This post is sponsored by BODEGA. All opinions are always my own and are never influenced by any free product I receive or relationship I may have with a company.
What I Am Reviewing
I am really excited to review the BODEGA Portable 12V Car Refrigerator 47QT M45 Stainless Steel Dual Zone Cooler. I am going to apologize in advance for the lack of pictures currently (there will be more added soon). I took over 20,000 photos/videos during this road trip, and I am still sorting through them. Most of the pictures you see here right now are the aftermath of a 10,000+ mile road trip (and it still works like it’s brand new).
BODEGA 47QT M45 Cooler Specifications
General Information
- Model: BODEGA M45
- Capacity: 47 quarts (45 liters)
- Dimensions: 29.1″ W × 18.1″ D × 16″ H
- Weight: 35.7 lbs (verify against the manufacturer’s listing, which may specify a different weight depending on the configuration)
- Exterior Material: Stainless steel
- Handle Design: Dual handles for easier transport
- Door Configuration: Single door
- Door Orientation: Reversible
Cooling Performance
- Cooling System: Compressor-based refrigeration
- Temperature Range: -4°F to 68°F
- Temperature Control: Independent temperature settings for each zone
- Dual-Zone Storage: Removable divider allows the interior to be configured for two zones
- Defrost System: Automatic
- Maximum Operating Angle: Up to 45°, according to the product specifications
Power and Energy Features
- Power Source: Corded electric
- DC Power: 12V/24V DC
- AC Power: 100–240V AC
- Operating Modes: MAX mode for faster cooling and ECO mode for energy-efficient operation
- Battery Protection: Helps prevent excessive discharge of your vehicle’s battery
- App Control: Yes, Bluetooth app control
Convenience Features
- Interior LED lighting
- Integrated bottle opener
- Drain hole for easier cleaning
- Dual handles
- Removable divider for flexible storage
- Reversible door
Noise Level
- Rated Noise Level: ≤45 dB
Testing Conditions
We put this cooler through its longest test yet, spending 60 days on the road, including 40 days traveling Route 66. Our trip ran from late June through late August, with temperatures frequently topping 100°F. We tested it in two very different environments: hot, humid conditions for half the trip and hot, dry conditions for the other half.
Throughout all 60 days, the cooler remained plugged into our battery bank, allowing it to run 24/7, giving us an extended look at how it performed during real-world road trip and camping conditions.
For most of the day, it was crammed into the bed of our truck (see picture below), and despite not having great airflow and really hot temperatures, we had no issues with performance (although we did make sure not to block the vents).
What I Liked
After 60 days on the road, we had plenty of time to put the BODEGA 47QT M45 through its paces. From keeping frozen foods frozen in the summer heat to making it easier to access our food while traveling, several features stood out to us.
Dual-Zone Cooling and Flexible Storage
One of our favorite features was the dual-zone design. We could keep frozen foods, such as steaks, ice cream, and hamburger patties, frozen while having space for other refrigerated items when needed.
We also appreciated the removable divider. When we weren’t carrying frozen foods, we could remove the divider to create more room for refrigerated items like milk, drinks, and other food. That flexibility made the cooler especially useful for a long road trip when our storage needs changed along the way.
Reliable Cooling Performance
The cooler performed as expected, maintaining the temperatures we set. It kept our frozen foods frozen and our refrigerated items cold, even during our summer travels when temperatures frequently topped 100°F.
Knowing we could count on it to keep our food at the temperatures we selected was important, especially when we were carrying everything from frozen meat to everyday refrigerated essentials.
Power Consumption
Throughout our 60-day trip, we powered the BODEGA 47QT M45 using a combination of our truck’s 12V power, a portable power station, and shore power. This gave us the flexibility to run the cooler while traveling and when using our portable power setup.
The cooler has a manufacturer-rated power draw of 60 watts, but actual energy consumption varies depending on the outside temperature, temperature settings, and how often the compressor runs. Since we didn’t track its total watt-hour consumption during our trip (I completely forgot), we can’t give an accurate daily power usage figure. However, being able to run it from our truck, a portable power station, or from shore power made it a convenient option for our road trip setup.
We do plan on getting those figures soon for those that are interested.
Stainless Steel Construction
We liked the stainless steel exterior, which gave us the impression of a sturdy cooler that could handle the demands of life on the road. Over the course of our trip, it picked up a few dents and scratches, but it held up through the bumps and general wear of traveling.
While it certainly wasn’t immune to cosmetic damage, we appreciated having a cooler that felt built for adventure rather than one we needed to baby throughout the trip.
Convenient Size and Capacity
The 47-quart capacity was just right for our road trip. It provided enough room for the food we needed without taking up more space than necessary in the truck bed.
Having a dedicated space for our refrigerated and frozen foods made meal planning on the road much easier, and we could carry a useful variety of food without relying on ice.
Easy to Load and Unload
The dual handles were another feature we appreciated. They made lifting the cooler into the truck and removing it when needed much easier. Since we were traveling for an extended period, being able to get a secure grip when moving the cooler was a definite plus.
Interior Light for Better Visibility
The built-in interior light was a small but useful feature. It made it easier to see what was inside, particularly when accessing food in low-light conditions. When you’re on the road and reaching into a cooler early in the morning or after dark, that extra visibility comes in handy.
Drain Hole for Easy Cleaning
We really liked having a drain hole. When it was time to clean the cooler, draining water and cleaning out the interior was much easier than having to tip the entire unit or find another way to remove the water.
It’s a practical feature that might not seem important at first, but it makes routine cleaning easier during (or after) a long trip, and I definitely need to clean it!
Built-In Bottle Opener
The integrated bottle opener was another feature we enjoyed. It’s a simple addition, but having one built right into the cooler meant we didn’t have to hunt for a separate bottle opener when we needed one.
App Control Without Depending on the App
One of our favorite conveniences was the ability to control the cooler through the app. Because we kept the cooler in the bed of our truck, we could change the temperature from the front seat while we were on the road.
That meant we didn’t have to pull over, get out, open the truck bed, and access the cooler just to adjust the temperature. During a long road trip, that was especially convenient.
We also liked that the app was optional. We could still operate the cooler and adjust its temperature directly on the unit without needing to use our phones. Having both options gave us the flexibility to control it whichever way was most convenient at the time.
What to Improve
While we were happy with how the BODEGA 47QT M45 performed during our 60 days on the road, there are a couple of things we’d like to see improved.
Wheels Would Make It Easier to Move
This cooler is heavy, and once it’s loaded with food, it gets even heavier. The handles make it easier to lift into and out of the truck, but moving it around once it’s on the ground can be a pain. Adding wheels would make a big difference, especially when you’re moving it between your vehicle and a campsite or trying to reposition it when it’s full.
The Lid Can Be Difficult to Reopen Immediately
One thing that annoyed us was how difficult the lid could be to open if we closed it and then tried to reopen it right away, particularly in warm conditions.
This happens because of a pressure difference. When you open the cooler, warm air enters the cold interior. Once you close the lid, that air cools and contracts, lowering the air pressure inside the cooler. The higher air pressure outside then presses the lid down, making it feel like it’s stuck.
It’s similar to the temporary suction you sometimes experience when opening a refrigerator door. Waiting a little bit usually gives the pressure time to equalize, but it can be frustrating when you’re trying to grab something else right away.
I’m not sure if there’s a practical fix for this particular model, but it’s something worth knowing about if you’re considering this cooler. We ran into it enough during our trip that I wanted to mention it, since we haven’t had that issue with their other cooler models.
Overall Impression
After 60 days on the road, including 40 days traveling Route 66 in summer heat, we’re genuinely impressed with the BODEGA 47QT M45 Stainless Steel Cooler. It performed exactly as we expected, keeping our refrigerated foods cold and our frozen foods frozen, even when temperatures frequently climbed above 100°F.
We loved the dual-zone design, the removable divider that gave us flexibility with our storage, and the capacity, which was just right for our extended road trip. The stainless steel exterior felt sturdy enough for life on the road, and little conveniences like the interior light, drain hole, bottle opener, and dual handles made using it that much easier. The app control was another favorite feature, allowing us to adjust the temperature from the front seat of the truck without stopping to access the cooler in the bed.
It’s not without a couple of drawbacks. Wheels would make it much easier to move when loaded, and the temporary suction that can make the lid difficult to reopen immediately after closing it was occasionally frustrating. However, neither issue was a dealbreaker for us.
Would we recommend the BODEGA 47QT M45? Absolutely! We think it’s a great cooler for road trips, camping, and overlanding, especially if you want the convenience of a portable refrigerator and freezer without having to rely on ice. After putting it through 60 days of real-world travel in some seriously hot conditions, we’d happily recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable cooler for their next adventure.
Where to Buy
You can buy the BODEGA 47QT M45 Electric Cooler on Amazon or through their website. If purchasing through their website, use the code NUTTYHIKER for 12% off.
Bodega 47 QT M45 Electric Cooler
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