Dometic is the benchmark for premium compressor cool boxes. If you're a serious caravanner, motorhomer, or van lifer looking for proper fridge or freezer performance on the road, the Dometic CFX2 and CFX5 ranges are the two lines you'll be choosing between. At Newquay Camping Shop, we stock both ranges in full — here's everything you need to know.
CFX2 vs CFX5 — What's the Difference?
Dometic's two main compressor ranges share the same core technology — compressor cooling, AC/DC power, app control, and battery protection — but the CFX5 is the more premium line:
- CFX2: Robust, reliable, and well-featured. Standard polyurethane insulation, VMSO3 compressor, 4-digit LED display, USB charging, wire baskets. The right choice if you want Dometic quality without the top-end price.
- CFX5: Dometic's flagship line. Adds Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIP) for significantly better energy efficiency, an improved airtight lid gasket, self-folding aluminium alloy handles, an extended evaporator for even cold distribution, and app connectivity with more advanced monitoring. The CFX5 also supports off-grid power (Dometic batteries, solar). Worth the premium for full-time or frequent use.
Both ranges cool to -22°C and include 3-stage battery protection, AC and DC cables, interior LED lighting, and a removable divider.
The Dometic CFX2 Range
Dometic CFX2 37L — £649.00
The entry point into the CFX2 range. 37L holds 48 x 330ml cans, cools to -22°C. Compact footprint (678 x 401 x 427mm) suits campervans and smaller vehicle builds. VMSO3 compressor, 4-digit LED display, USB charging, reversible non-slip lid, wire baskets.
- Capacity: 37L / 48 cans
- Temperature: +20°C to -22°C
- Power: AC 100–240V / DC 12V/24V
- Dimensions: 678 x 401 x 427mm | Weight: 15.6kg
Dometic CFX2 45L — £699.00
The most popular CFX2 model. 56 x 330ml can capacity, ergonomic foldable handles, drain plug, one-hand smooth-click lid. Strong all-rounder for couples and small families.
- Capacity: 45L / 56 cans
- Temperature: +20°C to -22°C
- Power: AC 100–240V / DC 12V/24V
- Dimensions: 678 x 401 x 493mm | Weight: 16.6kg
Dometic CFX2 57L — £749.00
The largest CFX2 model. 57L holds 68 x 330ml cans in a wider footprint. Ideal for families or longer trips where volume matters.
- Capacity: 57L / 68 cans
- Temperature: +20°C to -22°C
- Power: AC 100–240V / DC 12V/24V
- Dimensions: 709 x 548 x 503mm | Weight: 18.3kg
The Dometic CFX5 Range
The CFX5 upgrades the core formula with Vacuum Insulated Panels, tighter lid gasket, extended evaporator, self-folding aluminium handles, integrated bottle opener, and off-grid power compatibility via Dometic's Obsidian battery range or solar panels.
Dometic CFX5 25L — £699.00
Most compact model. 25L holds 40 x 330ml cans and 5 x 1.5L bottles. Fits on a rear seat. Ideal for solo travellers or as a secondary cool box. Dimensions: 569 x 342 x 420mm | Weight: 13.8kg.
Dometic CFX5 35L — £749.00
35L holds 56 x 330ml cans and 5 x 1.5L bottles. Sweet spot for solo van lifers and couples. Dimensions: 694 x 398 x 407mm | Weight: 17.2kg.
Dometic CFX5 45L — £799.00
45L holds 72 x 330ml cans and 10 x 1.5L bottles. Suitable for up to 5 people. Uses less power than a 60W light bulb. One of the most popular compressor models for family caravanning. Dimensions: 694 x 398 x 476mm | Weight: 18.9kg.
Dometic CFX5 55L — £849.00
55L holds 80 x 330ml cans and 13 x 1.5L bottles. For groups of up to 6 or extended expeditions. Dimensions: 720 x 455 x 480mm | Weight: 20.7kg.
Dometic CFX5 55 IM — £974.00
The flagship model. Same 55L capacity but adds a built-in ice maker — freeze two trays of fresh ice on demand. No sourcing bagged ice on remote sites. The ultimate upgrade for extended off-grid trips. Weight: 20.7kg.
Dometic CFF 45 — £499.00
The Dometic CFF 45 is the most affordable entry into Dometic compressor performance — 38L, 62 cans, cools to -18°C. Features a distinctive double-sided opening lid, upright bottle storage, and dimmable LED display. PU insulation rather than VIP. Dimensions: 715 x 398 x 407mm | Weight: 18.6kg.
Range at a Glance
| Model | Series | Capacity | Cans | Temp Range | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFF 45 | CFF | 38L | 62 | -18 to +10°C | 18.6kg | £499 |
| CFX2 37L | CFX2 | 37L | 48 | -22 to +20°C | 15.6kg | £649 |
| CFX2 45L | CFX2 | 45L | 56 | -22 to +20°C | 16.6kg | £699 |
| CFX5 25L | CFX5 | 25L | 40 | -22 to +20°C | 13.8kg | £699 |
| CFX2 57L | CFX2 | 57L | 68 | -22 to +20°C | 18.3kg | £749 |
| CFX5 35L | CFX5 | 35L | 56 | -22 to +20°C | 17.2kg | £749 |
| CFX5 45L | CFX5 | 45L | 72 | -22 to +20°C | 18.9kg | £799 |
| CFX5 55L | CFX5 | 55L | 80 | -22 to +20°C | 20.7kg | £849 |
| CFX5 55 IM | CFX5 | 55L + ice maker | 80 | -22 to +20°C | 20.7kg | £974 |
Which Dometic Is Right for You?
- Solo campervan touring: CFX5 25L or CFX5 35L — compact, efficient, fits van builds.
- Couple, weekend caravanning: CFX2 45L — best value at the Dometic quality level.
- Family of 4, regular caravanning: CFX5 45L — VIP efficiency pays back over time, 72-can capacity.
- Large groups or extended motorhome tours: CFX5 55L — 80-can capacity, built for sustained use.
- Off-grid, want ice on demand: CFX5 55 IM — built-in ice maker, worth it for remote camping.
- Budget entry to Dometic: CFF 45 — £499, genuine compressor performance.
Dometic Technology Explained
Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIP) — CFX5 only: Significantly more efficient than standard PU foam — less power draw for the same cooling, critical on a leisure battery.
3-Stage Battery Protection: All CFX2 and CFX5 models monitor battery voltage and auto-shutoff before it drops critically low.
Dometic Mobile Cooling App: Bluetooth control of temperature, energy monitoring, lid-open alerts, and temperature history. Multiple users simultaneously.
VMSO3 Compressor (CFX2): Variable-speed compressor — quieter and more efficient than fixed-speed alternatives.
Shop Dometic at Newquay Camping Shop
We stock the full Dometic CFX2 and CFX5 range online with UK-wide delivery, and in our showroom:
Newquay Camping Shop
4 Bamber House
Victoria
PL26 8LQ
Open Monday to Friday
Browse our full cool box range online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Dometic CFX2 and CFX5?
Both cool to -22°C with AC/DC power, battery protection, and app control. The CFX5 adds Vacuum Insulated Panels for better efficiency, a tighter lid gasket, extended evaporator, and off-grid solar/battery compatibility. For regular or full-time use, the CFX5's efficiency advantage is worth the extra cost.
How much power does a Dometic cool box use?
The CFX5 45L uses less power than a 60W light bulb under normal operation. Exact draw varies with ambient temperature and lid usage. VIP insulation gives the CFX5 a meaningful advantage over CFX2 for battery-reliant setups.
Can I run a Dometic cool box off solar?
Yes — CFX5 models are compatible with Dometic's Obsidian battery range and any solar setup outputting the correct 12/24V DC. CFX2 models also run on DC power from any compatible solar system.
Does the CFX5 55 IM have a built-in ice maker?
Yes — IM stands for Ice Maker. It freezes two trays of fresh ice within hours with no separate appliance needed.
Which Dometic is best for a campervan?
The CFX5 25L and CFX5 35L are most popular for van builds — compact footprint, excellent energy efficiency, full fridge/freezer capability. The CFX2 37L is a more affordable alternative with a similar size.
Can I buy a Dometic cool box in Cornwall?
Yes — Newquay Camping Shop stocks Dometic at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ (Monday to Friday) and online with UK-wide delivery.
Is Dometic worth the money vs Igloo or Vango?
Dometic compressor cool boxes are proper portable fridges and freezers — not enhanced passive cool boxes. If you need genuine fridge/freezer performance, app control, and long-term efficiency, they're worth the investment. For occasional camping without hook-up, a quality passive cool box is more practical and far more affordable.
