The Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer With Wheels

The Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels is another great cooler from the renowned brand, Knox.

The brand boasts a wide range of coolers and freezers which include, walk-in coolers/ freezers, ice machines, under counter, chef base coolers/ equipment, floral coolers, bakery cases and every other type of cooler you could think of (just kidding) but it does have a pretty wide range that is enough to meet all your refrigeration needs.

During our search, we discovered that the brand’s success was largely due to its customer-oriented goals, work ethic as well as its passion for integrity.

It has a whole department that helps customers to pick out the best product for them. This team of customer relations experts provide great customer service around the clock because customer satisfaction is top priority for the company policy.

Table of Contents

Who Needs The Knox 48 Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels?

This cooler is ideal for anyone who is constantly on the go especially for long periods. It is also the perfect pal for large families and for weekend getaways to the beach, on camping trips, and generally on road trips.

Its large size makes it a must-have for travelers but it is also suitable for use during picnics, barbeques, and even parties.

This cooler is suitable for those who are tired of having ice take up all the space in their coolers. They know that the ice will melt in a couple of days and make the foods soggy and wet only to need replacement before the next use.

With this cooler, you no longer have to show up for events without cold food or drinks, and or make frequent stops at roadside shops on your trip. You can take as much food and drink as you want and even arrange it using the divider that comes with it.

The AC adaptor allows the option of plugging it in your hotel room overnight when you are on the road but it also allows you to run it in your home or office as a mini-fridge when you’re not traveling.

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Features of the Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels

Storage capacity

This Knox portable cooler offers ample storage space and enables one to fit in a lot which is particularly great for large families and long trips.

Its 48-quart storage can fit about 60 cans of soda or 6 two-liter bottles and 15 cans of soda or beer.

It has a removable divider which creates two compartments and allows you to organize and store food better. The divider can also be removed to create more room in the cooler.

Cooling Efficiency

Being a thermoelectric model, this cooler is dependent on the ambient temperature and is able to cool your food and drink as low as 40°F below the temperature of the environment.

It is also able to actively maintain said temperature throughout. The best thing about this is that you are able to enjoy cold drinks and preserve your food consistently without any ice.

Design

The design of this unique cooler is impressive. Clearly, a lot of thought was put into the design of this cooler to make it as practical as possible.

It has two sturdy handles; one of which can be extended to pull your cooler on the ground on the wheels. Alternatively, you can decide to carry it by the two handles on either side of the cooler.

Due to the size and shape of this cooler, it won’t be so easy for one person to carry it by the side handles. If he or she must carry it alone then the extending handle can be used to drag it on its wheels with ease.

Another cool feature is its easy locking function that keeps the lid tightly sealed and helps in maintaining the internal temperature. It also simultaneously works to prevent food from accidentally spilling out of the cooler.

Its Peltier device is located in the lid of the cooler which is great as it prevents the cooling system from getting damaged in case of food or drink spillage in the cooler.

Ease of Use

In addition to the portability and versatility that the cooler has as a result of its overall design and the presence of wheels and two handles etc., the built-in 12V DC car adapter cable and the AC adapter will allow to you use your cooler in your home, hotel room, and vehicle.

These cables are both 5½ feet long and are long enough for you to place your cooler at different locations even in the trunk of your car..

What’s more? Because the cables are built-in the chances of losing them are almost nonexistent. So once you are done with the cooler, you can safely tuck the cables back into the built-in chamber dedicated to this purpose.

Whether you’re on the go or camping, this cooler affords you the convenience of bringing the comfort of home along with you and can be operated both indoors and outdoors.

Heating Function

This Knox portable cooler/ warmer has a heating function which allows it to heat food and drinks up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

It also actively maintains that temperature to keep your food and soups warm. This feature comes in handy during winter and fall as you might want to keep your food and soups hot while you’re on the go.

It could also be useful if you have to bring cooked food for Thanksgiving lunch or any other occasion. So, you won’t need to worry about the food getting cold on your trip.

Pros of the Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels

i.Versatile and practical design

ii. Extra-long 12V DC and AC adaptor cables

iii. Wheels and dual handles for easy movement of the cooler

iv. Large storage capacity

v. Removable divider for easy organization of food and drink

vi. Dual function: heating and cooling

Cons of the Knox 48 Quarts 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels

i. It doesn’t have a thermostat.

ii. The handle might be too short for taller people.

Check out these other in-depth articles/reviews…

12V Refrigerators: A Buyer’s Guide

Costway 3.2-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator (Double Door) — Extensive Review

Dometic 70-liter 12V Cooler with Freezer [In-depth Review]

Besworlds 4-Liter Mini Fridge — Extensive Review

Arctic King 5.0-Cubic Foot Chest Freezer — Detailed Review

Magic Chef 3.2-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator [In-depth Review]

Alternatives to the Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels

Smaller Capacity

Knox 34-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Automatic Locking Handle

This cooler is from this same brand. And even though it’s a different model, it has the same quality as the Knox Cooler with Wheels. This unit is, however, smaller than the aforementioned cooler and it only makes sense that it is cheaper also.

It has a single ergonomic handle that goes across the cooler from one side to another in place of the wheels and dual handles that the featured product has.

With its sturdy handle, a single person can easily carry this cooler around. The size of this unit allows it to fit behind the driver’s seat of a vehicle.

It also has a dual heating and cooling function with built-in AC and DC long cables.

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More Affordable Option

Wagan 46-Quart 12V Cooler/ Warmer with Wheels

This is an equally portable thermoelectric cooler model of similar size, with a slightly different design. It has wheels, side handles and a handle that can extend to a good height, but the placement of its features are not the same.

It has two magnetic doors on the top which once closed are magnetically sealed to maintain the temperature in the cooler by keeping the hot or cold air in.

These doors can be removed. So, cleaning and maintenance will be a lot easier. With its wheels at the bottom, its handles at the side, and its folding handle at the back, its design is similar to that of your carry-on luggage and it looks somewhat like a suitcase.

It is worthy of note that this cooler is much cheaper than the Knox cooler despite having almost the same capabilities.

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Larger Capacity

Costway 54-Quart 12V Refrigerator/Freezer

Considering the fact that most of the people who bought the Knox portable cooler with wheels never had the use for its heating function, we thought it best to suggest an alternative cooler which is of high quality and also has a large capacity but has a freezing function instead of a heating function.

The Costway 54-Quart Portable Refrigerator has a shockproof design and can withstand harsh environments. It uses compressor cooling technology and is able to cool and freeze food to very low temperatures regardless of the temperature of the environment. It has an LCD digital temperature display that allows you to easily view and adjust the temperature of this unit.

This cooler is however almost twice as expensive as the Knox cooler.

With its extreme cooling capabilities it may be better suited for your cooling needs especially if you live in or take constant trips through the desert.

It is also larger than the Knox cooler and has a large storage space.

Think this may be a better option for you? Then check out our detailed review of this product to get a full picture of what to expect from it.

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Quick Comparison

	Featured Product	More affordable	Larger Capacity	Similar Capabilities
Product	Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer Click here to get it on Amazon!	Knox 34-Quart 12V Cooler/ Warmer Click here to get it on Amazon!	Costway 54-Quart 12V Refrigerator/ Freezer Click here to get it on Amazon!	Wagan 46-Quart 12V Cooler/ Warmer Click here to get it on Amazon!
Capacity	60 cans/45-Liter	32-Liter	52-Liter	60 cans/44-Liter
Cooling System	Thermoelectric	Thermoelectric	Compressor	Thermoelectric
Dimensions	22inches x 15 inches x 15 inches	13.7 inches x 18.5 inches x 19.3 inches	27 inches x 13.5 inches x 21 inches	21.75 inches x 16.25 inches x 17.5 inches
Features	Dual function handles and Wheels	Automatic locking handle	LCD digital temperature display	Two side handles, a folding handle and wheels
Function	Fridge/Warmer	Fridge/Warmer	Fridge/Freezer	Fridge/Warmer
Available Sizes	45-Liter	24-Liter	52-Liter	44-Liter
Available Colors	Blue	Blue	Black and Grey	Blue

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What Users Are Saying About The Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels

Most of the people that already have a Knox portable cooler are pleased with their purchase and we hear phrases like, ‘I wish I had bought this sooner’, ‘I am satisfied with this product’ and ‘I love its performance’ rather frequently.

Some of the things they love about this cooler include its large capacity and its dual handles and wheels which allow easy transportation of the cooler from one place to another.

There were some complaints about the handle that pulls the unit on its wheels. A few customers said that the unit tips over when it is being wheeled; especially when it is full. Some people also wished that the handle extended long enough for taller people.

All that said, another feature that users loved about this cooler is that it comes with built-in AC and DC cables which eliminate the problem of forgetting your adapters and cables at home or misplacing them when you set out on a trip. They are also happy about the chamber that can be used to store the cables when they’re not in use.

They, however, have mixed feelings about the cooling capabilities of the cooler. Some of them feel the Peltier device is underpowered for the cooler’s size and even suggested a slightly bigger thermoelectric fan or a healthier diode with more thermal supply.

Some other customers, on the other hand, could swear that by measuring with a thermometer they found that the cooler stays at 40°F consistently. Even if you’re not sure whose observations you would go with, the fact remains that this cooler keeps things cool (a fact that most of the users agree on).

Check out these other articles…

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Magic Chef Refrigerator Freezing Everything [Solution]

How to Remove Glass from Samsung Fridge [Quick Guide]

Dometic Fridge Freezing Everything [How To Fix]

Neff Refrigerator Dispenser Problems [Solved]

Indesit Refrigerator Dispenser Problems [Solutions]

Our Verdict

Considering many factors, we believe this cooler is ideal for use in a lot of situations and will definitely come in handy. We are not pleased to learn that it doesn’t have a thermostat or any other means of temperature control or regulation. We are also sad about its lack of a digital temperature display to monitor its internal temperature.

Looking on the bright side, we have a lot of other cool features to keep us happy while on the road. We love its practical design with wheels, dual handles, large storage space, and AC/ DC cables.

Another cool thing about this cooler is its durability. It is that type of cooler that is built to last and will serve the user for a long time.

Even though there are some minor flaws such as the length of the handle and the fact that it is a little noisy, the cooler performs its primary functions (cooling and warming) well.

All in all, it’s a good buy and it also helps that it is quite affordable.

Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels [In Depth Review] – Related FAQs

Can The Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels Be Used Vertically Or Horizontally?

The Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels can be used vertically or horizontally.

Although this unit was originally designed to be placed horizontally, it can stand on either end securely.

The power cord connects through the lid. So, when the cooler is used vertically, the lid will be in front and when it’s used horizontally, the lid will be at the top.

That said, if you’re looking for an electric cooler that works both ways, the Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels is a good one.

Can You Run The Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels Using A Battery Pack?

The Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels can be run using a battery pack.

However, a lot of persons do not know this. Mainly because this unit runs endlessly from an electrical outlet in a home. Except, of course, there’s a power outage.

Most times, when users run this unit with a battery pack, it’s to prevent it from running off their car batteries probably during a road trip.

Other than that, the Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels is mostly run using an electrical outlet.

Can The Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels Keep Drinks Sufficiently Cold When Powered Off For 12 Hours?

The Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels cannot keep drinks cold for 12 hours when powered off.

Without power, the unit can only run for about 4 hours.

Note that the temperature of your environment also affects the effectiveness of the unit when the power is off.

At its very best, this unit can create a 36-degree temperature drop compared to ambient air temperature.

If your room temperature is 76 degrees, the unit can cool down to 40 degrees. If your car temperature is 80 degrees, the unit can cool down to 44 degrees.

Can You Leave The Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer In A Car That Isn’t Running And The Things Inside Will Stay Cool?

If your car has an outlet. Some cars have outlets that remain life even when the ignition is turned off. This way, you can plug in the cooler into that outlet and not worry about the things in it getting cold.
Note that whenever the unit is not plugged in, it has become just another cooler. So, things might stay cool in it if the car is under a shade, the unit is almost full of things like soda and there’s ice in it. Mind you though, the things in the unit will only stay cool for a few hours.

Is It Safe To Add Ice In The Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels?

Adding ice to Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels is quite safe.

You do not have to worry about any potential damage if you are very careful. The unit does not have a drain so be careful when pouring out the melted ice.

Also, the Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels itself is an insulated cooler. So, ice isn’t going to cause damage to the cooler.

Moreover, adding ice to the unit is just like adding ice to a normal cooler.

How Many Watts Is The Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels When Plugged In?

To know how many Watts the Knox 48-Quart 12V Cooler/Warmer with Wheels uses when plugged in, check the product description.

That’ll give a more accurate number.

Meanwhile, there are two options with which you can use this unit. You can either use it with 12V in a car or 110V plugged into your house.

So, we assume that this unit uses about 40 Watts for heat and 48 Watts for cold when it’s plugged into a car. And about 52 Watts for heat and 58 Watts for cold when it’s plugged into a house.