Solo Stove's New Cooler Does Something Other Coolers Can’t

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Solo Stove continued its expansion beyond smokeless fire pits with the debut of a line of coolers that offer something you won’t find with any other cooler brand. The Windchill, which comes in 30 and 47 quarter sizes, functions as both a cooler and a battery-powered portable AC unit that can blow cool air for hours.

Specs

• Capacity: 30 or 47 quarts
• Weight: 42.4 lbs. (47 qt.), 36 lbs. (30 qt.)
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 29.5 x 18.8 x 18.4 in. (47 qt.); 20.1 x 21.5 x 18.3 in. (30 qt.)

How it Works

The Windchill uses a built-in heat exchanger, water pump and fan powered by a large 10Ah rechargeable battery to blow cool air or a cooling mist from a vent on the top of the cooler.  It’s a feature that sets it apart from coolers offered by such major cooler brands as Yeti, Coleman, and RTIC.  The Windchill can operate as a standard air conditioner for around three hours on a single charge and is intended for use when tailgating, on patios, or at campsites.

Heavier Than the Average Cooler

While the air conditioning function does make the Windchill more than just a cooler, it does add considerable weight. At more than 42 lbs. the Windchill 47 is heavy for its capacity. Similar sized coolers from other brands weigh around 25 to 30 lbs. empty. The cooler does sit on to wheels and has a telescoping handle, so you can roll it around like a piece of wheeled luggage. 

Solo's Windchill coolers are just the latest in a line of products that expand beyond fire pits. The company recently launched its Steelfire series of outdoor gas griddles with the debut of its full size 30-inch griddle last fall and the launch of its 22-inch portable griddle earlier this month.

Related: Solo Stove Drops Portable Gas Griddle

Is it Worth It?

With its added air conditioning feature and larger capacity battery, the Windchill is pricier than standard coolers. The Windchill 47 is listed for $650 on Solo’s site while the Windchill 30 is listed at $400. Still, if you want a cooler that does more than just cool drinks and food, then it’s worth springing for. Both Windchill sizes are up for preorder now with shipping beginning just as the weather gets hot in June.