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Getting ready for weekend barbecues, tailgates, and parties? Part of that process is, inevitably, grabbing your trusty cooler (some version of the YETI, if you’re most fancy) and ice and consumables to keep things from fizzling out while you’re out and about. It is necessary to find out the proportions of the ingredients.
ecoflo glacier portable refrigerator and ice maker
Anthony Karz
The EcoFlow Glacier changes that game dramatically with its cooler-sized portable refrigerator. It holds a 40/38qt. capacity, can be converted into a dual-zone refrigerator and freezer, and has a real ice maker that can produce 18 ice cubes in 12 minutes. Even better, it can be powered by AC, DC or rechargeable batteries.
Ecoflow Glacier is extremely straightforward in its operation. (Optional) Charge the battery or plug it in and you will be given the option of setting one or two zones to your desired temperature. In a neat trick, the Glacier knows when the Dual Zone Divider has been removed and gives you a single temperature input. The divider folds securely into the lid when not in use, providing additional insulation.
Oops! You have to use the app in direct sunlight
Anthony Karz
The LCD screen is clear and easy to use, with large, clearly marked buttons. However, the screen gets washed out in direct sunlight, which is a bit of a hassle. Luckily, the EcoFlow Glacier can pair with the EcoFlow app on your phone. The app also lets you keep track of things like battery life and time remaining for the current ice-making session.
snow! Real, Portable Ice Making
Anthony Karz
Yes. In a first for portable refrigerators, the EcoFlow Glacier has an actual ice maker and is very easy to use. Simply add water up to the line, press the button, and let the glacier do its work. The 18 steel nubs get so cold that ice balls form around them. After 12 minutes, you’ll get an audible alert and they’ll be hot enough to release the ice so you can pull the basket out. Then simply put the basket back and repeat the process (up to four times with one liter of water).
But does it really work?
I was skeptical the first time I powered on a glacier. After all, this is a portable fridge/freezer, can it hold its temperature under the hot Florida sun? So I put it to the test in the real world. I filled it in a room temperature soda can and put it in the sun for about thirty minutes before turning it on.
Ecoflow app gives you precise control
Anthony Karz
The first impression I had before the cooling even started was that the insulation was top notch. Even after sitting in the sun without electricity, the temperature inside was 75° (from being inside and the relative coolness of the soda can, no doubt). Exactly 15 minutes later the temperature was 46°. It probably cooled down too soon, but I forgot to check and I ended up using the ice maker before it had completely cooled down.
One caveat to those who have their own portable ice maker, the EcoFlow Glacier can only power a refrigerator or ice maker. So if you make several batches of ice one after the other (like I did) your fridge compartment will get warm in full sun.
When I’ve used up all the water as ice (emptied the reservoir through the convenient hidden drainage spout), I leave the glacier out in the sun for the rest of the day, keeping my soda at 36°. I actually completely forgot about it until that night when I got an alert that the battery was at 20%. The Glacier survived 8+ hours in the heat of the day and stayed on after the sun went down with real-world uses: maintaining temperature in the fridge as I opened and closed the lid and making ice.
It also wasn’t using Eco mode, which would have used less power (it would have been nice if Glacier had been able to automatically switch to this once it reached a certain battery level).
Why is it a weekend warrior?
With 40L capacity, you’ve got enough room for burgers, hot dogs, cheese plates and drinks. And if you’re willing to give up a little space in the refrigerated section, you’ll have a place to store ice and other frozen treats. Or you can even make the whole place in the freezer!
Optional wheels with drainage spout for ice reservoir.
Anthony Karz
You can also get a “removable” wheel kit and handle for $99 – the quotes are because they require a screwdriver to remove and remove the handle, so it’s really more like “semi-permanent”. The wheel kit is necessary because the Glacier with the battery installed weighs over 50 pounds. On his own. Once you’ve got that loaded, you’re going to need some wheels.
I was confused about the handle at first because you can’t lift the Glacier at a high angle like a cooler. But after a little research, I found that it’s so you don’t tilt the fridge at an extreme angle and mess with the coolant level in the interior. clever. Plus the wheels are hard rubber, not plastic, so they’ll handle parking lots and parks with ease. Although if you are bringing the glacier to the beach, you may choose to have a friend carry it down to the water.
The optional $299 plug-in battery conveniently slots into the back (it also has USB ports so you can top off your phone). You still have lots of options for power if you don’t buy batteries. You can use the 12 or 24V DC port in your vehicle or AC power. Batteries are your best option, however, for truly worry-free portable frigidating, it also enables you to charge with portable solar panels.
Plus, the entire device is weather-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the Glacier shutting down if you get caught in the rain. It’s also extremely quiet, with a hum that’s really only noticeable when it’s freezing or making snow for the first time.
There’s a Price to Pay for Being the Life of the Party
The only real downside to the EcoFlow Glacier is its price. You’ll pay $1,099 ($100 off currently on the Ecoflow website) for just the dual-zone refrigerator and ice maker. The plug-in battery costs $299 and the wheel and handle kit costs $99. Its total cost is approximately $1,500. And if you want to charge with a portable solar panel (also sold separately) you’ll need batteries.
It’s a big investment and puts the EcoFlow Glacier out of reach for all but the most dedicated weekend warriors. That said, it does its job surprisingly well and offers functionality that no other portable fridge on the market can touch. If you want to make the most of the rest of the summer season or you’re prepping for fall football, the Glacier is the only portable refrigerator you need. Learn more on the EcoFlow website.
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