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How to

KEEPING IT COOL

20th May, 2022

There’s no doubt that an electric coolbox is one of the most important necessities when going on a trip. Having the ability to buy meat or prepare meals and freeze them for a long trip is not only convenient but also cost effective. And there is nothing like an ice-cold beer straight out of the coolbox on those warm summer camping days. Not only is having a portable coolbox ideal for camping, it can be used on the boat for the day’s catch, after a big grocery shop, at the beach or park for keeping lunch and drinks cold or even on the deck for extra drink storage for your next party.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COOLBOX

With so many electric coolboxes on the market, here are a few things to consider to ensure you make the right investment:

Size matters:

If you’re heading off on a weekend away with your partner, chances are you won’t need a big fridge. However, if you’re taking an extended trip with the family, you’ll need something bigger. Portable coolboxes come in capacities ranging from 35 litres to 96 litres with several sizes in between. Obviously, the larger the capacity, the larger the external dimensions of the coolbox so it’s important to take into account how much room you have in your 4WD as well.

Power consumption:

Choosing a coolbox with an efficient compressor and good insulation is important to maximise your available power. When comparing power consumption between coolboxes, it is important to note the cabinet temperature and ambient temperature to which the coolbox was tested. Cooling capacity is also vitally important as it can get quite hot in the back of a vehicle so you need a coolbox that can reliably keep its contents below 4ºC.

Build quality:

To ensure longevity, a coolbox should be made from a tough and durable material. The design of the cabinet is also important, ensuring there are no protruding latches or hinges that are likely to catch on luggage or sleeping bags and that the coolbox controls are recessed so you’re less likely to bump them.

Convenience:

A quality portable coolbox will be just that, portable, so make sure it is built tough but not so heavy that you can’t lift it. Look for convenient internal features like easily removable baskets and dividers, dairy compartments, cabinet lights, reversible lids, drain plugs and rubber feet for better grip.

FRIDGE TIPS

Here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of your portable coolbox:

Put the heaviest items in the bottom and light stuff on top.
If using as a freezer, pack your frozen items in the reverse order that you plan on eating the food. This way the food you want is always on top and it will limit the amount of time the lid stays open, maximising cooling capacity and energy saving.
Consider pre-packing items like smaller fruits and vegetables into easily stackable plastic containers. You’ll fit more in, your food will last longer and your fridge will stay cleaner.
If you have food such as fruit, veggies and meats in your coolbox, you’ll need to keep the temperature below 4ºC to keep it fresh.
Keep the air vents free to maximise airflow, which will maximise cooling efficiency and use less power.

Using a protective coolbox cover protects the coolbox from wear and tear and also provides an extra layer of insulation.
Always secure your coolbox when travelling with recommended tie-downs.
Maximise power consumption by lowering the temperature when driving and increasing to a more economical temperature when the engine is off.
Keep your coolbox in the shade and keep the windows down to reduce power consumption.
If you have the choice, go for cans over bottles. Cans cool down faster and pack better for best use of coolbox space.
Keeping your coolbox as full as possible will make it run more efficiently.