oldpink
I used the softside version of the Playmate cooler for years, and it worked mostly okay, but I never cared for the hinged top being held onto the body of the cooler with only a zipper, which made it rather fragile, plus the vinyl soft side eventually ripped, promptint me to replace it.
I foolishly bought a no-name cooler fabric cooler with a hard plastic liner and hinged top wtih velcro closure and carrying strap from Wal-Mart after that, but I messed up by getting one that was about twice as big as I could handle, and the strap got in the way.
This Wal-Mart cooler was just ungainly enough to make me flat hate getting it in and out of my car going to and leaving work, so I went on the lookout for a proper replacement.
After a while, I realized that a medium sized Playmate Igloo would probably give me the best of both worlds, so I ordered this one.
I've been using it for over a month now, and it's so handy, durable, just the right size, and keeps things cold, that I can't believe that I went so many years with a substandard lunchbox when I could have had this all along.
Mine is one of the more common variants these days with the latch mechanism built into the end at the top of the carrying handle, an interesting change from the larger Playmate coolers that I grew up with that have the side button latch mechanism.
Having decades of experience with the side button version and this one with the top latch, I think that most people would probably prefer the top latch because it allows one-handed opening.
The only situation that I can think of that might favor the side button version (there are several still with the side button of this size Playmate available, namely the diamond plate one dubbed the "Boss") would be for those people who might be in a situation where accidentally opening the cooler would be more likely.
It's possible that the side button would be a better type in a small space with other containers being moved in and out of it, say a car trunk, but I find that the top latch makes me like this just a bit better for my purposes.
I use it on a daily basis for my lunch at work, and I have zero complaints so far.
It's also worth mentioning that after all these years, these coolers are still made in USA, a big deal to those of us who buy domestic products whenever possible.
I went to Igloo's website, and it turns out that the original Playmate cooler was originally invented clear back in 1971.
There is no reason to reinvent the wheel!
| Brand | Igloo |
|---|---|
| Color | Red |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Package Information | Box |
| Capacity | 7 Quarts |
| Product Dimensions | 8.25"D x 11.75"W x 12"H |
| Item Weight | 1 Kilograms |
| Special Feature | Insulated |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Camping |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Pattern | Playmate Pal |
| Team Name | Igloo |
| Insulation Material | Plastic |
| Chamber Depth | 29.8 Centimeters |
| Chamber Height | 11.97 Inches |
| UPC | 372657548373 034223058968 034223073626 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00034223058968, 00034223073626 |
| Manufacturer | Igloo |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 13.07 x 12.91 x 8.74 inches |
| Package Weight | 1.61 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8.25 x 11.75 x 12 inches |
| Brand Name | Igloo |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | 00007362 |
| Model Year | 2014 |
| Style | 7 Qt |
| Size | 7 Qt |
| Sport Type | Camping & Hiking |
Sarah Hirst