IGLOO Kool Mate 40 and 24

I have looked high and low, for a well priced, lightweight and efficient cooler and this could be the answer that any of you looking for the same! Perfect as a office refrigerator, in the car for long trips with the family, or whilst camping or caravanning. Plugs into 12v cigarette lighter socket to cool to 25 degrees below outside temperature or warms to 68.5 degrees, and also runs from 240v mains.

All igloo coolers have a 5 year warranty on their casing and are designed to withstand 300lbs (21 stone) which means they can safely be used as an extra seat in your awning or tent and they come with a 2 year warranty on their motors.

All IGLOO coolers have Ultratherm Polyurethane foam insulation which increases efficiency and keeps the products inside cooler or warmer for longer. Many others have tried to copy the unique performance and strength but don’t succeed and both these units are extremely lightweight and durable and are easily moved when empty. They both operate on a 12 volt basis and we strongly recommend that you only operate these coolers with the recommended converters.

IGLOO Kool Mate 40

This is the biggest selling cooler in the world. This 38.1 litre capacity cooler can also be used to heat the items inside as well as cool them down. A very flexible unit that can be used as an upright or chest unit and also comes with a removable shelf that allows it to be placed at different levels offering further flexibility on the products that can be kept inside.

The whisper quiet motor has an approximate life of 50,000 hours offering a huge life span and the dimensions are 55.7 X 39.04 X 42.55CM.

IGLOO Kool Mate 24

The IGLOO Kool Mate 24 is a new introduction to the Kool Mate range following the huge success of its big sister, the Kool Mate 40. This 22.6 litre capacity cooler comes equipped with a whisper quiet, 50,000 hour life span industrial motor, is leightweight, durable and very easy to handle.

The strong construction of the Kool Mate 24 can withstand up to 300lb (21 stone) in weight and is a smaller alternative to the Kool Mate 40.

Our Thoughts

We tested the IGLOO 40, and first impressions were excellent. When box arrived I initially thought it was empty, the cooler is light compared with many others. On opening and setting it up we were surprised and very pleased to see it could be stood on it's side, with the door opening out like a standard kitchen fridge, or upright with the lid opening upwards. This proved handy over the weekend as the cooler fulfilled it's dual purpose for us, first as a fridge for the BBQ food, then as a beer cooler!

We were told for optimum performance to set the cooler going at least three hours before we filled it with pre-chilled items, this enables the cooler to get down to the right temperature to keep the food and drinks nice and cold. We ran it on 12v in the car on the way to the campsite, and we found the performance extremely good, it chilled our freshly bought cans and food very quickly, then kept them cold all weekend. The IGLOO is easy to clean, we just simply wiped it down with a warm damp cloth.

We had a very sociable weekend, so the cooler again came up trumps, as we used it as an extra seat in the awning, without having to worry about breaking the lid or handle (unlike my last two coolboxes!), even after a glass or two.

We didn't get a chance to test the IGLOO 40's snapside in anger, that of a heater unfortunately. This sounds like a brilliant idea though, perfect for keeping food warm straight from the oven, especially if you're off on a picnic. It was quiet when running, and become quite hot inside.

All in all, very impressed indeed, we certainly would recommend the IGLOO Kool Mate, it goes to show that not all 12/240v coolers are the same, this one standing head and shoulders over others I have used.

Where Can I get them From?

Note, as of Feb 2007 The IGLOO Kool Mate 24 is now discontinued.

Prices are supplied by the supplier and are correct on the date of publication of this article, but may be subject to future change, please check with the supplier for current pricing.

COMPETITION! Win a KoolMate 40 or a Koolmate 24!