Can an electric cooler change your life? These 5 have something to prove.

There’s nothing worse than pulling up to the beach or backyard barbecue only to realize you forgot the ice for your cooler — lukewarm beers and snacks don’t exactly have the same appeal, you know? But that’s exactly where electric coolers come in. An electric cooler comes in a single unit that can keep several items cool at once without wasting your time or energy… or ice.

A good electric cooler should be efficient, easy to set up, and provide enough space for multiple items. If you’re hoping to find a decent one for your lifestyle needs you’ll want to read on. We’ve rounded up the best electric coolers below, according to Amazon reviews.

How do electric coolers work?

Unlike a regular cooler that depends on ice cubes or frozen ice packs to stay chilly, an electric cooler comes equipped with plug that can either go straight into a wall unit, portable power pack, or the cigarette lighter in your car. Some electric coolers can even work to keep food warm instead of cold — just adjust the thermostat to the appropriate temperature and you're good to go. (Did someone say tailgate season?)

How do I choose the best electric cooler?

Choosing the right electric cooler for your lifestyle depends on what you plan to use your cooler for. If you want something for occasional car trips, the Koolatron D13 Soft-Sided Electric Travel Cooler will do just fine. That said, if you’re looking for something to keep raw seafood or meat in good condition, you might want to opt for something with high quality freezing capacities like the ICECO JP42 Pro.

How much do electric coolers cost?

Electric coolers range greatly in price depending on the functionality and quality that you’re looking for. Most baseline coolers will cost anywhere from $80 to $150—but larger electric coolers that also freeze can run you more than $500.