How to choose a cool box for your boat

A cool box is one of the easiest ways to get cooling on board – without having to install a fixed refrigerator. It's flexible, efficient, and perfect for both short and longer trips.

🧊 Which cool box should you choose?

There are several types of cool boxes – and the difference is important:

• Compressor cool box: Same technology as a refrigerator – efficient and can cool down to freezing point
• Thermoelectric cool box: Cheaper, but only cools 15–20°C below ambient temperature
• Absorption cool box: Can run on gas, but uses a lot of power on 12V

My advice: Go for a compressor cool box – it's clearly the best solution for a boat.

⚡ Power consumption – what to expect?

One of the great advantages of a good cool box is low power consumption:

• Typically: 10–30 Ah per day
• Depends on temperature and use

This makes it perfect for batteries and solar panels.

Tip: Place it in the shade – this can halve your power consumption.

📦 Size – how big should it be?

It's all about needs:

• 20–30 litres: short trips and few people
• 30–50 litres: weekend and smaller families
• 50+ litres: longer trips and more people

Remember: The larger it is – the more power it consumes.

🔌 12V, 24V or 230V?

Most cool boxes can run on multiple voltages:

• 12V: Perfect for boats and batteries
• 24V: For larger systems
• 230V: When you're on shore power

I recommend a model with multiple options – it provides flexibility.

🌡️ Placement on board

Placement is very important:

• Avoid direct sun
• Ensure ventilation around the box
• Place it stably so it doesn't tip over during sailing

Small things – but a big difference in practice.

⛵ When is a cool box the right solution?

• Weekend trips
• Smaller boats
• As a supplement to a refrigerator
• If you want to avoid installation

It's not always a replacement for a refrigerator – but often the most practical choice.

✅ My recommendation

Choose a compressor cool box of the right size and with low power consumption.

It's one of the best investments in onboard comfort – without complicating your setup.