ConsFirst / Automatic pet feeders

Petlibro

Petlibro Polar Refrigerated Wet Food Feeder: the downsides first

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#8 of 8
$$$Wet-food feederScore 2.6/5
62%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 251 ratings, on the '2026 New Version' listing. We could not confirm whether this is the exact unit the reviewers tested.

WIRED and CNN Underscored both name it the best wet-food feeder, thanks to built-in refrigeration and a good app. But Wirecutter measured an average of 60°F inside (well above the FDA's 40°F) and saw the lid stick. Amazon's 2026 listing is the worst here: 62% of ratings are 1-2 stars, with feeders failing after a few months.

Top complaints

  • Fails after a few months

    Recent 1-star Amazon reviews describe units malfunctioning after 2 to 4 months, including one where the bowl spun endlessly so the cat couldn't eat, and replacements failing too. WIRED notes some Amazon locations flag it as frequently returned, though its own unit worked for six-plus months.

    Source: Amazon.com reviews, WIRED
  • Not cold enough in some tests

    Wirecutter measured an average internal temperature of 60°F (coldest 51°F), above the FDA's 40°F guidance. WIRED says it stays at 50°F or below, and CNN found the refrigeration very effective.

    Source: Wirecutter, WIRED, CNN Underscored
  • Lid stuck; flimsy; bulky

    Wirecutter saw the lid stick halfway open a couple of times and says the flimsy plastic could be forced aside by a determined food thief. CNN calls it big (14.2 by 13.4 by 7.6 inches) and says the bowls need washing after every use.

    Source: Wirecutter, CNN Underscored

What owners love

  • Real refrigeration instead of ice packs

    CNN says no wet feeder it tested came close, and built-in cooling beats ice packs in every way. WIRED calls it essentially a mini fridge and the best automatic wet feeder on the market.

    Source: CNN Underscored, WIRED
  • Smart lid and app

    WIRED likes the app's schedules, on-demand opening and feeding log, plus a sensor that stops the lid closing on a feeding cat. CNN gets notified how long meals took and can open the door from the app.

    Source: WIRED, CNN Underscored
  • Quiet, with wide steel bowls

    CNN found it quiet enough for a skittish cat. WIRED says the three wide, shallow stainless bowls reduce whisker fatigue.

    Source: CNN Underscored, WIRED
Good for
  • Cats on wet food for up to three meals
  • Owners who want app-timed lid opening
  • Cats sensitive to whisker contact (wide steel bowls)

Scores (tap for why)

  • Reliable dispensing2.0
    Why 2.0?Worked for WIRED and CNN, but 62% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars with failures after months, and Wirecutter's lid stuck.
    Source: Amazon.com product page, Wirecutter, WIRED
  • App & scheduling3.5
    Why 3.5?Praised by WIRED and CNN, but it relies on Petlibro's service, which had the 2026 outage Wirecutter reports.
    Source: WIRED, CNN Underscored, Wirecutter
  • Power backup & alerts2.5
    Why 2.5?WIRED lists three AAA backup batteries; no source tested whether cooling continues during an outage.
    Source: WIRED
  • Easy cleaning3.0
    Why 3.0?Stainless bowls, but CNN says each must be washed after every use.
    Source: CNN Underscored, WIRED
  • Pet-proof build2.0
    Why 2.0?Wirecutter calls the lid flimsy enough to be forced by a determined pet; Amazon reviewers report breakdowns.
    Source: Wirecutter, Amazon.com reviews

What experts say

  • WIRED: Best automatic wet-food feeder: keeps food at 50°F or below with a great app; no cons listed.
  • CNN Underscored: Best wet food feeder: effective, fairly quiet refrigeration; expect to wash bowls daily.
  • Wirecutter (NYT): Not recommended: averaged 60°F inside versus 38°F for the PetSafe FreshFeed, and its lid stuck halfway open.
  • The Spruce Pets: Listed under 'Also great' without a written review.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked automatic pet feeders whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in automatic pet feedersWhisker Feeder-Robot Smart Feeder

The Spruce Pets calls it the most impressive feeder it has ever tested, with the best app, 24-hour battery backup and a schedule stored on the device. WIRED found no real faults beyond the plastic bowl. The catches are a $299 price, a big footprint, and a bowl that isn't dishwasher-safe.

Its catch: expensive and bulky#2 in automatic pet feedersPetlibro Air WiFi Smart Feeder (2 L, rechargeable)

CNN Underscored's best overall and WIRED's best cheap app feeder: slim, cordless for about 30 days, and it never missed a meal in CNN's test, even with the power and Wi-Fi off. But 23% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars, citing Wi-Fi drops and units dying within months, and Wirecutter questions how long Petlibro will keep supporting it.

Its catch: wi-fi drops and early failures#3 in automatic pet feedersCat Mate C500 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder with Ice Packs

The Spruce Pets' best overall: a simple, battery-run five-tray carousel for wet or dry food with dishwasher-safe parts and a low 11% Amazon low-star share. But its ice packs kept wet food cold only overnight or about four hours on warm days, WIRED and CNN found wet food reaching unsafe temperatures, and some owners say the timer resets itself.

Its catch: ice packs don't keep wet food cold long

See all 8 automatic pet feeders ranked →