Yeti cool boxes

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mullet

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I'm improving my boat's cold storage (currently a GRP box, no insulation, more of a container than anything "cool"). A fridge would require an upgrade of batteries and charging which is a lot of complexity I don't want - it's a small boat and I try to keep systems as simple as possible. So I'm looking at getting the best ready made cool box I can and building a space for it into the galley. This has the advantage that it can be hauled off the boat, either to be taken to shops, or to be filled at home.

Yeti Cool boxes are often spoken of as the ne plus ultra of the cool box world. They claim that they keep food cooler for longer than any others - but they command quite a price premium compared to the competition. Does anyone have any first hand experience? Branding hot air or genuinely better?
 
I should have been a bit clearer: these are passive cool boxes, just (very expensive) plastic boxes with insulation and a good airtight seal. An Esky if you’re Aussie. Something would be very wrong if it were giving off heat! Thing is, they are almost as expensive as a an electrical compressor cool box…

COOLERS
 
Seems to be a tad overpriced for an insulated tupperware box . I mean 40 dabs just for a dog bowl ...personally think its an expensive designer brand name. Though confess no experience of them.
 
That was my thinking too but if they’re really good I’d look twice, I don’t mind paying if it’ll keep things cool an extra day. I’d be looking at the lowest end of their sizing - and at that size the surface area to volume ratio of a cool box is less favourable so an improvement in insulation and cold retention would be more valuable.
 
OP is right to be looking at an ice box. Just remember that yes it is nice to fill it at home but it will become very heavy.
Here in Oz they are very popular indeed you can pay a lot of money for one. Search results - Bunnings Australia (2ozdollars to one pound) or you can get them quite cheap. I suspect the market in Oz pushes prices down. They are often found in super markets etc. Cheap foam. I am sure my household is not unusual in having 3 or more floating around just for picnics. They are not so robust but I don't believe the expensive ones are really any better at insulation. For longer life orf ice I would try a smaller insulated box with the ice in, inside the main insulated box.
So all I can say is don't pay through the nose when cheaper is just as good. ol'will
 
I have a Waeco Cool Ice, like this: Dometic Waeco Cool-Ice WCI 22 Coolbox

I can confirm that it’s good for a long weekend in that it will keep ice frozen for three days but there will also be meltwater in the bottom after 24hrs so contents needs to be waterproof. Great for bottles. It’s all over after four days.
 
alahol2 said:
I seriously considered an Igloo when I researched this. Still trying to decide whether to go for a Dellonda or Alpicool compressor box though.
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We have a Alpicool C20 and use it as a freezer. Works well but uses more power than our fridge. Temperature display optimistic but it will freeze a water container down overnight to a solid block. Tend to run it at -15c rather than the coldest -18c, but we are only freezing stuff for a week or so, not months. The C15 is the same unit and the extra space generated by a different taller lid.

Previously had a Waeco 18L which was brilliant, but the price Domestic want for one today is outrageous so went the Alpicool route. You get what you pay for, but for long holidays it does the job well, makes us ice and keeps ice cream, steaks and fish frozen. Even had Christmas dinner in it one year. We keep a bath towel over it to increase the insulation during the summer months.
 
I have a Quechua one from Decathlon that's surprisingly effective and much, much better than any solid plastic one I've ever seen. They can fold down when not in use and you just inflate them before using. Because it's a bit soft you can squidge it into places a plastic one can't. Whichever you get, cover it with a blanket or duvet for extra insulation and keep it closed as much as possible.

Compact Fresh Inflatable Camping Cooler - 25 L
 
Pete7 said:
We have a Alpicool C20 and use it as a freezer. Works well but uses more power than our fridge. Temperature display optimistic but it will freeze a water container down overnight to a solid block....
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Like the OP we don't have a lot of reserve power and wouldn't be looking to freeze stuff. It's more to keep meds cool, milk from going off too soon and the butter from melting. I would probably look to run the fridge at 0 degC to 5 degC. That would probably even keep frozen stuff safe for a few days. I'm thinking 'enhanced cool box' rather than fridge, only running it when we've got sufficient power.
 
Having used several brands of these in very hot conditions on road travels then there was a big gap between the performance of Yeti boxes and some very cheap boxes. To address the op's question the Yeti brand is aimed at camping/tailgate parties in N America and considered bearproof etc; it is also heavily marketed. When launched it was disruptive in the marketplace. Similar quality boxes from less heavily marketed brands are now much more widely available. Whatever brand used, it will be heavy when packed.
 
Just buy a sheet of 25mm or 50mm celotex and build yer own box that’ll fit exactly in whatever space you have. I’d put money on the yeti/igloo boxes using pretty much the same stuff.
 
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