Elevate Your Outdoor Experience: Unpacking the Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2
Introducing the Next Generation: Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 (23L)
The Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 represents a significant advancement from the original EverFrost cooler, incorporating key upgrades while retaining its predecessor's celebrated functionalities. A notable enhancement is the inclusion of a 288 watt-hour (Wh) lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery as a standard feature, eliminating the need for separate purchases to achieve true portability. This new series is available in three sizes: 23L, 40L, and a substantial 58L, with the review focusing on the smallest 23L variant. While all models allow temperature settings from -20 to 20°C, only the 58L version offers dual compartments for independent temperature control and the two larger models feature lid-mounted air circulation for enhanced cooling efficiency. Despite being heavier than traditional iceboxes, the EverFrost 2's design ensures maximum internal space utility by removing the necessity for ice packs.
Ergonomic Design and Thoughtful Features
The Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 maintains the original's impressive design details. All sizes come equipped with wheels and a sturdy handle, facilitating effortless transport across various terrains, from gardens to campsites. The handle innovatively converts into a fold-up table, capable of supporting up to 30kg. Further practical additions include a seamlessly integrated bottle opener and rulers molded into the top surface, demonstrating Anker's attention to user convenience. Despite its robust construction, the 23L model, though compact, can be challenging to fit into smaller car boots, suggesting better compatibility with SUVs or larger hatchbacks. Its interior, while ample for a family picnic, has height limitations, preventing upright storage of taller bottles, though diagonal placement is feasible. For extended off-grid use, the cooler proved highly efficient when paired with a power station and solar panels, significantly reducing reliance on its internal battery. A minor change from the previous model is the absence of a lift-out basket, which previously aided in quickly reducing the cooler's weight for easier lifting.
Advanced User Interface and Customization Options
The EverFrost 2 series features an upgraded display, offering improved visibility even under direct sunlight, although shading the cooler remains advisable for optimal performance. Its IPX3 rating ensures resilience against light rain, making it suitable for unpredictable weather. The lid mechanism is designed for soft closure, securely latching to maintain insulation and remaining upright when fully opened. An internal light bar further enhances usability in low-light conditions. A range of accessories, such as the Road Trip kit with cup, knife, and fishing rod holders, and specialized beach wheels, are available to expand its utility, though its lack of a dust rating advises caution on sandy environments. The cooler's settings can be adjusted via onboard buttons, which include a child lock, or through a smartphone app connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. While the app allows for minor setting adjustments, it lacks advanced scheduling features.
Revolutionary Battery and Flexible Charging Solutions
Addressing previous criticisms, the EverFrost 2 now includes a more durable LFP battery as standard, rated for 3,000 cycles before reaching 80% capacity, a significant improvement over the older NMC chemistry. The cooler's design ensures the IPX3 splash rating is maintained even with the battery installed. Charging options are highly versatile, including mains power, car socket, USB-C, or an optional 100W solar panel (requiring the battery to be fitted). The battery itself functions as a power bank, capable of recharging other devices via USB-A or USB-C. Charging prioritizes cooling, with any residual power directed to the battery. Due to the compressor's power consumption, battery charging is limited when the cooler is actively cooling or freezing, leading to extended recharge times, especially during intensive freezing tasks. However, under fair weather conditions, a 100W solar panel could potentially sustain continuous operation for much of the year. A notable omission is the lack of configurable warnings for power disconnection or low battery levels, which could impact user experience, though the cooler does emit an alert if the lid is left open.
Cooling Performance and Energy Efficiency
The Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 operates with a moderate buzz from its fan and compressor, which cycles on and off depending on temperature and environment, making it less intrusive outdoors than indoors. The 23L model, lacking the larger versions' air-circulating fans, still demonstrated swift cooling, stabilizing at -18°C within two hours when loaded with ice packs. In fridge mode (set to 4°C), it showed exceptional energy efficiency, consuming only 270Wh over 50 hours, equating to an annual cost of approximately £11. Its battery sustained cooling for an impressive two days and 15 hours, with contents remaining cold for several hours post-depletion. In freezer mode (set to -18°C), power consumption increased, with the battery lasting 19 hours during warm weather tests. The cooler proved highly effective as a freezer, maintaining an average of -18.4°C with minimal deviation. However, its performance as a chiller was less consistent, with temperatures averaging 5.7°C (1.7°C above target) and occasionally reaching 9°C, which may be problematic for sensitive items. This suggests the EverFrost 2 is better suited for intermittent, mobile use rather than long-term chilled storage, where its per-litre running costs exceed those of standard fridge-freezers, unless coupled with solar power for cost-effective operation.
