Anybody heard of Coolerator

[R. Palaia]

Has anyone heard or used the refer unit called Coolerator made by Askeland,Inc.? Its a "thermoelectic cooling system". According to the brochure, the only moving part is a fan, no compressor, no refrigerant to leak. To convert the ice box, just cut a hole in the side to mount the unit and hook it up to 12v. Current draw is spec'd to 6A , and 1.75 in economy mode. Too good to be true? Any thoughts, comments?Thanks,Roc

 

[Steve Dion]

If it's too good to be true.....

I think that you will find out that these unit need about 6amps/hr x 24 hrs a day. At that rate you need a couple of batteries for a single day. Have not used this brand but used one that plugs into a cig. lighter and they will kill a fully charged car battery in a couple of hours. I would find out their specs on average amps per day.

 

[Tom Ressler s/v Blowdacious]

Thermoelectric Frige

I too had one that plugged into a lighter. It would kill the battery in about 3 days. After two years, the junction (cooling device)in the heat exchanger died. It cost almost as much to fix it as a new unit. The unit never really worked that well even though it was a Thermos Brand (I think). If you can do an Adler-Barbour or something like that, I would.

 

[Jane]

Got One

I have a coolerator but don't use it. It does drain the batteries. When I used to use it, I would turn it on a couple of days before hand to let it cool things down and then I would be sure the food was already pretty chilled. Then before I left I would turn it off(make sure my batteries were back up). The icebox held the cold pretty good. Okay for some food but not cold enough for the beer.IMHO, not really worth it. Jane

 

[Mike McKendy]

Not a Bad Solution

I installed the Coolerator 2001 model in my Hunter 30T. I'm not sure but I think the other replies relate to "Coolatron" products. While they use the same basic "Peletier" effect concept, these are stand alone, plug in models. The Coolerator actually mounts into the cooler. The 2001 model is water cooled - it takes water from a through-hull (I teed mine off the head intake) via a small pump and exits the water through an above the water line exit. It has two modes - an economy which draws about 2.5 amps (I have measured the draw and it is accurate) and a "fast cool" mode of about 9 amps. I run the fast cool when the engine is running else the economy mode. I find it inexpensive, easy to install and operates satisfactorally, particularly in areas with cool water. If you need additional information please contact me. Also, I found Mr. Askeland, the owner I presume, to be most helpful and honest,Mike McKendySea Sharp