Performance Comparison
The compressor models lined up, from left to right: Dometic, ARB, Costway, and Whynter.
Temperature Control
The Whynter exhibits the most accurate display temperature of any model we tested. On average, it registered just 1.6º F different from the actual internal temperature. Though it's rated to reach -8º F, we recorded its minimum temperature to be -5.8º, which is still no small feat! And though it wasn't exceptionally fast at cooling its contents, the Whynter also has a Fast Freeze function that can speed this process up considerably. Though not the absolute best performer in this metric, the Whynter holds its own among stiff competition and does a bang-up job of it.
This intense, yet easy-to-use latch helps seal in the cold air.
Insulation
Another high-scoring metric for the Whynter, its thick walls and insulation puts it right on par with the Editors' Choice Dometic for keeping food cold even when unplugged. It's also a solid piece of equipment, with visibly ultra-thick walls and a super sturdy lid and hinge. We even find the rubber feet to be durable and useful, preventing the cooler from sliding all over the place during transit. Though it's not advertised as being one, we used the Whynter as a seat frequently and never had any doubts that it would hold us without caving.
The drain and plug come in handy for cleaning without seeming to take away at all from the performance of the Whynter.
Energy Consumption
One of only two coolers we tested with a specific energy-saving power mode (the other is the Costway), the Whynter is top-notch when it comes to saving electricity. On its Low mode, this cooler uses just 35.5 watts - the lowest of any model we tested, including the thermoelectric coolers! However, this is slightly offset by the regular power mode and Fast Freeze mode, which both use the most energy of any cooler in this review - 65.5 W. But if the ambient temperature is below 90º F, you can safely use the low power mode to save your battery.
The Whynter also features a low power mode that saves energy while keeping your food cold, and proved to be the lowest power draw of any cooler in this review!
Ease of Use
We like the design of this trunk-style cooler, and its slightly smaller capacity makes it a bit easier to rifle through. It's the only model we tested with two internal baskets that are relatively easy to take out even when stuffed to the brim with cold goodies. It also has a sturdy latch for the lid that can be locked closed. Advertised as a 45-quart cooler, we measured this unit to be just over 40 quarts, and able to hold 58 cans. We were surprised by this small capacity - smaller than two of the much smaller-looking thermoelectric models, both the Koolatron and the Igloo, and only one can larger than the Knox. The Whynter is also the only compressor model we tested that doesn't have an internal light.
We were surprised by the relatively small capacity of the Whynter.
Portability
The Whynter is far and away our least favorite model to carry. It's the heaviest in our review, at 54.6 lb, and has tiny little handles with a simple hard plastic grip - not the most comfortable to carry. It also has very pointed edges and corners, which we think look quite excellent but also are painful to bump against. Its saving grace is the longest DC cord in this review, at 9' 6", allowing you to place the Whynter where you want it and hopefully never have to move it again.
Not the most comfortable handle with which to carry a cooler that weighs nearly 55 lb!
Features
Not a flashy cooler, the Wynter mostly has what you need. It does have a drain in the bottom, which is a feature it shares with the Dometic, ARB, and Knox. One thing we really like is that the display shows your battery level, which helps to monitor your energy usage - unfortunately, that display is on the side/back of the cooler, right next to the plug. A rather unfortunate location, we think. The Whynter is also a relatively noisy model - about as loud as the Costway and nearly as loud as the ARB. Whynter does offer a 1-year warranty, which is a nice safety blanket for an appliance this large.
The control panel is located on the right side, just above the plugs.
Best Applications
We think the Whynter is a good "thread the needle" model for folks looking for excellent performance but maybe just not quite as expensive. We would recommend that if you decide to purchase this cooler, you find a permanent place for it to live so you don't need to carry it around EVER. It's also an excellent option for energy savings, so long as you can operate it in conditions less than 90º.
Let the Whynter help you bring things you'd normally leave at home - like eggs.
Value
Costing several hundred dollars less than the Editors' Choice-winner, Dometic, and the ARB both, the Whynter gives some solid performance for what you pay. We think its performance makes it a pretty high value, as it scored #2 overall in our testing. If you're not quite ready to take that monetary plunge though, check out the Best Buy, Costway. Or if money is less of a concern and performance is what you're after, the Dometic might be the right fit for you.
Conclusion
Offering a fairly great all-around performance (aside from portability), the Whynter has a lot to offer while costing less than several of its competitors. It has an impressively efficient low energy mode, the longest DC cord in our review, an excellent minimum temperature, and overall useful design. Though it was our least favorite model to carry and has a smaller internal capacity than claimed, we think the Whynter is a solid powered cooler and for a very reasonable, competitive price.
Have an adventure with your Whynter!
Other Versions and Accessories
Whynter offers several other sizes of powered cooler as well as an insulated flexible transit bag. We didn't test this bag, but many users state that it makes the Whynter much easier to carry as well as adding insulatory value.
