Dometic CoolFreeze CFX3 45
(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)
Estimate for typical conditions: 28°C outside, average ventilation, partial sun exposure, 6 openings a day, €0.20/kWh.
Refine this estimate with your own settings →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.
| 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.
Related video
Video: Dometic CFX3 45 Review. Amazing Fridge/Freezer! - Published on 7 December 2020
Our tester's verdict: Gilles Caron
I set it up for about ten days off-grid, in a remote spot with no mains power for miles around, running purely off my roof-mounted solar panel. The advertised solar compatibility held up without a hitch, with power draw staying reasonable even on days with heavy sun exposure. The CFX3 app works perfectly over Bluetooth right next to the van, but I struggled to get it working reliably over Wifi once further away, likely down to local connection quality rather than the unit itself. The VMSO3 compressor held temperature down to -18°C without difficulty, keeping meat properly stored for the whole stay. At 18.7 kg empty, it is still manageable to carry alone but takes a bit of planning once loaded. The noise level, around 47 dB, is audible but not intrusive out in nature. For extended off-grid use with a solar panel, the CFX3 45 remains a solid choice, even if the newer CFX5 55 has since stolen the spotlight on insulation.
Frequently asked questions: Dometic CoolFreeze CFX3 45, 41-litre compressor cooler
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Page published on 1 August 2026