History is full of amazing inventions. The automobile, the light bulb, high definition television. But now there’s a new invention to add to the list of life-changing products – the portable watermelon cooler.
The portable watermelon cooler (shown in various stages of awesomeness above) was developed in Japan, where watermelon is one of the most highly prized fruits in all the land. Of course, this device will keep your watermelon cold, but it can also warm it up. I’m told the warming feature is intended for other foods – not watermelons – but if you’re the kind of person who likes their watermelons warm, you can be happy about this invention, too.
When I first saw this thing, I immediately thought of the little wheeled toy I had as a toddler with the balls inside the dome that bounced around when you pushed it around the living room. I just did some research to come up with the photo on the right and found out that it’s called a “corn popper” and they’ve been making it since the 1950s.
That toy probably costs about $20. The portable watermelon cooler, on the other hand, is only available in Japan (sorry), where it sells for a price of about $230. Until the price comes down a bit, I might have to raid my parent’s attic for that old corn popper toy and try to retrofit it to hold tiny watermelons.
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I can see the Japanese soon coming up with a new version to hold square watermelons.
Seriously, some of the most expensive watermelons in the world are in Japan. A world record price of over $6,000 was paid for one watermelon just recently! So, if that were my melon, I would use this to cart it around along with two Sumo wrestler bodyguards!
Very interesting looking cooler, I won’t be getting 1 anytime soon. That price is just a bit steep for me. It is cool looking don’t you think?
that is awesome!
talking about gadgets, how did anyone here see this??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIpK6PkpxZI
I was just at a produce show in Orlando, and one of the watermelon seed companies called Abbott & Cobb actually had one!
The handle was a bit low, but it was definitely a looker. What seemed pretty cool is that there is room around the watermelon for other things, whether it be other snacks, drinks or whatever you need for your portable picnic.
I have a picture if you’d like it!
Yes, definitely send me a pic, Stephanie! Send it to watermelonexperts@gmail.com.