Why the Dometic CFX3 55IM is One of Our Favorite Fridges
There are a lot of portable fridges out there. The problem is, not all of them are up to snuff. Some don’t stay as cold as they should, others have questionable build quality, and still others are difficult to set up or monitor.
But that’s where the Dometic CFX3 55IM truly shines. This compact, lightweight, and rugged fridge offers the best of all worlds - a great size, superb build quality, lots of features, and ease of use. Adding this fridge to your rig not only means having worry-free food storage but also long-term performance and reliability that gives you peace of mind for years to come.
Let’s dive into these and other features of the CFX3 and get into the nitty-gritty of why this is one of our absolute favorite fridges.
The Dometic CFX3 55IM is the Perfect Size
At 55 liters, the Dometic CFX3 55IM is just the right size for weekend outdoor adventures. That’s enough space to fit all the food and drinks you need, with space left over for items you pick up along the way. For reference, this fridge will hold 83 cans of your favorite beverage! Keep in mind that there’s no need for ice in one of these versus a cooler. Therefore, you can fit a lot more goodies inside without the ice taking up so much valuable space. I’d feel confident saying there is as much or more usable space with a 55qt Dometic fridge/freezer as there would be with a 75 or 80 quart cooler.
The Dometic CFX3 55IM dimensions make it easy to integrate into all sorts of overlanding rigs. It’s just under 18 inches deep, nearly 19 inches high, and about 28 inches long. Pop it in the back of your SUV, put it on a slide in your teardrop trailer, or use it in your van or other RV to have cold food and beverages wherever you go.
At about 47 pounds empty, the CFX3 55IM doesn’t add an enormous amount of weight to your rig, either. Weight and space are always a concern for camping and overlanding adventures, so the dimensions and weight of this unit are certainly appreciated!
It’s Easy to Rely on Dometic’s Build Quality
As discussed in our video above, one of the primary selling points of Dometic refrigerators and coolers is their build quality. To say this thing is rugged is an understatement - Dometic has been in the business since the late 1960s, so they have a long track record of product development. This fridge isn’t something you have to baby; it can take a beating without reduced performance.
The secret to the durability of this model is that it’s built with strong yet lightweight plastics that withstand heat, cold, and rocking and rolling in the back of your rig as you navigate tough trails. The plastic body is supplemented by lightweight fender frames for added durability. The unit also has aluminum alloy handles, which are both lightweight and offer long-lasting functionality, even in environments in which the handles are exposed to dirt and dust.
Another element of this fridge’s build quality is the compressor. Dometic has perfected the compressor to offer ultra-high performance without all the noise of other compressors. In fact, the chances are good that you won’t ever notice when the unit’s compressor kicks on. That’s due in large part to the use of noise-reducing materials. Likewise, this unit doesn’t vibrate when the compressor kicks on, further reducing the noise level. It’s like a silent partner on your trips, doing its thing without annoying you with constant racket!
And finally, Dometic has a large service network if something were to ever go wrong.
This Fridge Offers Loads of Features
It’s not just the sizing and build quality that earn the Dometic CFX3 55IM such high praise. There is a long list of features that elevate its usability and functionality for your camping and overlanding adventures.
For example, you can power this cooler - which uses less energy than a 60-watt light bulb - using AC, DC, or solar inputs. With that flexibility, you can tailor the use of the fridge to the types of power you have available while you’re on the road or at camp.
Another noteworthy feature is that the CFX3 55IM is the first of its kind to include an ice maker. The included rapid-freeze plate allows the unit to make a tray of ice in a few hours time. Better yet, it can do so without affecting the temperature in other areas of the cooler. So, you don’t have to choose between having ice or maintaining a proper temperature for your food and drinks. Instead, you can enjoy the best of both worlds!
This fridge's temperature range is -7 degrees Fahrenheit to more than 50 degrees, so you can dial in the specific temperature you need for the type of contents inside the fridge. Thanks to the 55mm-thick polyurethane insulation, the unit can maintain the desired temperature in a range of environmental conditions, too. The compressor's efficiency also helps keep this fridge cool.
An interesting feature that you don’t see is Dometic’s smart voltage regulation. Since the unit is compatible with so many different power sources, it’s necessary to protect the battery from inconsistencies in the type of power.
Dometic also uses a three-stage battery protection system that prevents the fridge from depleting your vehicle’s battery. So, the unit will turn itself off to spare you the inconvenience of having a dead battery. Your food might get warmer, depending on how long the fridge is off, but it’s better to have slightly warmer food than a dead battery!
Of course, one of the claims to fame for this unit is the integrated ice maker. Though it’s a single-zone unit, the ice maker is a separate area that, as noted earlier, can be used without affecting the temperature elsewhere in the fridge compartment.
While the ice maker won’t keep up with the demand for a 100-guest party at your camp, it will give you 50 small ice cubes in a few hours. Turn it on when you get to camp, and when it’s time for a nightcap before bed, you’ll have all the ice you need for you and a few camping buddies.
The Dometic CFX3 55IM is Simple to Use
When you’re camping, the last thing you want to do is spend all your time trying to get your gear to work. That’s certainly not an issue with the Dometic CFX3 55IM.
On the one hand, this fridge cools down rapidly - from room temperature to 36 degrees in short order (faster than you could grab ice from the closest store!). On the other hand, it’s equipped with smart features that make monitoring its performance a breeze.
You can use Bluetooth and the CFX3 mobile app on your phone to check on the fridge from a short range. But you can also use a WiFi network to check on it remotely. You can see the DC voltage, explore its temperature history for a variety of timeframes (e.g., the last hour, day, or week), and get energy consumption data, which can help you determine how much longer the fridge will run based on the current operating conditions.
But the remote capabilities aren’t just for monitoring the unit. You can also use the app and Bluetooth or WiFi to turn the refrigerator on or off. There’s a temperature threshold alarm, too, which lets you know if the unit’s power is running low and the interior temperature starts to rise. The app will even send you a push notification if the lid remains open for longer than three minutes.
Of course, if you’re in close proximity to the CFX3, you can use the built-in interface on the side to manage settings. The bright LED display is easy to read and gives you details regarding the interior temperature, input voltage, Bluetooth and WiFi status, and any notifications or alerts, too. The buttons are weatherproof for good measure, and the setup menu is simple to navigate while giving you access to features like the network settings, adjusting the battery protection level, turning the icemaker on and off, and so forth.
In other words, this isn’t a smart fridge that requires a Ph.D. to operate. You can quickly and easily change settings and check on the fridge’s performance and then get right back to enjoying the great outdoors.
Reliability and Durability Make the Overlanding Experience Better
When you invest in camping and overlanding gear, you obviously want something that offers reliable functionality and long-term durability. Well, that’s precisely what you get with the Dometic CFX3 55IM!
Dometic is known for the quality of its fridges, and this one is no exception to that rule. Whether you need something for hot or cold-weather camping, for a quick weekend adventure by yourself, or an extended trip with your family, the CFX3 will keep your food cool without much - if any - effort on your part.
And as we discussed in the video referenced earlier, this specific unit has performed like a champ in the hot Texas weather. It hasn’t been abused by any means, but it hasn’t been babied, either - it’s been put through its paces in the back of the truck. You’d be hard-pressed to find a fridge like this that offers such a high level of build quality and functionality.
A fridge can make your camping or overlanding experience so much better. You don’t have to deal with the constant search for ice, nor the mess that melting ice leaves behind. Instead, you get all the cooling power you need with very little setup required. We like to think we’re better, too - great products, great service, and a dedication to making sure each customer’s needs are met. That’s why BTR - pronounced better - is in our name!
Swing by our location just off Interstate 20 in Abilene, Texas, or get in touch with us today to inquire about the Dometic CFX3 55IM or anything else in our huge inventory of gear!
