Ryobi 18V "cooling cooler"

[Mike Lewis]

I know that some of us use Ryobi battery-powered tools. While looking for a larger Ryobi sprayer (they don't have one) I found this cooler. It looks like it's a thermoelectric cooler powered by their 18-volt batteries. Some campers might be interested, and I don't recall seeing it discussed on the form. Here it is on the Home Depot website:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18...3370/301698063

[Bobbie54]

I think it is an ice cooler with a fan. But apparently the fan is pulling air from down in the ice, not just blowing it over the ice.

[cpaharley2008]

Very similar to these 12v cooler fans as a substitute for air conditioning. see here Portable Cooler Air Conditioner 12 volt by KoolerAire $39.95

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Very similar to these 12v cooler fans as a substitute for air conditioning. see here Portable Cooler Air Conditioner 12 volt by KoolerAire $39.95

Has anyone really had any luck using these? Unless you are in a very small, well insulated space, with moderate heat gain and the air blowing directly on you these are probably just about worthless. I’ve said this before...a 12,000 BTU/H air conditioner is equivalent to melting one ton of ice over a 24 hour period. So if you ran your 11,000 BTU/H overhead A/C all day that is the equivalent of melting 1,835 pounds of ice. Ok you don’t run it all day so I’ll break it down this way...76 pounds of ice melted every hour!

[Mike Lewis]

Well, heck-- you're right; it's an ice chest with a fan. I didn't consider this, as I haven't seen one before. It's not what I thought at all. Never mind.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Has anyone really had any luck using these? Unless you are in a very small, well insulated space, with moderate heat gain and the air blowing directly on you these are probably just about worthless. I’ve said this before...a 12,000 BTU/H air conditioner is equivalent to melting one ton of ice over a 24 hour period. So if you ran your 11,000 BTU/H overhead A/C all day that is the equivalent of melting 1,835 pounds of ice. Ok you don’t run it all day so I’ll break it down this way...76 pounds of ice melted every hour!

I have the Cooler-Air model sitting in my garage, used it in a toy hauler that did not have a/c, it enabled us to sleep at night on those humid times. It goes through a 10 lb of ice in about 6-8 hours and does make it feel comfortable. It is 12v and is a double duty item as you can keep your beverages cold at the same time, so you do not need to carry 2 coolers.

[Bobbie54]

It might be more efficient than a Kooleraire- from an answered question "
The cooler has a metal tower that is inserted into the cooler (in the ice) and a fan that pulls air from inside the cooler and directs it out a vent in the lid." From what I can tell the Kooleraire just pulls air from above the ice.

Although its very expensive even if you include the battery, charger, and cooler costs.

[gbaglo]

Since ice is made from water, wouldn't this device introduce more humidity into a closed space ( trailer ) ?

[cpaharley2008]

The Kooleraire blows down into the chest and there is a directional vent for exhaust. As far as adding moisture when it is already humid, it maybe doing this, but it feels refreshing, like having a mister inside your camper.

[sclifrickson]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Since ice is made from water, wouldn't this device introduce more humidity into a closed space ( trailer ) ?

Is condensation problematic in conditions that people employ air coolers or conditioners?

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I have the Cooler-Air model sitting in my garage, used it in a toy hauler that did not have a/c, it enabled us to sleep at night on those humid times. It goes through a 10 lb of ice in about 6-8 hours and does make it feel comfortable. It is 12v and is a double duty item as you can keep your beverages cold at the same time, so you do not need to carry 2 coolers.

Based on those numbers it's equivalent to 180-240 BTU/HR heat removal. That is like dumping a 22 oz Slurpee on your head every hour.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Based on those numbers it's equivalent to 180-240 BTU/HR heat removal. That is like dumping a 22 oz Slurpee on your head every hour.

I love the cherry slurpees, makes your mouth and tongue red.......

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I love the cherry slurpees, makes your mouth and tongue red.......

Maybe we are on to something here...
https://www.amazon.com/Machine-Avail.../dp/B073X6V3GH

[sclifrickson]

So where do you get, or make, all the ice that it would take to make this something other than a very temporary solution?

[sclifrickson]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

I know that some of us use Ryobi battery-powered tools. While looking for a larger Ryobi sprayer (they don't have one) I found this cooler.

Mike, did you see the 4 gallon, backpack Ryobi sprayer?

https://www.ryobitools.com/outdoor/p...emical-sprayer

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

Is condensation problematic in conditions that people employ air coolers or conditioners?

I donno. The phrase "hot and humid" comes to mind.