The COOLEST is a portable party disguised as a cooler, bringing blended drinks, music and fun to any outdoor occasion. Read more
The COOLEST is a portable party disguised as a cooler, bringing blended drinks, music and fun to any outdoor occasion.
About this project
A 21st Century Cooler? It's about time!
Regular coolers are boring, break easily and are a hassle to haul around just to carry the ice. The COOLEST cooler is 60 quarts of AWESOME packed with so much fun you'll look for excuses to get outside more often.
Maybe you want to use the built-in ice crushing blender to whip up some margaritas or smoothies on your next boat trip or tailgate?
Maybe you just want to always have music on hand with the waterproof bluetooth speaker or want to recharge your electronics with the built in USB charger?
What else?
REWARDS:
UPDATE: Color Voting Complete!
Here are the Final Coolest Color options. When you pledge for a Coolest we'll send you a survey after the campaign to make your color choice.
Scroll on down for more details...
BLENDER
Nothing is more refreshing on a hot day than a cold blended cocktail or smoothie. The 18 volt ice-crushing beast built into the COOLEST will power through more than 6 gallons of blended goodness on a single charge.
WATERPROOF WIRELESS SPEAKERS
If life is supposed to be a party, then you better bring the music. You’re gathered around the cooler anyway, but now you can DJ the music right from your phone or Bluetooth-enabled device directly to your COOLEST. Just turn your phone on, match it with the COOLEST speaker, and rock out with your bad self.
USB CHARGER
Since you’ve got that 18 volt battery for the blender, why not get the most out of it? Maybe your camera battery is low or maybe you have an iPhone you just want to use after 3:00 in the afternoon... Re-charge your gear wherever you are with the waterproof USB charger.
LED LID LIGHT
The party doesn’t stop just because the sun goes down, and you shouldn’t have to freeze your fingers searching endlessly for your favorite drink. The COOLEST has unbreakable lights embedded in the lid so you easily find what you’re looking for with the push of a button.
GEAR TIE-DOWN
Carrying your gear to and from your destination is a hassle, and your old cooler isn’t doing you any favors.
The COOLEST's locking tie-downs are like having a roof-rack on your cooler so three trips can be done in one. Easily secure your lawn chairs, blankets, towels, toys, fishing tackle, or grill.
BEACH TIRES
One of the worst unintended workouts can be had by trying to drag a conventional cooler through a sandy beach. The COOLEST wheels are twice as wide so they roll easily and don't sink in.
ESSENTIAL STORAGE
There are certain essentials you need for any outdoor gathering so why not have a built in cubby to store them? The COOLEST has storage for a half dozen reusable plastic plates, which also double as a cutting board for the ceramic rust-proof pairing knife.
SPLIT LID and DIVIDER
The COOLEST has a split lid design so you can get access to ice for the blender without letting too much warm air in. This also lets you keep your cups in the cup holders so you don't have to put everything on the ground just to grab another cold drink.
The split lid design and removable divider give you some great packing options. You can keep your cocktail ice separate from your regular ice. Or you could put ice only on one side, pull the drain plug and the other side becomes a totally dry refrigerator, perfect for keeping sandwiches and any other perishable food cool and dry.
BOTTLE OPENER
How many hours of your life have been wasted or teeth chipped because someone walked off with the bottle opener. My grandpa's cooler had a bottle opener and so does the COOLEST.
THE STORY
I’m always looking to maximize my fun when I get together with my family and friends. That’s why I am so passionate about the COOLEST. I invent lots of things, but other than my Jello-shot catapult very few have brought so much fun to my life. ;)
I know firsthand how much fun it is to have a cooler with speakers, and a portable blender for beachside margaritas, because I built myself one of each around ten years ago. Last year I reexamined these well-loved creations and realized just how much room for improvement there was.
What's next?
I have manufactured and brought other products to market, but for a project of this size and complexity I'll be using a pool of experts in the field to make sure the COOLEST lives up to it’s name.
The professional sourcing company I've partnered with has manufactured other coolers, as well as high tech gear. They have an experienced team in the field to assist with quality control, shipping and and other logistics.
We want you to have your COOLEST as soon as possible. Here’s our plan to achieve that:
- July/August: Make lots of new Kickstarter friends, execute manufacturing agreements/standards
- September:Finalize the engineering and prototype iterations and place the tooling orders
- October: Tooling build-out and procurement of raw materials and components
- November: Part qualification and pre-production builds, pilot production, quality assurance and product validation
- December: Begin manufacturing for the injection molded and blow-molded parts
- January/February: Finalize the assembly and shipment process and begin fulfillment
Risks and challenges
No one wants to see a good idea executed poorly, especially one called the COOLEST. We have worked extremely hard to ready this product for Kickstarter and full-scale manufacturing and fulfillment, but here are what I see as the risks:
MANUFACTURING: Creating the tooling to manufacture a product of this size is expensive and requires expert knowledge to get it right. There is typically a 60 day lead time to create the molds for a product of this size and this is where delays could occur. To minimize that possibility we're working with tooling manufacturers partners with a track record for prompt quality.
PRODUCT ADJUSTMENTS: As the COOLEST gets geared up for production, there will likely be some minor adjustments to improve the final product. Pre-production prototypes are made to test and refine the product and allow us to incorporate our adjustments and those suggested by experienced manufacturing partners. These will always be for the benefit of you, the consumer, and we will let you know exactly how and why any are made.
FULFILLMENT: Sometimes things go awry that can’t be planned for: a supplier misses a deadline, a machine breaks down, or a shipment gets lost. Those things could cause a delay. To minimize the possibility of manufacturing setbacks we will enter the manufacturing stage with at least one back-up supplier for each component pre-located and my product commercialization experts will help ensure smooth sailing from our suppliers and factories.
We will be working with manufacturers who have years of experience delivering excellent products in tremendous quantities. There will no doubt be some surprises along the road, but any obstacle will be addressed by combining our internal knowledge with external expertise, and an overall goal of making the best possible product for you, our COOLEST customer.
Any pledge amount brings us one step closer to our goal. Help us make the coolest idea the COOLEST product by clicking the ‘Back This Project’ button at the top of the page, or by helping us spread the word by sharing our page.
We raise a red solo cup of blended goodness in your honor, and say THANK YOU for your help!
Learn about accountability on KickstarterFAQ
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The only way to get one is through our Kickstarter page here! People who back the project on Kickstarter get to have the very first Coolest coolers and save a bunch over the future retail price of $299. Just click on the ‘Back This Project’ button on the right hand side of the campaign page.
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You can definitely pre-order as many Coolests as you’d like – the more the merrier!
Just increase your pledge by $200 ($185 + US shipping) or by $285 (for international) for each extra unit. So $400 for two, $600 for three, etc. Shipping will double because we’ll have to send each unit separately.
You’ll also have a chance to enter different addresses at the end of the campaign for each Coolest.
You can also look at our bulk option for 10 Coolests in one order. Get all your friends on board for some pretty great savings!
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Our backers have voted and selected two additional colors to add to our signature Coolest orange! We’ll be reaching out after the campaign closes to confirm your shipping details and color choice.
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Right now the Coolest measures just about 25"x18"x17" and has 60 quarts volume inside. We won’t have a final weight until further into the production process, but guesstimate adding 3-4 pounds more than a similar-sized cooler for all our gadgets and that should be close.
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The Early Bird Special was kind of like a Black Friday super sale, with only a limited quantity on hand. Now the only way to get one is through the Kickstarter page and pledging $185.
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I've tested out a half dozen speaker this year so far, but bluetooth speakers keep improving in performance and cost so it will be the very last piece we completely lock in for the Coolest.
Here are the minimum specs we're sourcing in the waterproof speaker:
Audio: 2.0CH+Low frequency passive radiator
Power: DC+5V,1A
Battery: 1500mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Speaker: Φ45mm 6Ω*3
Hz-kHz: 80Hz-20KHz
SNR: ≥85dB
Output Power: RMS 5W *2 (THD=10%,f=1KHz)
PS: Built-in Microphone -
The blender is powered by an 18 volt rechargeable battery and right now it chews through a pitcher of margaritas in just over 10 seconds. The pitcher is a very hard plastic (not glass!) that should be close to unbreakable, so no worries at the pool or beaches.
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The battery for the blender, USB and lid light is an 18v NiMH battery rated for 3000 Mah. With our motor and current gearing it only takes around 10-15 seconds to blend up a pitcher of drinks so we'll have capacity for at least 6 gallons of drinks per charge, likely more.
The bluetooth speaker is removable, and the self contained battery has +1400Mah rating good for around 8 hours per charge. It charges separately.
The LED and USB draw very little power, and with the smart(er) circuitry you will be able to charge all day without an issue if needed.
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You can charge the Coolest's 18v battery by plugging it into the wall or a car charger. But stay posted for updates - I'll be sharing some new exciting battery/charger news soon, certainly before the end of August!
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Using recycled plastics are a goal, but we won’t know how feasible they are until testing is complete. This won’t happen until after the tooling is made in the fall. The primary reason they might not be used would be structural.
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The Coolest will come with a 1 year warranty against defects, as well as a reasonably priced option for drunkenly lost or destroyed components. ;)
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We're exploring this option among others to make sure your Coolest battery has enough juice for all your adventures. Look out for some exciting battery/charger news coming soon, certainly before the end of August!
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You bet! The Coolest comes with four plastic plates and one ceramic knife. It's all included in the $185 price, no need to purchase separately!
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We're working with a full-scale logistics & distribution team to make our international deliveries as effective as possible. But the Coolest has a bit of bulk to it, so it's naturally going to be more expensive to ship overseas. We're still determined though to get one to all our international backers!
The total price of $285 will still get you a Coolest for less than the eventual retail price and should let us ship to anyone, anywhere.
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Sorry guys but unfortunately the USPS thinks you’re overseas. For the time being click on the international option and when everything wraps up we'll do our best to get you more accurate (and at least somewhat cheaper) shipping rates.
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It's actually pretty easy to adjust... Just go to the top right of the Kickstarter page and click 'manage my pledge'. You can adjust it there.
You'll have to adjust your pledged total up to include the shipping - so either $200 for US or $275 for international addresses. Raising your pledge at any time will require you to re-confirm with Amazon, but you'll only be charged once after the campaign ends for whatever your pledge is at at that time.
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APO shipping is confusing to nail down, but we are working hard on it. If you want a COOLEST, just back at the US option to lock in your early order number.
We’ll reach out with an updated shipping estimate prior to the campaign close. If it ends up being more than you want to pay you can cancel anytime.
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We are so excited that so many people are as pumped about the Coolest as we are, but this level of interest is beyond our wildest hopes. We budgeted extra time in the process and because we have already hit our goal we can get an earlier start with our manufacturers.
We’re still aiming to begin shipping at the end of February 2015. At this scale it's possible they won't all ship at once, so we'll be ship out in the order they are received.
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At this scale we’ll be using a full service logistics and fulfillment company to get everyone their Coolest. It's possible that final assembly and warehousing won't actually be located in Portland, so I can't make any promises about pick-up right now.
I'll keep you updated as we work out all the specifics, so stay tuned!
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Right now we’re only preparing the one size for production, but we’ll keep you updated if anything changes.
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We decided to forego the grill option this time around due to safety concerns. We figured someone could fire up the grill on top of the Coolest then decide to go digging for another cold one. It’s not permanently off the table, just off the Coolest for now.
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You'll be able to use your COOLEST anywhere in the world! We're making sure the battery can be re-charged from either a 110v or 220v outlet. No promises right now on all the crazy plug shapes, but we are looking into that.
PS - We're so excited to see so much international interest in the Coolest!
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We were resolved to going overseas, but now there has been so much interest in the Coolest that we are once again exploring all options.
Regardless of production location, the design, engineering and fulfillment are all based in the US, along with the sourcing company that's helping to make the highest-quality Coolest at a price point that's competitive.
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I’ll be sharing more details of my Kickstarter experience after the campaign closes, but here are a few of the biggest factors.
1. People are much more interested in coolers in the summer rather than the winter.
2. We had a group of passionate supporters from our first campaign, ready to take up the charge and share among their friends.
3. We improved the COOLEST design, took a more targeted marketing approach and focused our video on all the great features offered.
It's been such an exciting time, and really we have all our amazing backers to thank for that!
Stay tuned for more information.
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Unfortunately, we don't have any Coolests to offer at this point - there's only one prototype in the world right now, and she has a very busy travel schedule. :-)
We’re moving forward with our manufacturing and design partners to make sure the end product lives up to it’s name, but the process does take time. We’re focused on making it the best Coolest possible and getting yours to you as soon as possible.
Rewards
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Pledge $5 or more
1,078 backers
THANKS FOREVER: Your help at any level brings the COOLEST one step closer to a beach near you. For all backers at ALL levels I'll write your name on my very own COOLEST so I can thank you every time I use it, and I'll keep you informed with all the COOLEST updates.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $25 or more
311 backers
SOLO SUPPORTER: You’ll receive a reusable hard-plastic Party Cup with COOLEST on the side so you'll know that's you. You also get our "COOLEST Blended Drink Guide" and blow-by-blow updates as the we bring the COOLEST to life.
Estimated delivery:Only ships to: United States -
Pledge $55 or more
133 backers
CALM SUPPORTER: You get everything in the previous levels PLUS this American Apparel T-shirt reminding you of your outdoor party obligation in the face of tyranny: STAY CALM AND BLEND ON
Estimated delivery:Only ships to: United States -
Pledge $165 or more
50 backers All gone!
COOLEST EARLY BIRD: Get your very own COOLEST, complete with blender, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, USB Charger and all the other awesome features. You will be saving at least $135 off of the retail price. You'll also get the COOLEST Drink Guide and all our updates. (add $15 for shipping)
Estimated delivery:Only ships to: United States -
Pledge $165 or more
20 backers All gone!
MORE EARLY BIRD: Wow! What a response... Extra Early Bird so our West Coeast COOLEST fans can have a chance... Thank you all!!
Estimated delivery:Only ships to: United States -
Pledge $185 or more
50,213 backers
COOLEST COOLER: Get your very own COOLEST, complete with blender, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, USB Charger and all the other awesome features. You will be saving $115 off of the retail price of $299. (Just watch people flock to your gathering when you're the only one with a powered blender and thumping music!). You'll also get the COOLEST Drink Guide and all our updates. (add $15 for shipping)
Estimated delivery:Only ships to: United States -
Pledge $185 or more
7,063 backers
INTERNATIONAL COOLEST: I'd love to send COOLEST coolers all over the world, but shipping these large boxes is pricey. We can ship to most of EU and Canada for this price, but if it's substantially more than $100 bucks you may need to pay additional shipping.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $225 or more
2,455 backers
COOLEST + SWAG: You get your COOLEST cooler, along with the cozy KEEP CALM AND BLEND ON shirt, PARTY CUP and Blended Drink Guide ($15 for shipping, swag comes early)
Estimated delivery:Only ships to: United States -
Pledge $500 or more
31 backers All gone!
COOLEST FEEDBACK: We'll connect face-to-face, or by phone, skype, seance, whatever... for two 30 minute sessions to discuss your project, idea or anything else. You also get one of these awesome COOLEST coolers!
Estimated delivery:Only ships to: United States -
Pledge $1,750 or more
304 backers
10 COOLEST COOLERS: Maybe you host THE BIGGEST outdoor parties, or maybe you have nine best friends. Either way you can buy a bunch and save some $. We'll reach out for your address and get you a shipping estimate prior to the end of the campaign. (shipping not included)
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $2,000 or more
8 backers All gone!
COOLEST BARTENDER: I will PERSONALLY fly out to your hometown and man your bar at your next event with the only COOLEST fully-functional prototype in the world. If you want to tailgate or host an event with the COOLEST before we’re available to anyone else, then this reward is for you. I make incredible drinks and dogs and kids like me. I'd love to meet you and thank you for your support in this campaign by making your next party incredible. You also get one of the first COOLESTs to roll off the final production line signed and numbered by me.
Estimated delivery:Only ships to: United States
Funding period
- (52 days)