Alternative for Cambro/Modified Cooler

Hey, guys. I found this video that modify a cooler for sous vide cooking. Cooler is cheaper that a cambro, and have better insulation which means less energy waste, plus came with a lid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXoRMwP-Cg0

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Comments

JasonWirth_68226

Nice video. Now all I need is a friend with a band saw. Haha.

I always wonder why people prefer plastic containers where the insulation is rather poor over coolers. I think mostly people want to see their food floating like its a science experiment.

brian_martin2001

I'd go with probably price. Example, an 8 gallon lexan food tub, depending on where you get it, costs on average 18 USD. The closest cooler that I could find in size was a 7 gallon drink cooler, which is, on average 45 USD for a decent quality one. My guess is it's more of an economic reason than watching it.

wolfiegirl

Not being a kill-joy here....and no doubt his cooler set up is nice....but really, a cambro and lid or plastic wrap and you're good to go. Not that you might not need something highly insulated for a long 48 hour cooking gig at some point, but most of the time, cambro or a pot or pan, some plastic wrap if you need a lid, and you're done.

IMHO

Brandon_Byrd_40557

+1.

mattpope

I have an older large cooler that I was going to throw out, but I think that I am going to repurpose it for using with my Joule (once it gets here that is

) Since I have been limited to my crock pot/Dork controller, Once I get my hands on my Joule, I'm thinking something of epic size like a suckling pig. That old cooler would do nicely. Also, I have had good luck finding used coolers at garage sales for $5-15.

Charles_47980

That's the way to go! Use the cooler you already have or just snatch a cheap cooler at garage sale. I feel cooler is more versatile than plastic container.

Charles_47980

Haha, I just don't want to spend 20 plus dollars on a plastic container( if it's under $10 I probably will go for it). Snatch a cheap cooler at garage sale and modify it sounds like a fun little project to me. And I get a cooler if I'm not using it for cooking. Just trying to give people more choice here.

brian_martin2001

This isn't a new idea. It was already presented Some months back. A cooler would be an ideal container if you're planning on heating a quantity of water more than what the Joule's specifications are. I'd be curious what modifying you plan on doing to a cooler that will allow you to use it with the immersion circulator, and also function as a cooler when not: cutting a hole in it severely decreases it's efficiency as a water cooler. If you have the lid open: not much sense in using the water cooler to begin with.

Janie_Angus_444216

A guy on Amazon recommended using the Igloo Island Breeze Cooler (Diablo Red, 9-Quart) for $9.99. I can't find his review. His problem was evaporation with long cook times. So he bought this unit. He cut a hole in the top along the long side of the container the diameter of the immersion wand. He and his wife tested the new setup with a super tough and cheap roast that needed 18-24 hours to cook. They measured the amount of water put in exactly. No evaporation after the roast cooked, none, and he said the roast was delish.

I’m going to try it when I get my Joule because I will want to set everything up before I go to work, then start the Joule via wi-fi during the day in time for dinner. I figure the insulated container will keep the raw food safe for a couple of/few hours so I can pull it off.

brian_martin2001

Hey, if it works for you, rock on! 2 gallons, to me, is very small. If it's a size that works for you, great. A 2 gallon food tub is a bit more than that, so it's a good price for what you're getting. Most folks I know invest in a larger size to accommodate larger articles of food. If you're not going to cook anything larger than a mid sized chicken, great. However, If you plan on doing a rack of ribs, or a full pork loin, or what have you, 2 gallons might not cut it.

Nate_289680

Saw this cooler setup way back and thought it was really cool for portability and larger cooks. Bought the cooler and 11 months later ( I know torture) was able to finally retrofit my cooler. Sadly my lid enclosure to limit evaporation may not be ideal the way it's currently set up. Per chefstep the power cord should be above the lid so I may need to make some slight modifications. In the interim, I decided to temporarily take off the lid and rig a clip since the one that came with the joule didn't work well for my application. Since waiting for the ultra cool adjustable clip wasn't an option, I went ahead and made my own. Why? Because I was bored and itching to make something and... it was free! Just take a wire hanger, some vice grips, and a good eye and start bending wire to work with the existing clip. Granted it's not adjustable or elegant as the existing clip but it works. If the adjustable clip isn't available by fall, I may just make one. Until then, having a beer to celebrate my little accomplishment 😉

kiwihazelwood

What is the specific brand and model of cooler? What if you had a hole that was just big enough to allow the barrel to pass through but it stops at the bracket mount? Would that meet the manufacturers guidelines (btw, do you have a link to those directions)?

Nate_289680

It's called a party stacker by Coleman. I actually modified the underside of the lid to fit flushed around the bracket mount but given that the power cord needs to be exposed to cool ambient air I made a few changes. I decided to expand the hole openings for easier access. Whether it's chefsteps approved I'm not too sure but it is what it is. If the cord sits directly on top of the lid instead of going underneath the lid like I originally had, then you "should" be ok because the lid acts as a heat barrier. I just made it simple on myself and made the opening a bit bigger. Ummm as for instructions, sorry I just winged it. Here's what mine looks like now.