Since the price is so close with this and the 7 liter model, are there any advantages of this one over the larger one that you can think of?
616102
I look at it strictly thru this lens: If it's just for you and maybe one or both of you are smaller eaters, women, maybe, or a kid get the smaller one...but if you are gonna possibly be feeding 3 or more people at ANY time, then DEFINITELY get the larger...you can ALWAYS make do with Larger than you need as opposed to having something SMALLER than you need right the!! So again, just you...get the smaller....more than you?? If it was me, I'd get the bigger!! just my opinion. mike
616103
The smaller will kept small portions of food hot longer. If u have small portions, smaller one is better.
616104
The pot is supposed to work better if the pot is full when you're cooking, so if you're not cooking a whole lot of stuff and you're using a big pot with a lot of space left in the pot, the food may not cook so well.
616105
I am embarrassed, to admit this, but I have not used this yet so I'm not sure.
616106
I actually ended up canceling my order for the 5.5L and bought the 7L model. I spoke with the vendor as well as the manufacturer and was not aware of any advantages of the 5L over the 7L. Jack at Saratoga Jacks did say that the cooker performs best when full, so that is a consideration if you don't normally plan to fill the 7L. Good luck. I have used mine and am very happy with it.
616107
The thermal cookers work best when they are full, so needing to overfill it to keep food warm enough to cook properly is the inconvenience.
616108
We bought the smaller pot because we don't cook a lot for just the two of us and didn't want to fill a larger pot to get it to work properly.
616109
Get the bigger one. If you are cooking a amaller amount, cook it in the smaller pot, and fill the bigger one with the proper amount of boiling water. If you are cooking a larger amount, but still not enough to fill the large pot, put the food in the large pot, fill the small pot with boiling water, put lids on and stand back. This way the unit is always filled to it's most efficient level, and the heat is conserved for the longest time possible. The only thing wasted is the residual heat in the hot water when it's time to eat. No, wait. Use that still hot water to wash the dishes in. Get the bigger one. If you are cooking a amaller amount, cook it in the smaller pot, and fill the bigger one with the proper amount of boiling water. If you are cooking a larger amount, but still not enough to fill the large pot, put the food in the large pot, fill the small pot with boiling water, put lids on and stand back. This way the unit is always filled to it's most efficient level, and the heat is conserved for the longest time possible. The only thing wasted is the residual heat in the hot water when it's time to eat. No, wait. Use that... » Read More Get the bigger one. If you are cooking a amaller amount, cook it in the smaller pot, and fill the bigger one with the proper amount of boiling water. If you are cooking a larger amount, but still not enough to fill the large pot, put the food in the large pot, fill the small pot with boiling water, put lids on and stand back. This way the unit is always filled to it's most efficient level, and the heat is conserved for the longest time possible. The only thing wasted is the residual heat in the hot water when it's time to eat. No, wait. Use that still hot water to wash the dishes in. « Show Less
947454
Since it's smaller than its bigger brothers, it's much easier to handle. I've had no trouble cleaning up after using it. Buy it!
338710
I believe the quality is better, and though I don't know exactly which model you're referring to at Amazon, this model has wheels, and can be moved around easily. My husband is a large man, and I wouldn't have felt he was safe using a lesser quality model long term. Hope this helps.
1901600
My parents had the lower priced alternative. We really liked it, so we bought one for our family. I chose the more expensive one because it seemed to have a more powerful and more importantly, quieter motor. It also seemed like the more expensive one was a little bit more heavy duty and would last longer. Hope this helps. Either way, you will be happy with the result. So good.
770166
I don't have an answer for that, those were my thoughts also. Getting a larger tent allows for more movement while working inside so that was my reason for buying along with the additional savings. This version might also be a better seller therefore they are able to discount this product to attract more buyers. Anyways this is a great piece of equipment. It's built very well and it should last for many, many years if taken care of. I think the initial weight as it arrives in it carrying case is over 70 lbs, it's a beast.
1917159
My view is, get the bigger one. These things are not just massive to begin with. You'd fill it up regardless...
2009938
its just a personal preference the wider mouth makes it easier to drink out of in my opinion and its easier to clean and put powders into. While the smaller mouth collapses better for when you are not using the bottle.
1064864
Definitely go with the larger version. We have two and it will last for a while.
1992219
Other than it being more compact and lighter, not much. Its more of a personal preference.
120038
I personally like the larger, as it gives me the flexibility to move it to a larger tank later on. It does use more power, and it does give off more heat, but the heat issue should not be a problem in a tropical tank--or even a gold fish tank. You also have a larger filter area, which is advantageous. A money-saving note: I do not change the filter element. Once or twice a month I simply direct a strong spray of hot water on the filter element to clean the filter portion and to reactivate the carbon. I have done this many times, and it really saves on filter elements. The In-Tank filter is so much easier to deal with than the older box filters. Enjoy your leisure now! I personally like the larger, as it gives me the flexibility to move it to a larger tank later on. It does use more power, and it does give off more heat, but the heat issue should not be a problem in a tropical tank--or even a gold fish tank. You also have a larger filter area, which is advantageous. A money-saving note: I do not change the filter element. Once or twice a month I simply direct a strong spray of hot water on the filter element to clean the filter portion and to reactivate the carbon. I have done this many times, and it really saves on filter elements. The In-Tank filter is... » Read More I personally like the larger, as it gives me the flexibility to move it to a larger tank later on. It does use more power, and it does give off more heat, but the heat issue should not be a problem in a tropical tank--or even a gold fish tank. You also have a larger filter area, which is advantageous. A money-saving note: I do not change the filter element. Once or twice a month I simply direct a strong spray of hot water on the filter element to clean the filter portion and to reactivate the carbon. I have done this many times, and it really saves on filter elements. The In-Tank filter is so much easier to deal with than the older box filters. Enjoy your leisure now! « Show Less
738978
Go for the big one. You can take in the extra if you want and won't have to buy a second one later on.
87289
The biggest advantage I found was the amount of water being moved. This pump far exceeds the standard, inexpensive, in-sump pumps. It all depends on how much water you get and how much you need to move.
2242428
We have been very happy with the unit and are considering getting another one. I haven't used other makes/models so I can't give you a comparison.
1417198
If I am correct, the smaller ones is more expensive because it is Prime. This means that with the price you see it at, the shipping cost is included. However, the larger ones is less expensive but you have to pay for the shipping. In the end, they both will be similar in prices. In terms of quality, both are the same!
1612024
Hi Paul, although I do not have the model mentionned in this query, I have the model #5645, I paid around $90.00 for mine 4 years ago. But I see from the picture that it is quite similar. We use ours when we go camping as a supplemental refrigerator as our RV has a medium size fridge, 8 cu.ft. I think. But mostly it is useful when we spend our winter in Texas. We enjoy the fact that the cooler keeps the water, milk, juices, beer, etc. very cold. Once in a while the fan starts making a noise, that's because ice has formed on the inside fins. That's how cold they get. All we do then is let it thaw, wipe the water and replug it to outlet. Well worth the purchased. Hi Paul, although I do not have the model mentionned in this query, I have the model #5645, I paid around $90.00 for mine 4 years ago. But I see from the picture that it is quite similar. We use ours when we go camping as a supplemental refrigerator as our RV has a medium size fridge, 8 cu.ft. I think. But mostly it is useful when we spend our winter in Texas. We enjoy the fact that the cooler keeps the water, milk, juices, beer, etc. very cold. Once in a while the fan starts making a noise, that's because ice has formed on the inside fins. That's how cold they get. All we do then is let it... » Read More Hi Paul, although I do not have the model mentionned in this query, I have the model #5645, I paid around $90.00 for mine 4 years ago. But I see from the picture that it is quite similar. We use ours when we go camping as a supplemental refrigerator as our RV has a medium size fridge, 8 cu.ft. I think. But mostly it is useful when we spend our winter in Texas. We enjoy the fact that the cooler keeps the water, milk, juices, beer, etc. very cold. Once in a while the fan starts making a noise, that's because ice has formed on the inside fins. That's how cold they get. All we do then is let it thaw, wipe the water and replug it to outlet. Well worth the purchased. « Show Less
476082
I have the smaller one and I personally think the larger one would be better because with the little one you have to scroll around on the tablet to move around on the screen on the computer. So lets say your tablet drawing space is 5"X5" and your computer work space is 10X10 so you would have to scroll a lot to get from one corner of your piece of work to the other and it's a bit awkward. Other than that I don't think there is any advantage or disadvantage with either sizes.
356258
The 2 liter would be better, in my opinion. The 3 liter is pretty large, wide and long. Great for a bigger bag. The 3 liter would probably need to be smashed in a daypack.