Coleman thermoelectric cooler worth saving?

minimotos95 · Mar 21, 2015

Long story short is I saved it from taking a trip to the dump. both fans are seized. They are off the shelf 60mm and 92mm computer fans so it will be about $10 to replace both of them.
When I plug it in the heat sink inside gets cold and the one outside gets warm so I think the problem is only the fans.

So what do you think, invest $10 to see if it works? toss it? I figure power use and noise can't be worse than my large 110v compressor mini fridge, plus if it works it saves me having to buy a bigger inverter.

Almost There · Mar 21, 2015

minimotos95 said:
Long story short is I saved it from taking a trip to the dump. both fans are seized. They are off the shelf 60mm and 92mm computer fans so it will be about $10 to replace both of them.
When I plug it in the heat sink inside gets cold and the one outside gets warm so I think the problem is only the fans.

So what do you think, invest $10 to see if it works? toss it? I figure power use and noise can't be worse than my large 110v compressor mini fridge, plus if it works it saves me having to buy a bigger inverter.

Be warned that the cooling capacity is a maximum of 40 degrees below ambient air temperature.

I also understand that they are a bit of a power hog so that most people end up using them only while the vehicle is in transit as opposed to overnight while the vehicle is parked.

Sooo, whether it's worth the $10., hard to say. Time for a cost/benefit/use analysis...

gramakittycat · Mar 21, 2015

I used one last fall and it performed very well but I did unplug it when I stopped for the night.It kept things cool overnight and had nothing spoil;including my insulins. I also did like I do with ice coolers and know what I'm getting out before I open it to keep it as cool as possible.If I remember correctly..$99.00 at Walmart new.Got mine from a dumpster just like new!I did sanitize it first though!!

LeeRevell · Mar 21, 2015

Keeping a block of ice or a bag of crushed ice inside will help too. Or a two liter bottle of frozen water. Later you get cool water.

minimotos95 · Mar 21, 2015

Well I just ordered fans. $7.28. I figure if it doesn't work I have some extra fans for much needed ventilation. If it does I either can sell my mini fridge or sell the coleman for $10-20.

LeeRevell · Mar 21, 2015

Even if it doesn't 'work' electrically, someone could use it as a regular cooler, or as a storage box. Shame they tossed it.

highdesertranger · Mar 21, 2015

I know why they tossed it, the same reason I tossed mine. highdesertranger

gypsychic · Mar 21, 2015

HDR- care to elaborate on why, please. I'm interested in knowing.

sisterearth · Mar 22, 2015

I was thinking the same thing, just could use as an ice box if it doesn't work. Peace!

jimindenver · Mar 22, 2015

I know I don't use my thermo electric fridge due to the 8a @12v continuous power draw. It cools fine and is well insulated but it will take the group 27 deep cycle down to 50% in 5 or 6 hours. As an emergency back up the solar can easily run in the day and battery at night but it's a lot of power for a small fridge.