Dometic CFX3 35
#33 in Mid-sizeFull review
Dometic’s previous top line, still sold for less than the CFX5, for buyers who want the brand’s 3-year warranty.
Dometic $799.99$799.99
The Dometic CFX3 35 is the better 12V fridge overall, rated 3.1 to 2.8. The Dometic CFX3 35 leads on value. The Dometic CFX3 35 costs $200 less ($799.99 vs $999.99).
Dometic CFX5 35
#35 in Mid-sizeFull review
For overlanders and RV owners who want the established name and a full-unit warranty, and will pay several times the price per liter of value brands for it.
Amazon $999.99 Dometic $999.99$999.99
Prices were last checked October 21, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Dometic CFX3 35 for value ($22.22 per liter vs $27.78 per liter).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mid-size 12V fridge; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Dometic CFX3 35 | Dometic CFX5 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 35% | 32 $22.22 per liter | 9 $27.78 per liter |
| Efficiency 20% | 62 about 282 Wh a day (7.8 Wh per liter), maker figure, 1 Ah per hour at Ambient 90 °F, internal 39 °F | 51 about 320 Wh a day (8.9 Wh per liter), maker figure, 1.1 Ah per hour at Ambient 90 °F, internal 39 °F |
| Warranty 20% | 50 3-year unit | 50 3-year unit |
| Build 15% | 50 compressor maker not stated (neutral score used) | 50 compressor maker not stated (neutral score used) |
| Portability 10% | 57 1.03 lb per liter | 59 1.01 lb per liter |
Independent tests
Dometic CFX3 35
| Tested by | Average draw | Energy over 24 h | Coldest reached | Display error | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUTO BILD | - | - | −11.2 °F | - | Pull-down at the coldest setting: −4 °F after 45 minutes; the coldest figure is after 90 minutes. |
Dometic CFX5 35
No independent test published yet.
Specifications
| Dometic CFX3 35 | Dometic CFX5 35 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Capacity | 36 L (38 qt) | 36 L (38 qt) |
| Zones | Single zone | Single zone |
| Temperature range | −8 to 50 °F | −8 to 68 °F |
| Price per liter | $22.22 | $27.78 |
| Power | ||
| Energy use | 282 Wh a day (maker figure, 1 Ah per hour at Ambient 90 °F, internal 39 °F) | 320 Wh a day (maker figure, 1.1 Ah per hour at Ambient 90 °F, internal 39 °F) |
| Energy per liter | 7.8 Wh | 8.9 Wh |
| Rated input | 50 W | 47 W |
| Battery | None | None |
| AC adapter included | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Weight (empty) | 37.3 lb | 36.5 lb |
| Noise (maker) | 44 dB | - |
| App control | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 yr | 3 yr |