Coleman Thermoelectric Cooler

[dejr_8]

A few months ago there was a thread about buying a coleman thermoelectric cooler and using it as an in-room fridge. This saves $10/day on a disney fridge and the cooler only cost $70 to begin with. So one trip it pays for itself.

Well that's what we did on our last trip (just home) and it worked GREAT.

I would highly recommend it if you drive and have room in the car/truck.

 

[jann1033]

does it plug into the cigagrette lighter place when you are traveling or just into a regular household plug. so you do not need ice? does it keep it frozen or just cold. Thanks

 

[dejr_8]

It plugs into the cigarette lighter. The one I purchased from Walmart included an AC/DC converter so it can be plugged into an AC outlet as well.

The unit cools to 44 degrees below the surrounding temperature. So if it is 80 it will cool to 36.

The only caveat is the items you put into the cooler need to be chilled or else it will take for ever to cool down. So don't think you can purchase a 1/2 case of warm pop and throw it in the cooler to get cold. It will take forever.

 

[RussH]

I have been using a Coleman for 4 years and maybe 9 trips. What dejr_8 posted is really important. If you put cold items in it they will remain cold but a 2 liter will take 20-24 hours to get cold.
Always plug it in before you buy one they have fans and some models are very loud. The Coleman seems to be quieter from all I heard.
One last item every other day you need to defrost the thermal element. The Florida humidity even in resort rooms will cause ice to form and drastically effect cooling. It only takes 15 minutes just remove the lid and cover the lower with a towel put the lid in the sink and reverse the power supply plug. Now it heats and melts the ice. Sounds like a lot of work but it is really simple.

RussH

 

[dejr_8]

I heard the issue about icing but we didn't have any problem.

 

[tax58]

We love ours. Works great with our DVC kitchen.