Dometic CFX3 35: Versatile 36L Portable Refrigerator and Freezer for All Adventures

8 reviews for Dometic CFX3 35: Versatile 36L Portable Refrigerator and Freezer for All Adventures

1. 

   Thomas Allen – November 18, 2024

   Quality and Adaptability
   The Dometic CFX3 100 is an exceptional cooler and freezer that blends durability with superior functionality. Its generous 100-liter capacity is ideal for long journeys, while the VMSO3 variable motor speed optimization technology ensures effective cooling and freezing, even in harsh environments. I have adjusted the temperature from about -5F for freezing to the suggested 39F for standard food cooling. A standout feature is the Bluetooth app control which enables remote temperature monitoring and adjustment to about a distance of 30ft. That can come in handy while driving in the backcountry with the cooler in the back of a vehicle.The unit’s sturdy construction makes it well-suited for outdoor activities. However, the cover, which must be purchased separately, is challenging to install on this cooler/freezer. The CFX3-100 is expensive, but its quality and warranty set it apart. The CFX3-100 remains a dependable and adaptable mobile refrigerator for any travel arrangement or emergency scenario. It works well on 120-volt home current or 12-24 volts with the cigarette lighter vehicle socket. It also functions well on various retail available lithium battery power stations.

2. 

   Retired Navy MPR – November 18, 2024

   Low power consumption for excellent cooling is just outstanding
   I bought this as a damaged item from Dometics Amazon page with a nice cost reduction. Had no idea how bad the damage was, (no pictures) but a $300 discount was worth checking out. Damage is cosmetic and on one side and no effect on operation. Not a big deal to me, since its likely to get bumps and bangs during use anyway. This is a great refrigerator/cooler in every way. As others have said, built like a tank. I used it in both A/C mode and DC 12v mode. Using my Yetti 3000, it was drawing 7 watts in standby and 80 watts with compressor running. But, in 12v DC mode, it drew zero in standby and only 55 watts with compressor running. I ran it for 24 hours and the draw was only 7% on the Yetti 3000. Really great news, just how long it will run without charging the Yetti. I also have solar, so this unit should run as long as I need. Note, that if your using a power supply (not vehicle) change the voltage setting to “low” otherwise you will get a yellow warning message saying low voltage. With setting at low using the Yetti there was no message. This unit is also very quiet, it was so quiet that I wasn’t sure it was working when I first plugged it in. The temperature shown is about 2 degrees colder than what I have it set at. But, I would rather it be colder than warmer. I was not able to get the bluetooth to connect, but suspect its more of a phone issue and not a cooler issue. Plus don’t think I will really need that and I have so many apps on my phone was happy to eliminate one. This is a great unit, just so happy with it.UPDATE 9-9-22 after using the Dometic on four trips. Works flawlessly, a bit heavy when fully loaded. On my last trip the Dometic 35 stopped working when on 12v but worked fine on 110v. Issue is not, let me repeat, is not the Dometic but rather the Yetti Goal Zero 3,000. Found out the cigarette lighter output on the Yetti Lithium 3,000 is not regulated and when battery reached 47%, the voltage dropped to 10.8v and the Dometic refrigerator will not run on that lower voltage. Yetti sells a cigarette lighter adapter that is regulated, but you have to spend another $48 for this on (w tax/shipping) very disappointing that the Yetti power supply will only work on 12v when battery is over 47%, unless you spend extra. The Yetti 3,000X doesn’t need this regulator, but the Yetti 3,000 lithium does. Important info for Yetti users. My Solar 100 briefcase supplies more than enough power to run the Dometic on full sun. Just love how cold the Dometic is for very little watts.

3. 

   S – November 18, 2024

   Reliable
   I’ve owned six Dometic electric coolers and the keyword would have to be “reliable”.They seem like the “Toyota” of electric coolers. Whether or not they have all of the features desired by any particular user, THEY WORK.I’m currently using three of these coolers (I’ve given three others away). One is a small CDF-11 model (now discontinued) offering just 11 liters of space, that I use in my car for transporting small grocery purchases.The other two are a CFX3 55IM and a CFX3 25 that I use in my house for supplementary refrigeration.The CFX3 55IM has been running continuously as a “deep freeze” unit for three years uninterrupted. No issues. (I don’t use the ice-maker.)The CFX3 25 has been running for just over a month. I was previously using a CFX3 35 but downsized to save space.As at least one other reviewer has noted, the digital temperature controls on these units can be a bit finicky. On the Fahrenheit scale, you might plug in a certain setting and the unit might change it. I’m still trying to figure out the pattern.Also, I don’t rely on the “current” temperature readings as displayed on the control panels. Inside each of my CFX3 units, I have two ACU-RITE temperature sensors placed near the center of the interior, to allow me to monitor current temperatures as well as histories (watching for any significant “excursions”).The CFX3 55IM unit is set to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, and I get very consistent -2 to +2 degree readings from the two interior sensors. The CFX3 25 unit is set to 34 degrees Fahrenheit, and I get very consistent 39-43 degree readings from the two interior sensors.There does seem to be some temperature variation within the interior of the CFX3 units. Temperatures on/near the upper shelves seem a bit higher than in the centers of the units, which perhaps is not surprising since the shelves are higher (warmer air rises) and are above the compressors.I do use ballast to help moderate the temperature variations but more importantly to provide added protection during power outages. Specifically, I use various combinations of YETI ice and the newer YETI thin ice, which fit neatly along the walls of the coolers. It’s true, some space is thereby sacrificed, but the tradoff seems worth it.Of note, these electric coolers don’t seem particularly effective at actually cooling (or freezing) items, and it doesn’t appear that they’re intended to do that (maybe with the exception of the small ice-maker in the CFX3 55IM model). However, they do seem quite effective at keeping items cool (or frozen) that are already cool (or frozen).Lastly, these units will accumulate frost/ice with prolonged use, but it doesn’t seem to be a major issue.

4. 

   Brett Merriman – November 18, 2024

   Worth every penny. Very happy with it as we took it on our last vacation. Will be going on several more in the years to come. Customer service was great with my questions and answered them quickly. Will continue to support Rack Attack and highly recommend them.

5. 

   Franky – November 18, 2024

   Je suis satisfait, je le recommande.

6. 

   R. Paquette – November 18, 2024

   This item was promptly delivered in good shape while the packaging box was damaged on one corner. DC and AC cords were in the box. The included manual provides specs, but you have to go online to access the complete user’s booklet. The product appears to be well built and sturdy. Inner wire basket included.I tested the fridge half full over a couple of weeks on AC and DC current and it works ok at 20°C ambiant temperature. Set at 4°C, it oscillates between 0°C and 5°C on the display. A thermometer placed inside will indicate 4 to 5°C.Disconnected for 5 hours and without opening the compartement the thermometer (not the fridge display) moved from 4°C to 7°C.I expect this to vary with higher or lower ambiant temperature, depending.The real test will be when we use it on the road, at the back of the pickup. It will be hooked up to the AC120V of the running truck, and then to a Mini100ah LiFePo4 battery. Tested at 20°C, it runs for a solid 84 hours on the battery with about 40% charge left – those batteries should not be discharged below 20%.So far so good.Addendum July 2024: tested during a roadtrip at ambiant temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30° it provided stable inner cooling ranging from 5°(compressor starts) to 0° (compressor stops) over 48 hours at a time; it used 25% of a fully charged 100 ah Mini LiFePO2 battery. Cooling setting was 4°C. THIS IS VERY SATISFYING. The LiTime 20A charger worked well to restore the battery to full charge.

7. 

   JU – November 18, 2024

   I looked at many different 12v fridge/freezers and it seems every reviewer online holds these coolers as the gold standard. It wasn’t cheap but I work away from home and the ability to bring frozen and prepared meals with me has saved time and a lot of money. It works perfectly and it’s nearly silent other than the odd time the compressor runs (which most people won’t hear unless they sit right beside it). The wifi seems finicky but the bluetooth works great with the app. It is worth the extra initial cost.I also bought the cover for it, fits well and it seems to aid in keeping it cool.

8. 

   YW Jung – November 18, 2024

   Cooler noise is low and works well