Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic Review

The Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic Made a Bold First Impression

The Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic cooler isn’t exactly a piece of tactical gear that gets the heart racing, like a new high-powered optic or a precision rifle. However, in my line of work and hobbies, keeping food and drinks cold during long days outdoors is absolutely essential. It’s a simple tool, but a necessary one.

I needed a small, lightweight cooler for short trips and individual lunches. My old hard-sided cooler was overkill, and soft-sided bags never seemed to keep things cold for very long. When I saw the price point of the Plastilite cooler – a mere $6.49 – I was intrigued.

Unboxing was… uneventful. It’s a basic cooler. The blue plastic felt sturdy enough, if a bit thin, and the rope handle seemed adequate. The design is utterly utilitarian; a simple rectangular box with a lid and a handle. Compared to more expensive coolers with fancy insulation and latches, it looked almost comically basic. I did note a small imperfection on the lid, a slight warp near one corner.

I considered a few other options before settling on the Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic. There was a similar cooler from Igloo at a slightly higher price point, and a soft-sided Coleman bag with a bit more insulation. I went with the Plastilite due to the combination of price and the fact that hard-sided coolers generally perform better than soft-sided ones, at least in my experience. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t fancy, but it might just do the job.

Real-World Testing: Putting Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test was a simple day trip to the shooting range. I packed a few water bottles, a sandwich, and some fruit into the Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic with a small ice pack. The cooler fit perfectly in the passenger seat of my truck.

The weather was mild, around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and sunny. The cooler performed adequately, keeping the contents cool for about four hours. The ice pack was completely melted by lunchtime, but the water bottles were still refreshingly cold. The sandwich, however, felt a little warmer than I would have preferred.

One immediate issue became apparent. The rope handle, while functional, wasn’t particularly comfortable to carry. The thin rope started to dig into my hand after a short distance. It also became slightly damp from condensation inside the cooler.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic for daily lunches and short trips, I have a better sense of its long-term reliability. It’s holding up surprisingly well, given the price. There are no cracks or significant damage despite being tossed around in my truck bed.

The biggest concern is the lid. The slight warp I noticed initially has become more pronounced, and it no longer seals perfectly. This definitely impacts its cooling performance. I also noticed some minor staining inside the cooler from spilled drinks.

Cleaning is relatively easy, though the textured interior makes it a bit more difficult to wipe clean than a smooth surface. The simple design means there are no complicated parts to disassemble or maintain. I would not classify it as outperforming any previous cooler. It meets the bare minimum.

Breaking Down the Features of Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic

Specifications

• Capacity: 13 Quarts. This is a good size for a single person’s lunch or a few drinks.
• Handle: Rope Handle. The rope is thin and not particularly comfortable, but it gets the job done.
• Material: Plastic. The plastic feels durable, but not particularly high-grade.
• Construction: Single-walled. This means minimal insulation, limiting cooling performance.
• Price: $6.49. This is the defining feature of this cooler.

Performance & Functionality

The Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic performs adequately for short periods and mild temperatures. It’s not a high-performance cooler, but it does keep items cooler than leaving them in direct sunlight.

The key weakness is the lack of insulation. The single-walled construction means that heat transfer is rapid, and ice melts quickly. The lid, with its imperfect seal, exacerbates this issue. It meets basic expectations, but falls short compared to higher-end coolers.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is purely functional. It’s a rectangular box with a lid and a handle. There are no frills or ergonomic considerations.

The build quality is acceptable for the price. The plastic feels sturdy enough to withstand regular use. There’s virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic seems reasonably durable for its price point. There are no signs of cracking or breaking after several weeks of use. However, the lid warping is a concern for long-term reliability.

Maintenance is simple. The cooler can be easily wiped clean with soap and water. The lack of complex parts means there’s nothing to break or repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available. The basic design leaves little room for modification. Adding some closed-cell foam insulation would enhance its performance.

Pros and Cons of Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic

Who Should Buy Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic?

The Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic is perfect for individuals on a tight budget who need a basic cooler for short trips and mild conditions. It’s ideal for construction workers, day laborers, or anyone who needs to pack a lunch and doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on a cooler. It is also useful for casual campers on short trips.

Anyone needing high-performance cooling, long-term ice retention, or a comfortable carrying experience should skip this product. If you need a cooler for multi-day trips, extreme temperatures, or sensitive items, you’ll want to invest in something more robust.

A must-have modification would be a better ice pack and possibly wrapping the rope handle with some paracord for added comfort.

Conclusion on Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic

The Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic is a basic cooler that gets the job done for a very low price. It’s not fancy, it’s not high-performance, but it is functional and affordable.

The value proposition is definitely there. For $6.49, you get a cooler that will keep your lunch colder than leaving it in your car. I would recommend it to anyone on a tight budget who needs a simple, no-frills cooler for light use.

If you’re looking for a bare-bones, budget-friendly cooler, the Plastilite GR13R-12 13 Quart Picnic is worth considering. Just don’t expect it to perform miracles. Buy it, use it, and if it breaks, replace it without breaking the bank.