Dometic CoolFreeze CFX3 45

Name: Dometic CoolFreeze CFX3 45
Brand: Dometic
SKU: dometic-cfx3-45
Rating: 4.2 (16 reviews)

(16 reviews)

Dometic's compressor cooler built for vans and boats: down to -22°C, controllable via the CFX3 app, in a compact 41-litre footprint.

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Key features

Capacity: 41 usable litres (up to 67 cans)
Type: Compressor (CFX3 technology, VMSO3)
Temperature: Down to -22°C, holds up to 20°C
Remote control via the CFX3 app, solar-compatible

In detail: Dometic CoolFreeze CFX3 45, 41-litre compressor cooler

The Dometic CoolFreeze CFX3 45 sits in a pivotal spot in the Swedish brand's line-up: it belongs to the CFX3 generation, now joined by the newer CFX5 range, yet it remains widely available and well regarded for its balance of on-board technology and price. With 41 litres of usable capacity (46 litres gross), it sits between the 35L and 55L sizes, a sensible compromise for a couple or a small family travelling by van, boat or motorhome.

The variable-speed VMSO3 compressor cools or freezes down to -22°C, with the option to hold temperatures up to 20°C depending on what is needed. The ExoFrame build, with its foldable aluminium handles, protects the casing effectively against the knocks that come with frequent outdoor handling. The touch-controlled colour screen shows the unit's status at a glance, backed by a three-stage battery protection system that avoids draining the vehicle's battery unnecessarily.

Powered by 12V, 24V and 100-240V, it is also compatible with direct solar power, a strong argument for extended off-grid use far from any mains socket. Power draw stays modest, around 40W in cycle, and its 47 dB(A) noise level is entirely manageable for continuous use nearby. Remote control runs through the CFX3 app, over Wifi or Bluetooth, to monitor and adjust temperature from a smartphone.

At 18.7 kg empty, it remains reasonably portable for its capacity, though it mostly benefits from a fairly fixed installation in a converted vehicle. Compared with the newer CFX5 55, it offers slightly less advanced technology (no vacuum insulation, no built-in ice maker) but at a noticeably lower price, which keeps it a relevant option for anyone wanting most of Dometic's technology without paying for the latest generation.

Technical data

Detailed characteristics (EAN: 4015704280005)

Performance

Type?General technical category the unit belongs to (passive, thermoelectric, compressor...).	Compressor (VMSO3, variable speed)
Temperature?Temperature range the unit can be set to.	Down to -22°C (-7°F), holds up to 20°C (68°F)
Power consumption?Electrical power drawn by the unit while running, expressed in watts (W).	About 40W in cycle (1.03 Ah/h at 12V)
Noise level?Noise emitted by the unit, in decibels (dB(A)), mainly relevant for compressor coolers.	47 dB(A)

Dimensions and power supply

Capacity?Usable storage volume of the cooler, in litres.	41 usable litres, 46 litres gross (up to 67 x 330ml cans)
Power supply?How the unit is powered (12V, 230V, or none for a passive cooler).	12V / 24V, 100-240V, solar-compatible
Weight?The unit's empty weight.	18.7 kg (41.23 lbs)
Outer dimensions?Width, depth and height of the unit (W x D x H), inside and/or outside depending on the line.	476 x 398 x 630 mm (height x width x depth)

Additional information

Connectivity	Wifi and Bluetooth, CFX3 app

User manual / instructions (PDF)

How much does this cool box really use? (calculated with this model)

Comparison

In the 40 to 45-litre class, the Dometic CoolFreeze CFX3 45 regularly comes up against the Engel MT45F, two opposite philosophies for a similar capacity, in searches like "Dometic CFX3 45 vs Engel MT45F". Here is how the two compare, based on the public specifications of both manufacturers.

Comparison: Dometic CoolFreeze CFX3 45 vs Engel MT45F (manufacturer data, for guidance only)
Criterion	Dometic CoolFreeze CFX3 45	Engel MT45F
Capacity	41 L usable	40 L
Minimum temperature	Down to -22°C	-18°C
Connectivity	Wifi, Bluetooth, CFX3 app	Simple LCD screen, not connected
Weight	18.7 kg	24 kg
Price observed	≈£749	≈£1,054

In short, the Dometic CFX3 45 leans on on-board electronics, deeper cold and a lighter build, at a price still below the Engel MT45F, which answers with its long-standing mechanical robustness and no electronics to fail. The choice mostly comes down to how much weight you put on connectivity versus mechanical simplicity.

Our tester's verdict: Gilles Caron

See our tester's profile

The CFX3 45 shares its review pool with the rest of the CFX3/CFX5 family on Amazon, over 700 combined reviews that stay broadly positive. The VMSO3 compressor does the job without surprises: quick cooldown, solid performance even in summer heat, and solar compatibility is a genuine bonus for anyone camping far from mains power. The CFX3 app works well over Bluetooth up close, a bit less reliably over Wifi depending on local network quality, a complaint that comes up repeatedly. Two things worth knowing before buying: at 18.7 kg empty it is not the lightest in its class, and it has been overtaken within the range by the CFX5 55, more powerful and better insulated, which now gets most of Dometic's marketing attention. Still, for 41 usable litres at a price below the CFX5, the CFX3 45 remains a sensible pick for anyone who does not need the very latest tech.

Frequently asked questions: Dometic CoolFreeze CFX3 45, 41-litre compressor cooler

⚖ What is the difference between the Dometic CFX3 45 and the CFX5 55?

The CFX3 45 is an earlier generation than the CFX5 55: a less powerful VMSO3 compressor, standard rather than vacuum insulation, and no built-in ice maker. It remains available at a noticeably lower price for a similar capacity.

❄ Does the CFX3 45 run on solar power?

Yes, it is compatible with direct solar power alongside 12V, 24V and 100-240V, a useful feature for extended off-grid use far from mains power, typically in a converted van or while wild camping.

🔌 How long does the CFX3 45 last on a battery?

Its power draw of around 40W in cycle (1.03 Ah/h at 12V) usually allows several days of runtime on a decent auxiliary battery, depending on outside temperature, the chosen setting and available sunlight if solar is used as a top-up.

🔈 Is the Dometic CFX3 45 noisy?

No, its measured noise level is 47 dB(A), a moderate sound comparable to a domestic refrigerator, easily tolerable for continuous use in a van or boat.

❄ Can the CFX3 45 be controlled remotely?

Yes, through the CFX3 app over Wifi or Bluetooth, which lets you monitor and adjust temperature as well as check the vehicle battery status directly from a smartphone.