PICKING THE BEST CHEST (uPdated 8/12/07)

[sdtripper2]

PICKING THE BEST CHEST


To be clear ~

What I want in an ice chest ~

Goal:
7 to 10 days no going to the store for ice:
An Ice chest that can be loaded once optimally twice max with a bag of ice
and hold food temps acceptable for 7-10 days. This will allow for the coming
and going to an trailer gathering or Dutch Oven gathering (DOG),without
the usual getting more ice with trips to the store. After all camping should
be camping, not a constant worry about ice or leaving to go to a store.


Given:
Electric or 5 day coolers alone don't give satisfaction for the
small trailer camper who wishes to go and come home with food safe:
1)Electric coolers are not at a efficient state to accommodate small trailer or camping needs.
2) Most standard and so called 5 day ice chests have to be filled with ice
almost every day to keep food safely with peace of mind. There are
exceptions, but most of the time the store see you more than you would like.


My experience:
My 5 day cooler of reasonable price falls short of my goal and ice don't last the 5 days touted:
I have the Igloo MaxCold and am not that impressed with the going to the
store every day to get a bag of ice. My camping experience would be
enhanced if the cooler would stay cool longer and the ice in the cooler
wouldn't melt as fast giving me peace of mind that my food will be ok for
my friends and I when needed.

High tech ice debunked:
Techni ice a flop
Was going to go to the TECHNI ICE (Thread)
but as proven by oklahomajewel that
option don't hold cold either.


Ice chests to sort through:(clicky)
* I have only put a few brands of ice chests here.

There are many brands and if you know of a 7 day or better chest let us
know please.


Big Game 60 Qt Chest 9-10 day

DownUnder ice chest:
DownUnder ice chest 48qt uP to 10 days:
DownUnder ice chest 75qt uP to 10 days:
DownUnder ice chest 115qt uP to 10 days:
DownUnder USA 90 Qt. Tropical Cooler uP to 7 days:

Ice Kool Many sizes 3-10 days

Iowa Rotocast Plastics Ice Otter Outdoor 56qt Cooler Can keep ice for over a week:
Iowa Rotocast Plastics Ice Mountaineer Outdoor 70qt Cooler Can keep ice for over a week:
Iowa Rotocast Plastics Ice Outback Outdoor 132qt Cooler Can keep ice for over a week:
Iowa Rotocast Plastics Wolverine Outdoor Cooler 192qt Can keep ice for over a week:
Iowa Rotocast Plastics Ice Grizzly Outdoor 432qt Cooler Can keep ice for over a week:


More useful information:


Off gas water in bottles before freezing for longer freeze (Gary Simmons)

Free ice & ice blanket method (Steve Cox)

Researcher Dispels Myth of Dioxins and Plastic Water Bottles that are frozen

Keeping your coolers cold

Cooler tip guide

Reflectix®

Box Liner
Havin' a party or cookout soon? Did you know Reflectix® Insulation can
double the life of ice in your cooler?
Reflectix® Insulation reflects the sun's heat; therefore it keeps your
refreshments cool in the middle of summer.
Reflextix facts (L@@k under "Retail" for information)
Reflextix info and finding nearest retail outlet:
Just dial (800) 879-3645 push #1 customer service for technical and installation assistance or e-mail
us at [email protected].

Reflectix® Retailers:
Lowes, Ace Hardware, Orchards Supply
Reflectix® comes in rolls of 16" 2' and 4' widths:



Dry Ice

Dry Ice facts

Dry Ice side cooler method:
You could do a two-stage arrangement. Kept a dry ice supply separate,
sealed, double insulated, etc. Only a few "blue ice"s shared storage with
the dry ice. As needed, move a really cold blue-ice into a food cooler, and
move a used-up blue ice back into a dry ice cooler. This provides
easily-regulated temperatures for food and drink, and you don't
accidentally freeze your beer.

Maybe the Techni Ice could be used in this
manner instead of the blue ice, if you already have this product

**

Ice chest testing for the 5 day type chests:
Tests of 5day chests against each other and more expensive chests
proves more insulation and seal makes the difference:
These are tests by different entities on ice chests.
I have compiled them for ease of decision making.
(Although these 5 day boxes don't meet my goal I have put them here for
those that are less picky than I am for a 7 to 10 day chest.)

Coleman & Igloo (Most common ice chests used by many Reasonable priced)
Coleman Xtreme edged the Igloo MaxCold in a photo finish

Coleman coolers
Coleman helpful Hints for packing and using your cooler

Igloo Coolers
Rubbermaid Coolers
Rubbermaid tips for Coolers
Fridgid Rigid
Frigid chests are more expensive than most but claim 7-10 day ice hold.
Not an option for me but maybe someone else.
Test against Colemen = Fridgid Ridgid wins
***

Other close subject information:
Keeping your space cool - a short lesson in thermodynamics

Freezer tips: pdf


****
My Conclusions:

My conclusion is that air getting into your ice chest is most often the
determining factor of temperature control. A chest with the best rubber
seal and snap lock lid with the most insulation seems to be the best type
of ice chest to have. Insulation, coupled with some home remedies of freezing
your own block of ice maybe letting the water set to off load air before
freezing is an option. The use of an ice blanket may keep the air around
the food cold and ice from melting for a longer time between adding ice.
It appears that block ice is the best for extended time coolness as the
density and less surface area would allow for better function. As well as
a block of ice being dense could take up less space. However ice cubes
can fit around objects and mold to the food and Ice chest better. The air
factor is the key here so block ice seems to be the best for longevity.

Dry ice may or may not be used in the cooler. However dry ice in confined
spaces shouldn't be used for health reasons. As well any item touching the
dry ice will freeze. Have heard of a barrier of frozen bottled water between
dry ice and food works well. I Haven't tested dry ice and so more data and
testing is in order.

One more idea is to create your own external temperature reflective shield around
the ice chest for yet one more level of insulation from the heat and the sun.

Another useful adaptation would be to have a basket with handles inside to
be able to lift out the contents with ease, for visual access & ice change.
***

So here is where I stand at this time.
The cheap ice chests with little insulation and no snap lids are junk. They
are for day use as in beach or tailgating. They should be shunned at all
costs as a space saver and a money hog for bags of ice you will feed them.
A more expensive ice chest than the Coleman Xtreme or the Igloo MaxCold
with more insulation and air tight extremely well sealed openings may be
the choice for some. Or you can try some of the ideas Steve Cox and Gary
Simmons have put forth in your Coleman Xtreme or the Igloo MaxCold
before you go out to spend more money on an upscale ice chest.

I intend to get an uPscale chest and do all of the above ideas as the 10 day
cooler would reach my goal and with precautions with ice formation, block
ice and ice blankets as well as external layer of insulation, my chances of
being a happy camper who isn't spending money or going to the store for
ice as often and doing what I go camping for seems in my grasp.

Will most likely have a separate drink ice chest as opening and closing the
lid on the main chest expedites heat getting in to do its worst.

May try a third cooler for extended trips to hold dry ice and keep blue ice
cycled into that cooler and out into the main coolers.
****

I am leaning towards the DownUnder no nonsense chests either:
DownUnder ice chest 75qt uP to 10 days:
DownUnder ice chest 115qt uP to 10 days:

Seems the Aussies have a way with chests however that Techni Ice came
from there and so would like to get some feedback on these chests

Anyone else have any luck with 7-10 day chests

If so what brands and your testimonial would be appreciated

[apratt]

Steve, I have a Yeti cooler. So far I have only used it 2 times, it defintly beat my Colemans coolers hands down. I have had ice after 4 days, but I have not used it longer yet. Yeti claims that you can keep food cold 9 to 15 days. I don't know about 15 day but 9 may be posible. One of these days I will test it out. Oh yea the Yeti is expensive.

[Geron]

Steve,

Could you rephrase your post??? Perhaps a bit more detail/
It's very unCLEAR
I don't understand what you're talking about
Is this post about Ice Chests????

[Esteban]

Steve, here's one that claims it's good for up to two weeks.

DownUnder Usa 77 Qt. Icebox/ Marine Cooler Model: D77 Your Price: $393.99

* Coated Wire Basket
* 2inch Wall Thickness
* Marine Grade Fiderglass
* Replaceable Watertight Seal
* Strong, Replaceable Latches
* East-to-clean Seamless Design
* Recessed, Non-Marking, Non-Slip Feet
* Special Blended Refrigeration Insulation
* Replaceable Molded Hi-impact Nylon Hardware
* Hold Ice for 14 Days Depending on size of Box and Use
* 5 year Limited Warrenty
* Keeps items cold up to 14 days
* Dimensions:28.7 L X 17.1W X 20.1 H

Available from: http://www.shoppingwarehouse.net/prod-81340.html

[PaulC]

Here Ya go Steve. This is what we have






Introduction

A fibreglass ice box is a portable insulated box with glass smooth inner and outer skins that will hold anything (food, drink, medicines or any other items) "on ice" for periods of between 5 and 15 days without the use of any external power source.

Just place your product in the EvaKool ice box and top up with ice.

Sizes range from 47 litres to 185 litres.

The EvaKool ice box is considered to be the best and most efficient unit of its class in the world.

Around the world, ice boxes are also known as; Coolers - in the USA, Canada and Europe
Chilly Bins - in New Zealand
Vet Boxes - in South Africa
Insulated Coolers - in Asia
and last, but not least.....
Eskys - in Australia and New Zealand

EvaKool Ice Boxes are designed and manufactured to withstand and operate in the harsh Australian conditions. The most advanced materials and the latest manufacturing techniques have been used to bring to you the best moulded fibreglass Ice Box in its class available on the market.

The method of construction creates a super strong, well insulated and smooth Ice Box which will keep items cold longer. The moulded inner and outer skins are glass smooth, which makes them easy to clean and will not absorb any smell or taste.

Insulation used is the best available (high density polyurethane refrigeration foam - POLYAL.ISO.GP) injected under pressure, between the inner and outer moulded fibreglass skins creating a perfect lamination and bond.

Features

CONSTRUCTION
The inner and outer skins are one piece moulded fibreglass with no joins or projections. They are bonded together by rigid insulation foam with a thickness of approximately 40mm.

INSULATION
The insulation used is the BEST available for this purpose and is injected under controlled temperature and pressure, creating perfect lamination and bond of both inner and outer skins. This insulation has been formulated for our exclusive use and tested under extreme Australian conditions.

LID
The lid is 40mm thick, filled with insulation and capable of being used as a seat. The lid will rest in an open position 5 degrees past the vertical without straps. Thus giving a total smooth clean interior surface without any attachments or projections.

HANDLES
Moulded in Nylon these give comfortable carrying without crushing the fingers.

HINGES
Moulded in Nylon our unique system allows the lid to be detached for easy of loading and cleaning. The Hinges will also detach automatically if someone forces the lid back - preventing damage to the box.

LATCHES
Rubber latches maintain constant pressure on the lid producing a perfect seal. Locks can be used where security is an issue.

CORNERS
The feet are moulded in nylon and give protection to the corners and the sides of the ice box.

BUNG
The bung is moulded and does not leak. The bungs are threaded on the outside, giving clean through drainage using a moulded tube on the inside.

SEALING FOAM
The sealing foam (24mm wide) used on the lid is approved for food handling. (USA FDA and Australian Public Health Authorities)

HYGIENE
The inside and outside fibreglass skins are moulded, glass smooth and do not absorb tastes or smells. This makes cleaning efficient and easy. There are no screws, joints or attachments - giving a one peice moulded interior surface.

Uses

Anywhere where you require food, or any other items, to be kept cold for the longest period of time, you need an EvaKool. And because of its insulation capabilities the EvaKool Ice Boxes will also keep hot items hot "hotter, longer".

Keeping ice for long periods (typically up to 5 days)
In your car for picnics
Fishing Trips
Trucking & Buses
Hunting
Boating
Camping
Caravaning
Parties / Catering
4WD Expeditions
In R.V. Vehicles
Drinks dispensing
Mining samples
Field Work
Medical
Veterinary











Ice Management

Ice quality is extremely important in the life of ice in your icebox. Well "cured" ice, which has been kept at low temperatures in a freezer, should always be used.
Block ice lasts longer than broken/crushed ice.
You can create your own block ice by freezing tap water in plastic bottles.
This frozen water becomes a valuable source of ice cold fresh drinking water.
Always ensure the bung is correctly screwed back on after draining water from your icebox.
The recommended ratio of ice to product in an EvaKool icebox is approximately 1/3 ice to 2/3 product by volume.
Dry Ice can be used to increase the life of regular ice.
The larger quantity of ice , the longer it will last.
Technical Report

Test carried out using 65ltr ice box; Date: 4th-11th January
Unit Used: 65ltr EvaKool Ice Box - E65
Method: Ice box filled with 36kg of standard party ice, as purchased from a service station
Ambient Temp.: 26.4°C



Date Times Opened Melted Ice
4th Jan - 11th Jan 26 18.3 litres
Weight of ice left in box at 10am on 11th Jan = 17.8kg

Comments:
Melted ice-water was drawn from the box. Ice will melt less quickly if melted ice-water is left in the ice box. The 65 litre EvaKool on which this test was made had 50% of ice left in it after one week. Performance on larger ice boxes will improve when using block ice in conjunction with regular ice box management.


For export prices, please contact sales department directly via [email protected].
http://www.evakool.com/default.shtml

Cheers
Paul

[madjack]

Steve, I have considered, taking one of the 5 day boxes and making an outer box for it to sit in...get 2"s of pink or blue foam insulation and 1/8th ply...epoxy the ply and laminate the foam to it (a kinda half SIP) and use that to build the box and lid...this would have the advantage of being able to take the cooler out of the box for movement/cleaning and such....
madjack

[angib]

Steve, Could you rephrase your post??? Perhaps a bit more detail. It's very unCLEAR

If Ira can resist joining in under this title, possibly with a picture of his wife of this week, I'll be surprised and not a little disappointed...

Andrew

[sdtripper2]

apratt ... Thoughtful response will check the info out on your ice chest.

Geron ... What ever do you mean I will try harder in the future
to be more clear in my posts. Thanks for your oh so serious input.

Esteban ... I hadn't seen that DownUnder model. Thanks for pointing it out.

Paul ... I am interested in your suggestion and have been looking at
the many models. The DownUnder are available here in the USA and
seems yet not proved that I would have to special order yours from yur
land to have one? Have you any experience with the DownUnder boxes as
compared to the Eva Kool? It seems so far your countries products are the
best challengers for Ice Chests.

Jack ... Your idea of the outer box made of the foam that are cast
offs from packing would seem to be prudent for prolonging already bought
chests. I like the Reflectix® material as well. Think this Reflectix® inside
as well as outside may give some added time.

I also like the idea of using an ice blanket of whatever material so as to
keep hot air from invading the bowels of the chest when opening the box.

Would like to know more products for a good blanket to use

Andrew ... IC my chumming the waters with my provocative subject
brought one of our esteemed members to this thread not unlike a FISH that
catches a glimpse of possible tasty eye candy.

My only surprise is that you were the one that rose to the bait, first.

[PaulC]

Steve, after checking all that are available here we chose the Evakool as it rated better than the rest. E-mail them and ask the question, you never know, they might just have a USA Agent.
Cheers
Paul

[sdtripper2]

Steve, after checking all that are available here we chose the Evakool as it rated better than the rest. E-mail them and ask the question, you never know, they might just have a USA Agent.
Cheers
Paul

Paul:

I did E-mail the EvaKool people earlier today, before your second post and in response to your first.

Here is their reply:

Diane <[email protected]>
to me

show details
2:56 pm (52 minutes ago)
Hi Steve
Do not currently have an outlet but if you are interested could send you a quote to sell to you from Australia
Regards
Diane.

I will ask for a quote and see how much plastic and insulation shipped from Aussie land, costs now-a-days.

May have to go with the DownUnder Ice Chest product or some other.


Wonder how the DownUnder Ice Chest is rated down in Aussie land? As I can get them relatively with ease.

I am not sure what extreme chest I will end uP with yet.


Thanks Paul...

[halfdome, Danny]

Steve, we have an Igloo Maxcold and it all depends on the environment it's stored in. While in Yosemite all ice chests are required to be in the bear box and it's a real hot box, need a bag of ice or 2 every day. While at the Carnation gathering it was stored in my Blazer and even though it was out in the hot sun for 5 days the water was still freezing cold and there was still a large chunk of ice and very cold beer etc, I was very happy with the results . I emptied the equivalent of 3 bags of ice in it the first day, Danny

[sdtripper2]

Danny:

I too have the Igloo Maxcold:

Ice Cube MaxCold 70qt. Roller

I like it cause it can set behind the drivers seat and be able to get in and out
of the rear door with relative ease. Yes the wheels are a plus.

I went to Lowes today and got some Reflectix® for this cooler as I am not
satisfied with its performance. Maybe I am too demanding. But I don't want
to have to ask someone or go every day and spend money for ice. I want
peace of mind while camping.

So while making a decision as to what 7-14 day cooler I will spend big
bucks for. I will trick uP this Igloo Maxcold to be able to hold good hoppy
Ale and water while out in the wilds. Will keep you posted as to my
successes or failures with this Reflectix®. Intend it to go inside and out of
the chest.

[Esteban]

Steve, In July I went camping for four days. The daytime temperatures hit the 90's. The cooler was a new Coleman Marine 5 day I bought just before leaving. It wasn't prechilled, nor were the contents. On Thursday I filled the cooler with food, sodas, and bagged ice. It sat in my hot car one day at the campground. After that it sat outside under shade with some jackets on top. We opened it several times daily. On Monday there was still some frozen ice inside. If the cooler had been properly prechilled, filled with chilled food and sodas, frozen water bottles, solid block and/or bagged ice, and kept out of the sun I'm confidant it'd have gone longer.

Sports Authority had 5 day and 6 day Coleman coolers. The 6 day ones they had were the same size outside with less storage room inside as the 5 day one I bought. The 6 day's bottom sides were thicker so they must have more insulation there.

I'm pretty satisfied with a Coleman marine cooler for a long weekend camping trip. It's cost was moderate. My older cooler was an "extreme" one and it didn't close nearly as tightly as the marine cooler nor last as long.

A couple more thoughts:

The Coleman 5 day marine cooler seems like if it was properly prepared it'd easily last 5 days as advertised. By keeping it out of the hot sun, or hot car, and further insulating it in a sleeping bag or something similar it's a good value for a long weekender. The smaller inside capacity 6 day cooler might be worth it to go a little longer.

If you are building a new teardrop, as I am, it seems easy to build extra insulation into the galley area around an ice chest. I'm going to insulate the floor, outside walls, and the hatch. It'd take very little extra effort and cost to put a layer of insulation below the counter top and in the side partitions around a slide out drawer for a cooler to help keep it cold longer.

Buying a higher priced 7 day, or longer, cooler might be a convenience for those of us like Steve who want to save extra trips to the store as well as money spent on ice.

For a trailer builder who wants to camp for longer stays it might be well worth it to both buy a more expensive 7 day, or longer, cooler; and to customize your galley to shade the cooler, build extra insulation around the cooler storage area, and to minimize outside hot air from warming the cooler area all to help lengthen the number of days you can stay out camping.

[halfdome, Danny]

Steve I have the MAXCOLD 40 big enough for Jane and I and fits in the smaller Bear Boxes. If you plan on camping in National Parks that require the use of Bear Boxes check their website for Bear Box dimensions. Danny

[Catoosa Grani]

Thanks to all of you who made contributions to this thread. It is very interesting and helpful.

Grani