Thermoelectric cooling: it's not great.
Why Hacker News recommends it
It is the standard link whenever a new Peltier or thermoelectric cooling breakthrough is posted.
What it is
Technology Connections explains in 33 minutes why thermoelectric (Peltier) cooling is far less efficient than compressor-based refrigeration.
Recommended by 3 HN commenters across 2 different months, 2025 to 2025.
What Hacker News said
Recommends tommiegannert · 2025-02 · on “New thermogalvanic tech paves way for more efficient fridges”
> Did peltiers ever get efficient? Not compared to gas compression. For a relaxed take on it: [this video] (Thermoelectric cooling: it's not great) Though part of the complaints about the mini fridge is due to lack of insulation. But he compares it to his usual fridge, which has a similar power draw as this 60W mini fridge, and there's a 50x difference in volume to cool.
Recommends joshstrange · 2025-07 · on “Scientists identify culprit behind biggest-ever U.S. honey bee die-off”
> though less efficient than other types IIRC they are _massively_ less efficient. Relevant Technology Connections video: [this video]
Recommends otikik · 2025-07 · on “Staying cool without refrigerants: Next-generation Peltier cooling”
Mandatory Technology Connections video about Peltier cooling, "Why Thermoelectric Cooling Is Inefficient": [this video]
Cites minimaxir · 2025-07 · on “Nano-engineered thermoelectrics enable scalable, compressor-free cooling”
Obligatory video on the inefficiencies of thermoelectric cooling/Peltier elements from Techonology Connections: [this video]
Cites vintermann · 2025-09 · on “New thermoelectric cooling breakthrough nearly doubles efficiency”
Doubles efficiency? From what I understand, the efficiency was pretty lousy to start with: [this video] Aren't there theoretical limits to this sort of cooling too? But, if this innovation causes Technology Connections to make yet another heat pumps video, I'm all for it.