Coolers are common fixtures in picnics, games and sports, and other outdoor activities. They are essentially insulated boxes filled with ice blocks to keep food and drinks cool while outdoors. There are kinds types of coolers – disposable types, which are cheaper, and reusable coolers, which are more expensive but last longer. Read on to see which type you need.
Disposable Coolers are made of styrene foams usually measuring one-half to one-inch thick. They can have molded-in handles or shoulder straps.
Contrary to popular belief, Disposable Coolers are not just for one-time use. They can be used at least two times or even more, until they get damaged.
Reusable Coolers are made of plastic shells that are durable and can withstand pressure and shocks. Most have one or two solid handles for convenient handling. Some even have wheels for easy transport.
Thermoelectric Coolers require a power source to work. Most models can be plugged into the cigarette lighter socket of a car. They use the ‘Peltier effect’ – that is, they use an external fan to drive away heat for cooling.
Cooler capacity: Choose a cooler that can accommodate the amount of food and the number of drinks you intend to bring along. An average cooler usually has a capacity of 50 to 100 quarts. Get a 30-quart cooler for a one-day outdoor trip or an 80- to 100-quart cooler for a longer excursion.
