Mobile cooling without ice and melting water – that’s what compressor coolers have been promising for years. With the EverFrost 2 series, Anker is now presenting the second generation of its cooler series and aims to impress for 799 euros RRP: compressor cooling down to -20°C, removable LiFePO4 battery and modern app control are designed to make camping life easier. We took a close look at the compact version, the Anker Solix EverFrost 2 23L, and show whether it delivers what the manufacturer promises in our test – and where there is still some catching up to do.
Anker Solix EverFrost 2 23L: Technical data at a glance
| Capacity | 23 liters usable |
| Dimensions | 67 x 40 x 39 cm (WxDxH) |
| Weight | 16.8 kg (with battery) |
| Temperature range | -20°C to +20°C |
| Cooling time | 25°C to 0°C in 15 minutes (manufacturer’s specification) |
| Rechargeable battery | 288Wh LiFePO4, removable |
| Running time | up to 52 hours (depending on performance) |
| Charging options | AC power supply, 12V car, USB-C, solar (100W) |
| Special features | IPX3 protection, fold-out table |
| App control | Bluetooth, iOS/Android |
| Price (RRP) | 799 € RRP |
Unpacking and processing: solid impression with minor weaknesses
The scope of delivery is clearly organized: The cooler itself comes well protected in a cardboard box, plus the removable 288Wh battery (which is already in the right place in the box itself), AC power adapter with charging cable, car charging cable, wheel wedges and the usual safety instructions and quick start guide. Everything is neatly packaged and makes a well thought-out impression.
The overall impression of the workmanship is positive: the EverFrost 2 23L makes a solid impression and feels high-quality. The gray housing with black accents looks robust, the material thickness is suitable and the proportions are right. If you look very closely, you’ll spot minor inaccuracies here and there – sometimes an edge that doesn’t quite fit perfectly, sometimes a transition that is a little less neatly finished. However, these are minor issues that don’t bother you in everyday life and don’t affect the function.
Although these minor flaws are not a problem and do not impair the function, a little more attention to detail would have been desirable for a device in this price range. The wheels run without resistance and the fold-out table makes a stable impression. Clever solution: the table also serves as a pull handle, saving Anker space and weight. The display is easy to read and the controls have a pleasant pressure point.
Commissioning and setup: Quickly ready to go, but app hide-and-seek included
The initial start-up is pleasantly uncomplicated: Connect the mains cable, switch on – the compressor starts up and begins cooling. The battery is already installed and ready for use. So far, everything is intuitive and self-explanatory.
There is a small but when it comes to installing the app, because if you want to use the smartphone control, you first have to find the right app. There are two QR codes on the cooler – one leads to the user manual, the other to the “Battery User Guide”. We initially overlooked the code for the actual app and only discovered it after some searching in the printed documents. Perhaps we were simply too impatient, but a more prominent reference to the app would have been helpful.
We would like Anker to make the app code a little more visible. Once the right app has been found, however, the Bluetooth connection works without any problems.
Features of the Anker Solix EverFrost 2 23L: Sophisticated features with practical details
The EverFrost 2 23L comes with a whole range of well thought-out features. At its heart is the removable 288Wh LiFePO4 battery, which can be taken out of the box as a compact cube – practical for separate charging or as a mobile power bank. This flexibility enables truly self-sufficient operation without having to rely on external power sources.
The four different charging options are particularly clever: Underneath a protective flap, there is a DC connection for AC power supply and car charger as well as an XT60 connection for solar panels up to 100W. As a fourth option, the removable battery offers its own USB-C port for modern power stations. This flexibility makes the box suitable for a wide range of application scenarios.
In addition to the fold-out table, which is ideal for storing drinks or small items, other practical details include the integrated bottle opener on the side of the housing and the meter scale on the lid (inch at the top, cm at the bottom) – the latter ensures fewer discussions about the actual size of the catch on fishing trips, for example.
The IPX3 protection makes the box weatherproof enough for normal outdoor use, even if you shouldn’t leave it completely out in the rain. Other devices can also be charged via USB-C (60W) and USB-A (12W), turning the cool box into a mobile power supply for smartphones, tablets or other small consumers.
The most important features of the ANKER EverFrost 2 23 L at a glance:
- Removable 288Wh LiFePO4 battery
- Four charging options (AC, 12V, USB-C, solar)
- Fold-out table
- IPX3 water protection
- Powerbank function
- App control via Bluetooth
Cooling performance of the Anker Solix EverFrost 2 23L in the test: The EverFrost 2 is completely convincing here
The most important test of any cooler is of course the actual cooling capacity – and this is where the EverFrost 2 really shines. Our measurements even confirmed the optimistic manufacturer’s specifications: From a starting temperature of 20°C to 7°C, the box took just 12 minutes in our test. The further journey from 7°C to a frosty -7°C took about the same amount of time – impressive values for a cooler of this size.
According to the manufacturer, the FrostFlow technology ensures even air circulation and prevents the dreaded warm corners that occur with cheaper models. No matter where you measure in the refrigerator, the temperature remains constant and reaches the desired values even in the corners. This is particularly important for perishable food that needs to be cooled continuously.
Even at higher outside temperatures, the box shows its best side: even at a summery 30°C ambient temperature, it easily reached the advertised -20°C inside temperature – an impressive value that also allows frozen food to be transported safely. The approximately 6 cm thick insulation ensures that the cooling capacity remains consistently high even in hot weather.
The compressor works pleasingly quietly: only a subtle hum is audible. The compressor switches on and off intelligently to save energy – this significantly extends the battery life and further reduces noise.
Battery and runtime: self-sufficient on the go
The removable 288Wh LiFePO4 battery is great fun in everyday use. At a cooling temperature of 4°C and a summery 25°C outside temperature, our box actually ran for over 48 hours – Anker’s promise of 52 hours is therefore quite realistic. This means you are really independent of power sockets and can easily last a whole weekend.
Charging takes around 3.6 hours with the supplied power adapter – so plugged in in the afternoon and fully charged again for dinner. It’s just as quick via the 12V socket in the car. The USB-C socket is really practical: it allows the box to be connected to any modern power station. And if you want to be really self-sufficient on the road, simply connect a 100W solar panel – then the thing will run forever as long as the sun shines.
Optional Road Trip Kit: Partially compatible with the Anker Solix EverFrost 2 23L
Anker provided us with the Road Trip Kit together with the Anker Solix EverFrost 2 23L for testing – which quickly revealed the limits of compatibility. Of the three components supplied (drink holder, knife holder and fishing rod holder), two can be attached to the side of the cooler at the same time.
Which two is up to the user – but the compact box doesn’t offer any more space.
Unfortunately, the fold-out table lacks the necessary mounting rail that is available on the larger 40L and 58L models. If you want to use all three accessories at the same time, the 23L version is a bit of a waste of space.
These restrictions are basically understandable, as the kit was primarily developed for the larger models. The fact that two out of three components also work on the compact 23L version at least shows a certain flexibility. If you can live with this compromise, you can also get practical extensions for the little brother.
App control of the Anker Solix EverFrost 2 23L in the test: Useful, but not essential
Once the app has been found and installed, it shows its strengths: real-time temperature monitoring, battery status display and detailed consumption statistics. The Bluetooth connection is stable within a radius of around 10 meters and the response times are acceptable.
Remote monitoring is particularly practical: you can check whether the temperature is correct from the comfort of your tent or motorhome and make any necessary adjustments. Firmware updates can also be installed via the app – a modern feature that can extend the service life of the device.
The best thing about the app control, however, is that it remains optional: The menu navigation directly on the device is self-explanatory and totally clear. All important functions can also be operated without a smartphone – an important plus point for anyone who likes things to be uncomplicated or whose cell phone goes on strike.
Competition: Different philosophies
The EverFrost 2 23L operates in a highly competitive market. EcoFlow’s new Glacier Classic 35L, for example, offers more volume and is much more practical after dispensing with the ice maker – but requires a separate battery, which costs extra.
Dometic and Truma continue to rely on their tried-and-tested compressor boxes without an integrated battery. They run reliably, but are dependent on an external power supply and are therefore less flexible. Cheaper suppliers such as Alpicool attract customers with low prices, but cannot keep up in terms of workmanship and quiet running.
Anker’s biggest advantage is the complete package: the cooler and battery come from a single source, the app works well and anyone who already has other Anker devices will know their way around straight away.
Conclusion: Solid technology with room for improvement
The Anker Solix EverFrost 2 23L cools really well – even better than promised. From 20°C to 7°C in 12 minutes is impressive for such a compact box. The battery actually lasts for almost two days and can be charged in four different ways.
The little extras are fun: the fold-out table is practical, the integrated bottle opener saves searching and the meter gauge on the lid will delight any angler. The battery can also be used as a power bank and charges your smartphone or tablet. The optional Road Trip Kit makes the box even more versatile – even if not all parts fit on the 23L version.
Of course, at almost 800 euros, a few minor processing weaknesses are not nice and the app setup could have been placed more prominently. But honestly: the box cools reliably, is quiet and makes self-sufficient camping really relaxed, so you can easily overlook the small weaknesses.
If you are looking for an uncomplicated solution and don’t have to spend every euro, this is a really practical cool box. There are certainly cheaper alternatives, but then you have to worry more about batteries and compatibility. In any case, we are convinced.
VORTEILE
- removable 288Wh battery with separate USB ports – can be used as a mobile power bank
- integrated bottle opener + meter ruler on the lid – practical details that the competition doesn’t offer
- fold-out table as a pull handle – space-saving 2-in-1 solution
- expandable with the Anker Solix Road Trip Set (2/3 parts compatible at the same time)
NACHTEILE
- 16.8 kg weight with only 23L volume – significantly heavier than classic coolers
- Minor processing flaws at a premium price – unclean edges and transitions
- no Eco/Normal/Max modes – energy management worse than 40L/58L versions
Fazit
The Anker Solix EverFrost 2 23L impresses with its excellent cooling performance and well thought-out features such as the removable battery. Minor processing weaknesses and the high price tarnish the otherwise positive impression. However, if you are looking for a modern, self-sufficient cooler and are prepared to pay for it, you will get a solid device.
