity accordingly
- Weight and size need a proper tie-down point, not just a spot on the floor
- Premium pricing compared with basic thermoelectric coolers
Best for
Owners doing extended off-grid touring where reliable refrigeration — and genuine freezer capacity — matters, particularly in hot Australian conditions.
Verdict
It's not the cheapest way to keep food cold, but for serious off-grid travel the CFX3 55 does the one job that actually matters — holding temperature reliably, day after day, regardless of what the weather's doing outside.
Dometic CFX3 55 Powered Portable Fridge/Freezer
Open view showing the interior storage baskets
Interior view
Close-up of the carry handle, vents and AC/DC input