Makita boxes clever

17 February 2021

It’s probably more for retail than hire, but one of Makita’s latest additions to its cordless equipment line-up shows once again the diversity of equipment that can be run off batteries. 

The new DCW180Z 18V cordless cooler and warmer box can be used to maintain the temperature of drinks and food at a site or on the move. 

The product runs off the manufacturer’s 18V LXT batteries and has two battery ports to extend operating times. When the first battery is depleted, the unit automatically switches to the second. 

There are two warming settings of 55° and 60°, with five cooling levels of -18°, -10°, 0°, 5° and 10°. The unit can run at its coldest setting of -18° for five hours and its warmest position of 60° for around four hours.

The unit can also be powered via 240V mains or by an in-vehicle 12V/24V AC socket. When set at 5°C (typical fridge temperature), it will run for up to 17 hours with 2x 6.0Ah batteries, says Makita.

The 20-litre box is able to hold approximately 30 cans, or 15 x 600ml water bottles. It has wheels and a pull handle for mobility. 

An LED display monitors temperature and battery levels. And Makita have even incorporated a bottle opener and a USB output to charge mobile devices. 

“When some semblance of normality returns and people can attend festivals again, take camping holidays and follow pursuits like fishing, they can clip batteries on to the box and keep things at the right temperature,” marketing manager Kevin Brannigan tells me. 

The product perhaps complements the DCM501Z cordless coffee maker that is already in the manufacturer’s line-up. It is normally available in Makita’s blue livery, but a version in burgundy was launched for the festive season, and it apparently proved very popular. 

• Makita has also expanded its cordless 40Vmax XGT range with three new tools: a rotary demolition hammer, a 216mm slide compound mitre saw and a 230mm angle grinder.