The unsettled fear that comes from packing a foam cooler you just bought from the store with ice, drinks, and food is familiar to many of us, and there’s an obvious reason for it. Most of us have experienced or witnessed a foam cooler disaster in which a fully loaded foam cooler (purchased cheaply from a convenience store or the bargain section of a department store) simply stands up and decides to collapse and spill everything it contains. the land. It is such a common occurrence that they have earned a somewhat negative reputation over the years.
The fact is, these types of cooler meltdowns are totally unnecessary, and you as a consumer can start doing something about them right away by integrating these three key standards into your purchase decision when shopping for a foam cooler to use when enjoying. from the beach, have a picnic, fish, or any other outdoor activity.
DO NOT be disappointed by a really “CHEAP” price
Cheaper expanded polystyrene foam (eps) coolers are actually more expensive than they seem when you consider how easily they break and need to be replaced. Certainly the cost in gas required to get them to recycling kicks in, and the time needed to cool down after experiencing a cooler failure (ham sandwiches taste horrible with beach sand, even when sprinkled with mustard). When you buy a quality one, you spend a few extra cents or dollars, but there is none of that to worry about if the cooler will fall apart, the item is reusable, can be used for other purposes, and in the end. You save money by not having to buy another.
LOOK and FEEL DEFECTS on surface and interior
Foam coolers aren’t supposed to sweat or leak, nor are they supposed to fall apart easily when scratched. The surface should appear semi-smooth and without many dimples (deep dimples in the surface indicate inferior molding at the factory). Run your fingernail across it and see if the little eps foam beads start to fall off. If so, then the cooler has not been properly fused in the molding process. This can happen when a manufacturer tries to increase profits by rushing the cooler to produce more in less time. If the little foam beads don’t fuse together well, then the level of strength and water resistance decreases. Make sure you don’t see too many individual foam beads that appear to be barely connected to each other. Accounts must be married, not just dating.
Check the THICKNESS and STIFFNESS on all
If the cooler looks a bit translucent when held up to the light, it may be too thin (and flimsy, brittle, and even leaky). Does it flex easily? Not particularly good, if so. You would be justified in feeling wobbly buying something thinner than 5/8 inch. Better yet, save yourself some money in the long run by going even thicker than that in the “ice chest” category. A foam cooler is usually 3/4 to 1 inch or more thick. They last a long time when fully fused and working properly on the manufacturer’s line. Their value is evidenced by the fact that they are preferred by seafood shippers and companies that have to ship valuable and perishable products over long distances, plus they are reusable and recyclable.
Be very wary of cheap brands where the thickness of the cooler varies, starting thicker at the top of the main body and getting thinner towards the bottom of the cooler, because that means the cooler weakens where the load exerts the most. higher pressure. . Make sure the thickness of the cooler is consistent to make it more reliable.
So, if the foam cooler you buy is of reliable thickness (consistently around the body), is very rigid, and sports a fully fused foam-rimmed surface and interior appearance that doesn’t crumble when lightly tested with your fingernail Then you should be able to relax with it when you pack it with treats and ice for your day at the beach or park or other outdoor fun. You may have to pay a little more at first for a great foam cooler that will last, but in the end you’ll save money and not be jumping around screaming in frustration when your beer ends up on the floor.