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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Jeepers Creepers on May 05, 2013, 07:47:32 AM

Title: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 05, 2013, 07:47:32 AM
 I is a tad confused....

In the latest Bias Boating cattle dog, they have Eva Cool ice boxes at what i thought was pretty good buying.
Around $200 for the 47 litree jobbie.

Was in gympie yesterday, so dropped into BCF and the same thing was $219.00...... but.

Eva Cool had a wicked looking white fibreglass thing at nearly twice the price and on looks alone, i nearly got a woodie.

They all say 3 to 10 days for ice to last etc and i understand all that stuff, but what are some of you guys using?

I don't wanna pay high $300 if the $200.00 job will do it.

Most of our camping is a week at a time....

Thanks in advance for any help, ridicule or abuse i  may recieve....  :D
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: baldheadedgit on May 05, 2013, 07:50:51 AM
Techni ice.... works for me,,, got 3 of them. 40, 60 and 80 ltr..


BHg
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: D4D on May 05, 2013, 07:57:03 AM
Yes the fibreglass are marginally better but up to you if you think they're worth it. For a week I'd be looking at a compressor fridge.

I have a couple of Techniice boxes and they work well.
http://www.techniice.com/ice-boxes/techniIce-classic.html (http://www.techniice.com/ice-boxes/techniIce-classic.html)

Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: GeeTee on May 05, 2013, 08:18:45 AM
I did a test a few years ago and although it didn't include any of the fiberglass units, the Coleman Extreme Ultimate (ha ha, that reads like a camper trailer sticker) kept the test 1kg block of ice for longer than anything else. It was a surprising result, especially against all the chunky big plastic ones. It was $200 retail, from memory
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Axl on May 05, 2013, 08:24:44 AM
The fiberglass eskies are marginally better at holding ice than the plastic ones but you certainly pay for that, for there price you cant go past the Techni Ice range I reckon.

I have two 60 liter Techni Ice eskies one 80lt and a 12lt and they do the job just fine for what you pay for them.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Turbojohn on May 05, 2013, 08:25:54 AM
The fibreglass evakool ice boxes do work very well but are expensive and are a bit fragile compared to the plastic ice boxes.  I have two techni ice jobbies and they do the job well for what they cost. In saying that, I own two engels so the ice boxes really only do duties when fishing or having parties :cheers:
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 05, 2013, 08:33:38 AM
Yes the fibreglass are marginally better but up to you if you think they're worth it. For a week I'd be looking at a compressor fridge.

I have a couple of Techniice boxes and they work well.
http://www.techniice.com/ice-boxes/techniIce-classic.html (http://www.techniice.com/ice-boxes/techniIce-classic.html)


Sorry mate, i should have said, we already have a 50 litre 3 way fridge/freezer for food, the esky is for the beer only.

It seems Techni Ice is the go huh.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: kylarama on May 05, 2013, 08:37:22 AM
The fibreglass ones imo are the pick of the bunch.  Ive got a 65L Waeco fibreglass, a 105L Icekool poly by Evakool and a 60L Evakool fibreglass compressor fridge.  I also briefly had a 60L Evakool fibreglass esky prior to the Waeco, but a fellow camper deceided they needed for than I did and relieved me of it including the contents >:(.

The Waeco works brilliant, the ice seems to last forever, but the hinges have nearly fallen off and catches are rooted.  On the larger poly Icekool, the handles broke and the lid had bowed that badly that it no longer closes and seals.  Now only gets used for a drinks fridge at parties and boys weekends, where the lid spends more time open than closed ;D.

A few mates have the Techniice which seem really good value, but if the budget will stretch Id go a Evakool fibreglass unit.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Tbombadelaide on May 05, 2013, 08:40:03 AM
sorry mate but the beer should get the priority position in the fridge.......
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: duggie on May 05, 2013, 08:40:28 AM
I have had a evakool esky since I cant remember when and I can say with honesty that it by far the best esky I have ever had. As to been fragile, I dont know what you could do to the thing to break it. I have dropped mine many times and have only ever put a small chip in the corner but did not hurt the fiberglass.My two bobs worth, you do get what you pay for. :cup:

cheers duggie
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: GeeTee on May 05, 2013, 09:02:20 AM
Although on first appearances the fiberglass Evacool 'looks the goods', it came equal last in my test.
It is however, a very tough strong unit that can be sat on and accepts most bottles standing up
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: fishfinder on May 05, 2013, 09:03:33 AM
look for a wooden esky so you blend in
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: kylarama on May 05, 2013, 09:08:53 AM
Although on first appearances the fiberglass Evacool 'looks the goods', it came equal last in my test.

I've found in real world camping use, with the lids being constantly opened and closed and warm drinks, etc added, the ice outlasts the other poly types.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: GeeTee on May 05, 2013, 09:17:26 AM
OK Kylarama but in identical controlled test conditions in real world temps the ice died quicker in the fiberglass and poly units compared to the Coleman so the only conclusion that I could draw was the Coleman is better at keeping things cool.

Appearances aren't everything. Hopefully this will assist the OP with his purchase decision. 
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: edz on May 05, 2013, 09:41:06 AM
PPWWFFFFTT  Jeezus Jeepers you blokes have got it all wrong the lot of ya .. Jeepers just nick of down to the local chinese vegie shop and grab a recycled broccoli box or two, coupla different sizes.
1/4 Fill it with water at the local pub / club [ good excuse for a beer too ]and get them to chuck it in the freezer for a few days,, Has lots of other uses when empty too when camping then you can just leave it sitting on the beach when you leave , it will fit right in with all the garbage that gets washed up .. LOL.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Muckinhell on May 05, 2013, 09:55:00 AM
got a 40ltr techni ice from ebay, yellow with 6 sheets of that techni ice as well $65 delivered won through auction.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: DannyG on May 05, 2013, 10:05:01 AM
I want one of these fancy eskys for my ice, ice to put in my drinks. I usually put it in a container in the waeco but it is taking up too much space and I also cant fit a full bag of ice in the container so most of the bag gets wasted.
Not wanting to hijack the thread but its relevant.
So im thinking of buying one of the cool ice waeco 13ltr esky, its a perfect size for a bag of ice.
http://www.waeco.com.au/products5.asp?id=3002&catId=50&subCatId=52&subCatId2=55 (http://www.waeco.com.au/products5.asp?id=3002&catId=50&subCatId=52&subCatId2=55)

What Im wondering does anyone have one and how long would you expect the ice to last if I fill up with only ice?? Id like my bag of ice to last around 5 days.

And why is the A before the E it doesnt make sense!
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: :vencho on May 05, 2013, 10:21:24 AM
waeco strong and holds ice for days :cup:
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: swanny on May 05, 2013, 11:03:42 AM
I did a test a few years ago and although it didn't include any of the fiberglass units, the Coleman Extreme Ultimate (ha ha, that reads like a camper trailer sticker) kept the test 1kg block of ice for longer than anything else. It was a surprising result, especially against all the chunky big plastic ones. It was $200 retail, from memory

Would have to agree with the above, I also have a 47L evakool, and to my surprise a mates coleman, the same one mentioned above, kept ice longer then my evakool, which I get reminded of when ever we camp together. For me id look closely at the coleman jobbies, around a similar price, but from experience holds ice better.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 05, 2013, 11:55:29 AM
I guess thats the big difference really.

who would ever get to test an esky against another in a like situation in a controlled evauation/evaluation.
Geez i wissh i kould spall.

Its ironic really, its a 15 year old coleman i want to replace.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: sablesoft on May 05, 2013, 12:30:44 PM
I is a tad confused....

In the latest Bias Boating cattle dog, they have Eva Cool ice boxes at what i thought was pretty good buying.
Around $200 for the 47 litree jobbie.

Was in gympie yesterday, so dropped into BCF and the same thing was $219.00...... but.



Hi Jeepers,

Check out the  Eva Cool Factory seconds page
http://www.evakoolstore.com/shop/category/icekool-iceboxes (http://www.evakoolstore.com/shop/category/icekool-iceboxes)

50L  for $99

Ray
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Nay-DMAX on May 05, 2013, 02:26:11 PM
Hi Jeepers dont want to hijack your thread we have an engel and a techni ice esky like you are looking to do we have the drinks in the techni ice and food in engel. Just wanted to ask since a few have recommended them any tips on gettimg the icein the techni ice to last longer. I know theres been few posts about esky ice just womdered if anyone could recommend specific to these.
Cheers
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: KingBilly on May 05, 2013, 02:34:17 PM
What Im wondering does anyone have one and how long would you expect the ice to last if I fill up with only ice?? Id like my bag of ice to last around 5 days.

We bought the 22l version just for our drinks.  During our holidays in January, we were adding a bag of ice each and every day.  Only adding maybe 4 or 6 cans of softdrinks, maybe a bottle of wine and 4 stubbies each day.  In December we froze some 2l ice cream containers and used them in the esky.  They managed to last almost three days with some ice on top (all drinks had been pre-chilled but added some hot ones during our stay).  Overall I wasn't really impressed.  Our 70l Techni ice esky seemed to keep the ice longer.  We now use a small Engel for our drinks.

KB
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Jason B on May 05, 2013, 02:34:55 PM
EVA Kool is the go. I have the white ones in 47lt and 120lt + a 50lt compressor fridge made from the same boxes. Easy to keep clean and have been great for us. Mine are over 10 years old now and still going strong.

The fibre glass ones do need a bit more love than the roto moulded type. We use the roto moulded type at work and whilst the ice doesn't last quite as long they can bounce around in the back of the ute all week without issue. I wouldn't do that to one of the white ones.

Jas
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 05, 2013, 02:59:40 PM
Hey Gee Tee,

Which Coleman performed the best, if you can remember.

The Eva Kool factory seconds site from Sablesoft has some good deals as well.

Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: TheTaylors on May 05, 2013, 03:09:36 PM
We just bought one of these. Got it for $110.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ICE-BOX-ESKY-CHILLI-COOLER-CHEST-BEER-WINE-FISHING-CAMPING-TECHNIICE-120L-WHITE-/140967561091?pt=AU_Food_Storage&hash=item20d2524783 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ICE-BOX-ESKY-CHILLI-COOLER-CHEST-BEER-WINE-FISHING-CAMPING-TECHNIICE-120L-WHITE-/140967561091?pt=AU_Food_Storage&hash=item20d2524783)
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Jason B on May 05, 2013, 03:15:24 PM
I did a test a few years ago and although it didn't include any of the fiberglass units, the Coleman Extreme Ultimate (ha ha, that reads like a camper trailer sticker) kept the test 1kg block of ice for longer than anything else. It was a surprising result, especially against all the chunky big plastic ones. It was $200 retail, from memory

You say that you did a test that didn't include any of the fibreglass units right?

Although on first appearances the fiberglass Evacool 'looks the goods', it came equal last in my test.
It is however, a very tough strong unit that can be sat on and accepts most bottles standing up

But then you say the fibreglass Evacool (that you didn't test remember) came last in your test? HTF does that work???

Jas

Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: GUEY on May 05, 2013, 03:17:02 PM
I've had a 120ltr Downunder for around 15years. The only way I can get ice to last the supposed 7-10 days is by adding a block of dry ice as well. This works well but adds a fair bit to the cost when going camping. I cant believe any other esky will keep ice frozen for this long without the dry ice and alot of esky's aren't rated for it.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: kylarama on May 05, 2013, 08:11:16 PM
You say that you did a test that didn't include any of the fibreglass units right?

But then you say the fibreglass Evacool (that you didn't test remember) came last in your test? HTF does that work???

Jas

Woops!!

Might explain why it came equal last...
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Jason B on May 05, 2013, 08:39:27 PM
Woops!!

Might explain why it came equal last...

LOL................
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: GeeTee on May 05, 2013, 10:08:35 PM
You say that you did a test that didn't include any of the fibreglass units right?

But then you say the fibreglass Evacool (that you didn't test remember) came last in your test? HTF does that work???

Jas

My error... Yes the test included the fibreglass Evacool, as mentioned later  :-[

Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Jason B on May 05, 2013, 10:27:59 PM
My error... Yes the test included the fibreglass Evacool, as mentioned later  :-[

 :cheers:
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: DaveCQ on May 06, 2013, 09:02:11 AM
We go fishing to Hinchinbrook each year on a houseboat. 3 Eskies used. A yellow xxxx one, a blue poly evakool and a white fibreglass evakool. All around the same size and kept in the same location. By far,the white evakool is the most efficient. My brother in law just purchased one of the factory seconds and could not notice the fault until the guy pointed it out (blemish in the finish). A saving of 30 percent.

Cheers.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: DannyG on May 06, 2013, 10:27:04 AM
Hi Jeepers,

Check out the  Eva Cool Factory seconds page
http://www.evakoolstore.com/shop/category/icekool-iceboxes (http://www.evakoolstore.com/shop/category/icekool-iceboxes)

50L  for $99

Ray



Thanks for that we just bought a cooler from there ourselves, less than half the price :)
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Alan Loy on May 06, 2013, 03:50:32 PM
Whilst I have not done a comparison test I find the Coleman Extreme Ultimate does a good job.  Being lazy I bought one with wheels so it's easy to move around. ;D
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 06, 2013, 04:39:26 PM
Whilst I have not done a comparison test I find the Coleman Extreme Ultimate does a good job.  Being lazy I bought one with wheels so it's easy to move around. ;D

me pissed with anything that has wheels is going to end badly......... even an esky.

I'm favouring a white fibreglass second from evakool at this stage.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Swannie on May 06, 2013, 04:59:58 PM


The white techni ice signature series seem to be popular

Swannie
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: kylarama on May 06, 2013, 06:25:19 PM
Hi Jeepers,

Check out the  Eva Cool Factory seconds page
http://www.evakoolstore.com/shop/category/icekool-iceboxes (http://www.evakoolstore.com/shop/category/icekool-iceboxes)

50L  for $99

Ray


I'd personally try to avoid the Icekool ones.  The lid has warpped badly on my 100L one and the box is not exactly square either.  There's better out there for similar money I reckon.  Although the small ones might be more stable.



My error... Yes the test included the fibreglass Evacool, as mentioned later  :-[


All good.  My reply was said with tongue firmly in cheek. :cheers:
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: GeeTee on May 06, 2013, 06:48:33 PM
Whilst I have not done a comparison test I find the Coleman Extreme Ultimate does a good job.  Being lazy I bought one with wheels so it's easy to move around. ;D

..perfect for a camping weekend at the Bathurst V8 Supercars  ;D
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Nomad on May 06, 2013, 08:33:34 PM
me pissed with anything that has wheels is going to end badly......... even an esky.

I'm favouring a white fibreglass second from evakool at this stage.

I watched some guy get dui'd for riding an esky strapped to a skatey at the Peregian Originals one Sunday....he wasn't happy.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: sunji06 on May 07, 2013, 08:30:25 PM
Techni ice, 5 days full ice, I'd say longer without the kids opening it up every ten minutes.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 13, 2013, 04:45:58 PM
Ok, i've done it....

I ordered an Eva Kool E85 whizz bang fibreglass jobbie from the factory seconds shop about 30 minutes ago.

RRP is $529.00, bought it for $319.00 plus $31.00 freight.

can't wait to get a cold beer out of it.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: chisel on May 14, 2013, 11:50:45 AM
Not bad.
This is also a good deal
http://www.australiandirect.com.au/buy/evakool-85l-tib-fibreglass-ice-box/TIB085 (http://www.australiandirect.com.au/buy/evakool-85l-tib-fibreglass-ice-box/TIB085)
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: DannyG on May 14, 2013, 12:23:13 PM
Our esky arrived today $19 bargain and its going tp be perfect for what we need it for :)

Title: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Marcus73 on May 14, 2013, 12:33:43 PM
Our esky arrived today $19 bargain and its going tp be perfect for what we need it for :)

$19???


Sent from the machine that goes..... Bing!
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: DannyG on May 14, 2013, 12:41:23 PM
$19???


Sent from the machine that goes..... Bing!

Yeh the link in this thread that sells factory seconds. I cant see whats wrong with it. The finish on the plastic may not be perfect so maybe thats what makes it a second! Ours is only a little one, I want it to store a bag of ice for my drinks. I usually buy a bag and fill a container in the waeco but it takes up too much room and I have to waste the rest of the bag because it doesnt all fit so this way I have a dedicated ice esky for a dedicated drinker :)
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Sawed-Off on May 14, 2013, 08:32:58 PM
Wife and I use one that size for day trips. The ice doesn't last much longer than that in it, anyway.
Title: Re: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 15, 2013, 02:42:18 PM
Really good service from Eva Kool.....  :cup:

Ordered the esky around 4pm Monday afternoon and told it will take 5 to 7 working days for delivery.
The girl then siad, but you'll most likely receive it this week.

The ol girl (wife) rang me at 12:30 today (Wednesday) to say it was here.

Now, because this is a "second", i was keen to see what was wrong with it.

All i can find is some dull black scuff marks near the bottom of the back of the thing. I even think, with a decent rub and some polish, they'll "buff out".  ;D

Retail, the esky is listed at $529.00
If ya shopped around, maybe $480.00 or so.
I paid $319.00 plus $31.00 to get it here....... bargain huh.
Title: Which esky do i buy?
Post by: Marcus73 on May 15, 2013, 03:13:26 PM
I bought a Waeco 2nd and like you am gathering it was due to a couple of very light marks on it. First time away it got a hell of a lot more. If I had looked at it in a shop I wouldn't have even noticed.


Sent from the machine that goes..... Bing!