A compact thermoelectric cooler with decent review traction, but at $104.98 it sits awkwardly between cheap novelty coolers and capable compressor units.
Office desks or bedside tables where someone wants a quiet personal cooler for a few drinks or snacks and values near-silent operation over raw performance.
Skip if
You are in a warm room without air conditioning or need to keep items below 45 degrees Fahrenheit reliably. Thermoelectric units will not achieve that in ambient heat.
Configuration Compact
Installation Countertop
Doors 1
Defrost Manual
Cooling Thermoelectric
Shelves 1
Priced 64% below the category median ($289.69 across 86 tracked models)
Shelves of 1 - lower than 75% of the 86 models we track
Weight of 2.47 lb - lighter than 93% of the 86 models we track
Pros
Very lightweight at 2.47 pounds for easy repositioning
Near-silent thermoelectric operation
Compact countertop footprint
Distinctive glossy multicolor finish
277 reviews at 4.0 stars shows real-world buyer approval
Cons
Listed voltage of 230 volts may not match North American outlets
Thermoelectric cooling limited in warm ambient temperatures
No listed capacity makes it hard to know interior volume
$104.98 is high for a thermoelectric cooler of this size
Our scorecard
4.0/5overall
Owner rating4.0/5
4.0 average across 277 owner ratings
Popularity3.4/5
277 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other refrigerators and freezers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Koolatron KRT08-1 is a thermoelectric countertop cooler measuring 10.25 by 7.62 by 11.25 inches in a multicolor glossy finish. It weighs 2.47 pounds, making it easy to move between rooms or tuck into a small space. The listed voltage is 230 volts, which is above the North American standard of 110 to 120 volts and warrants a careful check before use.
With 277 reviews and a 4.0-star average at $104.98, this unit holds its own relative to other desk coolers. One shelf gives basic organization for a handful of items. Manual defrost is standard at this class. The glossy multicolor finish sets it apart visually from the sea of matte black options in this segment.
At $104.98 this unit costs meaningfully more than comparable budget thermoelectric coolers without a clear spec advantage. Buyers who want a quiet, lightweight personal cooler with an unusual look may find it appealing. Buyers comparing performance per dollar should look at compressor-based compacts starting around $130 to $160 that offer measured capacity and reliable food-safe temps.
Specifications
Configuration
Compact
Installation
Countertop
Doors
1
Defrost
Manual
Cooling
Thermoelectric
Shelves
1
Temp control
Yes
Door
Right
Color
Multicolour
Finish
Glossy
Dimensions
10.25 X 7.62 X 11.25 In
Weight
2.47 lb
Voltage
230 Volts
Performance notes
Thermoelectric technology removes heat through a Peltier module rather than a compressor cycle. The result is vibration-free and nearly silent, but cooling depth is limited. In a room kept at 72 degrees, expect interior temps roughly 20 to 30 degrees cooler at best. Performance degrades noticeably once ambient temps climb above 80 degrees. The 230-volt rating should be verified by the buyer for compatibility.
What buyers say
A 4.0-star average from 277 buyers is consistent with a product that works as advertised for light personal use. Reviewers likely use it primarily for keeping drinks cool at a desk rather than food storage. Satisfaction is generally correlated with having modest expectations for thermoelectric coolers at this size.
Can I use the Koolatron KRT08-1 in the United States?
The listed voltage is 230 volts, which is not standard for US home outlets at 110 to 120 volts. Verify whether an adapter or converter is included or required before plugging in.
How many cans does this cooler hold?
No cubic foot capacity is listed. Based on the 10.25 by 7.62 by 11.25-inch exterior, interior space is roughly enough for 4 to 6 standard 12-ounce cans, but the exact count depends on item size and shape.
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