Interesting. I've been following the recent post soliciting input on the purchase of a portable fridge and I thought this title would get your attention...
** DISCLAIMER ** The topic of "portable fridges and ice chests" is very much akin to the volatile topics of Politics, Religion, Second Amendment Rights, and "What is the Best Tire Off Road for my Truck." For the exceptionally offended, obviously, you have to do what is right for you, whoever "you" are that personalizes this post and decides to take issue with it. This is just my observation and I wonder if anyone shares it. If you are one of those sensitive, gentle souls, move along - nothing of interest for you here...
How many threads/posts do you recall declaring that a consumer absolutely regretted the purchase of a quality portable freezer/fridge and declared they would have been much better off with an ice chest?
Ten years of perusing the forums and I can't recollect any. Almost that same number of years of talking to people that actually own portable fridges and I've never met anyone who declared it was a waste of their personal treasure and would see more utility as a boat anchor.
Admittedly, there have been some where the extremely frugal have purchased old models, second or third-hand, or even with an undetermined record of ownership and use and those owners complain that they "broke down." Then there is the fridge of dubious quality at an unbelievably low price, even noted in reviews as such, from unknown foreign manufacturers - but as it is said - you get what you pay for.
I especially enjoy those really posts of the proud ice chest owner who scoffs at the fridge owner as the person with, "more money than sense," whose bright idea is to take empty containers, clean and store them; then several days before the trip fill them with water, freeze them, line the inside of the ice chest with the frozen jugs, place their perishables in the cooler, and low and behold a few days later... ice water. Science! Portable fridge owners... we just pull the chilly beverage of choice out of the fridge and politely nod and smile.
Old Watashi here has had his ARB 50QT in the back of the Tacoma, year-round, for 6 years. I keep water and Pepsi MAX, along with a few condiments like crushed garlic and basil, soy sauce, Sriracha, Crystal's Louisiana Hot Sauce, mustard, and catsup (you can whip together a feast with those ingredients), on the chill in the fridge full-time. I can take the fridge out to haul stuff by removing 4 bolts. [Full disclosure: I don't put any old crap in the back of the truck. I even tie the family Christmas tree to the roof of the Prius. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get the needles out of those little crevices in the bed?] It takes 30 minutes to stuff the truck with gear - it takes longer to compile the menu plan and prepare the fresh fruit, veggies, and meats that I'll put in the fridge to last a week feeding myself and at least a half-dozen or more campers. I don't go out with that many people, it's just that the smell attracts the neighbors whose greeting, "smells good, you ain't gonna eat all that are you?" signals their intent to share my meal and compels me to bring extra plates.
Now, there have been plenty of threads where readers declare they enjoy their fridges, "it's a game changer," but none I recall where it's stated it was a waste of money. Only rationalizations to continue with the status quo ice chest and avoid the new-fangled contraption and gimmicky science called "portable refrigeration."
And they call me the, "old guy."
** DISCLAIMER ** The topic of "portable fridges and ice chests" is very much akin to the volatile topics of Politics, Religion, Second Amendment Rights, and "What is the Best Tire Off Road for my Truck." For the exceptionally offended, obviously, you have to do what is right for you, whoever "you" are that personalizes this post and decides to take issue with it. This is just my observation and I wonder if anyone shares it. If you are one of those sensitive, gentle souls, move along - nothing of interest for you here...
How many threads/posts do you recall declaring that a consumer absolutely regretted the purchase of a quality portable freezer/fridge and declared they would have been much better off with an ice chest?
Ten years of perusing the forums and I can't recollect any. Almost that same number of years of talking to people that actually own portable fridges and I've never met anyone who declared it was a waste of their personal treasure and would see more utility as a boat anchor.
Admittedly, there have been some where the extremely frugal have purchased old models, second or third-hand, or even with an undetermined record of ownership and use and those owners complain that they "broke down." Then there is the fridge of dubious quality at an unbelievably low price, even noted in reviews as such, from unknown foreign manufacturers - but as it is said - you get what you pay for.
I especially enjoy those really posts of the proud ice chest owner who scoffs at the fridge owner as the person with, "more money than sense," whose bright idea is to take empty containers, clean and store them; then several days before the trip fill them with water, freeze them, line the inside of the ice chest with the frozen jugs, place their perishables in the cooler, and low and behold a few days later... ice water. Science! Portable fridge owners... we just pull the chilly beverage of choice out of the fridge and politely nod and smile.
Old Watashi here has had his ARB 50QT in the back of the Tacoma, year-round, for 6 years. I keep water and Pepsi MAX, along with a few condiments like crushed garlic and basil, soy sauce, Sriracha, Crystal's Louisiana Hot Sauce, mustard, and catsup (you can whip together a feast with those ingredients), on the chill in the fridge full-time. I can take the fridge out to haul stuff by removing 4 bolts. [Full disclosure: I don't put any old crap in the back of the truck. I even tie the family Christmas tree to the roof of the Prius. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get the needles out of those little crevices in the bed?] It takes 30 minutes to stuff the truck with gear - it takes longer to compile the menu plan and prepare the fresh fruit, veggies, and meats that I'll put in the fridge to last a week feeding myself and at least a half-dozen or more campers. I don't go out with that many people, it's just that the smell attracts the neighbors whose greeting, "smells good, you ain't gonna eat all that are you?" signals their intent to share my meal and compels me to bring extra plates.
Now, there have been plenty of threads where readers declare they enjoy their fridges, "it's a game changer," but none I recall where it's stated it was a waste of money. Only rationalizations to continue with the status quo ice chest and avoid the new-fangled contraption and gimmicky science called "portable refrigeration."
And they call me the, "old guy."
