The Igloo 28 QT Portable Electric Cooler, especially the No Compressor Thermoelectric model, is really meant to be powered by a 12V DC outlet, like the one you find in vehicles, such as a car's cigarette lighter. This setup is great for road trips where you can easily plug it in and keep your stuff cool, as it can chill down to about 36°F below the ambient temperature, according to the manufacturer's description.

But if you can't keep it powered, like when the vehicle is off or if you're nowhere near a compatible outlet, you might struggle to keep things cold.

Based on our research, people have mixed opinions about this cooler. Some folks like it for travel because it keeps drinks and perishables cool without ice, which means more room for packing.

However, others have noticed it doesn't cool as well when it's not continuously plugged in, which can be an issue during long stops or if it's left in a hot car. That's kind of expected since thermoelectric coolers aren't as powerful as the ones with compressors.

Whether this cooler works for you really depends on how you're planning to use it. If you're often on the go with a 12V outlet handy, it could be a great option. It does the job for short-term cooling while traveling.

But if you need it for more stationary use or expect times without power, you might want to pre-chill it or use ice packs to help keep things cool longer.

So, think about how you'll use it and when you’ll have power available. With a bit of planning, this cooler can definitely come in handy for keeping things chilled while you're out and about.

The Igloo 28 QT Portable Electric Cooler uses thermoelectric cooling to keep your drinks and snacks chilled while it's plugged into a 12V DC power source, like your car's lighter. It cools about 36°F below the air temperature, which means no ice is needed—chances are you'll have more space for your stuff and it stays dry, too.

However, this cooler doesn't do so well unplugged. Once you disconnect it from power, it starts to warm up to match the outside temperature. So, it works best if you've got it plugged in during those long road trips.

Keep in mind that it doesn’t come with an AC adapter for home use, so you’d need to grab one separately if you plan on using it indoors. Our research indicated that some folks found buying an additional adapter was a bit of an inconvenience.

From what we found, the cooler shines on the go, but without power, its cooling power takes a dive. If you're thinking of using it regularly indoors, an AC adapter could be a worthwhile investment for you.

Overall, it's a solid choice if road trips are your jam, just remember to keep it powered for the best results.

The Igloo 28 QT Portable Electric Cooler is pretty useful when you need to keep drinks and snacks cool, especially if you're on the move and away from regular power outlets. According to the manufacturer's description, it uses thermoelectric cooling technology rather than a traditional compressor. This means you can plug it into a 12V DC outlet, like the one in your car, which is super handy for road trips.

So, about how cold it gets: our research shows that this cooler can lower the temperature inside by about 36°F below the surrounding air temperature. For example, if it's 80°F outside, your cooler should hover around 44°F inside. It's great for keeping your sodas chilled and snacks fresh, but it might not keep ice or really perishable items cold for a long time.

To get the best out of it, try pre-cooling the cooler and your items before you hit the road. Plugging it in ahead of time helps bring the internal temperature down faster.

Just keep in mind, there are some limitations. Our research indicates that it needs to stay plugged in continuously to work effectively. If it gets unplugged, it'll warm up quickly, especially if it's in direct sunlight or really hot weather.

Also, thermoelectric coolers generally aren't as efficient as compressor-based ones, so in very hot environments, don't expect it to be super cold.

In short, the Igloo 28 QT Portable Electric Cooler is great for keeping things moderately cool during travel or outdoor activities. Just remember its cooling ability depends on the outside temperature, and try to keep it powered up when you can, to get the most out of it on your next adventure!