Igloo 5 gallon max cold lid

[Stevesmirk]

I bought my all grain set up used, which included an industrial Igloo 5 gallon beverage cooler as the mash tun. I have been using it for over a year, and have been pleased with the beer that has been produced. The mash tun has a weird warped area on the inside, and it makes a cracking noise when hot water is first introduced, so I assume that the insulation inside may be compromised somehow. Plus, I tend to lose a 1 or 2 degrees during a 60 minute mash. I am going to replace the cooler, and have found that Igloo now makes a max cold lid. The claim is that it will maintain ice for 5 days in 90F.
My question is this: is the max cold lid worth the extra money? I found that Target sells the max cold for $40. I can get a regular cooler at Lowes for $25. I know that $15 will not break the bank, so I will probably end up getting the better lid anyway, but still wanted to get opinions.

 

[flyfishnc]

I have that cooler, but I do not use it for a mash tun. I can say that it does hold ice longer than anyone I've ever owned. I don't think it will hold it for 5 days... maybe 3 days in the shade and with the lid kept closed...

It is a nice cooler and should be fine for a mash tun.

 

[Coldies]

Or you could always drill a small hole on the top of the lid and spray "Great stuff" inside.