Customer Reviews

Rubbermaid VEC 222RB Mini-Console Warmer/Cooler

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The fit of 6 normal soda cans is very tight, you may actually be dragging metal against metal to get a normal 12 oz can out. In a car that was around 75° on a six hour trip, I found the performance acceptable but only marginally so. It would have been colder packed in ice. I don't think that performance is traceable to Rubber-maid, I think it's just the best this technology does in achieving a transference of heat from inside to out. If true, then larger units of this technology that hold more cans would have a very disappointing performance by comparison to this Rubber-maid. I recommend it but don't get the idea it will freeze your soda (even the can next to the device). It might have a better use keeping food (like sandwiches with Mayonnaise) from spoiling while sodas can still be best served in ice. Doing that keeps the dry goods dry too.

It fits comfortably in the seat and looks better than others I've seen.

Bought this to keep meds cool on a long car trip in the winter. Didn't stay on for 24 hours in the back seat of the car. Don't trust it!

I used it for about 10 days. My trips were about 40 minutes each and it got cold but not really cold. The bottom of the drinks were barely colder than ambient but the top of the drink were warm. I took a long trip on the weekend, driving for several hours and it was no better. I'll return it tomorrow to the store. Perhaps this is a defective unit, nevertheless this is my experience.

Ive had this size & the larger size (17 lt). They work ok if you use them correctly.

Always cool down soda's, beer, whatever, before you put them into this cooler. Otherwise youll be on your way home from whatever you took it too in the first place before anything even seems cold. Once you put in the cold items the unit cools down faily quickly. But keep it closed...

Ive never had it outside an air conditioned car, with the vent blowing directly at it, but I wouldnt think it could sit in the sun on a warm day & be much help.
Better than a poke in the eye with a pointed stick but not much under those conditions.

I really think its kind of expensive. Particularly since a full 40 qt Igloo or Coleman fridge is only $75 to $80 at your local Wally World. And it will actually do the job you wish this small one would do...

This is nothing more than a rebadged Vector Products cooler. The same model's been on sale in two different versions at Target/Mal-Wart for awhile now.

This is the 2nd version, which has a better fan & cable design on it. Unfortunately, the performance is still quite underwhelming. I used to keep it at work to hold sodas and some fresh fruit, and it did an acceptable job there indoors (75F all year 'round). In the summer heat, its cooling is minimal in the car.

After 2 of years of running 24/7, the fan finally gave out, but this was actually a blessing! This model happens to use an 80mm fan. Those familiar with computer & electronic parts will recognize that as a standard size PC fan. Broke out the soldering iron, installed a 4-pin Molex jack inside the fan compartment and with a little Dremel work, installed a new PC fan into the cooler. Performance is MUCH improved and the cooler runs quieter!

With the modification, it's about as good as your typical cube/dorm fridge. If you treat it as such, you won't be disappointed. This means, don't expect it to take a warm can of soda and make it cold in anything less than an hour. BUT if you pre-chill things or give it a few hours, it does the job well. Just remember, it'll cool down to 40F BELOW AMBIENT conditions. So if the room's 75F, you're going to be getting 35F temps (at best) inside the cooler. Drag it into a hot car (100F) and it'll only cool down to 60F inside the cooler. Be mindful of this if using it to store perishables.

I work in an office and I use this at my desk to keep sodas cool. It does a great job and I'm very happy with it. You have to buy the adapter to use 110v outlet.Rubbermaid Mini-Console Warmer/Cooler #VEC 222RB