Dometic CoolFreeze CFX5 55
(16 reviews)
The new Dometic generation: a more powerful compressor, vacuum insulation and a built-in ice maker, for anyone who wants the best of the brand.
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Key features
- Capacity: 55 litres (up to 80 cans)
- Type: Compressor (VMSO 3.5)
- Temperature: Adjustable from +20°C to -22°C
- Next-generation compressor, vacuum insulation (VIP), built-in ice maker
In detail: Dometic CoolFreeze CFX5 55, connected compressor cooler 55 litres
The Dometic CoolFreeze CFX5 55 marks the shift to the Swedish brand's new generation of compressor coolers, gradually replacing the CFX3 range on 45-litre-and-up sizes. At the heart of this refresh sits the VMSO 3.5 compressor, described by Dometic as the most powerful ever fitted to a CoolFreeze cooler, delivering faster cooldown and more precise regulation than the previous generation.
With a capacity of 55 litres, up to 80 x 330ml cans or 13 x 1.5-litre bottles, it benefits from vacuum insulation panels (VIP), a technology that reduces the wall thickness needed for a given performance level, and therefore the outer footprint at equal usable volume. The weatherproof, touch-controlled colour TFT screen shows the unit's status at a glance, with an alert if the lid is left open by mistake.
Remote control runs through the Mobile Cooling app, over Bluetooth, to track temperature and power consumption from a smartphone. A built-in 18W USB-C port (QC 3.0) in the screen lets you charge a device directly from the cooler, a handy addition on the road. New on this generation for this size: a built-in ice maker, with two trays, for anyone who values that comfort while camping or in a van.
Powered by 12V, 24V and 100-240V, it uses R600a refrigerant, more environmentally friendly than previous generations. Backed by a 3-year manufacturer warranty and awarded the ISPO 2025 prize, it clearly targets the premium end of mobile cooling, at a price that reflects that ambition.
Technical data
Detailed characteristics
Performance
| Type?General technical category the unit belongs to (passive, thermoelectric, compressor...). | Compressor (VMSO 3.5, variable speed) |
|---|---|
| Temperature?Temperature range the unit can be set to. | Adjustable from +20°C to -22°C |
| Insulation?Thickness and quality of the insulation, which determines how long the cooler stays cold. | Vacuum insulation panels (VIP), anti-condensation colour TFT screen |
| Energy class?European energy efficiency class, from A+++ (most efficient) to G. | B |
Dimensions and power supply
| Capacity?Usable storage volume of the cooler, in litres. | 55 litres (up to 80 x 330ml cans or 13 x 1.5L bottles) |
|---|---|
| Power supply?How the unit is powered (12V, 230V, or none for a passive cooler). | 12V / 24V and 100-240V |
| Weight?The unit's empty weight. | 21.9 kg |
| Dimensions?Width, depth and height of the unit (W x D x H), inside and/or outside depending on the line. | 72 x 48 x 45.5 cm (width x height x depth) |
Additional information
| Refrigerant | R600a (isobutane) |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Mobile Cooling app, USB-C 18W port (QC 3.0) |
| Manufacturer warranty?Period during which the manufacturer commits to repairing or replacing the unit in case of failure. | 3 years |
How much does this cool box really use? (calculated with this model)
Comparison
On this same 55-litre size, the Dometic CoolFreeze CFX5 55 naturally compares to the Vevor 55L, a noticeably more affordable alternative, in searches like "Dometic vs Vevor electric cooler". Here is how the two compare, based on the public specifications of both manufacturers.
| Criterion | Dometic CoolFreeze CFX5 55 | Vevor 55L |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
| Weight | 21.9 kg | 16.75 kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Mobile Cooling app, USB-C 18W | Bluetooth, app |
| Insulation | Vacuum insulation panels (VIP) | Standard foam |
| Price observed | ≈£949 | ≈£216 |
In short, the price gap between the two is considerable for identical capacity: the Dometic invests in more efficient insulation, a more powerful compressor and a 3-year manufacturer warranty, while the Vevor targets a very tight budget, at the cost of less advanced insulation and noticeably higher weight in relative terms. The choice mostly comes down to how often the unit will be used and the budget available.
Our tester's verdict: Gilles Caron
The CFX5 range is gradually replacing the CFX3 on 45-litre-and-up sizes at Dometic, and the feedback available (shared across the whole CFX3/CFX5 family on Amazon, over 700 combined reviews) remains very positive about this generational shift. The VMSO 3.5 compressor, more powerful than the CFX3's VMSO3, is praised for cooling down faster, a welcome trait on a hot day arriving at the campsite. The vacuum-panel insulation frees up usable volume without increasing the outer footprint, a concrete point raised by several users who have owned both generations. The built-in ice maker, new on this 55-litre size, splits opinion: valued by some for the comfort it adds at gatherings, seen as unnecessary by others who would have preferred a lower price. That price remains the main point to weigh: noticeably above compressor coolers without connectivity of similar capacity, justified by the technology on board and the 3-year manufacturer warranty, but worth comparing against simpler alternatives if budget is tight.
Frequently asked questions: Dometic CoolFreeze CFX5 55, connected compressor cooler 55 litres
The CFX5 features a more powerful VMSO 3.5 compressor than the CFX3's VMSO3, more efficient vacuum insulation panels (VIP) at equal footprint, and a built-in ice maker on this 55L size, which the CFX3 lacks.
Yes, it has a built-in 18W USB-C port (QC 3.0) directly in the screen, letting you charge a phone or another compatible device without any extra cable.
The app lets you track temperature and power consumption over Bluetooth at no extra cost; it acts as a remote control interface, with no paid feature needed for everyday use of the cooler.
Dometic does not publish an isolated figure for this function; it draws on the compressor occasionally while making ice (18 cubes per cycle), an occasional use that remains marginal compared with overall cooling consumption.
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Page published on 31 July 2026