Date:         Wed, 5 May 2004 14:02:05 -0600
Reply-To:     Gnarlodious <gnarlodious@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gnarlodious <gnarlodious@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      ThinkGeek fridge/cooler review
Comments: To: "Diesel-Vanagon@yahoogroups.com" <Diesel-Vanagon@yahoogroups.com>
In-Reply-To:  <BCB3CD5D.40578%gnarlodious@earthlink.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

If you subscribe to other Camper groups, pass this along.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/cubegoodies/toys/6ad2/

Overall impresssion:

THIS IS A GREAT INVENTION!

The next generation in thermoelectric appliances:

TermoKool model MR 138 Cooler/Warmer
Dimensions are 12.5" x 13.5" x 17.5"
Weighs 16 lbs.

Application:
Made to be upright.
Fits between seats but barely, it's not made to be a chest cooler although
with modification it could be.

Features:
Handle on top for one-handed picking up.
Phillips head screws hold on back, it can be disassembled.
Large rubber nonskid feet.
Very quiet fan.
Onehanded latch.
Drip tray.
1 well fitting shelf.

Controls:
Buttons are in relief for blind users
on-off button.
When on, groovy backlit button panel will enhance your camper.
Interior light with on/off button, 2 settings; always on and door activated.
Up/down buttons to set temperature.
Cooling/heating is done thermostatically, no reverser plugs.
Down setting doesn't go below 36 degrees F.
Has an LED in the back to tell you if it's on cooling or heating polarity.

Display shows interior temperature.
When thermostat is adjusted, display shows setting.

AC converter (SPS) snaps into a slot in the rear like it was built-in, a
great idea!

Performance:
At about 74F ambient, it stays at 43F inside with no door opening.

Power consumption when cold: 1.6-1.8 amps @ 12.7v  (25watts)


MY PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS:
A good deal, I daresay.
This is a great looking and well designed appliance for the price. Tight
fitting and solid construction should give it a long lifespan.
Made in China, like everything else these days.
The low power consumption is great! Less than half the rate of my older
Coleman thermoelectric box.

I can feel cool escaping from the front see-through window.

Picture leads one to believe it's metal clad, but is actually plastic.



-- Gnarlie
http://www.Gnarlodious.com/Vanagon/Vanagon.html