Nice Engel cooler or Cheap Koolatron Fridge?

[jessejman]

I have $100 to spend on a cooler/fridge for a 6 week trip this summer. I want an Engel fridge/freezer but even the Whynter Kmart versions are way out of my price range.

Given that I have a shallow pocket, which one would you do?

We will be traveling backroads from Tn. to Or. on something like the Trans America Trail. I doubt we will be away from a gas station for more than 4 days at a time. Route discussion is here.

Thanks for your thoughts, Jesse

 

[Moody]

I'd just go with a good quality marine grade ice chest($50-75). Buy blocks of ice, and replenish every so often. Save your $ for an Engel.

 

[DaJudge]

Take Moody's advice, stay away from those "cheap" coolers with the thermoelctric modules. You will not be happy!

 

[jessejman]

Alright, I'm leaning towards the Engel 30 qt cooler. I can get one for $60 shipped so I'll use the savings for some ice along the way. Very curious to see how this cooler will do compared to the Coleman we used on the last trip. Latches and is airtight so no spillage at least. Thanks for the advice. Jesse

 

[MarcFJ60]

Although not as rugged as the Engel, I was under the impression that some of those 5 day coolers (Igloo MaxCold, Coleman Xtreme) were pretty highly regarded. I don't own either, but I seem to recall people saying they work pretty close to advertised. Seems like you can get a 50 Qt for about $40. When you factor in ice, doesn't seem like you're going to have much room left in that 30 qt Engel. Of course, it probably depends on your need for frosty cold beverages.

Igloo 50 qt Maxcold ($44)


Coleman 50 Qt ($35 at Walmart)


(And my apologies for breaching internet forum etiquette by suggesting a product that was not asked about)