However, not every one of the Igloo ice chests purchased are used in the home. Many are used when the family is away from home. Below we take a look at some of the kinds of ice chests that Igloo now make and where they can be used.

1. Marine 25 Quart – This particular model of Igloo Ice Chest can hold up to 23 liters and measures a mere 20” long by 11.25” wide and 13.13” high. This has more than ample space to allow you to keep 36 cans of soda or beer inside. But you will need to reduce this figure slightly if you want to keep food (sandwiches) and ice in yours as well.

As the name suggests this particular model is one that can be used when you go fishing on your boat. Including in this particular model you will find it comes with a built in fishing ruler. Also you will find that the lid can support up to 136kg (300lbs) of weight. As this ice chest will be out in the sun quite a lot the outside has been coated in a special UV treatment and is white so it doesn’t fade so badly.

2. Maxcold 50 Quart – Slightly larger than the above model being one that is able to hold up to 47 liters giving you sufficient room to keep 72 cans of beer or soda cool in it along with a couple of 2 liter bottles. When it comes to the actual size of this model it is slightly larger again than the Marine 25 Quart being 25.5” long by 15.25” wide and 17.38” high.

You will find with this particular model that the insulation has been improved by around 25% so keeping ice in it for longer should not be a problem. Although the majority of this Igloo Ice Chest is made of plastic there is some stainless steel used to help reinforce its durability but which you don’t actually notice.

Plus the plastic used in the construction has been treated to help prevent it from fading or cracking over time. Another feature that will prove very useful with this particular model is that it comes with a threaded drain plug so being able to clean this out after each use will not prove too difficult a task.

However although these two do differ in size and materials they are constructed from any parts that do get damaged or broken can easily be replaced. So you won’t have to concern yourself with replacing the whole Igloo Ice Chest in the future rather just the part that is broken say the drain plug which has come off when taking it out of your vehicle.

Igloo Ice Chest is a post from: Ice Chest Coolers

Plus it is important that you learn how to pack your soft sided coolers correctly. If you follow the tips below not only will your food stay fresher for long but the ice you pack to keep the food or drinks cool will last a lot longer as well.

Tip 1 – It is a good idea to actually chill everything that you are taking in your coolers prior to packing. If the items you are packing in to your soft sided cooler are cold before being placed in them the ice you pack in there will last considerably longer.

Tip 2 – Along with cooling the food and drinks down before packing the cooler also chill the cooler down as well. To do this all you need to do is put some ice cubes into the cooler about an prior to packing it.

Tip 3 – It is important to remember that cold air travels down so never put the ice in until last. So always load the soft sided coolers up with your drinks and food first, and then cover them with ice. This will further help to ensure that they remain cooler and fresher for longer.

Tip 4 – The kind of ice you use in your cooler is important as well. So you should use either crushed or blocked ice to pack yours with to keep the things inside cool and fresh. If you want things to be cooled quickly then used crush ice. However, if you want the ice to last for a long time then it is better to go for the blocks.

Tip 5 – You can chill your drinks but it is also a good idea to freeze them as well. Doing this will provide another way to help keep the food inside the cooler fresher and cooler for longer. Plus remember that they will then provide you with another source of cold drinks as they thaw.

Tip 6 – When you are packing foods into your soft sided coolers make sure that you do it in chronological order. What this means is putting the foods at the bottom that you will eat last and the ones that you will be eating the most often or first are to go at the top. If you are taking along perishables such as dairy or meat products then make sure that these are packed directly onto ice. Also pack them in to sealed plastic bags or containers to ensure that they remain dry.

Above we have offered just a few tips that will help you to ensure that what you pack into your soft sided coolers remains cold and fresh for much longer. The more time you dedicate to packing your coolers properly then the much better the food and drinks will keep and so you will have a much more enjoyable time away from home.

Soft Sided Coolers is a post from: Ice Chest Coolers

Although these do cost considerably more than those constructed from plastic the ice that you use inside to keep the drinks cool doesn’t last very long. So even after a couple of hours the drinks won’t taste as nice as when your guests first arrived. In fact with some of the stainless steel ice chests available the ice stored in them can last for as long as five days.

However although an ice chest may be made from stainless steel do not think that moving it around is going to be an issue. In many cases the designs are considerably sleeker than the plastic models and so carrying this is a lot easier. Also just as with some of the cheaper versions you will find the larger ones are now fitted with wheels so moving them from one location to another won’t be an issue at all.

When it comes to caring for your stainless steel ice chest you will be amazed at how easy this is to do. Actually washing these items is a lot easier because the sides tend to be a lot smoother. Plus if you are at all concerned about leaving yours outside then don’t be as they come with special coatings that will protect them from the elements. So the risk of them rusting is reduced.

If you are at all interested in purchasing a stainless steel ice chest there are certain things that you must take into consideration beforehand. So it is a good idea to actually sit down and think about what you will be using yours for. This way you can then determine just exactly what size you need along with what features you would like it to have.

If for example you intend to hold a lot of parties at home then purchasing one of these units that allows you to access it easily it is important. There are certain models that allow you to access the unit from the front rather than the top and these access panel’s fold down offering you a place where drinks can be stood whilst being opened. Then there are other models that are fitted with not just a bottle opener but a place below where the lids are caught and held until it is emptied.

As mentioned above the cost of a stainless steel ice chest is considerably more than you would expect to pay for the plastic models. But even so a basic model will not cost you more than $70 and the top of the market versions can go as high as $200. But with the last models these will come with some of the features we have mentioned along with wheels so manoeuvring them from one location to another won’t prove difficult.

Stainless Steel Ice Chest is a post from: Ice Chest Coolers

However before you go out spending money on this piece of equipment to take camping or fishing there are certain factors that one needs to take into consideration first. In this article we take a look at what some of these are and which when kept in mind when shopping for an ice chest cooler will ensure that you purchase the one that meets your requirements perfectly.

1. Construction

Most families when they go on a camping trip tend to opt for those cheaper versions that are constructed from cheap poly or plastic. However, in order for the food inside to remain in good condition they will need to be packed with quite a considerable amount of ice as well. Often these will only allow food to remain cool in them for a couple of days and the temperatures don’t remain low enough to prevent food to spoil. Also often within the first half day you will discover that a great part of the ice has melted so you end up with your food in lots of water.

So it is important that for any trips where you will be gone away for more than a day or so to select a model made from high quality materials. This will ensure that the insulation properties are of a much higher grade and so ensuring that the ice you put inside the cooler will last for considerably longer. Also these tend to be a lot stronger so that they last for many years to come as long as they are cared for properly.

2. How Long Can It Retain Ice For?

When it comes to ice chest coolers you need to look for those that are able to retain ice in its original form for much longer. These types of ice chest coolers will then ensure that the temperature within them is better retained and so ensuring that the items inside it remain cool and fresh for much longer.

The best way of determining if the ice chest cooler you are considering buying will retain ice for longer is to inspect the gasket that seals the lid to the base of the unit. Unfortunately there are plenty of models around today that are fitted with poor quality gasket seals. This results in a great deal of the cold air being able to escape along with a great of deal of warm air to get inside. So when trying to keep your food and drinks cool for any extended period of time will prove near impossible to do.

So as you can see from above the construction of the cooler and how well it retains ice is very important. You may not want to spend a lot on yours but do you really want to invest in an ice chest cooler that within a matter of hours the food inside becomes spoiled.

Choosing an Ice Chest Cooler is a post from: Ice Chest Coolers

However the cheaper versions tend to be made from poor quality materials and if not taken care of properly will become ruined after a few uses. Whereas many of the top of the range models come with some additional features. Some come with linings that can be removed so if they need to be cleaned or replaced this can be done very quickly and simply.

Along with the benefit of a removable liner the soft sided cooler units come with a number of others. Below we take a look at just what some of these are.

Benefit 1 – The main compartment is very spacious ensuring that there is more than enough space to keep all your food and drinks in.

Benefit 2 – The ice can be kept in them all day and this will again ensure that not only is the food and drinks kept cool throughout the day. It will also ensure that the food is kept as fresh as possible.

Benefit 3 – Many are now fitted with rubber impact resistant bases that are unlikely to tear or crack so ensuring that they are more durable.

Benefit 4 – Each one is made from heavy duty PVC lined polyester or nylon that ensures that water cannot ingress into the material should a leak occur inside the cooler.

Benefit 5 – Today a vast majority of these soft sided cooler bags come with pockets on the fronts and sides that allow you space for additional items such as cutlery and plates to be carried.

Benefit 6 – As already mentioned above these types of coolers are much easier to carrier than the hard sided varieties. Plus when carried although they bash against your legs they don’t cause the same sort of bruising as a hard sided one does. Plus you will find that with a soft sided cooler it doesn’t but the same level of stress and strain on your upper or lower back.

Benefit 7 – Finally when it comes to a soft sided cooler these can like the hard sided ones be used to make sure that hot foods remains just that. This is because the insulation used inside is not only helpful for retaining cool air within but also warm air as well. So it is something that you could use when say picking up a Chinese meal on your way home from work one evening.

Benefit 8 – Of course the final benefit to getting a soft sided cooler is the cost. You will find that these cost quite a bit less than the traditional hard sided versions and when not in use can be folded down so that they take up far less storage space.

Soft Sided Cooler is a post from: Ice Chest Coolers

This company has built such a good reputation that as well as being the third major producer of domestic coolers in the USA it is the only one that is producing steel ice chests. They have certainly come along with from the first Coleman Ice Chest to appear on the market back in 1954.

The first one was made from heavy steel that they painted and was favoured for its sleek rectangular lines. Plus the fibreglass insulation proved very effective at ensuring that what was kept inside remained cool and fresh for some time. Yet although it wasn’t perfect it did what was required of it perfectly and over the years Coleman have dedicated time and money to improve their products. In fact this is a company at the forefront when it comes to ice chest technology.

In fact within a matter of time they had quickly began to improve the first Coleman ice chest and in 1957 they introduced a new range which had a plastic liner instead of fibreglass. This main their range of products even more popular as people knew that this lining was not only easy to clean, wouldn’t rust and would not absorb odors from the food stored inside.

But it wasn’t just this change in the design that increased this ice chests popularity. They looked at already how they were insulated. Originally the insulation within each of these chests was made up from polystyrene beads however they found the insulating properties of fiberglass ones much more effective. So Coleman changed to having these as providing the necessary insulation within their range of ice chests.

Yet when it came to making improvements to the first Coleman ice chest the company didn’t stop there. Over the next few years further improvements were made including changes to the plastic so that it would become scratched or discolored easily. Then the next change they made was they invented urethane insulation for their products which enhanced the insulating properties of their ice chests even further.

Finally they also decided that they needed to improve the strength of their first Coleman ice chest and this was achieved very simply. All they did was inserted a piece of flexible fiberboard between the outer liner and the urethane foam insulation. Then if the unit happened to be dropped it would not crack unlike previous models had.

What is funny is that in 1994 the company decided that production of the original steel Coleman ice chest would cease. However, demand from their customers because they liked its look and feel caused them to in 2001 reverse their decision and they introduced a new version of the original steel ice chest that they produced way back in 1954.

Coleman Ice Chest is a post from: Ice Chest Coolers

But what all these have in common is that they are able to keep your drinks for your next barbecue nice and cool and within easy reach of all your guests on the patio. So there is no longer any need for you to keep diving back into the house to get refills for everyone.

So what sorts of patio ice chest units are available for you to purchase today? Below we take a look at the kinds of models that one can consider purchasing.

1. Top Loading Steel Patio Cooler Cart – The great thing about this particular model is that it comes with locking wheels which allows for easier movement around the patio or decking area. Plus once you have found a location that is close to everybody but won’t interfere with everybody’s enjoyment the wheels can be locked to ensure that when being opened to get to the drink inside it doesn’t move.

Also as these have been coated with powder using an electrostatic system the quality of the finish on this type of ice chest is very high. In fact the finish is very smooth so it won’t look out of place in your garden on your patio and although it comes in flat pack form the actual assembly of the unit is very easy to undertake.

2. Cedar Storage Ice Chest – If you are looking for a patio ice chest that not only keeps drinks cool but can be used in other ways this is a really great option to go for. Should you require additional seating for when you have a party this can also be used for this purpose and you just need to place some cushions on top to provide your guests with some added comfort. However, do warn them that they will need to stand up when other guests are looking to quench their thirst some more.

Another benefit of purchasing this type of ice chest for your patio is that it can be left outside throughout the year. This is because it is constructed from good quality cedar wood which is very strong and durable. As long as you use a good quality wood protection solution on yours then it should last for many years to come. Plus it certainly won’t look out of place if you put it on to your decking.

Patio Ice Chests is a post from: Ice Chest Coolers

1. Material From Which The Ice Chest Is Constructed From

Of course you want one that is going to be able to deal with the elements effectively. So you want those that are made from materials which won’t be affected by water, sunlight or extreme changes in the temperature.

Ideally you should be looking for those which are made either from fiberglass or stainless steel. These ones not only are well protected against the elements but will unlike wooden ones need very little maintenance to keep them in good condition. In fact with these types of electric ice chests they will only need to be cleaned using some warm soapy water.

2. How Large Does Yours Need To Be?

You will only know what size to by through determining what you will be using yours for. If you intend to use it when camping with your family then opt for one of the larger models. Whereas if you only intend to use it yourself when you go fishing or to the beach for a few hours then a smaller portable model would be a far better option.

3. How Easy Is It To Clean?

This is a very important feature to be looking for when it comes to buying an electric ice chest unit. Look for those that come with a recessed drain in the base that allows you to quickly and easily drain them along with allowing water to flow freely out of them when cleaning.

4. How Much Energy Does It Use?

Look for those that don’t require that much energy to run them as this will ensure that your operating costs of an electric ice chest are kept down. Today all models should include a label explaining what energy level they work at. Although those that use less energy cost more they will actually be more beneficial to you and will ensure that your electricity bills are kept low throughout the time you are using yours.

5. What Extra Features Does It Come With?

If you can consider purchasing models that allow you to actually control the temperature setting of yours. Plus look for those that come with a magnetic door seal as well as a child safety lock rather than the traditional type of latch. This will ensure that little fingers won’t get hurt should they attempt to open the chest and climb inside.

Also it is worth considering spending a little extra cash on those models that are fitted with a self defrosting facility. This means that you won’t have to concern yourself each year with making sure that it is defrosted. This can be a concern if the door of the electric chest is going to be opened on a regular basis.

Electric Ice Chests is a post from: Ice Chest Coolers

Originally Igloo started out with just two employees doing metal working jobs.  Then they produced a metal water cooler that they felt would be more efficient than the traditional wooden buckets used on construction and oilfield sites to provide the workers with cool tasting water.

As the first of these water coolers proved so popular the company then decided to create another two types and these were the Horton, Polar King and Igloo.  However, it wasn’t until 1960 that the company designed and then produced their first Igloo Ice Chests.  This one unlike the models you see today was constructed from metal combined with a liner made from plastic and could contain 22 quart.

Then following the company merging with the Production Tooling Company and John T Everett Company they went public in 1962 and this was when the first over the counter version of their ice chests became available.  But the models that were being produced at this time instead of being metal and plastic were solely made from plastic.  These first models of the plastic Igloo ice chests were originally only sold to beer manufacturers.  However, in 1963 they became something that the average Joe could purchase as they allowed Oshman Sporting Goods in Houston, Texas to stock them.

Following the success of the first all plastic Ice chest, the company then decided to bring out a much larger version.  So in 1967 the 155 quart Giant Sea Chest came on to the market.  Immediately upon its launch fisherman from the Gulf Coast area were purchasing theirs.  The main reason that this particular model became so popular and still remains popular with fisherman today is that no matter how salty the water was the exterior of the chest was protected from rusting.  Plus they had designed the interior to ensure that they would not become stained or that odors would be able to permeate them.

Today along with the large size Giant Sea Chest when it comes to Igloo Ice Chests there are plenty of other smaller models to select from.  Another one that is favoured by many today is the Playmate model which came into production in 1971.  Then in 1972 the design of this particular model was improved to make accessing the interior easier by the adding of a push button lid lock/release system.

When you do a search online today you are going to be somewhat surprised at how many different types of Igloo Ice Chests are now available.  In fact with this company offering more than 500 different products to you the consumer choosing the one that is right for you is going to prove a challenge.

Igloo Ice Chests is a post from: Ice Chest Coolers