Having performed tests regarding the insulation performance of $30 Igloo coolers versus $400 yeti coolers, I will tell you this:Originally Posted by Atherosdragon
Igloo coolers are awesome, particularly for their price point. They are REALLY, REALLY good at keeping things insulated, hot OR cool depending on your needs.
That said, you know what's even better at insulation?
Styrofoam and packing tape.
Yuppers, a $10 styrofoam box I bought at wal-mart in Alaska and brought frozen salmon fillets home in performed better in ice retention than any commercial coolers we tested. Pack it, tape the seams, it will hold heat (or cold) incredibly well.
The problem with coolers is that in making them more structurally sound than styrofoam creates bridges of thermal conductivity, so plenty of heat leaks in/out of the base.
The good thing is that with a 70 degree difference in temperature between the inside of the cooler and the outside air temp, you still only need roughly 1-6 watts of power to make up the difference (if your heating/cooling element works at 100% efficiency). Due to heat loss being related to the difference in temperature (heat exchange happens faster if the temperature difference is greater), if the difference in temperature is minimal (such as 80 vs 90 degrees), then the energy required is extremely minimal, and can be very finely controlled to maintain a very precise temperature point.
Reply With Quote