For generations of Australian campers, beachgoers, and backyard hosts, the humble esky has been a trusty companion. Yet, its reliance on ice has always been its Achilles' heel—creating watery messes, taking up valuable space, and requiring constant replenishment. A new wave of technology is changing the game, and after several months of rigorous testing, we've put one of the most advanced contenders through its paces: the Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2.
First Impressions: Power and Portability Redefined
The Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 is not your average cooler. It's a robust, portable fridge-freezer that completely eliminates the need for ice. Available in 40-litre and 58-litre capacities, it's a substantial piece of kit. The 58-litre model we tested weighs 28.9 kilograms without its battery, so it's not light. Thankfully, Anker has equipped it with sturdy wheels and a telescopic handle, making it surprisingly manageable across various terrains, from paved patios to grassy campsites.
Out of the box, you receive the cooler, one removable battery, an AC adapter, car charging cable, and a handy accessory container. The build quality is immediately impressive, signalling this is designed for serious use.
Features Built for the Australian Lifestyle
Anker designed this product with local conditions in mind. Phil Krok, Sales Manager at Anker SOLIX, told us, "We designed the Everfrost 2 with the Australian summer in mind. It doesn't matter if you're camping in the bush or spending the weekend at the beach, you can count on it to stay cold without the hassle of ice."
The feature set justifies this claim. The standout is the dual-zone compartment. This allows you to set one side to freezer mode (as low as -20°C) for meat and ice creams, and the other to a chilled 4°C for drinks, all in the same unit. The rapid cooling function is a game-changer, plummeting the internal temperature from 25°C to 0°C in roughly 15 minutes.
Power flexibility is another major win. The unit can be recharged in four ways: via a 100W solar panel, a car socket, a standard wall outlet, or a USB-C cable. The included 288Wh battery promises up to 4.3 days of runtime in Eco mode. Furthermore, the battery itself can be used as a power bank, offering 60W USB-C output to charge laptops or phones—a brilliant touch for remote work or emergencies.
Months of Real-World Testing: From Backyard to Beach
Our testing spanned several scenarios to gauge everyday usefulness. At a housewarming party, it sat proudly in the garden, stocked with drinks and eliminating constant trips indoors. On a family beach day, it kept snacks and water icy cold for hours under the sun. During a holiday at a Discovery Holiday Parks resort, it served as our primary cabin fridge.
Performance was consistently excellent. The capacity is genuinely vast, enhanced by not having to sacrifice space to bags of ice. The convenience of setting a temperature and forgetting about it cannot be overstated. Clever thoughtful details abound, like the built-in bottle opener on the side and a flip-up table for drink preparation.
The Verdict: A Premium Investment for Serious Users
So, is the Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2, priced at $1,399 for the 58L model, worth the investment? For frequent campers, off-grid adventurers, or those who entertain outdoors regularly, the answer is a resounding yes. It represents a significant leap in convenience, reliability, and capability over traditional ice coolers.
It's a sound, albeit premium, investment that pays you back in perfect temperatures, no mess, and ultimate flexibility. For those seeking the absolute best portable cooling solution, the EverFrost 2 is currently in a class of its own.
Tech Specs at a Glance (58L Model):
- Capacity: 58L
- Temperature Range: -20°C to 20°C
- Battery Capacity: 288Wh (expandable with a second battery)
- Max Runtime: Up to 78 hours (Eco Mode, dual batteries)
- Weight (without battery): 28.9 kg
- Dimensions: 986 x 459 x 493 mm
