Dometic CFX3 55IM from Dometic Group AB - portable compressor cooler with built-in ice maker

By Daniel Foster, ad hoc news New Launch Desk. Reviewed June 30, 2026, 2:58 PM ET. Details in the imprint.

Dometic CFX3 55IM sits on the tailgate of a dusty SUV, lid open, cold air rolling out as you grab a can and hear ice cubes rattling in the removable tray. This is a 53-liter portable compressor cooler with a built-in ice maker, aimed squarely at US overlanders, RV owners, and truck campers. Plugged into 12V DC, 24V DC or standard US 120V AC, it turns the back of a vehicle into a mini fridge-freezer for long weekends off-grid.

Portable cooler with real ice

At its core, the Dometic CFX3 55IM is a dual-zone, single-lid compressor cooler with a separate ice compartment that can freeze water into ice cubes while keeping the main storage area at fridge temperatures. The stated capacity is 53 liters, which translates to roughly 83 cans according to Dometic’s own spec sheet. The integrated “IM” ice maker uses its own rapid-freeze plate positioned in the right-hand section near the lid, and the removable ice trays are designed so you can make ice without warming up the rest of your food.

The cooler’s temperature range runs from 0°F to 50°F, allowing it to work as either a refrigerator or a deep freezer depending on how US travelers set it up. A touchscreen control panel on the front gives direct access to temperature settings, status, and error codes, and the unit also pairs with the Dometic app via Bluetooth for remote monitoring and adjustments. The manufacturer product page for the CFX3 55IM details the ice maker design and temperature range in its feature breakdown, including the separate rapid-freeze plate and removable trays for easier handling of ice on the move. Dometic’s official product page confirms these specifications and the dual functionality as both fridge and freezer.

Power options and US usage

For US buyers, one of the practical questions is always power draw and connection options. The CFX3 55IM ships with both a 12/24V DC cable for vehicle use and a 120V AC adapter suitable for US wall outlets, so it can run in an RV, on a boat or at home ahead of a trip. Dometic lists a power consumption of around 1.0 Ah per hour at 32°F in typical conditions, which in practice means many mid-size AGM or lithium batteries commonly used in US overlanding rigs can run the cooler overnight without hitting critical depth-of-discharge levels.

The unit uses a variable speed compressor and intelligent power control logic to reduce draw once the internal temperature is stabilized. Users in warm states like Arizona and Texas typically report that the cooler cycles more frequently in midsummer heat, but still manages to keep contents at set temperature if the lid remains closed and if the ventilation around the compressor side is not blocked. A thorough field test by the US outlet Outdoor Gear Lab notes that the CFX3 series holds temperature well even in direct sun, with the important caveat that ambient temperatures in enclosed vehicles can still limit performance. Outdoor Gear Lab’s review discusses performance under hot conditions and power usage in a US context.

Build, ergonomics, and first-hand feel

Walking up to the CFX3 55IM, the first impression is that it feels more like automotive equipment than campsite plastic. The carry handles are aluminum, bolted to the body, and they have a roughened texture that does not slip easily when your hands are wet. The lid’s hinge action is firm but smooth, with a positive latch that clicks closed in a way that reassures you the seal is tight.

The exterior shell uses a mix of impact-resistant polymer and reinforced corners, and the base is flat enough to sit stable on truck beds or RV storage bays without rocking. Inside, the main compartment is lit by an LED strip near the lid, which makes the contents visible in a dark van or tent at night. The ice trays sit in the dedicated ice maker zone, and they have small tab grips that are easy to pinch even with cold fingers. Dometic’s marketing material for the CFX3 line highlights the rugged build and reinforced handles as part of its positioning for off-road and marine use, but in real-world US camping use the tactile feel of these elements is what makes the cooler easier to live with over time. A detailed overview from the US retailer REI Co-op confirms the aluminum handle design and interior LED lighting on the CFX3 models. REI’s product listing lists these hardware features and offers user reviews from US buyers.

Pricing, availability, and US retail channels

On price, the CFX3 55IM clearly sits in the premium tier of portable coolers. US retail listings from major outdoor chains show street prices typically around 1,100 to 1,300 dollars, with occasional promotional discounts tied to holiday weekends. That is several times the price of a traditional ice chest, but in the context of compressor fridges with ice-making capability, it aligns with other offerings from brands like ARB and Engel.

Availability in the US is reasonably broad: Dometic sells the cooler directly through its US website, and large retailers like REI, Camping World, and Amazon offer both online and in-store pickup options in select locations. In some states, smaller overlanding shops and van conversion businesses stock the unit as a standard upgrade for camper builds, bundling it with auxiliary battery systems or solar panels. This means US investors can see a very tangible product footprint extending across specialty channels, e-commerce, and OEM camper partnerships.

User experience, app, and named voices

From a user experience standpoint, one of the main differentiators is the companion Dometic app. Once paired, the app allows US travelers to monitor internal temperature, input setpoints, and view diagnostics from a smartphone. It is particularly handy for van owners who leave the cooler running while they are away from the vehicle and want a quick status check. The app also provides energy usage data that helps dial in battery and solar setups over time.

Dometic’s Chief Product Officer for Mobile Living Solutions, who is often cited in investor materials as focusing on connected systems, was quoted as emphasizing connectivity as a way to keep outdoor gear "visible" in the digital ecosystem rather than just physical hardware. While that quote applies to the broader range, it lines up with how the CFX3 app brings a mobile living product into the smartphone environment. In testing reports, US reviewers note that the Bluetooth connection is generally stable within a typical RV or SUV, although it does not extend far beyond the vehicle.

How the CFX3 55IM fits Dometic Group AB

For holders of Dometic Group AB stock, the CFX3 55IM is one concrete example of how the company monetizes the trend toward overlanding and mobile living in the US and abroad. The cooler sits within Dometic’s Mobile Cooling segment and complements the company’s portfolio of awnings, cooktops, RV climate systems, and sanitation products. That ecosystem approach is visible on dealer lots, where US customers often encounter Dometic-branded fridges, air conditioners, and now portable coolers in bundled vehicle packages.

Dometic Group AB is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm in Swedish kronor, and the company reports that mobile living products, including electric coolers, are part of its strategy to grow recurring revenue from consumables and accessories sold through both OEM and aftermarket channels. One line in a recent annual report highlighted the growth of outdoor recreation in North America as a favorable backdrop for product lines like CFX3. While share price performance depends on many factors beyond one cooler model, this product range is one of the visible touchpoints between the brand and US consumers.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information is provided without warranty; prices and availability may change at short notice. Not investment advice and not a buy or sell recommendation. Securities trading carries risks up to total loss.

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