Getting ready for weekend BBQs, tailgates, and parties? Part of that process, inevitably, is grabbing your trusty cooler (some version of YETI if you’re like most) and figuring out the ice to consumables ratio necessary to keep things from going bad while you’re out and about.
The EcoFlow Glacier changes that game dramatically with their cooler-sized portable refrigerator. It’s got a 40/38qt. capacity, can be converted to a dual zone refrigerator and freezer, and has an actual ice maker that can produce 18 ice cubes in 12 minutes. Even better, it can be powered by AC, DC, or a rechargeable battery.
The EcoFlow Glacier is extremely straightforward in its operation. Charge up the (optional) battery or plug it in and you’ll be given the option to set 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 stores securely in the lid when not in use, providing an extra bit of insulation.
The LCD screen is clear and easy to use, with big, clearly marked buttons. The screen does get washed out in direct sunlight, however, which is a bit of a bummer. Luckily, the EcoFlow Glacier can pair with the EcoFlow app on your phone. The app also lets you keep an eye on things like battery life and remaining time for the current ice making session.
Yes. In what’s a first for portable refrigerators, the EcoFlow Glacier has an actual ice maker and it’s dead-simple to use. Just pour water in up to the line, press button and let the Glacier do its thing. The 18 steel nubs chill down enough to create ice spheres around them. After 12 minutes, you’ll get an audible alert and they heat up just enough to release the ice so that you can pull the basket out. Then just put the basket back and repeat the process (up to four times with a liter of water).
But does it really work?
I had my doubts when I first powered on the Glacier. After all, this is a portable fridge/freezer, could it maintain temperature even in the blazing Florida sun? So I put it to a real-world test. I filled it up with room-temperature soda cans and let it sit out in the sun for thirty minutes or so before turning it on.
First impression, before I even started cooling, was that the insulation was top notch. Even after sitting out in the sun unpowered, the temperature inside was 75° (from being inside and the relative coolness of the soda cans, no doubt). Just 15 minutes later, it was 46°. It was probably colder sooner, but I forgot to check and I started using the ice maker before it got completely chilled.
One caveat to having your own portable ice maker, the EcoFlow Glacier can only power the refrigerator or the ice maker. So in full sun your fridge compartment will heat up if you make several batches of ice back-to-back (like I did).
After I used up all the water for ice (draining the reservoir with the handy hidden drainage spout), I let the Glacier sit out in the sun for the rest of the day, keeping my sodas at a chilly 36°. I actually forgot about it completely until late 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 kept going after the sun went down with real-world use: maintaining the temperature in the fridge as I opened and closed the lid and made ice.
This wasn’t even using Eco Mode, which would’ve used less power (it’d be nice if the Glacier was able to switch over to this automatically once it reached a certain battery level).
Why it’s a weekend warrior
With a 40L capacity, you’ve got more than enough room for burgers, hot dogs, cheese plates, and drinks. And if you’re willing to give up a bit of room on the refrigerated side, you’ll have a place to store ice and other frozen delectables. Or you can even make the entire space into a freezer!
You can also get a “removable” wheel kit and handle for $99—the quotes are there because it requires a screwdriver to take them and the handle off, so really more like “semi-permanent.” The wheel kit is essential since the Glacier with the battery installed weighs over 50 lbs. on its own. Once you load it up, you’ll want some wheels.
I was confused about the handle at first because you can’t lift the Glacier at a high angle like you would a cooler. But after a bit of research, I found this is so that you don’t tilt the fridge at an extreme angle and mess with the coolant levels in the interior. Clever. Also the wheels are hard rubber, not plastic, so they’ll handle parking lots and parks with ease. Though if you’re bringing the Glacier to the beach you might instead opt for carrying it down to the water with a friend.
The optional $299 plug-in battery slots conveniently into the back (it even has USB ports so that you can top off your phone). If you don’t buy the battery you still have plenty of options for power. You can use the 12 or 24V DC ports in your vehicle or AC power. The battery is your best option, however, for truly worry-free portable fridging, it also enables you to charge up with portable solar panels.
Plus, the entire device is weather-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the Glacier shorting out if you get caught in the rain. It’s also extremely quiet, with a hum that’s only really noticeable when it’s first cooling down or making ice.
Being the life of the party comes at a cost
The only real downside of the EcoFlow Glacier is its price tag. You’ll pay $1,099 (currently $100 off on the EcoFlow website) for just the dual-zone refrigerator and ice maker. The plug-in battery is another $299 and the wheel and handle kit is $99. That’s an all-in price tag of nearly $1,500. And you’ll need the battery if you want to charge up with the portable solar panel (also sold separately).
It’s a big investment and puts the EcoFlow Glacier out of reach for all but the most dedicated of weekend warriors. That said, it does its job amazingly well and provides functionality that no other portable fridge on the market can touch. If you’re looking to squeeze the most out of the rest of the summer season or you’re gearing up for fall football, the Glacier is the only portable refrigerator you need. Learn more on the EcoFlow website.
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