Thermoelectric coolers vs compressor coolers: Compressor coolers actually work, thermoelectric ones don't

Thermoelectric coolers can only cool 40°F below ambient, so on a 90°F day they struggle to keep stuff below 50°F and fail in a hot car. Compressor coolers freeze ice cream, hold temp for days, and cycle efficiently — brands like Dometic, Iceco, and ARB cost $400–$1,000 but last a decade. If that’s too much, a rotomolded cooler with ice is more reliable than a cheap electric one.