Dometic CFX3 35 Powered Cooler

Overview — Who the CFX3 35 Is For

The Dometic CFX3 35 is a 36-liter, single-zone compressor fridge-freezer from Dometic's CFX3 series. The exact unit this page covers, and the one our Amazon button links to, is the US model Dometic lists as CFX335, SKU 9600024617, sold on Amazon as "Dometic CFX3 35 Portable Refrigerator and Freezer - 36L". It runs on 12/24V DC or AC mains power, uses Dometic's variable-speed VMSO3 compressor, and can be controlled from Dometic's CFX3 app.

It suits the same buyer as any premium 35-liter chest fridge: a solo traveler or a couple in a Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster, truck camper or overland rig, with a lithium house battery, who wants one box that holds a few days to a week of perishables, or works as a dedicated freezer. It is also the model the newer Dometic CFX5 35 replaced at the top of Dometic's 35-liter range, so a large part of this page is about how the two differ.

A note on method: VanLifeKitchens researches products; we don't test them. Every number below comes from Dometic's US product page for SKU 9600024617, Dometic's CFX3 operating manual, or the Amazon listing we link, and each figure says which. Where a figure is our own planning estimate, it is labeled that way. If you are still deciding whether you need a compressor fridge at all, start with our 12V fridge buying guide.

Choose this if:

• You want a 36-liter single-zone compressor fridge with an app that works over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
• Your space fits a box about 27.3 x 15.7 x 16.0 inches with 50 mm (about 2 inches) of air on every side.
• You prefer Dometic's lower published US energy figure for the CFX3 35 (0.98 Ah/h) over the CFX5 35's (1.11 Ah/h).

Skip this if:

• You want the newest Dometic hardware: vacuum insulated panels, the VMSO 3.5 compressor and the weatherproof display are CFX5 features.
• You need a fridge and a freezer at the same time; the CFX3 35 is single-zone.
• You want wheels or a reversible lid. Dometic lists neither for the CFX3 35.

Availability: Why This Page Came Back

We retired this review on 2026-10-07 after the Amazon listing showed the CFX3 35 out of stock, and pointed readers to the CFX5 35 instead. As of 2026-10-10, Amazon's product data for the same listing (ASIN B085MM9B2D) shows it in stock, but with limited quantity. Stock on a predecessor model can change quickly, so check the listing before you plan a build around it.

To be clear about what we know: the CFX3 is the predecessor of the CFX5, and the CFX5 35 is Dometic's current top 35-liter model. Dometic's US product page for the CFX3 35 was still live when we checked it and carries no discontinued notice, so we are not calling it discontinued. If it sells out again, the CFX5 35 review covers the direct replacement.

One correction worth knowing if you read the Amazon listing: one of its bullet points mentions "dual zone cooling". Dometic's own specification for the CFX3 35 lists it as single-zone, and the manual describes zone control only on the CFX3 75DZ and 95DZ. Treat the CFX3 35 as a one-compartment fridge.

Dimensions, Weight and Ventilation Clearance

These are the numbers people search for most, and they are often quoted wrongly. Three different measurements decide whether this fridge fits, and they should be kept apart.

Interior capacity. Dometic's US page lists 36 liters total volume and 50 twelve-ounce cans. The manual's technical table separates gross volume (36 l) from storage volume (32 l), the space you can actually load around the internal fittings. Plan your food around the smaller number.

External dimensions. The manual gives 398 x 694 x 407 mm (W x D x H, including handles), which it converts to 15.7 x 27.3 x 16.0 inches. Dometic's US page lists the same 15.67 x 27.32 x 16.02 inches. That is longer than some older figures circulating online, including the 25.3-inch length this site used to publish, so measure your bay against Dometic's number.

Weight. The manual lists 16.9 kg (37.3 lb) empty; Dometic's US page says 37.26 lb, and Amazon's data rounds it to 37 lb. A loaded fridge weighs considerably more, so plan the mounting and the lift accordingly.

Ventilation clearance. The manual is explicit: "Ensure at all times that there is a minimum of 50 mm ventilation on all four sides of the cooling device," and do not place it "in closed compartments or areas with none or minimal air flow." Add about 4 inches to the length and the width, so the footprint you actually need is roughly 31.3 x 19.7 inches, plus room above to open the lid.

Lid, handles and mounting. It loads from the top like any chest fridge, with a latched lid. The manual's lid-reversal instructions cover the CFX3 55IM, 100, 75DZ and 95DZ only, so plan for the CFX3 35's hinge side as shipped. Dometic lists foldable aluminum alloy carry handles and no wheels. The manual says the cooler can withstand a short-term inclination of 30°, so mount it level for normal use. If you want it on a slide, see our Dometic CFX slide review.

Power Draw, Energy Use and Battery Sizing

Keep two kinds of number apart. The rated current is what the fridge can draw while the compressor runs; it is for fuse and wire sizing. The daily energy use is what it averages over 24 hours as the compressor cycles. Never multiply the rated current by 24.

Rated input (operating manual technical table):

• 12V DC: 7.5 A
• 24V DC: 3.3 A
• 120V AC: 0.78 A
• AC input range: 100–240V

Published energy figure (Dometic US page): 0.98 Ah/h at 12V, with 90°F (32°C) ambient and 39°F (4°C) inside. Dometic does not say on that page whether the test included lid openings, so treat it as a closed-lid figure.

Converted to daily figures at 12V nominal:

The manual's technical table also gives the CFX3 35 an annual figure of 81 kWh, which works out to about 222 Wh (about 18.5 Ah at 12V) per day. The manual does not state the test conditions next to it, so we use Dometic's 90°F US figure for planning; it is the more conservative of the two.

Our estimate row adds 20–30% to the rated figure for lid openings, warm groceries and a van cabin that can run hotter than 90°F in summer sun. It is a planning assumption, not a measurement. In cooler weather the compressor runs less and use drops below the rated figure. A freezer setpoint draws more than fridge mode, and Dometic doesn't publish a freezer-mode figure, so size for the freezer case if that is how you will use it.

Duty cycle in plain terms. At 0.98 Ah/h against a 7.5 A rated current, the rated figure implies the compressor averages roughly 13% of its rated draw at 90°F ambient. A hotter cabin, a cramped bay or frequent lid openings push that up.

What it means for battery size (12V lithium, using about 90% of rated capacity, fridge alone, no charging):

• 100 Ah: about three days at our summer estimate. Workable for weekends, tight once lights, fans and devices share the bank.
• 200 Ah: comfortable for full-time use with solar or alternator charging.
• 300 Ah and up: the fridge stops being the deciding load.

Battery protection. The manual describes three-stage protection and recommends MEDIUM or HIGH on a vehicle starter battery and LOW on a separate supply battery. Its chart gives these 12V cut-off and restart voltages: LOW 10.1 V / 11.4 V, MEDIUM 11.2 V / 12.2 V, HIGH 11.8 V / 12.6 V. The 24V values are 21.5 / 23.0 V, 24.1 / 25.3 V and 24.6 / 26.2 V. On lithium, check with your battery maker which setting suits its voltage curve so the fridge doesn't cut out early.

To run these numbers against your own bank and solar, use our fridge battery calculator.

Features, as Dometic Publishes Them

• VMSO3 compressor. Dometic describes it as "powerful VMSO3 compressor cooling technology" that refrigerates and deep-freezes to −7°F. The manual's technical table gives a cooling range of −22°C to +10°C (−8°F to +50°F), and notes that the minimum temperature cannot be reached when the ambient is above 32°C (90°F).
• CFX3 app over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The manual lists "Integrated WiFi and Bluetooth function" and describes connecting either directly to the cooler's own Wi-Fi or through a Wi-Fi network. It also notes the CFX3 app "may not be available in your country".
• Display and controls. A high-resolution color display with soft-touch buttons, temperature in °C or °F in 1-degree steps, and a display lock.
• Construction. ExoFrame construction with "fender frame protected edges" and aluminum alloy handles, per Dometic's US page, plus what Dometic calls Active Gasket Technology for the lid seal.
• Other listed features. A 5V/2A USB port, LED interior light, removable wire basket, drain plug and anti-condensation coil.
• Noise and climate. The manual lists 44 dB(A), climate class N/T, and an ambient operating range of +16°C to +43°C (+61°F to +110°F).
• Refrigerant. R134a, 38 g, per the manual and US page.
• Warranty. Dometic's US page lists 3 years, while Amazon's listing data shows "2 year manufacturer", and the manual refers US buyers to Dometic's online limited warranty. Confirm the term with Dometic, and register the fridge after purchase.

CFX3 35 vs CFX5 35

The CFX5 35 is the CFX3 35's successor. Using Dometic's US pages and the CFX3 manual:

What actually differs:

• Footprint. On Dometic's published numbers, the two boxes are essentially the same size. If a CFX3 35 already fits your bay, a CFX5 35 should too, and vice versa.
• Insulation and compressor. The CFX5 adds vacuum insulated panels backed by polyurethane and a VMSO 3.5 compressor. The CFX3 uses the VMSO3.
• Published energy figure. Under the same 32°C ambient and 4°C inside conditions, Dometic's US figure for the CFX3 35 (0.98 Ah/h) is lower than the CFX5 35's (1.11 Ah/h). The two use different refrigerants in their US versions (R134a and R1234yf), which is one plausible reason, but Dometic doesn't explain the gap.
• Temperature range. The CFX5 35's US page lists −7°F to 68°F; the CFX3 manual's range tops out at +50°F.
• Connectivity and charging. The CFX3 offers Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth; the CFX5 lists Bluetooth only. The CFX5 has an 18W QC 3.0 USB port, against the CFX3's 5V/2A.
• Availability. The CFX5 35 is Dometic's current model; the CFX3 35's Amazon stock is limited.

In short: the CFX3 35 doesn't give up size or published efficiency to its successor. What you give up is the newer insulation, the updated compressor and display, and the faster USB port. You gain Wi-Fi app control. Which you choose comes down to stock, price on the day, and whether those CFX5 refinements matter to you.

Other 35-Liter Alternatives

• Iceco VL35 ProS: a similar-capacity single-zone fridge with a Secop compressor and simpler controls, typically considerably cheaper than either Dometic. It is heavier and has no app. Our CFX5 35 vs Iceco VL35 comparison covers that trade-off in detail, and most of it applies to the CFX3 35 too.
• ICECO JP40 Pro: a wheeled single-zone fridge of similar capacity, if you move the fridge in and out of the vehicle often.
• Iceco VL60 Dual Zone: if you need a fridge and a freezer at the same time.

If you're unsure whether 36 liters is enough for how you travel, read what size 12V fridge you need before choosing.

Verdict

The Dometic CFX3 35 is a 36-liter single-zone compressor fridge with a published US energy figure of 0.98 Ah/h at 90°F ambient, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi app control, and the same external size as its successor. On Dometic's own numbers it is not a step down from the CFX5 35 for capacity, footprint or published efficiency; the CFX5's advantages are its vacuum insulation, newer compressor and display, and faster USB charging.

The main caveat is availability. It is a predecessor model with limited Amazon stock as of 2026-10-10, so check the listing first. If it is available and the price suits you, it is a sound choice for a premium 35-liter van fridge. If it isn't, the CFX5 35 is the direct replacement, and the Iceco VL35 ProS is the value alternative.

FAQ

What are the Dometic CFX3 35 dimensions?

Dometic's manual lists 398 x 694 x 407 mm (W x D x H, including handles), or 15.7 x 27.3 x 16.0 inches. Dometic's US page gives the same 15.67 x 27.32 x 16.02 inches. Leave at least 50 mm (about 2 inches) of ventilation on all four sides.

How much does the Dometic CFX3 35 weigh?

The manual lists 16.9 kg (37.3 lb) empty, and Dometic's US page says 37.26 lb.

Is the CFX3 35 a 35-liter or 36-liter fridge?

The model name says 35, but Dometic lists 36 liters total volume and up to 50 twelve-ounce cans. The manual gives a storage volume of 32 liters.

How much power does the Dometic CFX3 35 use?

Dometic's US page rates it at 0.98 Ah/h at 12V with 90°F ambient and 39°F inside, about 23.5 Ah or 282 Wh per day under those conditions. Its rated current is 7.5 A at 12V, which is a maximum, not an average. For summer van use with lid openings, we plan around 28–31 Ah per day as an estimate.

What is the model number of the Dometic CFX3 35 on Amazon?

The listing we link (ASIN B085MM9B2D) is the US model 9600024617, which Dometic lists as CFX335.

Is the Dometic CFX3 35 discontinued?

Dometic's US product page was live when we checked on 2026-10-10 and showed no discontinued notice. Amazon's data showed it in stock with limited quantity. The CFX5 35 is the newer model in the same size.

Does the CFX3 35 have Wi-Fi?

Yes. Dometic's manual lists integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the CFX3 app can connect either way. The manual notes the app may not be available in every country.

Is the CFX3 35 dual-zone?

No. Dometic's specification lists it as single-zone, so the whole compartment runs at one temperature. Zone control is a feature of the CFX3 75DZ and 95DZ.

Should I buy the CFX3 35 or the CFX5 35?

On Dometic's published figures they are the same size and capacity, and the CFX3 35 has the lower energy rating. The CFX5 35 adds vacuum insulated panels, a VMSO 3.5 compressor, a weatherproof display and 18W USB charging, but drops Wi-Fi. If the CFX3 35 is in stock and those upgrades don't matter to you, it is a reasonable buy.

Sources and verification

• Dometic US product page, Dometic CFX3 35, SKU 9600024617: model CFX335, dimensions, net weight, 36 L and 50 cans, 0.98 Ah/h at 90°F ambient and 39°F inside, VMSO3, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, single zone, R134a, 3-year warranty, no discontinued notice. https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdoor/product/dometic-cfx3-35-9600024617 (checked 2026-10-10)
• Dometic CFX3 operating manual (CFX325, CFX335, CFX345, CFX355IM, CFX375DZ, CFX395DZ, CFX3100; 2022, English/French/Spanish): 50 mm ventilation on all four sides, 30° short-term tilt, battery protection voltages and modes, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth app, lid-reversal models, technical data (rated current, volumes, 44 dB(A), ambient range, dimensions, weight). https://media.dometic.com/externalassets/07-0703-070323-070323001_9600024617_92240.pdf (checked 2026-10-10)
• Dometic product page, CFX5 35 Electric Cooler, SKU 97000050754 (US/CA): dimensions, 36.52 lb, 1.11 Ah/h at 32°C ambient and 4°C inside, vacuum insulated panels, Bluetooth app, 18W QC 3.0 USB, R1234yf, −7°F to 68°F. https://www.dometic.com/en/product/cfx5-35-electric-cooler-97000050754 (checked 2026-10-10)
• Amazon product listing for ASIN B085MM9B2D, the listing this review links to: title, model 9600024617, listed dimensions and weight, listed warranty, availability (in stock, limited quantity) (checked 2026-10-10)