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12V cooler vs 12V refrigerator: the Wagan example is a thermoelectric cooler that also warms, and the EUHOMY example is a compressor refrigerator that freezes. Pick the cooler if you want drinks and snacks cooled or warmed for the day in a 5.5-pound box. Pick the refrigerator if you want to hold -4°F to 68°F for days, freeze food, and roll 35 liters to camp.
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The picks
EUHOMY 37QT Compressor Fridge
A 37QT compressor refrigerator with -4F to 68F range, wheels and 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Compressor with -4F to 68F range stated
- 68F to 32F in 15 minutes stated
- 3-level battery protection stated
- Wheels, pull handle and baskets stated
Cons
- 32.9 pounds, the heaviest here
- No warming function stated
- 148 kWh annual consumption stated
- R-600A refrigerant needs care in handling
Detailed Review
The listing states a 37QT (35 liter) compressor refrigerator with a -4°F to 68°F range, 68°F to 32°F in as little as 15 minutes, ECO and MAX modes, 3-level battery protection, 45 dB operation, anti-shake design for slopes up to 30 degrees, an LCD control panel, off-road wheels, a pull handle, two removable baskets and a divider, 110/240V AC and 12/24V DC adapters, R-600A refrigerant, UL energy certification and a 1year warranty. The unit measures 25.98 by 17.5 by 16.9 inches and weighs 32.9 pounds.
Who it's for: campers and families who want to freeze food for days. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a light day box with a warming mode.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 2/5: 82 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 37 qt, 35 liters |
|---|---|
| Range | -4F to 68F |
| Cooling | 68F to 32F in 15 min |
| Cert | UL energy certified |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 21 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. UL energy certified stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. 1year warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Wagan 6QT Thermoelectric Cooler
A 6-quart thermoelectric cooler and warmer at 5.5 pounds with UL listed.
Pros
- Cools and warms stated
- 5.5 pounds with carry strap stated
- No CFCs or refrigerant stated
- UL Listed stated in title
Cons
- Cools only about 36F below ambient
- 6-quart capacity, 9 cans
- 48W consumption stated
- No battery protection stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 12V 6-quart (6 liter) thermoelectric cooler and warmer with cooling to about 36°F below ambient and warming to about 140°F, 48W consumption on 12/24V DC, room for 9 12oz cans, no CFCs or refrigerant, a carry strap, external beverage holders, an 8.1 by 5.3 by 8.1 inch interior, a 15 by 11 by 8.0 inch exterior, UL Listed in the title and a 1 YEAR warranty. The unit weighs 5.5 pounds.
Who it's for: day trips and commuters who want cooled or warmed drinks in a light box. Who should skip it: anyone who needs to freeze food.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 19/25, value 21/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 2/5: 77 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 6 qt, 6 liters |
|---|---|
| Cooling | 36F below ambient |
| Warming | to 140F |
| Power | 48W, 12/24V DC |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 21 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. UL Listed stated in title, so safety scores 7 of 10. 1 YEAR warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Compare the picks
| Unit | Solar Score | Technology | Capacity | Temp range | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUHOMY 37QT Compressor Fridge | 9.7/10 | Compressor | 37 qt | -4F to 68F | 1 year |
| Wagan 6QT Thermoelectric Cooler | 9.6/10 | Thermoelectric | 6 qt | 36F below ambient | 1 year |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 21 October 2026.
How we scored them
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For coolers and refrigerators, safety means stated certifications and protection features the listing actually names. Both picks here state a 1-year warranty term. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUHOMY 37QT Compressor Fridge | 9.7 | 32 | 21 | 20 | 7 | 2 |
| Wagan 6QT Thermoelectric Cooler | 9.6 | 28 | 19 | 21 | 7 | 2 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
12V cooler vs 12V refrigerator: how they compare
Cooling technology
The Wagan example uses thermoelectric cooling: it cools to about 36°F below ambient and warms to about 140°F, with no CFCs or refrigerant. The EUHOMY example uses a compressor with R-600A refrigerant, cools from 68°F to 32°F in as little as 15 minutes and holds -4°F to 68°F. On cooling power the refrigerator’s listing states a wider and colder range; the cooler’s listing answers with a warming mode.
Capacity and size
The Wagan example holds 6 quarts (6 liters, 9 12oz cans) at 15 by 11 by 8.0 inches and 5.5 pounds. The EUHOMY example holds 37 quarts (35 liters) at 25.98 by 17.5 by 16.9 inches and 32.9 pounds. Do not call one better on capacity: the listings describe different jobs, a personal day box against a family-size freezer.
| Unit | Technology | Capacity | Temp range | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wagan 6QT Thermoelectric Cooler | Thermoelectric | 6 qt | 36F below ambient, warms to 140F | 5.5 lb |
| EUHOMY 37QT Compressor Fridge | Compressor | 37 qt | -4F to 68F | 32.9 lb |
Build and portability
The Wagan example is a 5.5-pound box with a carry strap and external beverage holders, sized 15 by 11 by 8.0 inches, for lifting in and out of a vehicle by one person. The EUHOMY example is a 32.9-pound wheeled unit with a pull handle, two baskets and a divider, sized 25.98 by 17.5 by 16.9 inches, for rolling to camp and staying put. The 148 kWh annual consumption figure is stated only for the refrigerator, so the cooler leaves its draw unclear beyond 48W.
Power and protection
The Wagan example states 48W on 12/24V DC. The EUHOMY example states 110/240V AC and 12/24V DC adapters, 148 kWh annual energy consumption and 3-level battery protection against vehicle battery drain. Both state UL-related markings: UL Listed on the Wagan title and UL energy certified on the EUHOMY spec table.
Sizing Notes
- Match the box to the trip: 6 quarts for a day’s drinks, 37 quarts for frozen food over days.
- Check the temperature claim: about 36F below ambient on the cooler, -4F to 68F on the refrigerator.
- Check power source: both run on 12/24V DC, and the refrigerator adds 110/240V AC adapters.
- Check the weight: 5.5 pounds against 32.9 pounds before you plan the carry.
- Check warranty lines before ordering: 1 year stated on both listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Wagan cooler warm food?
Yes. The listing states a warming function up to about 140°F alongside cooling to about 36°F below ambient.
Can the EUHOMY refrigerator freeze?
Yes. The listing states a -4°F to 68°F range and a compressor that cools from 68°F to 32°F in as little as 15 minutes.
Which one protects the vehicle battery?
The EUHOMY listing states 3-level battery protection against vehicle battery drain. The Wagan listing states no battery protection.
What certifications do these state?
The Wagan title states UL Listed. The EUHOMY spec table states UL energy certified.
Related guides
See our best 12V refrigerator for road trip. Also see our best 12V refrigerator for camping. Also see our best electric cooler for beach.
