Centigrade Thermoelectric Coolers
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to use my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler? Read
2. What makes the Centigrade Thermoelectric Coolers safer than others? Read
3. What is the safest way to use my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler? Read
4. Can I use ice in my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler? Read
5. How do I clean my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler? Read
6. Can I run my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler Continuously? Read
7. How much energy does my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler consumes? Read
8. Why do I feel hot air blowing out Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler? Read
9. What performance can I expect from my Centigrade thermoelectric Cooler? Read
10. Can I use my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler in other vehicles? Read
11. Sometimes I can see water formation at the bottom of my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler, why? Read
12. My Automotive Power Adapter and / or Power Outlet Adapter gets warm, why? Read
13. Can I use accessories from another brand? Read
14. What do I do if I need replacement parts? Read

1. What is the best way to use my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler?

• When not in use, store your Centigrade Thermoelectric cooler in a cool, dry place.
• Prior to use, follow the maintenance recommendations as described in the Maintenance Guide if necessary.
• For optimum performance, we recommend "pre-cooling": as with any refrigeration-type equipment, the cooler will perform best if turned on prior to loading its content. If you are using the Power Outlet Adapter go ahead and plug-in your cooler a couple of hours in advanced. If you are using the provided Vehicle Battery Adapter plug-in your cooler into your vehicle one hour in advance.
• Don't forget a regular household refrigerator needs about 8 hours to fully cool its content if loaded while at room temperature. The same is true about your Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler. If possible, pre-cool well in advance the content in your home refrigerator prior to loading into your Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler.
• The performance of your Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler is affected by the surrounding conditions. For best performance, keep your cooler out of direct sun light, protect it from the elements.  Back To Top

2. What makes the Centigrade Thermoelectric Coolers safer than others?

• Your Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler is actually quite naturally safe to operate, particularly when compared with other brands or conventional compressor-based refrigerators.
• The Centigrade Thermoelectric Coolers are equipped with multiple safety features not all found on other similar products. We use low-current short-circuit protection, so the cooler shuts down early if something is wrong. We use dual thermal protection in case of overheating. Because there is no compressor, the system is free of high-pressure components and free of CFCs that can harm the environment. It runs on safe, low voltage, standard automotive 12 volts.  Back To Top

3. What is the safest way to use my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler?

• Always observe all cautions and warnings.
• Not for use by children. Although your Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler is safer than conventional refrigerator, it is still a machine. As for all powered products do not let children use this product.
• Please unplug the cooler from the vehicle prior to starting the vehicle. Electrical surge during vehicle start-up could damage your cooler.
• Keep your cooler in a well-ventilated area. Your cooler will operate best when it can get a fresh supply of cool air.
• Never cover your cooler. Never obstruct the air vents to prevent overheating or fan burn out.
• Do not wet your cooler or leave exposed to rain.
• Only use Centigrade parts and accessories for safe operation.
• This cooler is rated for 12 Volts DC only. Never operated from any other source. You can use the Centigrade Power Outlet Adapter to convert household voltage to 12V.
• caution: automotive adapter terminal may be hot after operation, avoid touching the plug's metal terminal immediately after use.
• Keep foreign objects, particularly long hair, tall grass, string, etc. away from the fan air vents.
• Never remove the fan cover. There are no user serviceable parts. Doing so will void all warranties.
• Do not sit or place any objects on top of the cooler.
• Always inspect perishable goods prior to consumption.
• This is not a cooking appliance.
• STOP. THINK. BE SAFE.  Back To Top

4. Can I use ice in my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler?

• Never use ice in your Centigrade Thermoelectric cooler, resulting water melt will damage the CFC-free cooling system.
• Icepacks may be used, although periodically check and drain any excessive amount of condensation. Your Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler is very well insulated. We do not recommend the use of icepacks.  Back To Top

5. How do I clean my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler?

• Please refer to the Maintenance Guide.
• Always unplug the unit prior to cleaning.
• Do not use chemical or abrasive materials.  Back To Top

6. Can I run my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler Continuously?

• Yes, Centigrade Thermoelectric Coolers can run continuously, however, do not let your cooler running if your vehicle is turned off. Depending on the age and condition of the vehicle's battery, the cooler could drain your battery in two hours or so.
• If you have access to a standard wall outlet, you can use the Centigrade Power Outlet Adapter to continuously use your cooler.  Back To Top

7. How much energy does my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler consumes?

• In technical terms: 12 volts, 6 Amps Max (72W Max).
• In practical terms: as much as your vehicle's headlights.
• You can reduce the energy consumption by using Centigrade's Universal 4-in-1 Power Adapter.  Back To Top

8. Why do I feel hot air blowing out of my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler?

• When in cooling mode, it is normal for the cooler to expel hot air. This is the "hot air" that used to be inside the cooler and the CFC-free cooling system pumps it out!
• The process is reversed in heating mode.  Back To Top

9. What performance can I expect from my Centigrade thermoelectric Cooler?

• Centigrade uses state-of-the-art thermoelectric cooling technology combined with the best materials, insulation, and workmanship.
• You can expect more from Centigrade's thermoelectric products than any other brands.
• Cooling mode: depending on ambient conditions, but you can safely assume about 40 degrees F below the surrounding air temperature. Up to 46-48F in ideal conditions.
• Heating mode: about 155F.
• We test our products performance fully loaded, unlike the competition.  Back To Top

10. Can I use my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler in other vehicles?

• Your Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler can run in any vehicle provided they have a 12V standard automotive plug (sometimes also called Cigarette Lighter Plug or Power Plug). The cooler can operate in cars, trucks, boats, recreational vehicles, golf carts, and so on.  Back To Top

11. Sometimes I can see water formation at the bottom of my Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler, why?

• This is perfectly normal. In certain weather conditions, particularly when there is a high humidity content in the ambient air, water condensation will form inside the cooler.
• After each use, drain any condensation.
• To reduce condensation, keep our cooler's lid closed as much as possible.  Back To Top

12. My Automotive Power Adapter and / or Power Outlet Adapter gets warm, why?

• The automotive Power Adapter and Power Outlet Adapter (if used) will get warn during operation. This is normal.
• remember, for safe operation keep your cooler and its accessories in a well-ventilated area, do not cover.
• Do not place the Power Outlet Adapter on flammable material.
• As always, if you notice something unusual: be safe, unplug the cooler, investigate, and contact us if necessary.  Back To Top

13. Can I use accessories from another brand?

• Only use Centigrade accessories or replacement parts with your Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler.
• Other brand's accessories might not properly fit or be built to be safely compatible with your Centigrade Thermoelectric cooler.  Back To Top

14. What do I do if I need replacement parts?

• For replaceable parts and accessories consult our accessories section and contact us or contact the vendor you purchased your Centigrade Thermoelectric Cooler from.  Back To Top