WEDNESDAY - August 23, 2006

COOLERS

The following is the response that I received about COOLERS

I would like to THANK those that took the time to contribute, Thanks

1. From Jose & Loretta Torres

We have a a hardsided 60 can cooler with a split top with wheels and handle. Bought it at Walmart. Plus we bought a softsided 52 can cooler with wheels and handle. It will fold up to the side of a carry-on bag. Bought that one at Sams Club. We will be taking the softsided cooler to Omaha.. Hope the info will help.

2. From Dave Lorenz

Great survey, in 22+ years of chili cooking, I have purchased many coolers, some good, some terrible. Up until recently, Igloo was the only cooler on the market that injected foam insulation into the side walls and covers of their coolers. The others used the enclosed air in the side walls and cover as insulation. The Igloo cooler was always far superior to most others on the market. Now with the competition and advertising campaigns for coolers to hold ice for five days in 90+ degree heat, many others are adding the foam insulation.

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I have always found the hard side coolers are the best for maintaining frozen meat for any lengthy period (one to two days). While the soft sided coolers are great for air travel, then storing the products in a refrigerator in the hotel room.

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Currently, my cooler of choice is the Igloo Ice Cube. It is deep, which prevents some heat exchange when opening the lid, has wheels, and a comfortable handle that extends to a nice height. It can also be used as a hand truck by putting some gear on top. I have kept meat somewhat frozen (no blood) for three days in the Ice Cube. Enough rambling, see you in Omaha.

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Sincerely,

Dave Lorenz

427 Commerce Lane, #7

West Berlin, NJ 08091

856.768.8700 Phone

609.744.4775 Fax

856.768.8282 Cell

chilihead1@verizon.net

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3. From Steve Tomasek

We use a Coleman Extreme cooler; keep meat cold for three days. Has handle/wheels.

Great.

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4. From Mark Bass

I have a favorite, which is a 10 year old 52 qrt Igloo Legend. It is the "bomb" because it comes with a covered "dry" compartment which rests on an edge near the top. Unfortunately; I don't know where to purchase one. Google Igloo with that model and name and see what happens. I also wanted to point out that the Bass Pro Shops have better than Wal-Mart prices when they have a sale and I broke down and bought a 50 qrt Coleman cooler with wheels for around 20 bucks. It's a great deal! Also, for you road cooks (like me) save some dollars and start stealing ice from your icemakers. I store that ice in Wal-Mart bags in my freezer and it works like a charm. Finally, if you travel far and/or buy your meat early, cube it up, freeze it, wrap it in newspaper and then pack it in a small lunch type cooler with dry ice. This works so well that the night before the cookoff you have to take it out or it will still be frozen!

CYa on the trail!

Mark Bass

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I hope that this INFORMATION can help those that are planning on traveling to Omaha.

Your Blogger,

Dick

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