BigRedHopHead
Well-Known Member
So after 40 batches my Coleman Extreme 70qt has sprung a big leak since I failed to reinforce the cooler spigot opening with PVC. By mistake when it was on the floor I stepped on the ball valve bending the opening. So I was in the market for a new cooler MLT but didn't want to shell out big bucks.
Saw these Igloo Super Tough coolers at Costco yesterday and picked one up. 72qt for $60. The Igloo website has them for $90 retail. These coolers are touted as being "commercial grade". Here are some of the upgrades: 1) Bolt-through reinforced side handles, 2) stainless steel hinged latches, 3) thicker liner, 4) ice rated at 5 days. The liner is much thinker than my Coleman Extreme, and hopefully will last longer. My Coleman liner was starting to bubble and warp in several places. The lid latch completely closes the lid, whereas my Coleman did not. I always had to place a blanket and weight on top of the lid to keep heat from escaping. Granted, my Coleman kept the heat fine this way, I think this lid design may be better. The bolt-though reinforced handles are nice. My Coleman handles were laminated on and when I would dump grains from a big batch I would notice the handles pulling away and beginning to crack at their attachments. This time I have reinforced the spigot opening with PVC. Lesson learned! In any case here are some pictures. I will report back this weekend on how well it retained heat after I run a batch through it.
Saw these Igloo Super Tough coolers at Costco yesterday and picked one up. 72qt for $60. The Igloo website has them for $90 retail. These coolers are touted as being "commercial grade". Here are some of the upgrades: 1) Bolt-through reinforced side handles, 2) stainless steel hinged latches, 3) thicker liner, 4) ice rated at 5 days. The liner is much thinker than my Coleman Extreme, and hopefully will last longer. My Coleman liner was starting to bubble and warp in several places. The lid latch completely closes the lid, whereas my Coleman did not. I always had to place a blanket and weight on top of the lid to keep heat from escaping. Granted, my Coleman kept the heat fine this way, I think this lid design may be better. The bolt-though reinforced handles are nice. My Coleman handles were laminated on and when I would dump grains from a big batch I would notice the handles pulling away and beginning to crack at their attachments. This time I have reinforced the spigot opening with PVC. Lesson learned! In any case here are some pictures. I will report back this weekend on how well it retained heat after I run a batch through it.