> i was in Wally world yesterday and saw they had these 12v Coleman
> thermoelectric coolers for sale for $69.95.. its like a little
> frige, but its
> portable like a cooler..runs off 12v household current or you can use the
> cigarette lighter adapter to use it in your car.. it says it can even make
> ice cubes!    anyone bought one, and what do you think?

I haven't used a Coleman brand, but the principle's the same on all of them.
They generally lower (or raise, if you reverse the plug) internal
temperature by around 30 degrees fahrenheit as compared to ambient
temperature.  So theoretically it could make ice on a 62 degree or cooler
day.  I've found that if you run one overnight it's likely to kill your
starting battery (unless it has an auto low-voltage shut-off), so it's best
suited for use while driving (unless you have an aux battery).  In practical
use, I've found them more useful for keeping items cold that are already
cold, rather than for cooling warm items.  In that context, they do a great
job.  Also they do great if you throw just a little bit of ice in them as
well to "help them out" a bit.

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  (215) 234-VWVW
  www.busdepot.com

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