Dometic BordBar AS 25
(10 reviews)
Compact and powered by 12V or 230V, the Dometic BordBar AS 25 keeps your drinks continuously cool, without ever needing to refill an ice pack.
Buy on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Key features
- Capacity: 20 litres (including a compact 10.5 L internal freezer compartment)
- Type: Thermoelectric (Peltier module)
- Temperature gap: Up to 18°C below ambient temperature
- Secures to the seat using the vehicle's seatbelt
In detail: Dometic BordBar AS 25 Thermoelectric Electric Cooler, 20 Litres
The Dometic BordBar AS 25 is a 20-litre thermoelectric electric cooler, not to be confused with a passive insulated bag: it's a genuinely powered appliance that keeps things cold continuously, with no need for ice packs. It belongs to Dometic's BordBar range, alongside smaller models such as the TB 08 (8 litres) or the TF 14 (14 litres), all built on the same Peltier module technology.
Its dual power supply, 12V from the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket and 230V mains, with automatic switching between the two sources, lets you use it both during a journey and on arrival at your holiday destination. It cools up to 18°C below ambient temperature, enough to keep already-cool drinks and food chilled, without reaching the sub-zero temperatures of a compressor cooler. A compact internal compartment of about 10.5 litres acts as a small freezer for the most sensitive items.
Its power consumption stays reasonable for the technology, 47 W maximum on 12V and 55 W on 230V, with an eco mode down to 7.5 W for quieter nighttime use. The noise level, around 39 dB(A), keeps it generally quiet on 230V, though several users report louder operation on 12V at full power. Compact at 28 x 39 x 43 cm for about 4.3 kg, it attaches easily to the passenger seat or rear bench using Velcro fastenings and can be strapped in with the vehicle's seatbelt, in addition to its shoulder strap for carrying.
This cooler particularly suits car journeys, shopping trips, picnics and short stays where access to a mains socket or cigarette lighter is guaranteed. Like any Peltier technology, it remains less capable than a compressor model for heavy use or prolonged high heat, but its compact format and dual power input make it a simple, accessible solution for occasional use.
Technical data
Detailed characteristics (EAN: 4015704254808)
Performance
| Type?General technical category the unit belongs to (passive, thermoelectric, compressor...). | Thermoelectric (Peltier module) |
|---|---|
| Temperature gap?Maximum difference the unit can achieve between outside and inside temperature. | Up to 18°C below ambient temperature |
| Consumption?Electrical power drawn by the unit while running, expressed in watts (W). | 47 W max on 12V, 55 W on 230V, eco mode 7.5 W |
| Noise level?Noise emitted by the unit, in decibels (dB(A)), mainly relevant for compressor coolers. | About 39 dB(A) |
Dimensions and power supply
| Capacity?Usable storage volume of the cooler, in litres. | 20 litres (including a compact 10.5 L internal freezer compartment) |
|---|---|
| Power supply?How the unit is powered (12V, 230V, or none for a passive cooler). | 12V (cigarette lighter) and 230V (mains), automatic switching |
| Weight?The unit's empty weight. | About 4.3 kg |
| Dimensions?Width, depth and height of the unit (W x D x H), inside and/or outside depending on the line. | 28 x 39 x 43 cm (w x d x h) |
Comparison
In the segment of small 12V/230V thermoelectric electric coolers, the Dometic BordBar AS 25 regularly comes up against the Severin KB 2922, the other accessible reference in our selection, in searches such as "Dometic vs Severin electric cooler". Here's how the two compare, based on the public specifications of both manufacturers.
| Criterion | Dometic BordBar AS 25 | Severin KB 2922 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 litres | 19 litres |
| Power supply | 12V / 230V, automatic switching | 12V / 230V |
| Consumption | 47 W (12V) / 55 W (230V), eco 7.5 W | 58 W, eco mode 8 W |
| Temperature gap | Up to 18°C below ambient (cooling only) | Up to 20°C below ambient, plus heating function (60°C) |
| Noise level | ≈39 dB(A) | ≈35 dB(A) |
| Weight | ≈4.3 kg | ≈4 kg |
| Price observed | ≈€299 (marketplace offer, worth checking) | ≈€96.71 |
In short, the Severin KB 2922 stands out for its reversible heating/cooling function, a slightly wider temperature gap in cooling-only mode, and above all a much more affordable price. The Dometic BordBar AS 25 relies on its seatbelt mount and dedicated internal freezer compartment, but its observed price on Amazon has risen sharply and now puts it well above the Severin: at an equivalent budget, the KB 2922 is the more reasonable pick, the BordBar AS 25 being justified mainly by its mounting system or a brand preference.
Our tester's verdict: Gilles Caron
Reclassified in our catalogue as an electric cooler (rather than a soft bag, a filing error we've now corrected), the BordBar AS 25 earns its place among the small, affordable thermoelectric coolers. Its real strength is power flexibility: cigarette lighter cable on the road, mains cable on arrival, with automatic switching between the two. The Velcro fastenings and the seatbelt used to hold it on the passenger seat are thoughtful details for use in a car. Genuine customer reviews are split on two points: noise level on 12V, seen as more noticeable than on 230V, and cooling power, decent for keeping already-cold products cool but not for turning a warm drink into an ice-cold one. Like any thermoelectric cooler, it doesn't replace a compressor model for heavy use. Its observed price on Amazon has risen sharply lately (worth checking before buying), which now puts it above comparable competitors such as the Severin KB 2922: for short to medium trips it remains an honest choice on a technical level, but the value for money deserves a close look at the time of purchase.
Frequently asked questions: Dometic BordBar AS 25 Thermoelectric Electric Cooler, 20 Litres
No, it's a thermoelectric electric cooler: it must stay plugged in, either 12V to the cigarette lighter or 230V to the mains, to keep things cold. Unplugged, it behaves like a simple insulated cooler with no active cooling.
It's designed for continuous operation, for as long as the power source allows: on mains (230V) with no time limit, on the cigarette lighter (12V) while keeping an eye on the vehicle's battery level to avoid draining it if the engine stays off for a long time.
Up to 18°C below ambient temperature, a typical performance for Peltier technology coolers. It effectively cools already-mild products, but doesn't reach the sub-zero temperatures of a compressor cooler like an Engel or a Dometic CoolFreeze CFX3.
The manufacturer states about 39 dB(A), a discreet level on mains power. Several users do report louder operation on 12V at full power, though it's less noticeable once the vehicle is moving.
More products in the "Electric cooler" range
Dometic Tropicool TC 35
Check price (10)
A 35-litre absorption electric cooler, powered by 12V or 230V, to keep things cold continuously with no ice packs needed.
Severin KB 2922
Check price (40)
Compact and reversible between cooling and heating, the Severin KB 2922 powers your trips on 12V or 230V, no louder than a fan.
Page published on 1 July 2026, updated on 31 July 2026