Cooler question

Many of us use coolers (Yeti's included) to store food post cook.

Is your question about the safety? Or the Capacity?

Probably because it's insulated.

Just as you need to pre-cool one of these for optimum ice retention, you would need to pre-heat one with hot water for maximum heat retention. Of course foil and towel would work for a few hours just like ftc in a hard body cooler. I wouldn't keep food above 140* for a long period of time pre-heated or not.

EggHeadinFlorida said:

 Anyone use one of those yeti hopper's to store their food in after they cook it? 

 I've come across a really good deal on a yeti hopper size 30 but before I spend the money just wanted to get opinions if anybody has use these for that particular situation. 

Yah the hopper worked for me for a brisket and butt it held strong for about 4 hours.  I haven't tried to hold anything in it longer then that. 

I have a hopper 20 that I use more than any of my other coolers. I have not tested the heat retention but use it to store and transport food cold. I have used it on 3 day camping trips etc... if you use an ice pack and pack it full of food/drinks and ice (equal parts) mine has gone about 3 days without having to add ice. It really depends on what you put in it. We've pre-cooked lunches for days spent out on the water but they were eaten cold. Not sure this helps...

Yes.  I have used my Polar Bear Soft cooler, my Yeti 65 hard cooler and other cheaper coolers depending on the amount of meat and how long I need to hold it.  They all work fine - especially if you put a hot moist towel in the bottom and a dry towel or two on top.

The one feature that keeps hot stuff hot in any cambro or cooler is an air-tight seal.  The hopper and any cooler with a rubber seal on the lid is suitable.

@EggHeadinFlorida Nice score on the new cooler! Due to the zipper design, I've found it's easiest to put the bag of ice into the cooler then opening the bag and letting the ice fall out as you remove the bag itself. I also like to drop a silica gel pack in while storing to prevent any mold. For whatever that's worth.

I have several coolers. The softside 30 sees a lot of action for us. We travel frequently, and use it as a carryon bag, which can store a tremendous amount.

You could almost put your post cooks in just about anything and get a couple hours of staying hot, after a foil or butcher paper wrap and toweles. There is no reason you could not use it. I do think there are better options, personally.

@nolaegghead is correct. The enemy to sustained temperature, cold or hot, is air transfer. Having the seals helps keeping that from happening. Also filling up the additional space to minimize air getting in or out is key. Obviously, the fewer times you open your cooler the better off you are.

We have kept ice in the soft side easily for 3 days, in our 65s, we have done it with food, for ten days in an out and back camping trip with no problem, and could have gone longer.

We used the 65s this year for transporting bourbon slushies, and the slushies actually froze several bottles of water, solid, during the drive from Louisville to Salisbury, North Carolina for BB3.

You will enjoy your Yeti. I might suggest you get the sidekicks. They now have one that is waterproof, which we bought to go with the regular sidekick, which holds wallets, cell phones, electronics, wife stuff and other items. The waterproof option is pretty nice to have.

distanceman said:

I'm looking at a Yeti hard cooler, soft, or $20 Walmart version. Mostly want it for cold; sometimes to throw a pork butt in there post cook to take to a potluck, etc. 

I have the Walmart Soft Cooler- used it all day yesterday and left in hot car.  Works great for day needs- never tried past that.

An Engel 30 dry box/cooler would have been much cheaper.