Oyster Tempo Cooler vs. Yeti Roadie: Which Stays Colder Longer?

Whether you’re tailgating, camping or going on a road trip, odds are you’ll want to take a cooler with you. The ever-popular Yeti coolers have long been the gold standard, thanks to their ability to keep ice intact for hours. And as much as we love Yeti products here at Family Handyman, new coolers are coming onto the scene worthy of attention. One of those coolers is the Tempo Cooler, a new performance cooler from Oyster.

The Oyster Tempo Cooler is an aluminum cooler designed to keep food and drinks cold with or without ice. That’s right, no ice is required—which means no wet messes. Sound too good to be true? We put the new Tempo Cooler to the test to tell you how it really performs. And we didn’t stop there—we tested both the Oyster Tempo Cooler and Yeti Roadie to deliver a true performance comparison. Here’s what we discovered.

What’s the difference between the Oyster Tempo Cooler and the Yeti Roadie?

The Oyster Tempo Cooler and Yeti Roadie are similar in that they both have the power to keep your food and drinks cold for days. They also both have locking lid latches that help seal in the cold.

The aluminum Oyster Tempo comes in one size with an adjustable strap and handle for easy carrying. Because the Tempo uses ice packs instead of ice (although you can use ice in it if you need to), it bypasses the 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio and gives you more space to store food and drinks.

The Yeti Roadie comes in multiple sizes and colors. The smallest Roadie 24 has a carrying strap like the Oyster, while the larger Roadie 48 and Roadie 60 have wheels and a telescopic handle for easy transporting. In terms of size, the Tempo Oyster is probably most like the Roadie 24.

All About the Oyster Tempo Cooler

The first-edition Tempo Cooler by Oyster sells as a bundle with two cold thermal ice bags, a canvas tote, an aluminum handle and a shoulder strap. You can purchase additional thermal ice packs if you please, but my cooler stayed cold with just two frozen ice packs at the bottom for more than 24 hours. With two ice packs, the Tempo holds 36 cans. It has a six-gallon capacity and weighs just a little over 12 pounds. The Tempo is about 20 inches wide, 12 inches deep and 12-1/2 inches tall. The Tempo’s wrought and cast aluminum body is easy to disassemble and clean, too—just rinse with water or clean with dish soap for tough messes.

When it comes to keeping drinks cold, I found that the Oyster Tempo Cooler did a surprisingly good job. I couldn’t believe how quickly the entire cooler became cold with just two ice packs at the bottom and the lid sealed. I was even more impressed when reaching in for a drink at a tailgate to find the sides and top of the cooler cold to the touch. The cold temperature really stays locked in and disperses throughout the Tempo. The cooler stayed cold from morning to night with the ice packs sealed in. After 24 hours, the temperature of the cooler was still below 40 degrees. After 48 hours, the temperature of the cooler reached about 45 degrees.

As far as cold food storage goes, you’ll want to be a little more cautious with the temperature of any cooler over an extended period, so here’s a breakdown of how the Oyster Tempo keeps food safe per the number of ice packs used:

• One Oyster Ice Pack provides 10 hours of food safe storage
• Two Oyster Ice Packs provide 20 hours of food safe storage
• Three Oyster Ice Packs provide 30 hours of food safe storage
• Four Oyster Ice Packs provide 40 hours of food safe storage

The Oyster Tempo Cooler, in my opinion, is the perfect car cooler. Its no-ice feature means no spills or water leaks in your vehicle. Plus, the Tempo fits perfectly in a backseat or trunk of any size. I reach for my Tempo anytime I’m going on an overnight stay, road trip or picnic.

Pros

• Durable
• 100% recyclable
• Fits easily in backseat or trunk
• Impressive insulation
• Only needs two Oyster ice packs to chill the entire cooler
• Lightweight when empty
• Sold with ice packs, handle and shoulder strap
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• Too short to hold taller (wine) bottles
• Very expensive

All About the Yeti Roadie

The Yeti Roadie is a hard-shell cooler with the same cold-holding power as the Yeti Tundra coolers, but the Roadie is designed to be more portable. The Yeti Roadie cooler comes in multiple color and size options. The Roadie 48 and 60 have side handles and a drain plug, as well as a collapsible handle and hard, durable wheels at the back. The smallest Roadie 24 has a shoulder strap instead of wheels—and it’s most comparable to the Oyster Tempo Cooler in terms of size.

The Yeti Roadie 24 is about 16-1/2 inches wide, 17-1/2 inches tall and 14 inches deep. It’s also car-size. The Roadie 24 weighs about 13 pounds and holds 33 cans (without ice). With a 2-to-1 ice-to-contents ratio, the cooler will obviously hold fewer cans. What I love about the Roadie is that it’s tall enough to hold wine bottles, so if you’re planning a romantic picnic, the Roadie has you covered (and your wine chilled).

I have the Roadie 48, and while it fits in the backseat of my sedan, I have a hard time getting it in the trunk because of its height. I wouldn’t have this problem with the Roadie 24. I take my Roadie 48 when I’m going on longer camping trips since the wheels make it easier to transport heavier items and a fully packed cooler.

When it comes to keeping drinks cold, the Roadie can easily keep ice intact for 48 hours with a 2-to-1 ratio. With any cooler, if you’re using it in especially hot temperatures or frequently have the lid open, ice retention will go down. But the Yeti Roadie Cooler undoubtedly has cold-staying power.

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Impressive insulation with solid ice retention
• Lightweight when empty
• Fits easily in cars and boats because of its vertical shape
• Holds tall items, like wine and soda bottles
• Multiple sizes and colors available
• Accessories and add-ons are available separately
• Five-year warranty

Cons

• Some users note that the latches can get caught between the lid and cooler while closing
• Pricey

The Bottom Line

When it comes to keeping drinks cold for hours on end, you can’t go wrong with either the Oyster Tempo Cooler or the Yeti Roadie. When trying to decide between the two coolers, it will really come down to a matter of preference. Do you prefer ice packs over ice? I’d go with the Tempo. Do you use a cooler frequently for wine? I’d go with the Yeti Roadie.

When I’m going on longer trips and need to haul more cold food and drinks, I go with my Yeti Roadie 48. But keep in mind, this is the size that has wheels and more space. If I’m going on a short day trip or road trip, I grab my Oyster Tempo. I love the no-ice feature (no wet cans or soggy sandwiches).

Where to Buy the Oyster Tempo Cooler

The Oyster Tempo Cooler retails for $500 at Oyster Cooler. You can snag it with the ice packs and other accessories, which is super convenient. I must say, this cooler looks stunning in person. You can also shop the Tempo at Huckberry.

Shop Now

Where to Buy the Yeti Roadie

The Yeti Roadie 24 retails for $250, while the Roadie 48 retails for $450 at Yeti. In terms of price, the Yeti Roadie 24 is half the cost of the Oyster Tempo Cooler. You can also shop the Roadie 24 at Amazon, where it has almost a perfect rating from more than 6,000 users. You can find the Roadie 48 on Amazon, too. You can’t go wrong with this timeless classic, either.

Shop Now

Article source here: Oyster Tempo Cooler vs. Yeti Roadie: Which Stays Colder Longer?

8 Projects Realtors Recommend Before Showing a House

Declutter

The average home in the U.S. contains 300,000 items, and 25 percent of Americans claim to have a “clutter” problem. A cluttered home appears disorganized and cramped — not ideal to entice potential buyers. It’s no wonder 96 percent of Realtors recommend decluttering to their sellers before listing a home.

“When I meet with a potential seller, my priority is typically decluttering the space,” says Katy Barry, a Realtor in Massachusetts. “If the seller doesn’t make a concerted effort to remove clutter, buyers have a hard time actually seeing the home.”

If you have the time and energy, you can declutter yourself for free. However, if you don’t feel up to the task, lots of professional organizers out there will do it for you. A typical hourly rate is $50 to $60. Larger jobs that require more workers and time can cost more.

Article source here: 8 Projects Realtors Recommend Before Showing a House

Everything You Need To Know About Laundry Room Plumbing Codes

Not every house has a laundry room. In mine, we keep the washing machine and dryer in the main bathroom. In some homes, these appliances live in a corner of the basement.

Older homes are the ones most likely to lack a laundry room. Most contemporary homes have one in the basement, on the ground floor, and sometimes on the second floor.

In laundry rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms, it’s common for water to splash around, so the codes and regulations governing them take that into account.

Laundry room plumbing codes center around the washing machine, just like bathroom codes focus on the toilet, bathtub, shower and sink. In commercial buildings and multifamily dwelling units with a common laundry room, codes may also call for a floor drain.

Plumbing codes aren’t the same everywhere. Some states follow the Universal Plumbing Code (UPC). Others, like California, incorporate the UPC into the state code. Most states follow the International Plumbing Code (IPC). Just to make things interesting, New Jersey conforms to the National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC).

Because of this variability, when a code question arises, I’ve found the best person to answer it is usually a local plumber.

Laundry Room Plumbing Code: Washing Machine Drain

A washing machine comes with a drain outlet near the bottom where you attach a 1- to 1-1/2-inch flexible hose. The other end of the hose molds into a “J” and fits over the edge of an exposed vertical drain pipe called the standpipe. It must have a minimum diameter to ensure water moves through the drain and doesn’t spill out from the top.

The following standpipe requirements, listed in the California Plumbing Code (CPC), are typical:

• The standpipe diameter is two inches, although some localities allow 1-1/2-inch standpipes. If it connects to a sink drain, the minimum diameter is three inches.
• The standpipe connects to a P-trap. The weir of the trap, which marks the top of the water level inside the inverted “P,” must be from six to 18 inches above the floor.
• The trap is vented by a pipe (minimum 1-1/4-inches in diameter) that rises vertically past the top of the washer before angling to connect to the building’s venting network. In localities that allow air admittance valves (AAVs), you can install one of those instead of a vent pipe. The AAV must remain accessible, which means you can’t bury it behind drywall.
• The standpipe opening is between 18 and 30 inches above the top of the trap. It must rise higher than the flood rim of the washing machine, which is basically the top.

Laundry Room Plumbing Code: Washing Machine Water Supply

Fewer rules govern washing machine water supply lines. Some, like connecting the supply lines to a washer box fastened to the studs, are advisory. That means they make things easier for people using the washing machine, but won’t get you in trouble with a building inspector if you don’t have one.

• Hot and cold supply lines are 1/2-in.-dia. They’re usually copper or PEX, but PVC is also allowable. I prefer PEX because it’s flexible and doesn’t require soldering, something I don’t do well.
• The washer connects to the supply lines via flexible hoses made of braided steel (preferred) or rubber. Flexible hoses usually come with new washing machines. They allow movement of the washer while it’s spinning a heavy load.
• Supply lines stub out behind the washing machine and slightly above it to make them accessible. It’s typical to install the stub outs (or a washer box) 48 inches above the floor.

Laundry Room Plumbing Code: Floor Drain

Plumbing codes generally don’t require a floor drain in the laundry room of a single family residence, but it comes in handy in case of overflows.

If you choose to install one, the drain pipe must have a minimum diameter of two inches. The drain opening, which must have a removable strainer, can’t be under a fixture. The floor needs to slope a minimum of a 1/4-inch per foot toward the drain.

It’s possible to connect the washing machine to the floor drain, but that’s only an option if the drain has a vented trap and empties into the sewer. Draining the washing machine through a floor drain is prohibited if the drain empties into a sump pit.

Other Important Laundry Room Codes

Dryer vent

The International Building Code (IBC), which most states follow some with modifications, sets the rules for dryer venting. They’re intended to prevent lint buildup and possible fires.

• Dryer vents must be four inches in diameter and made of smooth metal. It’s common to use oval or rectangular pipe to fit vents inside 2×4 wall cavities, but some local building codes frown on this, so be sure to check.
• Maximum length is 35 feet with as few sharp bends as possible.
• The vent must extend through the wall and terminate outside the building.
• Flexible plastic dryer vents are prohibited.

Laundry room ventilation

Building codes generally don’t require ventilation in the laundry room. But because of the potential for moisture, mold and wood rot, the Home Ventilation Institute recommends a ducted exhaust fan near the washing machine, especially if there’s no window. It needs to vent outdoors through the roof or a wall, not into the attic or another room in the house.

Electrical requirements

The National Electrical Code (NEC) governs electrical installations, and it’s observed by all states. The NEC requirements specific to laundry rooms include:

• All electrical receptacles must have GFCI protection.
• You need at least one 120-volt, 20-amp receptacle for plugging in the washing machine. It must be connected to the lighting circuit.
• You need a four-prong 240-volt, 30-amp dryer receptacle if you have an electric dryer.

Article source here: Everything You Need To Know About Laundry Room Plumbing Codes

Every Camper Needs to Know How To Use This Friction Hitch

Whenever you go to hang a tarp, it is critical to tension them properly. After all, if your tarp sags, that means water and debris can easily slip off of it and onto the surroundings—including you. This is especially dangerous for avid campers or backpackers, for whom a tensioned tarp may be their only protection against inclement weather.

Fortunately, there’s a simple friction hitch that can help you tension a tarp correctly and easily. It’s called a Prusik knot and bushcraft TikToker The Bear Essentials posted a short video on September 8 demonstrating how to tie and use it. Check it out for yourself below.

Friction Hitch Basics

Before we dive into tying the Prusik knot, let’s talk a little bit about friction hitches. A friction hitch in an adjustable, yet firm, type of knot. As The Bear Essentials explains, “When you pull on [a friction hitch], it’ll hold tight, but without friction it’ll freely slide.” This means that “you don’t have to tie and re-tie knots every time you need to adjust” the item you’re hanging. It is typically tied to a main, or guy, line that is stretched between two trees.

@thebearessentials This is the Prusik Knot, one of the best friction hitches out there. Used extensively in camping, outdoors, survival and rescue. #lifeskills #knots #bushcraft #camping ♬ original sound – The Bear Essentials

How to Tie a Friction Hitch

To tie a friction hitch, you’ll need a guy line and a short loop of paracord. The loop in The Bear Essentials’ TikTok appears to be 8 to 10 inches long with the ends tied together. After you’ve acquired these materials follow the steps below.

1. “Take a loop of cord and wrap it around you main line.” At this stage, the knot will appear like a loose girth, or cow, hitch.
2. “Repeat this pattern a second wrap, going through the middle once again.”
3. Perform a third wrap “the exact same way, making sure that middle loop is coming down through the center and everything’s neat.”

Ta-da! Now, you’ve tied a perfect Prusik knot.

How to Use a Friction Hitch

According to The Bear Essentials, friction hitches are “perfect for tensioning tarps or hanging up items that you want to move around later, like a pot over a campfire that you just slide to the side once the water boils.”

To attach a tarp to the Prusik knot, simply squeeze the end of the loop, and thread it through the grommeted hole on the tarp corner. Then, The Bear Essentials suggests, “put a stick on the other side,” so that the loop cannot fall through the tarp’s grommet. If you have more paracord or even a bungee cord, you could also use those to tie the loop to other items, such as lanterns or pots.

Article source here: Every Camper Needs to Know How To Use This Friction Hitch

LG vs. Samsung Washer: It All Comes Down to the Features

LG vs. Samsung may be relative newcomers to the appliance space, but their washers have become popular options for homeowners. Originally traditional electronics companies, both brands provide functional, mid-ranged smart washing machines, so when it’s time to decide between the two, it could be daunting for those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of home appliances. For shoppers struggling to differentiate LG and Samsung washers, this article sheds light on both brands’ offerings so you can make an informed decision.

What’s the difference between LG and Samsung washers?

While LG and Samsung washers are fairly similar—and both lean into their tech-friendly background—there are some differences between the two.

Both brands offer a variety of smart features and each has its own Wi-Fi connected smartphone app for remote controlling and monitoring. However, some of these specific features differ. Samsung offers an AI Smart Dial that packs all the washer controls into a single knob, and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to learn and recommend wash cycles. LG may lack this specific control feature—although it still uses AI to automatically adjust settings based on load factors—but it does offer models with Proactive Customer Care. This service alerts users via the ThinQ app of potential issues, and recommends solutions to prevent bigger problems down the road.

Each brand also offers washer/dryer sets, but the LG WashTower is the only option designed as a single vertical unit and not just separate machines stacked on top of each other. The WashTower’s center-positioned control panel allows you to control both machines instead of having to reach up to access the top unit controls.

LG washers also tend to be slightly more expensive than Samsung models, although both offer cheaper options than higher-end washer brands like Miele and Electrolux.

All About LG Washers

LG currently sells front-load, top-load and stackable washers. Its front-load options range in price from $650 to $1,950, and in capacity from 2.4 up to 5.8 cubic feet. LG also has 12 front-load units compatible with its SideKick Pedestal washers. These pedestal washers provide an extra cubic foot of capacity and allow you to wash two loads separately—although, at around $650, they’re on the expensive side.

LG’s top-load washers range in price from $500 to $1,250, and 4.1 to 5.5 cubic feet in capacity, and they’re available in both agitator and impeller models. Agitators are the large spindles in the center of the machine that move your clothes around during the cycle to ensure consistent washing. Impellers accomplish the same thing, but use smaller, low-profile fins on the bottom of the tub to create a current that rubs the clothes. Agitator washers are typically the cheaper of the two and better for heavily-soiled clothing while impeller units are gentler and use less water.

LG also offers a line of stackable washer/dryer sets, called the LG WashTower. Unlike other brands that simply stack two separate machines on top of each other, the WashTower is a single unit, with all the controls located conveniently between the two for easy access.

LG accepts returns up to 15 days after delivery on their washers, and any damage must be reported within five days in order to be eligible for a full refund.

Our Favorite LG Washer

Combining a lot of functionality with a reasonable price, the LG WM6700HBA smart front-load washer is our favorite LG washer overall. Its capacity of 5.0 cubic feet is large enough to handle a range of load sizes, and thanks to its built-in intelligence sensors, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing efficiency when washing small loads. These sensors use AI technology to analyze the fabric texture, soil level and size of the load inside to automatically perform the best cycle and temperature setting. If you are dealing with extra-large loads, the five powerful spray jets inside the drum get the job done in as little as 30 minutes.

We’re also big fans of the automatic detergent dispenser, which efficiently uses the precise amount of detergent needed for the job. Finally, using a smart pairing feature, this washer communicates with a compatible dryer to finish things off with the best drying cycle. If you are less interested in these smart features and fine sacrificing the automatic detergent dispenser, consider the more budget-friendly, LG WM4000HWA with 4.5 cubic feet of space.

Pros

• Smart sensors improve efficiency
• Automatic detergent dispenser
• 25 wash programs to choose from
• Smart pairing with dryer

Cons

• Could be overwhelming for non tech-savvy users

Shop Now

All About Samsung Washers

Samsung currently offers front-load, top-load and two-in-one washers. The brand’s front-load washers range from $630 to $1,304 in price, and 2.5 to 6.0 cubic feet in capacity, which includes its Bespoke lineup for those who want more customization options for their washer’s appearance. These front-load washers have 5.3 cubic feet of space and are available in a range of designer finishes and colors, as well as a flat front design for a high-end, premium look. These also come with Samsung’s smart dial, which minimizes visual clutter. Although its front-load washers can stack together with dryers, Samsung doesn’t have a single vertical unit like LG’s WashTower.

Top-load options range from $550 to $850, and 4.4 to 5.5 cubic feet and offer an equal number of both impeller and agitator options.

Our Favorite Samsung Washer

Our favorite Samsung washer overall, the Samsung WF50BG8300AEUS smart front-load washer, features Wi-Fi connectivity and a variety of useful wash cycles and settings—including a 28-minute “Super Speed” setting. With six steam settings to choose from, this washer is gentle on your fabrics, and safely and effectively removes stains without having to hassle with pre-treatments. The drum is treated with an anti-microbial finish to prevent any moisture-related odors and, combined with the self-cleaning feature, ensures that your clothes always smell fresh.

Thanks to its Wi-Fi connectivity and Samsung’s SmartThings app, users can receive end-of-cycle alerts, schedule cycles and stop, start or delay the machine from their smartphone. This app is also useful for troubleshooting operational issues, quickly diagnosing the problem and recommending solutions. If you prefer to control your washer hands-free, this machine is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant systems. Another great feature, and one found on most Samsung washers, is the 20-year warranty that applies to the motor.

Pros

• Completes full load in 28 minutes
• Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
• Steam removes stains without pre-treatment
• Free returns up to 15 days after delivery

Cons

• No automatic detergent dispenser

Shop Now

FAQ

Which is the best washing machine: Samsung or LG?

The best washing machine for you will depend on your specific needs, but our expert, Jay Sanders, owner of Dream Castle Construction, recommend LG if you’re looking for a washing machine that’ll need less maintenance.

Sanders explains, “I am called out to fix more Samsung washers than LGs, so in my opinion, I would opt for an LG washer. Samsung costs more to repair, which is also a downfall to the brand.”

What is the difference between washers from Samsung vs. LG?

The clearest differences between Samsung vs. LG washers are the design of their stackable sets and their unit depths. LG has a better stackable option in the LG WashTower, which centers all the controls between the units, so they’re convenient for anyone to reach.

LG washers are also slightly shallower in depth than Samsung models, so they’re less likely to cause issues during installation. Since washers are a headache to return, this shallower depth could save you a lot of trouble. From a repair point of view, Sanders adds that, “Samsung washers tend to break down more often, especially the front-loaders. Typically it’s not a huge issue, but it can be very inconvenient and expensive for the owner.”

The Bottom Line

Both LG and Samsung’s smart washers are fine choices for consumers, as long as they provide the features you want. If you’re set on a stackable set, go with the LG WashTower and its centered control panel. LG washers also have slightly shallower options, so they might be better for those who are worried about space. If your priority is a high-end look and premium colors, Samsung’s Bespoke lineup could be the best choice for you. Sander’s repair observations should be taken into account as well, which points to LG as the more reliable of the two.

Don’t forget that more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Take some time to really think about the features you’ll actually be using and how much capacity you need, and consider if they’re worth the extra cost.

Source:

• Jay Sanders, owner of Dream Castle Construction

Article source here: LG vs. Samsung Washer: It All Comes Down to the Features

How to Fix a Stripped Screw Hole

It can be frustrating when you’re trying to adjust a door on old furniture or an entry door hinge, but the screw just keeps spinning without tightening. The screw hole is stripped! This can occur when a hinge or joint is put under a lot of weight, or used frequently.

The good news? There’s usually an easy fix, depending on the location of the hole.

You can go with a longer or wider screw if there’s enough material around it. Or you can fill in the hole with wood so the screw has something to grab onto.

Screw repair kits, available in home stores, usually involve filling the hole with a wood anchor. Here’s a fast furniture fix to fill in a stripped screw hole. All you need are some toothpicks and wood glue.

Extract the screw

Remove the screw from the stripped hole with the appropriate type of screwdriver.

Article source here: How to Fix a Stripped Screw Hole

How To Clean a Jute Rug

Shake

• If it’s a small rug, take it outside and shake it to remove loose soil.
• For large rugs, hang it on your fence and beat it with a broom handle.
  • If you can’t drag it outside (like me!), just lift and shake or beat, then vacuum.
• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to reduce fading.

Article source here: How To Clean a Jute Rug