Then this is the product...

Then this is the product for you, as the Black and Decker Travel Cooler is equally at home with hot or cold food.

Competitively priced, at ?69.99, the device plugs into your 12V socket and makes a good compromise between space and capacity. The compact design made storage simple, as the cooler easily fitted into the front passenger footwell.

However, you can always keep it in the back, as the power cord is long enough to stretch into the rear of an average-sized family car. The unit soon got down to -6.8 degrees Centigrade – pretty close to the claimed -7 deg C mark – and if you want to keep your food warm, it’s a simple flick of a switch.

The separate freezer is also a bonus, as it comes with a compartment including an ice tray. And the maker says its Thermo Electric System detects the ambient temperature and is self-regulated to keep contents at the proper temperature, hot or cold.

One disappointing factor is the unit’s nine-litre maximum capacity – it’s a bit small if you’re taking away two large bottles of drink, plus your food for the trip. However, useful touches include the dual can holder on the exterior and the zippered storage.