Any of the other campers that saw this definitely had ‘fridge envy’ that weekend and I am not sure if I could ever go camping again without it. Who would benefit from buying a Makita DCW180Z?

On the top of the box is a digital display that tells you the temperature in the box and also the charge capacity of both batteries. The box seems to use one battery at a time. During the day the box will use around two batteries (it was over 30 degrees celcius in the tent) but at night it was a lot cooler and there was no change to the charge indicator. The Makita DCW180Z has around 75% of its total volume as usable cooling space. The rest of the volume houses the compressor and the store for the batteries. The cooling space is accessed via a top lid with a separate top lid to access the battery compartment. The cool box comes complete with 2 x 18v LXT Makita 18v batteries. (Image credit: Future/David Hilton) What is the Makita DCW180Z like to use?Additionally, there are multiple ways to power the cooler. While it does run on Makita 18V LXT batteries (sold separately), you can choose to use either one or two batteries, depending on your runtime needs. You can also choose to power it using a 12V or 24V DC cord in a vehicle, or a 120 AC from a standard outlet. With a range of seven temperature settings to keep contents either cool or warm, this cooler also has a USB output port, and an LED display which shows the inside temperature and battery fuel gauge. The box features large 100mm wheels and a pull handle for convenient transport, and side grips for easy lifting as well as a comfortable shoulder strap. It is highly durable for outdoor use with an IPX4 rating.

Up to 17 hours of continuous run time with two 18V LXT® 6.0Ah batteries when set to 40ºF (batteries not included)

Parts diagram

As part of its extensive LXT cordless range, Makita has announced the release of its DCW180Z 18V Cordless Cooler & Warmer Box. The new release is ideal for keeping food and drinks cool or warm in any season. There is a separate compartment on the top of the box for concealed batteries and the USB charger. There is space for two Makita LXT 18v batteries to be connected. I have 12 Makita 5Ah batteries that I use for work and I made sure that all were charged up before leaving. Up to 5 hours of continuous run time with two 18V LXT® 6.0Ah batteries when set to 15ºF (batteries not included) Whether you are a tradesperson, a DIY expert or you just need a durable cooler/warm box for taking on family holidays, the Makita DCW180Z has you covered. It can keep your lunches warm and your drinks cool all at the same time.

The solution is fitted with a convenient LED display, to provide users with temperature and battery levels and easily change settings at the touch of a button. Over the three days I used six Makita 5Ah LXT batteries for the fridge. You can hear the unit running but it is not disturbingly loud. It does not run all the time as the box seems robustly built and is well insulated. The box has a handy USB charging port in the battery compartment so you can charge your phone and it also has a convenient bottle opener attached to the outside box. Does the Makita DCW180Z keep food and drinks cold? This intelligent system from Makita will allow you to keep your lunches warm and cool your drinks simultaneously. There are five cooling settings and two warming settings so you have more control over how you keep the contents maintained. With an in-built bottle opener you do not need to worry about losing one in transit. To aid with that transit there is a large carrying handle and caster wheels.